Stavros Halkias | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Introduction and Style

• Stavros Halkias is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor who has a new film called "Let's Start a Cult" that he co-wrote and starred in, and also has his own podcast called "Stav's World" (2s).
• Stavros Halkias has a unique sense of style, with a slicked-back hairstyle that makes him look like a principal at a very unique school (51s).
• He thinks that people from his culture, Greek, tend to have good legs due to the hilly terrain of Greece, which helps build strong thighs (1m55s).
• Stavros Halkias believes that he is structurally sound, like a building made of strong materials, and that he can withstand challenges (2m16s).

"Let's Start a Cult" - The Movie

• Stavros Halkias' new movie "Let's Start a Cult" is a comedy with a smaller budget, and he loves dumbass comedies like the ones he grew up with, such as Adam Sandler and Chris Farley movies (4m6s).
• He mentions that one of his favorite movies is "Billy Madison", which has a goofy premise but is still enjoyable (4m21s).
• The goal of the movie is to provide a fun and entertaining experience, with no deeper meaning or lessons, allowing viewers to simply enjoy the comedy and not have to think too much (4m30s).
• The movie's plot revolves around a character who is so annoying that his cult commits suicide without him, and he then starts his own cult, providing a comedic storyline (6m17s).
• The movie features a cast of funny people, including Bobby Kelly, Tom Papa, and Wes Haney, who co-wrote the movie, making it a collaborative effort among friends (6m41s).
• The movie is not meant to be a commentary on anything, but rather a lighthearted and humorous experience, with no subtext or deeper meaning (7m17s).
• The movie's tone is similar to classic comedies, with a focus on entertainment and laughter, rather than trying to convey a message or moral (6m36s).
• The movie's writer and star is proud of the final product, but acknowledges that it's not a serious or dramatic film, and is instead meant to be an enjoyable and silly experience (4m57s).
• The movie is compared to other comedies, such as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", but is distinct in its lack of deeper meaning or allegory, making it a unique and lighthearted viewing experience (7m28s).

The State of Comedy

• The current state of comedies is lacking, with many not even making people laugh, and often featuring characters with disabilities or unrealistic plot twists, such as a heart transplant recipient wanting to kill themselves due to their new heart's opposing political views (7m52s).
• A hypothetical movie idea, "Homeschool Heart," is proposed, where someone receives a heart transplant from a homeschool teacher, leading to comedic conflicts (8m46s).

The Internet and Creative Freedom

• The current era allows individuals to create their own content and build a fan base through the internet, rather than relying on mainstream studios (9m8s).
• This shift has enabled people to make a living doing what they love, rather than chasing fame or wealth, and has given them the freedom to create content that resonates with their audience (9m40s).
• Building a fan base through the internet has allowed individuals to make their own movies, sell out theaters, and reach a wider audience, without having to go through traditional studio systems (10m27s).
• This approach has also enabled people to network and collaborate with others who share similar interests and passions, creating a community of like-minded individuals (10m41s).
• The ability to create and share content through non-traditional means has been inspiring, and it would be great if more people started pursuing their passions and building their own fan bases (10m59s).

Comedy and "Let's Start a Cult" Availability

• A comedy show about tires was attended, and it featured jokes about everyday topics, including bad tires, which was a unique experience (11m7s).
• The idea of comedy is that everyone should be able to make their own, and a personal project called "Let's Start a Cult" is available on VOD, which can be rented or bought on platforms like Amazon (11m33s).
• The price point for renting or buying "Let's Start a Cult" is not known, but the goal is to make it affordable, possibly around $9.99, so people can choose to watch it over other options like buying McDonald's nuggets (11m59s).

McDonald's Tie-in and Batman Discussion

• A potential tie-in with McDonald's was suggested, similar to past promotions like the Batman Forever glass cups, which were a memorable marketing campaign (12m28s).
• The Batman Forever movie was not well-received, but it featured Jim Carrey as the Riddler, and the glass cups were a popular promotional item (12m32s).
• The Batman movies directed by Joel Schumacher, including Batman Forever and the one with Mr. Freeze, were campy and over-the-top, but can be enjoyed for their fun and comic book-like style (13m11s).
• The shift in tone from the darker, Tim Burton-directed Batman movies to the more campy Schumacher movies was not well-received at the time, but can be appreciated now for their entertainment value (13m18s).
• The older Batman movies, including the ones with Adam West, are also memorable for their campy style and over-the-top performances (14m15s).

