Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode 555 featuring Dave Smith

Release Date: January 16, 2025

In Episode 555 of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von," host Theo Von sits down with comedian, podcaster, and social commentator Dave Smith. Recorded on January 13, the conversation delves deep into pressing global and domestic issues, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on topics ranging from international conflicts to media censorship.

1. Introduction and Personal Anecdotes (00:00 - 03:05)

Theo kicks off the episode by announcing additional tour dates across various cities, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans. He introduces Dave Smith, highlighting his roles in "Part of the Problem" and "Legion of Skanks" alongside Big Jay and L.J. Gomez. The discussion begins with light-hearted banter about self-care and the challenges of managing personal well-being.

Notable Quote:

• Theo Von [02:03]: "A lot of it is just babysitting myself."

2. Israel-Palestine Conflict: Historical Context and Perspectives (03:05 - 20:08)

The conversation transitions to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. Dave Smith provides a comprehensive overview, explaining the complexities of Judaism as a religion, race, and nationality, and its ties to the modern state of Israel. They discuss the emergence of various Zionist groups, including Black Zionists, and the internal debates within the Jewish community regarding support for Israel.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Smith [04:45]: "Judaism is a weird thing because it's like a religion, but then it's also kind of a race, and then it's kind of a nationality with Israel."
• Theo Von [06:09]: "Zionist typically means someone who believes that Jews should have a homeland in what is now called Israel."

3. Libertarianism: Principles and Government Role (08:20 - 10:22)

Dave articulates the core tenets of libertarianism, emphasizing self-ownership, non-aggression, and the protection of private property. He elaborates on the libertarian stance regarding government, advocating for a minimalistic role focused solely on safeguarding individual liberties.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Smith [09:59]: "The belief in self-ownership, in non-aggression, and private property."
• Theo Von [10:02]: "Do libertarians believe in government?"
• Dave Smith [10:23]: "Yes, the role of government is to protect people's liberty. It shouldn't be doing anything more than that."

4. TikTok Ban and Media Censorship (10:22 - 35:04)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the potential ban of TikTok in the United States. Dave expresses skepticism about the ban's feasibility and motivations, suggesting that censorship efforts aim to suppress alternative narratives, especially concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. They critique the influence of organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in shaping public opinion and suppressing dissenting voices on social media platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Smith [11:14]: "TikTok became like the main news source for young people quietly."
• Theo Von [23:13]: "They want the truth to come out, especially about Palestine."
• Dave Smith [35:04]: "Every war relies on lies, and every war relies on totally dehumanizing the enemy."

5. Federal Reserve and Economic Policies (57:00 - 81:41)

Dave delves into the history and operations of the Federal Reserve, criticizing its unregulated power to print money and influence the economy. He references the Bretton Woods Agreement and the eventual suspension of the gold standard under President Nixon, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability within the Federal Reserve system.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Smith [75:06]: "The Federal Reserve lets the government get away with really evil things because they can print all the money."
• Theo Von [76:43]: "You have to have a support in the Middle East."
• Dave Smith [80:57]: "The books have never been opened and audited."

6. US Foreign Policy and Neoconservatism (81:41 - 132:30)

The discussion shifts to US foreign policy, particularly the influence of neoconservatives and the Project for a New American Century (PNAC). Dave critiques the motivations behind US military interventions, arguing that they are often driven by hidden agendas to control global regions rather than genuine humanitarian concerns. He references historical events like the Iraq War and the influence of key figures like Richard Perle and Robert Kagan in shaping aggressive foreign policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Smith [110:03]: "They want to have multiple wars in the Middle East to control the region."
• Theo Von [120:33]: "The gold standard was a monetary system linked to a set amount of gold."
• Dave Smith [129:12]: "It's part of the corrupt system where wealthy interests control government policies."

7. Healthcare from a Libertarian Perspective (132:30 - 160:38)

Exploring domestic issues, Dave discusses the shortcomings of the US healthcare system from a libertarian viewpoint. He advocates for deregulation and increased competition to drive down costs and improve services. The conversation touches on personal experiences with insurance and the inefficiencies caused by government intervention in healthcare.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Smith [155:21]: "The libertarian idea is to get the government out of the way and let there be a real market."
• Theo Von [168:37]: "Why are we so sick as a people to begin with?"

8. Censorship and Free Speech (160:38 - 184:50)

Theo and Dave engage in a critical examination of censorship in modern media, questioning the integrity and motives behind content moderation on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. They express concerns about the suppression of truthful information and the manipulation of public perception by powerful entities.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Smith [172:34]: "Once you have the power to determine what the truth is, you're corrupted by having that power."
• Theo Von [175:38]: "We got to get in that bitch. I'm asking Trump if I get to see him."

9. Conclusion and Future Plans (184:50 - 191:41)

As the episode wraps up, Dave shares his upcoming tour dates and expresses excitement about performing in new cities like Bozeman, Montana, and New Orleans for Skankfest, a prominent comedy festival. Theo appreciates Dave's candidness and encourages him, highlighting the importance of honest dialogue in today's turbulent times.

Notable Quotes:

• Theo Von [190:55]: "I love the way you're able to think and share, and it feels very genuine to what you believe."

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Dave Smith provides a critical lens on various socio-political issues, challenging mainstream narratives and advocating for greater transparency and individual liberties. Their in-depth discussions offer listeners a nuanced understanding of complex topics, encouraging independent thought and skepticism towards established institutions.

For more insights and upcoming shows, visit Dave Smith’s official website comicdavesmith.com or follow him on Twitter @comicdavesmith.