Podcast Summary: You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes – Episode #218

Host: Pete Holmes
Guest: Valerie Tosi
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Duration: Approximately 59 minutes

You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes is known for delving into the quirky and unique aspects of comedians' lives. In Episode #218, Pete Holmes welcomes Valerie Tosi for a lighthearted and engaging conversation filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions on topics ranging from musicals to hormonal influences on behavior.

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode opens with Pete and Valerie setting a relaxed and cheerful tone, emphasizing the light and fluffy nature of their conversation. Pete remarks, “This is the Friday bonus episode where Valerie and I catch up. And I love this one” ([00:34]). Valerie echoes this sentiment, describing it as a "classic" and “a pleasure” to engage in such a carefree dialogue.

2. Musicals: A Love-Hate Relationship

A. "Wicked" Experience

Pete and Valerie delve into their recent experience watching the musical Wicked, sharing mixed feelings about its execution. Pete comments, “Wicked did sound like ass” ([02:59]), expressing disappointment with its perfection and muted sound dynamics. Valerie adds, “We saw Wicked at the Eclaise Theater in Salt Lake City” ([03:16]), further detailing their orchestra seating and the subdued atmosphere that frustrated them.

B. Broader Musical Critique

The conversation broadens to a critique of musicals in general. Valerie shares her profound emotional reaction to Wicked, particularly its standout numbers like “Defying Gravity.” Pete echoes this, noting, “When someone makes a valid point, I guess” ([45:17])—highlighting his appreciation for the musical’s impact despite his initial reservations.

C. "Cats" and Musical Nuances

Valerie recounts her first encounter with Cats at 27, accompanied by a friend, finding it bewildering and perplexing. Pete ties this feeling back to their own experience, stating, “I was baffled” ([57:10]). They discuss the complexity and sometimes over-the-top nature of musicals, with Pete humorously reimagining the lyrics to demonstrate their detachment from conventional musical tropes.

3. Humorous Anecdotes and Shared Laughter

A. Being Stoned and Its Effects

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the humorous and often surreal experiences both hosts have had while being stoned. Pete shares, “I got stoned the other night, and I thought this was the funniest thing in the world” ([04:03]), leading to a deeper conversation about how being stoned affects their humor and perception.

Valerie complements this by revealing her habit of getting stoned "sneakily," allowing her laughter to betray her state rather than openly admitting it. This shared experience fosters a camaraderie steeped in humor and mutual understanding.

B. Improvisation in "Boogie Nights"

Valerie narrates a funny story about an improv scene in Boogie Nights, where Burt Reynolds’ character keeps saying “nevertheless,” disrupting the take with incessant laughter from Ricky J., the magician. She details the mishap: “Every time Burt Reynolds says, nevertheless…” ([16:03]). This story not only provides comic relief but also underscores the unpredictable nature of improvisation in entertainment.

4. Testosterone Supplementation: Personal Insights

A. Introduction to Testosterone Supplements

Pete transitions into a personal topic, discussing his experience with a testosterone support supplement called Mojo. He explains, “I've been taking it for like, nine days” ([32:18]), outlining his motivation to boost his low-normal testosterone levels.

B. Observable Effects

Pete shares several effects he's noticed since starting Mojo:

1. Enhanced Physical Performance: “When I work out, I will go double what I normally go” ([35:34]). He describes an increased capacity for endurance, likening himself to a "horse just listening to a hormone that's saying, you can run” ([35:59]).

2. Improved Willpower and Decisiveness: Pete elaborates on his newfound decisiveness, recounting instances like canceling unnecessary subscriptions with ease. He notes, “I'm just so not just energy. But will” ([35:59]), highlighting how testosterone has amplified his ability to take decisive actions effortlessly.

3. Creative Flow in Writing: Pete discusses how testosterone has influenced his writing process, allowing ideas to flow more freely and reducing his dependency on nicotine for creative stimulation. He remarks, “When I sit down to write, it's just flowing out” ([37:47]).

5. Hormones and Behavioral Accountability

A. The Role of Hormones in Behavior

The conversation shifts to a philosophical exploration of how hormones influence behavior. Valerie and Pete ponder the extent to which hormones dictate actions and the implications for personal accountability. Pete muses, “We are just responses to chemicals being produced in your body” ([39:45]), questioning societal notions of responsibility when behavior is hormonally driven.

B. Coping with Hormonal Changes

Valerie provides insights into dealing with hormonal fluctuations, referencing perimenopause and postpartum experiences. She emphasizes recognizing hormonal states and managing reactions by isolating or seeking support, saying, “Recognize that that's what's happening and maybe isolate yourself until you get through it” ([41:15]).

6. Concluding Thoughts and Final Anecdotes

A. Reflections on Public Declarations in Romance

Pete and Valerie revisit the topic of public declarations of love, discussing how societal norms favor visible expressions of romance, such as public proposals. Pete humorously integrates this with their ongoing discussion about musicals and personal relationships, stating, “A wedding is a public declaration of love” ([46:27]).

B. Final Humorous Exchanges

The episode wraps up with playful banter about historical and fictional characters, such as naming a crow after Tim Burton’s Raven or Marilyn Manson’s Damocles. Valerie shares amusing stories about Valerie’s experience with Cats, highlighting the peculiar and bewildering aspects of the musical.

Pete concludes with a light-hearted remark about their mutual love for musicals and the unique perspectives they each bring, ensuring listeners are left with a sense of camaraderie and humor.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Pete Holmes [00:34]: “This is the Friday bonus episode where Valerie and I catch up. And I love this one.”

• Pete Holmes [02:59]: “Wicked did sound like ass.”

• Valerie Tosi [03:16]: “We saw Wicked at the Eclaise Theater in Salt Lake City.”

• Pete Holmes [05:03]: “I couldn’t stop laughing at the idea that rich people would go to a place like a fancy... farm restaurant.”

• Valerie Tosi [04:06]: “Stoned because that's always... No. Hundred percent.”

• Pete Holmes [35:34]: “When I work out, I will go double what I normally go.”

• Pete Holmes [37:47]: “I'm just so not just energy. But will.”

• Pete Holmes [39:45]: “We are just responses to chemicals being produced in your body.”

• Valerie Tosi [41:15]: “Recognize that that's what's happening and maybe isolate yourself until you get through it.”

• Pete Holmes [46:27]: “A wedding is a public declaration of love.”

Conclusion

Episode #218 of You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes is a delightful blend of humor, personal stories, and thoughtful discussions. Pete and Valerie navigate through their critiques of popular musicals, share laughs over their stoned experiences, and dive deep into the influence of hormones on behavior. The episode stands out for its candid and engaging conversation, making it both entertaining and insightful for listeners seeking a genuine and humorous exploration of life's quirky aspects.