Adam West and Condoms

• Adam West, the actor who played Batman, was known for his notorious behavior and was believed to have had relationships with men, with some speculation about the length of his genitalia (14m21s).
• West refused to shave his mustache for the Batman TV show, so the producers just painted it over, showing how little they cared about the show (15m13s).
• Adam West and Burgess Meredith, who played the Penguin, were known to be womanizers and had many relationships during their time (15m34s).
• The use of condoms dates back centuries, but they became more popular in the 18th century despite opposition from the church, which considered them unnatural (16m12s).
• The church opposed condoms because they believed the purpose of life was procreation, and the use of condoms went against that (16m32s).
• The idea of Mother Nature wanting humans to use condoms to prevent overpopulation and harm to the environment is discussed, with the suggestion that humans may have been doing harm to the planet, leading to the need for condoms (17m1s).
• Condoms were sold in pubs, theaters, and barber shops in the 19th century, with the marketing strategy of making them available in places where men would likely need them (17m43s).

Condom History and Personal Anecdotes

• A conversation about condoms and their history began with a humorous anecdote about sharing a condom, with the importance of not using the "first nut of the day" due to the condom's limited capacity of about seven PSI (18m46s).
• In the 19th century, rubber condoms became popular, but their use was mainly limited to the upper class due to a lack of sexual education in the working class (19m0s).
• The working class, including people working in shoe factories and cobblers, did not have access to condoms, which led to a lack of understanding of their usefulness and resulted in working-class women having children earlier (19m39s).
• This lack of access to condoms was beneficial to the upper class, as it kept the working class in poverty and provided a steady supply of disposable workers (20m12s).

Condoms, Birth Control, and Adam West

• Condoms became a popular birth control method in the 1950s and 1960s, with 42% of Americans of reproductive age using them for birth control between 1955 and 1965 (20m35s).
• The conversation also touched on the topic of Adam West, the actor who played Batman, and his alleged promiscuous behavior, including a story about a night with eight women (21m13s).

Batman, Movie Making, and Sex Scenes

• Batman uses a "dick light" to shine into his neighbor's apartment, which is actually just the bat light, to get the attention of a woman with large breasts in Gotham City (21m55s).
• In old movies, actors would pretend to go up walls by putting the camera sideways, which is entertaining to watch and something that is needed more in modern entertainment (22m19s).
• There is a love story and a sex scene in a movie written with friends, which was a favorite part to write, and it involves a vigorous tit press between two characters (22m37s).
• The sex scene was written into the movie because it seemed like a fun scene to include, and it was influenced by past acting classes where scenes with possible making out were often chosen (22m43s).
• The sex scene in the movie is wild and features an intimacy coordinator, who is responsible for making sure the actors are comfortable during nude scenes (24m1s).
• The intimacy coordinator's job includes putting a rubber triangle or a plastic thong over the actor's genitals to maintain modesty during nude scenes, which can be an awkward and uncomfortable experience (24m11s).
• During the filming of the sex scene, the actor was nervous and had to be taped to a device to maintain modesty, which was an uncomfortable experience, especially with the intimacy coordinator having to adjust the device throughout the day (24m54s).

Film Production and Budget

• The film's production involved a lot of physical comedy, including running and acrobatics, with the goal of leaving everything out there and making the most of the opportunity to make a movie. (26m1s)
• The budget for the film was $750,000, which started at $200,000 and increased as the production company, Dark Sky Films, got on board and allowed for more creative freedom. (26m42s)
• Working with Dark Sky Films was a positive experience, as they were open to taking risks and allowed the filmmakers to push the boundaries of what they could do with the budget. (27m2s)
• One of the key lessons learned from the experience was that there is a limit to how much can be spent on a film before everything becomes more expensive and union regulations come into play. (27m30s)
• The filmmakers had to be mindful of this limit and work within it to avoid having to pay actors and crew members more, which would have increased costs and potentially led to financial losses. (27m54s)
• The experience was not just about the financial costs, but also the time and personal sacrifices made, including canceling dates and taking time off from other work. (28m5s)
• Despite the potential financial losses, the experience was worth it, and the goal is to promote the film and make the most of the opportunity. (28m15s)
• Making a movie is not as glamorous as it seems, with tight schedules and limited budgets, and sometimes even involves putting animals down if they don't perform as required, due to union rules and cost-cutting measures (28m19s).
• Despite the challenges, some creators are taking matters into their own hands and making their own films, which can be a more artistic and fulfilling experience, with the only limitation being the budget (29m23s).
• Having creative control allows for more freedom to make the movie as desired, without interference from others, and can result in a more personal and unique project (29m50s).

