Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode E568 Featuring Danny McBride

In Episode E568 of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von," host Theo Von engages in an insightful and humorous conversation with acclaimed comedian, actor, writer, and director Danny McBride. Known for his roles in hit shows like "Eastbound and Down," "Vice Principals," and the ongoing fourth and final season of "Righteous Gemstones" on HBO, McBride shares a wealth of experiences, personal stories, and reflections on the entertainment industry, creativity, and parenting.

1. Introduction to Danny McBride

Theo Von opens the episode by enthusiastically introducing Danny McBride, highlighting his multifaceted career and the significance of his contributions to comedy and television. McBride humbly responds, setting a relaxed and candid tone for the conversation.

• Theo Von [00:21]: “Today's guest is a comedian, an actor, a writer and a director known for some of the funniest shows that anyone has ever seen. ... I'm grateful to spend time with Mr. Danny McBride.”

2. Early Life and Upbringing

McBride delves into his early years, revealing a childhood marked by frequent relocations due to his father's career as a prison guard. Growing up on a prison reservation near Lompoc, California, and later moving to Virginia when his father transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons in D.C., McBride recounts vivid memories that shaped his perspective.

• Danny McBride [06:24]: “I spent a few years after that. My dad was a guard in the prison at Lompoc. So I lived for a few years on the prison reservation right outside of the prison.”

He shares a poignant childhood incident during a prison break that left a lasting impression on him, illustrating the unexpected realities of his environment.

• Danny McBride [07:12]: “I remember, though, one night the alarm's going off and, like, my dad came in and rounded me and my sister up. ... I looked out the window, and it was just my dad with the shotgun going outside.”

3. Creative Process and Independent Filmmaking

McBride discusses his passion for filmmaking and the challenges of creating independent projects. He reflects on his collaboration with Jody Hill and the hurdles they faced in producing content outside mainstream channels, emphasizing the dedication required to bring creative visions to life.

• Danny McBride [20:09]: “We went through the regular casting process, and honestly, like, as soon as I saw him, that character kind of blew up.”

He highlights the evolving state of the independent film industry, expressing both nostalgia for its past vibrancy and disappointment with its current state.

• Danny McBride [22:37]: “With technology it should be easier than ever to make something independent. But it feels like the market is not as healthy as it used to be. And it's kind of disappointing.”

4. Life in Charleston and the Entertainment Industry

Relocating to Charleston has been pivotal for McBride, offering a supportive environment for his creative endeavors. He praises the city's natural beauty, favorable climate for surfing, and thriving community, contrasting it with his previous experiences in Los Angeles.

• Danny McBride [03:49]: “Yeah, I live by the beach and we're on the water all the time there. That's like the beauty of that city.”

McBride also touches upon the dynamics of the entertainment industry, discussing the importance of genuine collaborations and the influence of long-standing friendships on his projects.

• Danny McBride [46:48]: “I always wanted to make sure it was relevant and something we were all having fun doing and never kind of evolve into something that just feels like a job.”

5. Social Media and Modern Creativity

The conversation shifts to the impact of social media on creativity and personal well-being. McBride shares his decision to limit his social media presence, recognizing the potential negative effects of constant online engagement on mental health and creative output.

• Danny McBride [09:21]: “I felt like when I kind of turned that stuff off, ... all my stupid ideas could flourish. I could make jokes about noodles. Anything was possible.”

Theo and McBride discuss the addictive nature of social media and its role in shaping modern creativity, agreeing on the value of disconnecting to foster genuine creative processes.

• Theo Von [11:05]: “I almost miss feeling dumb a little bit.”
• Danny McBride [11:30]: “I think for me, I just kind of saw that it probably wasn't gonna be the best thing for me, so I just didn't participate.”

6. Personal Insights on Parenting and Family

McBride opens up about his role as a father, explaining how it influenced his decision to move to Charleston. He emphasizes the importance of providing his children with freedom and opportunities for independence, contrasting it with his own restrictive childhood experiences.

• Danny McBride [58:35]: “I'm looking forward to just chilling out for a little bit and spending time with the fam.”

He shares anecdotes about his daughter’s spirited personality, which he channels into his work, and his son’s interest in lacrosse, highlighting the joys and challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life.

• Danny McBride [65:54]: “My daughter is like, like, insanely funny. She's like 10 years old, and she is. I channel her in that character Judy, the sister, in Righteous Gemstones.”

7. Reflections on Hollywood and Cultural Preservation

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Hollywood's approach to preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage. McBride expresses concern over the rapid development and loss of historical landmarks, advocating for a more balanced preservation effort akin to Charleston's commitment to maintaining its historical integrity.

• Danny McBride [86:36]: “Hollywood's never had much of a memory, kind of. It just... They have like, cultural and historical significance.”

He laments the erasure of historical sites and the importance of honoring influential figures, suggesting that Hollywood could benefit from preserving its storied past more effectively.

• Danny McBride [87:11]: “The idea that so much gets built and torn down. Like, you look at Hollywood Boulevard, you're like, man, this should just be Colonial Williamsburg.”

8. Conclusion and Future Projects

As the episode draws to a close, McBride reflects on the completion of "Righteous Gemstones" and his plans moving forward. He expresses gratitude for the supportive community in Charleston and hints at taking a short break to focus on family before diving into new creative projects. Theo Von appreciates McBride's candidness and the depth of their conversation, wrapping up the episode on a positive and reflective note.

• Danny McBride [87:52]: “I feel like I'll always want to make stuff, but it's also good to just enjoy your life a little bit, too.”

• Theo Von [88:31]: “Thanks for the entertainment, dude, all the inspiration, and I just really appreciate your time, man. Hope you continue to make fun stuff.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Danny McBride [07:35]: “If he brings work home, there's a big problem.”

• Danny McBride [30:03]: “I think people get in trouble for putting something out there that's controversial. Isn't that part of how the whole thing works?”

• Theo Von [11:05]: “I almost miss feeling dumb a little bit.”

• Danny McBride [46:48]: “I never wanted to make it something where it didn't matter.”

• Danny McBride [58:35]: “I'm looking forward to just chilling out for a little bit and spending time with the fam.”

• Danny McBride [86:36]: “Hollywood's never had much of a memory, kind of. It just... They have like, cultural and historical significance.”

Conclusion

Episode E568 of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" offers an in-depth look into Danny McBride's life, both personal and professional. From his challenging upbringing to his successful career in the entertainment industry, and from his thoughtful approach to social media to his heartfelt reflections on parenting and cultural preservation, McBride provides listeners with a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. The conversation underscores the importance of balance between creativity and personal life, the value of preserving cultural heritage, and the enduring significance of genuine human connections in both personal and professional realms.