Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode E571 featuring Adam Devine
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Theo Von
Guest: Adam Devine
1. Introduction to Adam Devine
In this engaging episode of This Past Weekend with Theo Von, comedian and actor Adam Devine joins host Theo Von to discuss a wide array of personal and professional topics. Known for his roles in Workaholics and The Righteous Gemstones, Adam also co-hosts the podcast This Is Important with his friends from Workaholics.
Notable Quote:
- Theo Von [00:23]: "Today's guest is an actor. He's a comedian. He's a writer. He's... Hell, he was hit by a damn car."
2. Adam's Tragic Accident and Recovery
Adam opens up about a harrowing experience from his childhood when he was struck by a cement truck. The accident resulted in severe injuries, multiple surgeries, and a prolonged hospital stay.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Devine [05:25]: "I was hit by a cement truck when I was a kid."
- Theo Von [05:36]: "Oh my God. What's the longest field goal ever kicked? That's insane."
Adam shares details about the impact, stating he was "spit out" from under the wheels and was "flying 500ft."
3. Health Struggles: Stiff Person Syndrome
Following his accident, Adam faced significant health challenges, including stiff person syndrome—a rare neurological disorder. He describes the debilitating effects, such as muscle stiffness, spasms, and severe pain that hindered his mobility and daily activities.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Devine [14:44]: "The doctor, one month before my son was born, was like, you're dying... You have stiff person syndrome."
- Theo Von [15:16]: "Stiff person syndrome. This is a real."
Adam details his rigorous physical therapy regimen, including acupuncture, bodywork, and functional patterns training, to manage his condition and improve his quality of life.
4. Acting Career and Recent Projects
Adam discusses his experiences working on television shows like The Righteous Gemstones, where he portrays a homosexual male character named Kelvin Jamstone. He reflects on the evolution of his character and the creative process behind embodying someone different from himself.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Devine [44:22]: "That is right."
- Theo Von [44:28]: "Your gemstones character is now fully a homosexual male. Right?"
He also touches on the challenges of pitching independent projects in Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of creating content that resonates with both creators and audiences.
5. Podcasting with Workaholics: "This Is Important"
Adam and his Workaholics co-hosts launched the podcast This Is Important during the pandemic as a way to stay connected and entertained. The podcast serves as a creative outlet, allowing them to discuss various topics while maintaining their camaraderie.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Devine [26:23]: "It's called This Is Important. It's... Yeah. Me and the Workaholics guys. It's super fun."
- Theo Von [26:57]: "We've just been doing it in silence. Yeah. No one knows about it."
They hint at potential new shows and projects stemming from their continued collaboration, aiming to bring fresh content to their dedicated audience.
6. Personal Life and Family
Adam shares heartfelt moments about becoming a father, describing the birth of his son as a profound and transformative experience. He discusses balancing his career with family life and the changes it has brought to his daily routine.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Devine [43:11]: "Our son Bo turned around when she pulled him out. He looked right back at me, dude. It stopped my heart."
- Theo Von [43:25]: "You just keep tickling her. Like, hey, yeah."
He humorously navigates the challenges of fatherhood, including his wife's requests to limit physical affection due to his condition, while expressing his deep love and commitment to his family.
7. Reflections on Hollywood and Creative Control
The conversation shifts to Hollywood's current landscape, where Adam expresses frustration with the industry's focus on big-budget projects over independent and comedic ventures. He underscores the necessity of creators investing in their unique visions to bring diverse and innovative content to the forefront.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Devine [110:27]: "Our job is to give them what we think is the funniest thing."
- Theo Von [118:55]: "Investing in yourself is crucial."
Together, Theo and Adam advocate for maintaining creative integrity and the importance of pushing boundaries to keep the entertainment industry vibrant and inclusive.
8. Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors
As the episode wraps up, Adam reflects on his ongoing recovery journey, future projects, and aspirations within the acting world. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, creative collaboration, and the support systems that have aided his personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Devine [114:05]: "I love doing it, but I still have that itch of wanting to just get out there and get something done."
- Theo Von [119:44]: "Keep investing in yourself. That's what matters."
Adam concludes by expressing gratitude for his experiences and the opportunities to share his story, leaving listeners inspired by his perseverance and dedication.
Conclusion
Episode E571 of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von offers an intimate glimpse into Adam Devine's life, highlighting his resilience in overcoming personal tragedies, his dedication to his craft, and the deep bonds formed through collaborative creative endeavors. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid discussions, Adam and Theo engage listeners with a narrative of strength, humor, and unwavering commitment to both family and creative passion.