This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

#626 - Baby Me

November 26, 2025

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  • Theo Von uses the Thanksgiving holiday as a moment to acknowledge historical wrongs against Native Americans while emphasizing the importance of focusing on tangible, real-world connections during uncertain times. 
  • Theo Von shared a personal list of small, unique joys in life, such as accidentally touching a stranger's leg or getting scratched by a cat, as anchors against the overwhelming nature of world events and conspiracy theories. 
  • Producer Riley Mau announced he and his partner are expecting a baby boy, marking a significant and positive life update for the producer, which Theo Von celebrated with a prayer. 
  • Producer Riley Mau shared that he is 27 years old and expecting a baby due on December 30th, prompting well wishes from Theo Von. 
  • Theo Von expressed gratitude to the audience for their grace and patience as he has navigated the evolution and business aspects of hosting "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von" over the years. 
  • Theo Von concluded the segment by wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and offering a humorous, albeit historically anachronistic, promise of support to Native Americans if he could travel back in time. 

Segments

Thanksgiving Reflections and History
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(00:01:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Theo Von acknowledged the complex history of Thanksgiving by specifically apologizing to Native Americans for historical injustices.
  • Summary: The episode opens with Theo Von wishing a happy Thanksgiving, immediately addressing the problematic nature of the holiday for Native Americans. He offered a collective apology, stating that the history of the country is ‘stacked on sin.’ This reflection served as a preamble before moving into lighter holiday topics.
Gratitude for Garlic Bread
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(00:03:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Garlic bread is declared the ‘bacon of breads’ due to its universal appeal, even when poorly prepared.
  • Summary: Theo Von expressed an intense, almost primal love for garlic bread, stating he enjoys it regardless of its quality. He humorously described scenarios of enjoying it prepared in the most rudimentary ways, emphasizing its underrated status among foods.
Charity Donations and Gratitude
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(00:04:56)
  • Key Takeaway: The podcast community raised approximately $40,000 for Cumberland Heights rehabilitation center through a charity jersey auction.
  • Summary: Theo thanked listeners for their support in a recent charity jersey auction, which benefited Cumberland Heights to subsidize recovery costs for individuals. Additionally, a donation was made to the Gary Sinise Foundation the previous week, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose among the audience.
Conspiracies and Reality Check
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(00:06:04)
  • Key Takeaway: In times of global uncertainty and widespread conspiracy theories, individuals must prioritize tangible connections with family and friends.
  • Summary: Theo noted the current ‘wild time’ where conspiracies seem to be coming true, comparing the feeling to a video game character suddenly looking at the player. He stressed that regardless of fear or excitement, grounding oneself in real-world connections like family is essential.
Small Joys of Life List
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(00:08:49)
  • Key Takeaway: Unique human experiences, such as the awkwardness of accidentally touching a stranger’s leg, are valuable sources of connection.
  • Summary: Theo shared a list of small, specific things he enjoys, including the awkwardness of touching a stranger’s leg in the dark or calling a cat a ’little bitch’ after it strikes. These moments, though strange, are appreciated for their inherent humanity and uniqueness.
Riley Mau’s Major Life Update
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(00:15:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Producer Riley Mau revealed he is expecting a baby boy with his current partner, a development he is grateful for.
  • Summary: Riley Mau shared the major news that he is expecting a child, which Theo reacted to with surprise and congratulations, noting Riley’s rapid progression since they first met. The child is confirmed to be a boy, and they have narrowed down the name possibilities, which start with the letter ‘M’.
Listener Voicemail: Mental Health Progress
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(00:30:36)
  • Key Takeaway: A listener named Bailey shared that life significantly improves after struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and depression, offering hope to others.
  • Summary: Bailey, who spent the previous Thanksgiving in a psych ward due to BPD and depression, called to affirm that ‘shit does get better.’ She emphasized that even when it’s hard to see, purpose exists, and things work out as they need to.
Listener Voicemail: Family Conflict
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(00:42:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Theo advised a listener who hates her mean family to avoid self-pity and consider showing up as an ‘act of service’ for other family members, while also recognizing when one might be the source of conflict.
