Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Episode #638 – Kevin James
Recorded: February 9, 2026
Host: Theo Von
Guest: Kevin James
Episode Theme:
A candid, humorous exploration of Kevin James’ new film Solo Mio, deep dives into love late in life, personal growth, comedy origins, food obsessions, and the camaraderie of standup—plus plenty of classic Theo Von tangent storytelling.
Main Theme and Purpose
This episode centers on Kevin James’ recent journey as the creator and star of Solo Mio, a romantic comedy set in Italy. Kevin and Theo delve into what it means to find love later in life, the quirks and anxieties of dating, the dynamics of comedy as a pursuit, and the role of food in their lives. Lighthearted stories and playful banter reveal the vulnerabilities and humor behind both their successes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. First Concerts and Growing Up (00:40–04:45)
- Kevin shares his first concert experience—seeing Kiss with friends and their mothers, highlighting the wild, new-stimulus energy of early concert-going.
- Theo recounts his own first concert, Marilyn Manson, chaperoned by a local religious man—leading to tales of youthful misadventures.
Memorable Quote:
"He dropped you off religious?" – Kevin James [02:52]
2. Food, Prime Rib, and Horseradish Tangents (05:00–10:34)
- The duo riff on a recent night out in Nashville after a movie screening, waxing poetic on horseradish, prime rib, and shrimp cocktail.
- The conversation pivots to Filipino cuisine, with Kevin explaining what lumpia is (and Theo’s enthusiasm about Filipinos being “the smiling people”).
Memorable Quote:
"It's like an egg roll from heaven... you put it in the dip." – Kevin James on lumpia [10:18]
3. Love, Marriage, and Finding ‘The One’ Late in Life (08:29–15:59)
- Kevin opens up about marrying at 39 and finding lasting love without rushing:
"I found my wife later in life... Honestly, it's never too late. When you loosen up and relax, give yourself up to giving it a shot, you do better." [08:56]
- Theo reflects on being single, contemplating fatherhood, and what holds him back.
4. Cultural Backgrounds and Family (09:53–12:05)
- The joys and uniqueness of being part of a multicultural family (Kevin’s wife is Filipino and Alaskan Indian).
- Theo humorously says, “I wish we were all Filipino… Name 60 bad Filipinos!” [11:30]
5. Movie Talk: Solo Mio and Its Surprises (12:05–16:30)
- Theo mistakenly calls the film ‘Salamio,’ which snowballs into a recurring inside joke.
- Both discuss the movie’s emotional resonance, the importance of uplifting stories, and bringing out hope for love.
Memorable Quote:
"It made me think about love and just the choices that we make." —Theo Von [13:38]
6. Paths into Comedy, Siblings, and Early Hustles (17:23–21:49, 26:24–29:53)
- Kevin recounts growing up on Long Island, the influence of a funny family, and finding standup after football hopes faded.
- Theo details his own comedy path, endless college stints, and the bug that bit him watching live standup.
- Kevin’s brother played a big role, pushing him to put himself out there for gigs.
- Both reflect on the difference between being funny with friends and cracking jokes in front of a crowd.
7. Comedic Vulnerabilities and Dating Anxieties (29:53–33:40, 63:00–68:40)
- Both share painfully funny stories about dating: women who stood in the way, dated by food quirks, and hilarious dealbreakers like a girlfriend with a tiny head.
- Deeper talk on social anxieties—Theo struggles with eye contact and pauses in conversation.
- Extended riff about never being the 'cool guy' and making peace with who you are.
Memorable Quotes:
"I have to fill the space up. I can't sit in the pocket." – Kevin James [63:30]
"If things get real quiet, that's a weird thing, huh? But I think that's what makes you. Your brain is like, we got to come up with something. What are we doing here, boys?" – Theo Von [67:19]
8. Friendships in Comedy: Joe Rogan, David Spade, and Community (43:47–45:46; 68:02–68:40)
- Kevin reflects on Joe Rogan as a confidante, mentor, and truth-seeker in comedy and life.