Genitalia and Artistic Sacrifices

• The movie being discussed is about a fat guy and features some nudity, but the actor's real genitals were not allowed to be shown, which was a point of contention for him (30m4s).
• The actor has a high opinion of his own genitalia, particularly his testicles, which he compares to Michael Phelps' lungs in terms of their size and capacity (30m20s).
• In contrast, he is not as proud of his penis, which he describes as small and unimpressive, likening it to a cat's nose or a burn victim's nose (30m47s).
• The actor's penis is also described as being very active and attention-seeking, even at night, and is compared to a cat that won't let you sleep (31m23s).
• The artistic sacrifices made in movie production can be significant, including showing one's real body parts, which can be a problem for some individuals (31m51s).
• Michael Phelps, the famous swimmer, is speculated to have small genitalia due to his large body size, but this is not confirmed (32m1s).
• The size of a person's genitalia does not necessarily correlate with their body size or weight, as fat men may experience an increase in breast size but not in genital size (32m49s).
• The speaker believes that having smaller genitalia might be beneficial for swimmers, as it would reduce drag in the water (33m25s).

Movie Availability and Ryan Gosling Critique

• The idea of "Roy Jones Junior Mints" is proposed as a humorous concept for a breath mint product (33m29s).
• The movie mentioned is now available for people to watch, and the speaker encourages support for creative projects outside of the traditional system (33m46s).
• Some big-budget movies can be disappointing, and the speaker mentions a specific movie starring Ryan Gosling that they did not enjoy (34m12s).

Cinematography and Visual Storytelling

• The speaker criticizes the cinematography of modern movies, which often feature tight close-ups that leave little to the imagination and can be boring to watch (34m36s).
• The speaker believes that the lack of imagination required to watch these movies can lead to a loss of interest and engagement (35m7s).
• The speaker also criticizes the way comedies are shot, with too much focus on tight close-ups and not enough attention to body language and other non-verbal cues (35m14s).
• Making a movie involves more than just writing and jokes, as it is a visual medium that requires interesting pictures strung together to create a cohesive and engaging story (35m22s).
• The visuals in a movie can greatly impact the overall experience and can even be used to create humor, such as using facial expressions or body language to get a laugh (35m43s).
• Learning about the visual aspects of filmmaking has been a valuable experience, and it's interesting to see how cinematographers can make a scene more interesting by adding unique elements (35m50s).
• The process of making a movie is a learning experience, and it's exciting to figure out new ways to be funny and create an engaging story (36m19s).
• The most engaging time in life was when learning how to do comedy, and making a movie has provided a similar feeling of excitement and discovery (36m43s).

Personal Reflections and Sponsors

• The speaker is a recovering Greek and has a humorous take on their heritage (36m59s).
• The speaker enjoys wearing Tommy John's underwear, specifically the nighttime Underpants, which they find comfortable and smooth (37m17s).
• Tommy John's is offering a 30% off sale for listeners, which can be accessed by using the code "Theo" on their website (38m6s).
• Blue Chew is an online service that delivers active ingredients to help men have longer-lasting and stronger erections, allowing them to perform at their best (38m42s).
• Bluechew is a sponsor of the podcast, offering a special deal for listeners to try their product for free with a promo code, with the goal of helping men have the confidence to perform at their best (39m13s).

