Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von - Episode E545 featuring Stavros Halkias

Release Date: November 18, 2024

In Episode E545 of "This Past Weekend" hosted by Theo Von, Theo sits down with the multifaceted entertainer Stavros Halkias. The episode delves deep into Stavros's latest creative endeavor, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and personal anecdotes that showcase his humor and candidness.

1. Introduction to Stavros Halkias

Theo kicks off the conversation by introducing Stavros Halkias, highlighting his roles as a stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor, and co-writer/star of his new film, "Let's Start a Cult." The introduction sets the stage for an engaging discussion about Stavros's diverse career and creative projects.

2. Deep Dive into "Let's Start a Cult"

Stavros passionately discusses his new movie, "Let's Start a Cult," providing listeners with an insight into its conception and execution.

• Comparative Analysis: Stavros compares his film to a mix of "Billy Madison" and "Lincoln Lawyer," emphasizing its foundation in classic, silly comedy without the heavy drama of films like "12 Years a Slave."

  "It's a dumb ass comedy... Just trying to make a fun time, 90 minutes." [04:49]

• Creative Vision and Budget: With a budget of approximately $750k, Stavros explains the challenges of independent filmmaking and the importance of maintaining creative freedom without the constraints of mainstream studio systems.

  "The only limitation was budget. And for me, I think that's so much cooler. And you get to actually be an artist about it." [27:40]

• Filmmaking Insights: Stavros shares valuable lessons learned from the filmmaking process, particularly the significance of the visual medium in storytelling and how it complements comedic writing.

  "It's a visual medium. It's like a bunch of interesting pictures strung together." [35:14]

3. Balancing Multiple Projects

The conversation shifts to Stavros's ability to juggle various projects simultaneously, including his podcast, stand-up tours, and movie promotions.

• Building a Fan Base: Stavros reflects on the modern landscape where creators can build their own audiences online, allowing for more authentic and self-directed projects.

  "I want to just do make the stuff I love... Make a movie." [10:07]

• Personal Struggles and Triumphs: He candidly discusses his health journey, weight loss, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while staying committed to his creative passions.

  "I've lost some weight this year... I feel better." [48:49]

4. Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Stavros teases upcoming projects and tours, including the much-anticipated Dreamboat Tour, hinting at innovative ways to engage with his audience.

"I'm doing a couple for the holidays. It's nuts to go to your favorite team... we'll do the Dreamboat Tour." [53:56]

5. Humorous Anecdotes and Personal Stories

Both Theo and Stavros share lighthearted and humorous stories from their personal lives, showcasing their chemistry and ability to find humor in everyday situations.

• Living Situations: Stavros recounts his time living in a friend's house with limited space and resources, leading to amusing escapades and memorable experiences.

  "I sold them out of my fucking Honda Civic. And now it's like... a couple thousand bucks. I'm rich, dude." [41:55]

• Unexpected Encounters: Tales of unconventional interactions, such as meeting a gay waiter at a Waffle House while under the influence, highlight their knack for storytelling.

  "We started laughing so hard and started choking. The guy was giving him the Heimlich Maneuver." [102:18]

6. Social Commentary and Reflections

Towards the latter part of the episode, Theo and Stavros touch upon broader societal issues, including politics, healthcare, and the influence of powerful individuals in shaping public policy.

• Healthcare Concerns: Stavros expresses apprehensions about the Supreme Court's decisions impacting women's healthcare and the broader implications for society.

  "Women's right to... abortion. That is really dangerous." [111:53]

• Economic Inequality: Discussions about wage disparities and the economic struggles faced by the working class underscore their reflections on current events.

  "Wages have not kept pace with how much bosses are earning." [114:33]

7. Closing Remarks and Encouragement

As the episode draws to a close, both hosts emphasize the importance of supporting independent creators and staying true to one's artistic vision despite the challenges posed by mainstream industries.

"It's about making cool shit. It's not about starting for money." [28:20]

Stavros encourages listeners to watch his movie, "Let's Start a Cult," available on various VOD platforms, and to support creative endeavors outside established systems.

"Please go see it... Anytime creative people make outside of a system, it's kind of important to go support that." [34:02]

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm not trying to make a good ass movie. I'm trying to make a fun time." – Stavros Halkias [05:16]
• "You're going to have to do something with your face and that's a laugh." – Stavros Halkias [35:15]
• "The only limitation was budget. And for me, I think that's so much cooler." – Stavros Halkias [27:40]
• "I'm a comic. And comedy movies are an extension of just like..." – Stavros Halkias [04:49]

Conclusion: Episode E545 of "This Past Weekend" offers listeners an entertaining and insightful glimpse into Stavros Halkias's creative processes, personal life, and perspectives on contemporary issues. Through humor and candid conversation, Theo Von and Stavros provide a rich narrative that not only promotes their latest projects but also engages with meaningful discussions about art, society, and personal growth.