Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode E549 featuring Cody Wetzel
Release Date: December 10, 2024
1. Introduction and Tour Updates
Theo Von kicks off the episode by sharing his upcoming tour dates across various cities in the United States and Canada. He expresses gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support and introduces new merchandise available on his store. The introduction sets a festive tone as Theo extends holiday wishes to his audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Theo Von [00:00]: "Get all your tickets@theovon.com to thank you so much for your support."
- Theo Von [00:00]: "Happy Holidays to everyone."
2. Meeting Cody Wetzel and Discussing Personal Struggles
Theo introduces his guest, Cody Wetzel, a prominent figure in country music known for his candidness. The conversation begins with both hosts humorously contemplating whether Theo deserves to be alive, delving into feelings of burnout and the pressures of maintaining personal and professional relationships.
Notable Quotes:
- Theo Von [00:00]: "I shouldn't be allowed to be alive. You ever feel like that?"
- Cody Wetzel [02:19]: "One of those days."
3. Cody Wetzel’s Musical Journey and Album “Nine Lives”
Cody discusses the success of his new album, "Nine Lives," highlighting its blend of country, rock, and grunge influences. He emphasizes the hard work and over a decade of dedication that led to his recent breakthrough, countering the notion of overnight success.
Notable Quotes:
- Theo Von [03:37]: "Congrats on the new album, dude."
- Cody Wetzel [04:02]: "We haven't really veered off from the shit we've been doing our whole career."
4. Touring Experiences and Evolution
The conversation shifts to touring, where Cody shares anecdotes about playing in unconventional venues like VFWs that mysteriously burned down shortly after their performances. He reflects on the growth from playing small local spots to performing in large arenas internationally, noting the expansion of his fan base beyond Texas.
Notable Quotes:
- Cody Wetzel [05:05]: "We have to figure out where this dude is."
- Theo Von [07:52]: "We got to play these crazy arenas and stuff."
5. Opening and Managing “Riot Room” Bar in Texas
Cody reveals his venture into the hospitality industry with the opening of "Riot Room," a honky-tonk and club hybrid in Fort Worth, Texas. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running a bar, including the logistics of hosting both daytime diners and nighttime club-goers. Plans for expanding to a second location in Houston are also shared.
Notable Quotes:
- Cody Wetzel [79:14]: "It's kind of like a Texas club, I guess."
- Theo Von [79:53]: "Riot Room. That's so cool, dude."
6. Life on Tour and Personal Growth
Both hosts delve into the fast-paced nature of touring and the personal growth that accompanies it. Cody talks about the importance of balancing being surrounded by people with finding alone time to relax and reset. They reflect on the fleeting nature of memorable moments and the continuous evolution required in the music industry.
Notable Quotes:
- Cody Wetzel [77:09]: "I'm always surrounded around people and stuff, but I like to have the time to myself."
- Theo Von [72:08]: "It's kind of weird how even, like, you could be dreaming or hoping about something, and it's like the most important thing in the world, and then it comes. It comes and it's gone."
7. Future Plans and Upcoming Releases
Looking ahead, Cody shares insights into his upcoming Christmas EP, "Wetzel's Wonderland Chapter 2," and hints at new projects and surprises for the audience. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself amidst growing fame and expanding responsibilities.
Notable Quotes:
- Cody Wetzel [70:44]: "We have it coming out here in a couple days, I guess."
- Theo Von [87:26]: "They have to figure out their own road and just kind of being a trailblazer pretty much."
8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Theo and Cody exchange heartfelt congratulations and express mutual appreciation for each other's journeys. They discuss the challenges of evolving as artists while maintaining genuine connections with their fan bases. The conversation concludes on a positive note, highlighting the importance of resilience and continuous growth.
Notable Quotes:
- Theo Von [87:07]: "Congratulations, dude. Appreciate it."
- Cody Wetzel [87:26]: "Yeah, not all overnight. We'll just keep easing into it."
Conclusion
In this engaging episode of "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von," Cody Wetzel opens up about his tumultuous yet rewarding journey in the music industry. From overcoming personal struggles and evolving his musical style to expanding his influence beyond Texas with major tours and entrepreneurial ventures, Cody provides listeners with an authentic glimpse into his life. The episode underscores themes of resilience, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of passion, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.
Notable Highlights:
- Tour Evolution: Transitioning from small venues to international arenas ([07:15]–[08:18]).
- Burning Bridges Anecdote: Cody’s experiences with venues burning down post-performance ([04:20]–[05:28]).
- "Nine Lives" Album Insights: The creative process and personal growth behind the album ([17:14]–[20:16]).
- Opening "Riot Room": Navigating the challenges of opening and expanding a bar ([79:14]–[80:43]).