Calendar Venture and Collaboration

• An annual calendar is available, featuring the person in various poses, with some images being real and others being the work of producer Benjamin "Benny" O'Riordan (40m1s).
• The calendar has been a successful venture, with the person having done it for around nine years, initially printing and selling them personally, and now making a significant amount of money from it (41m35s).
• The idea of featuring other men in the calendar has been considered, with the possibility of creating a collaborative calendar showcasing a diversity of body types (42m40s).
• Chelsea Lynn also has a calendar, and the person mentions that they used to sell their own calendar out of their car and at comedy shows, with the headliner sometimes getting upset about the feature act selling merchandise (41m15s).
• The calendar features various themes, including Halloween, and contains Easter eggs and hidden details, such as books on a bookshelf (40m50s).
• The person's calendar is available for purchase, with the 2025 edition already out and featuring images of the person in different poses and settings (40m5s).
• Every month, there's a guest that's a different type of person, including men, women, non-binary individuals, and people with different body types, such as Sagittarius, barbecue lovers, centaurs, and those with short legs, who tend to live longer than taller people (43m2s).

Body Image and Union Workers

• The idea is to keep the conversation light and not focus on obesity metrics, instead taking wins where possible and enjoying the moment (43m41s).
• Some people view being overweight as having a good foundation, making it harder to be knocked over in the wind, and it would be cool to have union workers on the show, laying them down with grapes on their chest (43m55s).
• Showing hard-edged union workers the benefits of being overweight could make them trade in their lifestyle in a heartbeat, and setting up a situation where people can connect with others who appreciate their style could be a good idea (44m16s).
• There are women and older ladies who are attracted to certain styles of guys, and it's not possible to respond to all of them, so finding a way to connect them with others who appreciate their style could be a solution (44m54s).
• In this case, finding rubenesque union workers or guys who run rehabs could be a good match, and there are also "Theo Style Gentleman" who are neighbors of farmers but don't do any farming themselves (45m5s).

Dating Show Concept and Casual Sex

• The idea is to hand off some of the DMs to people who would appreciate them, creating love connections, and a dating site or show could be a good way to do this (45m46s).
• Hosting a dating show could be a good idea, and it could even be a romantic comedy where the host finds love, which is a concept that has been discussed before as a reason for getting into comedy (46m1s).
• The discussion revolves around the idea of casual sex and the importance of using protection, with the mention of regional dangers of STDs in certain parts of the country (46m25s).
• The conversation also touches on the idea of having children and the responsibilities that come with it, joking about the consequences of having a child in a place like the "bus belt" (46m50s).
• The topic of airline layovers is also brought up, with a humorous anecdote about JetBlue not offering direct flights to certain destinations, potentially affecting visitation rights for fathers (47m6s).

Health, Weight, and Music

• The conversation shifts to the topic of physical health, with the mention of "glazing" and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle (47m30s).
• The idea of "filling the manati" is also discussed, with the speaker joking about the concept of "creaming the canoli" (47m44s).
• The conversation then turns to the topic of long-term health, with the speaker mentioning their own struggles with weight loss and gain, having lost 45 pounds but then gaining 10 pounds back (48m24s).
• The speaker also talks about their workout routine, mentioning that they have been lifting weights and feeling better, and even biked from Queens to the current location (49m4s).
• The importance of music in workouts is also discussed, with the speaker mentioning that listening to "sexy" music, such as the artist City Girls, helps them get in the right mindset (49m16s).
• A song can be interpreted as an anthem for people to get ready and go out, with the lyrics encouraging them to put on their best appearance and take advantage of opportunities, whether it's for men or women (49m48s).

Life Advice and Physical Comedy

• Sometimes, people need to be told to leave a place or situation when they're not doing well, and this can be done in a humorous or sarcastic way, like yelling at guys in a bar bathroom to get back out there and try again (50m11s).
• Physical comedy and slapping people to bring them back to reality is not a common practice anymore, but it might have been effective in simpler times (50m48s).
• In the past, people might have dealt with mental issues differently, and it's not clear if it was better or worse, as there wasn't accurate reporting (51m35s).

Break from Stand-Up and Dreamboat Tour

• Taking a year off from stand-up comedy was a peaceful experience, allowing for long walks, practicing mindfulness, and enjoying simple things like grocery shopping (51m41s).
• During this time, daily activities like going to the supermarket became a form of entertainment, and it was enjoyable to take time to appreciate the little things in life (52m10s).
• The experience of taking time off from stand-up comedy was a beautiful and simple life, but it also made it clear that doing too many shows can be overwhelming (52m57s).
• The lesson learned from taking time off is to not overdo it and to find a balance in life and work (53m3s).
• The Dreamboat tour is being planned, which will be a big tour across the country, but not literally on a sailboat, rather a metaphorical name for the tour (53m27s).
• Chartering a sailboat to travel to shows would be an awesome idea, but not a practical one, and it would be a challenge to navigate through rough seas, like the gales of November (53m40s).