- Discussion on how Rogan inspired him to be himself on stage, not just deliver jokes.
- Jokey admiration for the cool confidence of friends like David Spade.
9. Sports, Jiu Jitsu, and Standup Touring (49:19–52:26)
- Kevin’s love/hate for combat sports, especially after befriending fighters and not wanting to see them get hurt.
- Both joke about the “smell” of jiu jitsu gyms at their age, and the odd intimacy of grappling.
10. The Comedian’s Road Life: Early Gigs and Struggles (58:42–63:00)
- Stories about living out of grimy comedy condos, driving endless miles to shows, losing money in Vegas, and sleeping in roach-infested hotel rooms all for the stage time.
- Theo confesses to repeatedly wetting the bed while on the road due to nerves.
11. Food as Comfort, Temptation, and Discipline (82:00–88:19)
- Kevin and Theo bond over their complicated relationships with food, routines, and the struggle to maintain discipline, particularly as Kevin gears up for his next role.
- Kevin on his non-stop food thoughts:
"I could eat constantly if you change the food. Like a shark. I don't get full, really. It's scary. I need to stop." [82:22]
- Props to routine and accepting imperfection in habits and discipline.
12. Blindness and Inspiration (89:31–90:49)
- Theo and Kevin share admiration for people living with blindness, and discuss how challenges can offer a unique perspective or resilience.
- Insights into how blind guests describe navigating the world ("like a video game").
13. Final Reflections on Solo Mio and Upcoming Projects (74:36–81:26)
- Kevin describes Solo Mio as his proudest film to date, because of its realism and personal connection.
- Upcoming projects include a country music drama with Jelly Roll—Kevin jokes about the need to get in ‘prison shape’ for the film.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Later-in-Life Love:
“Once I found her… I could tell because I just didn’t want to be away from her.” – Kevin James [56:00]
- On Comedy Success:
“He was the one who got me out of, like, ‘Standup in a suit’ mode… Joe Rogan just always said, ‘Make them come to you.’” – Kevin James [43:21]
- On Anxiety:
“If there’s any space here, she’ll not like me.” – Theo Von [63:21]
- Self-Deprecation:
“I've never been a cool guy… even at times I thought I was that guy, I was like, that's insane that you thought that, dude.” – Theo Von [68:18]
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 00:40–04:45 | First concerts & early wild nights | | 05:00–10:34 | Nashville dinner, prime rib & horseradish/lumpia | | 08:29–15:59 | Finding love late, hope in romance, impact of film | | 17:23–21:49 | NY upbringing, comedy beginnings, influence of siblings | | 26:24–29:53 | Kevin’s first standup, brother’s help, open mic hustle | | 29:53–33:40 | Dating quirks, anxiety, the struggle to “sit in silence”| | 43:47–45:46 | Joe Rogan’s early influence | | 49:19–52:26 | UFC, jiu jitsu, being ‘too old for the smell’ | | 58:42–63:00 | Road stories, bad hotels, bed-wetting confessions | | 82:00–88:19 | Food struggles, preparation for dramatic movie roles | | 89:31–90:49 | Blindness, admiration for resilience |
Tone & Style
The episode is comedic, self-deprecating, and bouncing between heartwarming sincerity and absurdist storytelling. Both Kevin and Theo are open, unguarded, and unafraid of revealing their social awkwardness, insecurities, and humanity.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This conversation is for people who love honest, funny dialogue. You’ll get a big picture of Kevin James as a comic, family man, and creative, alongside Theo’s trademark left-field humor and sincerity. Expect plenty of laughter, food tangents, and a surprising amount of heart about love, careers, and accepting who you are.
Not to be missed if you’re a Kevin James, Theo Von, or standup comedy fan—or if you just want encouragement that it’s never too late for love or a career change, and that everyone, even celebrities, gets anxious on dates.