Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von - Episode E565 featuring Bert Kreischer

Introduction

In Episode E565 of "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von," released on February 25, 2025, host Theo Von welcomes his friend and fellow comedian, Bert Kreischer. The episode delves into a wide array of topics, ranging from parenting mishaps and the impact of social media to personal growth through therapy and the intricacies of the entertainment industry.

Parenting and Bicycle Riding Adventures

Bert Kreischer opens up about his unique approach to teaching his daughters how to ride bicycles, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

• Quote [02:03]: "My daughter Isla, the first time I taught her how to ride a bike, I got her going. The pedals off, gliding, pedals back on..."

Despite his efforts, Bert shares the comedic yet challenging experiences, including minor accidents that led to the realization that his daughter needed glasses.

• Quote [03:14]: "She just hit a BMW hard over the handlebars... then we realized she needed glasses."

Navigating Social Media and Content Creation

The conversation shifts to Bert's early experiences with social media, where he inadvertently overshared personal moments that garnered significant attention. This led to a deeper reflection on the responsibilities that come with content creation.

• Quote [04:24]: "And then I shared everything about my family on everything... we were creating content not knowing what we were doing."

Bert discusses the balance between sharing personal life and maintaining privacy, especially concerning his children's online presence.

Therapy and Personal Growth

Bert candidly talks about his journey through therapy, highlighting his efforts to manage behaviors like the urge to intervene excessively in others' lives. This introspection extends to his relationship with his wife, Leanne, and their decision to attend couples therapy to navigate the changes brought by their children leaving for college.

• Quote [07:01]: "I'm working on that in therapy, too. Just, like, removing myself, slowing down, listening."

He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the challenges of maintaining one's mental health amidst personal and professional pressures.

Podcasting and Building Connections

Bert reflects on his passion for podcasting, viewing it as a platform to connect with friends and delve into meaningful conversations. He contrasts this with traditional stand-up comedy, highlighting how podcasting allows for deeper interactions without the performative aspects of live shows.

• Quote [19:11]: "Podcasting, I don't look at that as work. I look at it as an opportunity to hang out with my friends and get to know other people."

This segment underscores the value of authentic connections and how podcasting serves as a medium for fostering relationships within the comedy community.

Acting and Creative Pursuits

The discussion moves to Bert's experiences in acting, particularly his involvement in a pilot project with Theo. They reminisce about the chaotic yet memorable moments during the production, highlighting the camaraderie and spontaneous humor that defined their collaboration.

• Quote [24:41]: "It was the funniest pilot I've ever been a part of... Me, you, and Brett Ernst as the hosts and executive producers."

Bert shares stories of improvisation and the challenges of translating their off-the-cuff humor into a structured format, ultimately leading to the production of their Netflix special, "Lucky."

Reflections on Success and Luck

Bert expresses profound gratitude for the serendipitous events that have shaped his career and personal life. He attributes much of his success to being in the right place at the right time and surrounding himself with supportive and genuine individuals.

• Quote [117:16]: "I have two great kids who are really well-rounded for a dad who's leveraged their childhood to make money... I'm the luckiest motherfucker."

Theo echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating one's fortunate circumstances.

Upcoming Projects and Events

Towards the end of the episode, both Bert and Theo discuss their future endeavors. Bert announces his upcoming Netflix special "Lucky," set to premiere on March 18, and teases his participation in the "Two Bears 5K" event in Tampa on May 4 at Raymond James Stadium. He also hints at possibly returning to his comedy tour later in the year.

• Quote [117:02]: "Lucky, which premieres March 18... and I get to sit with you and just chat about. I mean, that's like, I'm the luckiest motherfucker."

Theo shares his own projects, including a movie he's working on with David Spade, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives their creative processes.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt exchanges between Bert and Theo, reinforcing their long-standing friendship and mutual support. They reflect on their journeys, the lessons learned, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the chaos of fame and personal challenges.

• Final Quote [122:48]: "We're lucky to be in your presence, man. I feel that. And thanks for always being supportive."

Both comedians leave listeners with a sense of camaraderie, resilience, and the enduring value of genuine relationships.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Parenting Mishaps:

   • "My daughter Isla, the first time I taught her how to ride a bike, I got her going. The pedals off, gliding, pedals back on..." ([02:03])
   • "She just hit a BMW hard over the handlebars... then we realized she needed glasses." ([03:14])

2. Social Media Reflections:

   • "And then I shared everything about my family on everything... we were creating content not knowing what we were doing." ([04:24])

3. Therapy Insights:

   • "I'm working on that in therapy, too. Just, like, removing myself, slowing down, listening." ([07:01])

4. Podcasting Philosophy:

   • "Podcasting, I don't look at that as work. I look at it as an opportunity to hang out with my friends and get to know other people." ([19:11])

5. Acting Adventures:

   • "It was the funniest pilot I've ever been a part of... Me, you, and Brett Ernst as the hosts and executive producers." ([24:41])

6. Gratitude for Luck:

   • "I have two great kids who are really well-rounded for a dad who's leveraged their childhood to make money... I'm the luckiest motherfucker." ([117:16])

7. Upcoming Projects:

   • "Lucky, which premieres March 18... and I get to sit with you and just chat about. I mean, that's like, I'm the luckiest motherfucker." ([117:02])

Final Thoughts

Episode E565 showcases the dynamic chemistry between Theo Von and Bert Kreischer, blending humor with introspection. Their candid conversations offer listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of two successful comedians, emphasizing the importance of friendship, personal growth, and embracing one's luck.