Greeks, Arabs, and Cultural Influences

• Some people say that Greeks are the "blacks of Europe," but it's unclear who exactly says this, and it's a topic of conversation that comes up often (54m15s).
• The idea that Greeks are the "blacks of Europe" might be due to the fact that ancient Greece was a cultural driver of Europe, and many European countries, including England, have been influenced by Greek culture (55m2s).
• Ancient Greece is often credited with being the birthplace of democracy, which is similar to the cultural significance of hip-hop in America, and many ideas and philosophies have been taken from ancient Greece and other cultures, including black people (55m17s).
• The Roman Empire took many ideas and philosophies from ancient Greece, and it's possible that the concept of democracy was influenced by African cultures, but this is not a widely accepted idea (55m34s).
• Greeks are often considered to be light-skinned Arabs, and they share many cultural similarities with Arabs, including being loud, flashy, and touchy-feely (56m16s).
• The idea that ancient Greeks were white is a misconception, and it's possible that this idea was perpetuated by the British, who were influenced by ancient Greek culture and wanted to make them seem more relatable (56m35s).
• Greeks and Arabs share many cultural similarities, including a love of food, jewelry, and warm, intense relationships (56m51s).
• Grapes and dates are popular foods in both Greek and Middle Eastern cultures, and they are often associated with warm, intense relationships (57m5s).

Women, "Boner Pills," and Viagra Stories

• A style of woman with curly hair and a big nose is mentioned as being attractive, with examples given of women from Spain, the Middle East, and Greece (57m14s).
• A personal anecdote is shared about meeting a beautiful Greek girl in Florida, taking "Wier pills" or "Rhino" pills, and experiencing a nosebleed while trying to make out with her (57m22s).
• The conversation touches on the topic of "boner pills" and how they were previously available at gas stations, but can now be easily obtained online (58m47s).
• A story is shared about convincing an old Italian doctor to prescribe "dick pills" by claiming to have a prostate issue, despite the doctor realizing the true intention (59m9s).
• The doctor eventually prescribes the pills, but warns not to take any more, and the experience is described as a "holy grail" moment (59m51s).
• A separate anecdote is shared about living with a friend's dad in college, who had a Viagra prescription, and taking turns sleeping on the couch or bed, with the opportunity to steal some of the pills (1h0m21s).
• A story is shared about making a single 100mg Viagra pill last for 12 weeks by taking only a small lick of it each time, with the pill being shared between two people, and this is compared to making a can of oil last for 64 days during Passover (1h0m59s).

Living with Friend's Dad and Guitar Playing

• The person lived with their friend's father for six months, during which time they learned to play the guitar and would often play songs in the living room, including "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton, which is about the death of his son (1h1m58s).
• Eric Clapton's son died after falling out of a window, and the song "Tears in Heaven" is a tragic one (1h2m15s).
• Eric Clapton is still alive (1h2m34s).
• The friend's father would sometimes have women stay over, and the person would play sad songs on the guitar, including "Tears in Heaven" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" (1h3m28s).
• The person's guitar playing was not very good, and they would often play poorly, but it was still enjoyable (1h3m47s).
• The living situation was interesting, with the friend's father taking Viagra and the person having sexual issues, creating a dynamic situation (1h4m1s).

Mitsubishi Eclipse and Unusual Living Situations

• The friend's father's son had a Mitsubishi Eclipse car that wouldn't turn off, so they would keep extra cans of gas in the underground parking space to keep the car running (1h4m22s).
• A car with a unique feature of idling for a long time without turning off was described, allowing the owner to park in weird spots without raising suspicion, and it was noted that people would think the owner was just coming and going due to the car still running (1h5m29s).
• The car was a Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the owner would often keep it running for up to two hours while they were in class, which was seen as a flex to others, making them think the owner had a chauffeur (1h5m52s).
• The owner mentioned that no one stole the car, possibly due to its unusual appearance, and sometimes they would put a flash on it, which might have been a form of reverse psychology (1h6m22s).
• A person was described as a 52-year-old man who was handsome, good at tennis, and could wear short shorts, and was also a vodka and orange juice drinker in the morning (1h6m40s).
• This man was a divorced father who had gotten custody of his son and was also taking care of the narrator, who was the son's adult friend, and was described as a foundational, plus-size guy (1h6m47s).
• The narrator mentioned that they had lived in unusual and cheap living situations, including sleeping under a friend's bed for 7 months in Los Angeles and living in a small cupboard in a living room (1h7m49s).
• The narrator also shared a story about sleeping on a friend's floor in college for $150 and yelling at the friend to complain, but the friend needed the money (1h8m26s).
• The narrator convinced friends to give them a room in their house, which was described as a shitty room (1h8m41s).
• Living in Baltimore, rent was $300 per month for a room, with a go-to meal of baked beans and eggs on a single sheet to avoid doing dishes (1h8m43s).