  • Summary: Anna called in expressing sadness because she hates her family and has no one to celebrate the holidays with. Theo responded by sharing his own past struggles with self-pity and encouraged her to seek connection elsewhere if necessary, while also suggesting she examine if she might be the problem in the dynamic.
Listener Voicemail: Twins Advice
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(00:50:27)
  • Key Takeaway: A caller named Cage, expecting twin girls to join his existing son, received congratulations and a warning about the spiritual implications of twins.
  • Summary: Cage called seeking advice on managing the arrival of twin daughters, which Theo reacted to with humorous skepticism about the concept of twins being ‘dark arts.’ The core advice given was simply to be present and love the children, as Cage sounded excited for the challenge.
Listener Voicemail: Meeting God Halfway
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(00:56:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Meeting God halfway means maintaining a warm, consistent relationship through regular prayer, meditation, and focusing energy outside of oneself.
  • Summary: Danielle asked Theo to define what ‘meeting God halfway’ means in practice. Theo explained it as keeping the relationship warm through consistent consultation, prayer, and checking in on others, ensuring guidance is readily accessible when immediate help is needed.
Hypothetical Name Discussion
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(01:05:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Theo Von and an unidentified speaker speculate on the name ‘Mark Mao’ and the common tendency for people to race someone saying ‘Mark set go’.
  • Summary: The speakers briefly entertained the hypothetical name ‘Mark Mao’ and noted the common social interaction where people preemptively say ‘Mark set go’ when someone is about to say ‘Mark’. This interaction was deemed frustrating by the speakers.
Riley Mau’s Baby Wishes
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(01:05:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Riley Mau wishes for his unborn child to be healthy, contrasting Theo Von’s colorful metaphors for the fetus.
  • Summary: Theo Von asked Riley Mau what he wished for his developing child, using vivid metaphors like ‘yellow bus’ and ’little Edamame’. Riley Mau kept his wish simple, stating he only wished for the baby to be healthy.
Riley Mau’s Age Reveal
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(01:06:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Riley Mau revealed he is 27 years old, surprising Theo Von who initially guessed he was much younger.
  • Summary: Theo Von expressed happiness for Riley Mau’s life progress and questioned his age, joking he couldn’t tell if Riley was 70 or 15. Riley Mau confirmed he is 27, leading Theo to express surprise at his youth.
Pregnancy Experience and Past
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(01:06:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Riley Mau described dealing with his partner’s pregnancy as ‘a lot,’ and Theo Von reflected on knowing Riley before he was sexually active.
  • Summary: Riley Mau confirmed that managing the pregnancy experience is challenging. Theo Von reminisced about knowing Riley when he was younger and seemingly inexperienced, referencing a time when Riley ‘had never ejaculated’.
Gratitude and Podcast Evolution
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(01:07:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Theo Von thanked the audience for their grace while he learned podcasting business development on the fly.
  • Summary: Theo Von thanked supporters for bearing with him as he navigated the changes in his life and learned how to manage the podcast business aspects. He acknowledged his own shortcomings as a business developer, emphasizing that everyone is just trying their best to figure things out.
Thanksgiving and Historical Reflection
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(01:08:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Theo Von wished listeners a Happy Thanksgiving and humorously offered to bring weapons back in time to ensure a fair fight for Native Americans.
  • Summary: Theo Von extended Happy Thanksgiving wishes to everyone, including Native Americans. He stated that if he ever acquired a time machine, he would travel back to support them, bringing weapons to ensure a fair fight.
Riley’s Family Update
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(01:09:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Riley Mau confirmed his wife is excited for the baby due December 30th and that sexual activity is permitted until the baby is born.
  • Summary: Theo Von asked Riley Mau for a final update, confirming his turkey was in the oven and inquiring about intimacy during pregnancy. Riley confirmed they can have sex until the baby arrives, which is scheduled for December 30th.
Sponsor Readout
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(01:11:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Hess stock car racers are available at HessToyTruck.com with free shipping and batteries included.
  • Summary: The Hess stock car racers are described as being loaded with lights, sounds, and a powerful racing motor. These toys can be purchased at HessToyTruck.com. The purchase includes free shipping and batteries.