Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode E573 featuring Morgan Wallen

Release Date: April 2, 2025

In Episode E573 of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von," host Theo Von sits down with renowned country artist Morgan Wallen to delve into various aspects of Wallen's life, including his burgeoning music career, personal relationships, and off-stage interests. The conversation offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the man behind the music, enriched with humor, heartfelt moments, and insightful discussions.

1. Tour Announcements and Merch Updates

Theo kicks off the episode by sharing exciting updates about his ongoing "Return of the Rat" tour, highlighting upcoming dates in cities like Oxford, Mississippi, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Chicago, Illinois, Miami, Florida, Winnipeg, and Calgary, Canada. He promotes his new merchandise, particularly the "Onward Hoodies," emphasizing their quality and design.

[00:00] Theo Von: "These are my favorite type of hoodie that we've ever use... I think they'll be your favorite as well."

2. Welcoming Morgan Wallen

Theo introduces his guest, Morgan Wallen, affectionately referring to him as "the East Tennessee Elvis." The introduction sets a friendly tone as both hosts exchange greetings and briefly discuss their personal lives.

[01:31] Morgan Wallen: "And I will find a song."

[01:43] Theo Von: "Yeah, dude, good to see you, bro."

3. Family Ties and Personal Milestones

The conversation shifts to Wallen's family life, with Theo mentioning his mother’s visit for his birthday and their outing to the Opry. Wallen reciprocates by sharing his efforts to encourage his own parents to relocate closer to him, underscoring the importance of family bonds.

[06:07] Theo Von: "It's probably one of the biggest things in your life, I'm sure."

[06:18] Morgan Wallen: "I think it just gets better and better as... he’s got a little sass on him."

4. Insights into Wallen's Father and Philanthropy

Wallen speaks fondly of his father, highlighting his father’s competitive spirit and dedication to philanthropic efforts, specifically during Hurricane Helene. The discussion touches on Wallen’s admiration for his father's resilience and unique habits, such as prolonged fasting for spiritual reasons.

[03:10] Theo Von: "He’s always so chipper, dude."

[04:37] Theo Von: "A team of researchers from MSK has shown for the first time that fasting can reprogram the metabolism of natural killer cells..."

5. Father-Son Relationship and Personal Growth

A heartfelt segment unfolds as Wallen shares anecdotes about his son, Indigo (Indy), illustrating their growing bond through music. Notably, Indigo's first appreciation of Wallen's song "Eyes Are Closed" marks a pivotal moment in their relationship.

[09:20] Morgan Wallen: "And he was in the background, and he... said, 'I like that song, Daddy.'"

[09:42] Morgan Wallen: "He called it the Fast Song. I had to break it to him that wasn't me."

6. Songwriting Process and Artistic Evolution

Wallen delves into his songwriting process for his upcoming album, "The Problem," discussing the challenges of maintaining originality amidst prolific output. He emphasizes the importance of evolving his sound to keep his music fresh and engaging.

[10:43] Theo Von: "Likes being prolific, you know? What does prolific mean?"

[11:22] Morgan Wallen: "I've had to work harder... trying to dig deeper and not just say the same thing I've said before."

7. Friendships and Collaborations

Theo and Wallen explore their friendships within the music industry, notably Wallen's close relationship with his cousin Andrew and other artists like Miranda Lambert and Brooks. These relationships contribute to a supportive and collaborative environment in Wallen's career.

[14:14] Morgan Wallen: "I think he came from L.A., so he had like this... mind to Nashville."

[31:01] Morgan Wallen: "He's super nice."

8. Hunting Adventures and Personal Interests

The duo shares lighter moments discussing Wallen's passion for hunting and his farm, which focuses on deer and turkey farming. Wallen elaborates on ethical hunting practices and the balance between recreational hunting and wildlife management.

[35:44] Morgan Wallen: "We have deer and turkeys down there... the main thing is food and bedding."

[38:11] Morgan Wallen: "My son got a reindeer call... he was trying to mimic me."

9. Reflections on Fame and Public Life

Wallen candidly addresses the complexities of fame, including constant public visibility and the challenges it brings. He highlights his coping mechanisms, such as hunting and maintaining a regimented lifestyle to preserve his well-being.

[21:13] Morgan Wallen: "There's a lot of things you just don't do anymore... I've been hunting so much."

[22:24] Theo Von: "I can't imagine... stay good. Is that right, bro?"

10. Upcoming Album and Future Projects

As the episode progresses, Wallen discusses his new album's release strategy, setlist planning, and his intent to keep performances fresh by varying songs night-to-night. He also contemplates side projects that diverge from his usual style, aiming to experiment without affecting his established brand.

[56:04] Morgan Wallen: "We recorded 50 or 51 songs and cut 13 or 14."

[57:48] Theo Von: "Dream Dream Jacker. That'd be mine."

11. Closing Remarks and Shared Gratitude

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Theo and Wallen, reflecting on their friendship, shared experiences, and the anticipation for Wallen's new music. Their camaraderie underscores the supportive nature of both artists' professional and personal lives.

[71:00] Morgan Wallen: "Thank you, man. I say the same to you."

[71:05] Theo Von: "Cheers, brother. Excited for the new album?"

Notable Quotes:

• Morgan Wallen on Songwriting:

  [11:14] "I've had to work harder... trying to dig deeper and not just say the same thing I've said before."

• Theo Von on Personal Growth:

  [42:17] "It's just about getting yourself back on the stage for that next."

• Wallen on Ethical Hunting:

  [37:00] "It's interesting... food and bedding. That's all you need for a good hunting farm."

• Morgan on Father-Son Bonding:

  [09:20] "It's the first time he had ever done that, you know... And he said, 'play that again.'"

Conclusion

Episode E573 of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" offers an engaging and comprehensive look into Morgan Wallen's life beyond the spotlight. From his deep-rooted family connections and ethical hunting practices to his nuanced approach to songwriting and handling fame, Wallen shares personal stories and reflections that resonate with listeners. The episode balances humor with sincerity, providing fans and newcomers alike with valuable insights into the artist's journey and the relationships that shape his path.