Baltimore Living and BetterHelp Sponsor

• Living in Baltimore, rent was $300 per month for a room, with a go-to meal of baked beans and eggs on a single sheet to avoid doing dishes (1h8m43s).
• A humorous anecdote about hanging items, including condoms, on a clothesline to show the neighbors they were "fully operational" (1h9m10s).
• An episode sponsor, BetterHelp, is introduced as a convenient and flexible online therapy platform that matches users with licensed therapists (1h9m21s).
• BetterHelp is described as a helpful resource for when one's mental health is uncertain, likening it to having a bad wheel on a carriage that needs to be addressed (1h9m45s).
• The process of using BetterHelp is outlined, including filling out a questionnaire to get matched with a therapist and the ability to switch therapists at any time (1h10m16s).
• A promo code is offered for 10% off the first month of BetterHelp (1h10m29s).

Zocdoc Sponsor and Mark Wahlberg's Restaurant

• Another sponsor, Zocdoc, is introduced as a free app and website for searching and comparing high-quality in-network doctors and booking appointments (1h10m58s).
• Zocdoc is described as a convenient way to find and book appointments with over 100,000 healthcare providers across various specialties (1h11m14s).
• The benefits of using Zocdoc are highlighted, including fast appointment booking and the ability to score same-day appointments (1h11m36s).
• A news story is shared about Mark Wahlberg's new restaurant, Fletcha Cantina, burning down on its opening day in Las Vegas (1h12m16s).

Fletcher's Cantina and Celebrity Tequila

• A discussion about Fletcher's new business venture, Fletcher's Cantina, which seems unusual and unappealing, possibly due to the name sounding like "flesh" (1h13m0s).
• The idea of Fletcher's Cantina is compared to a Greek tradition of setting cheese on fire, known as saganaki, and the possibility of it being a flambé dish (1h13m26s).
• Fletcher's past endeavors, including an alcohol-free period followed by the release of his own tequila, are mentioned as interesting and possibly just a business move (1h13m58s).
• The trend of celebrities releasing their own tequilas is discussed, with George Clooney being mentioned as an example (1h14m9s).
• A personal anecdote about meeting Mark Wahlberg in Toronto, where he pretended to have a gun and invited the person to his tequila opening, is shared (1h14m20s).

Mark Wahlberg's Routine and Long Showers

• Mark Wahlberg's daily routine, which includes waking up at 2:30 a.m. for prayer, a 3:15 a.m. breakfast, and a 3:40-5:15 workout, is discussed and found to be impressive but possibly insane (1h15m51s).
• The length of Mark Wahlberg's workout and post-workout meal schedule is highlighted, with a 1.5-hour shower being questioned as unrealistic (1h16m11s).
• Taking an hour and a half shower is often a sign of being hungover, and during that time, one might spend 45 minutes convincing themselves not to take pills or engage in other self-destructive behaviors (1h16m33s).
• The long showers are not about reflecting on one's life or spirituality but rather about avoiding negative impulses, such as purchasing a prostitute or using one's phone to engage in self-destructive activities (1h17m3s).

Restaurants, Hate Crimes, and Indian Cuisine

• Opening a restaurant can be a challenging experience, especially on the first day when everything is still being figured out (1h17m41s).
• Growing up, there were instances of hate crimes in the neighborhood, including an incident where someone tried to burn down an Indian-owned mini-mart after 9/11, mistakenly thinking the owner was Osama Bin Laden (1h17m51s).
• The owner of the mini-mart was actually a kind and gentle man who also worked as a librarian (1h18m19s).
• A visit to a nice Indian restaurant called Bungalow, where the chef, Vos, allowed them to sit at the chef's table, was a fascinating experience that provided insight into Indian cuisine and culture (1h18m32s).
• Many Indian people prefer to cook at home and often believe that their cooking is better than what they can find in restaurants (1h19m1s).
• Traditional Indian cooking is highly valued, and many people prefer homemade meals to restaurant food (1h19m13s).

Indian Cuisine and British Influence

• The British Empire's colonization of India had one positive outcome: the introduction of Indian cuisine to England, which has become a popular and integral part of British food culture (1h20m2s).

Hypothetical Sumo Wrestler Movie

• A hypothetical scenario is discussed where someone with Greek and Mediterranean blood could get a tan and be mistaken for an Indian, leading to them being signed up as the first Indian sumo wrestler (1h20m57s).
• Hatal Dave, India's first female sumo wrestler, is mentioned as someone who is defying odds and empowering women in India (1h21m7s).
• A movie idea is proposed where someone could play the role of the first Indian sumo wrestler, and Hatal Dave could be a potential love interest (1h21m11s).
• The possibility of romance between the protagonist and Hatal Dave is discussed, with a hesitant yes given as a response (1h21m31s).
• A potential movie plot is discussed, with the possibility of sparks flying on set between the protagonist and Hatal Dave (1h21m45s).

Election, "Tires" TV Show, and Acting

• The topic of the election is brought up, and it is mentioned that the energy in New York was not felt, with a sense of relief that it is over (1h22m29s).
• The filming of a TV show, "Tires," is discussed, with the second season being mentioned as potentially great, despite the set remaining the same (1h22m52s).
• The first season of "Tires" is mentioned as being a fun experience, with no scripts and a small initial role that was expanded due to the enjoyment of the cast (1h23m1s).
• The show "Tires" is described as initially being thought of as a YouTube series, with a fun and collaborative atmosphere among the cast (1h23m17s).
• A TV show was shot over several weeks, with a couple of days of re-shoots, and it became a top 10 show on Netflix for two weeks (1h23m40s).
• The show has a real writers' room and a crew that went over the scripts, and it features a bunch of cool actors (1h23m59s).
• The character played is the middle manager of a family tire shop, who is not part of the family and is portrayed as a horny idiot (1h24m20s).
• The role was challenging to get into, but the show is expected to be good, and the crew is awesome (1h24m38s).
• The show is mostly shot handheld, with some steady shots, and it features a girl who is very good in her role (1h24m50s).
• The show's lead, Steve Gerber, is a great actor, and the director, McKever, is also very good (1h25m10s).

The "Tires" Show and its Realism

• The show features a crew that includes friends of the lead actor, Shane, who brought them along in a similar way to Adam Sandler (1h25m3s).
• The show is set in a tire shop, and it features characters who behave realistically, including some misogynistic behavior (1h25m35s).
• The show's portrayal of reality is defended, with the argument that people want art to reflect life, and that the characters' behavior is realistic for a tire shop setting (1h26m29s).
• The show's humor is praised, and it is compared to the humor of contractors and other working-class individuals (1h26m53s).

Family Businesses and Greek Diners

• Family-owned businesses, such as tire shops and diners, can be compared to the Wild West due to the lack of oversight, allowing for a more relaxed and often unfiltered environment (1h27m22s).
• Working in a Greek diner can be challenging, especially for teenagers, due to the potential for harassment and unprofessional behavior from coworkers or management (1h27m47s).
• The quality of food in certain restaurants may be compromised due to the personal habits or behavior of the cooks, but the food may still be enjoyable (1h28m10s).
• Lamb chops are considered a good cut of meat, and some restaurants may serve high-quality lamb chops despite potential food safety concerns (1h28m31s).

Baltimore Ravens and Pope Francis

• Being a staple of a favorite football team, such as the Baltimore Ravens, can be an exciting experience, especially when performing at their stadium or meeting players (1h29m1s).
• The Ravens have featured a comedian on their Jumbotron, and they have an official Instagram account where they post content, including a video of the comedian wearing a helmet (1h29m45s).
• The Saints have a unique situation where Pope Francis keeps accidentally tweeting about the New Orleans Saints (1h30m21s).
• The comedian is a fan of the Saints but has been disappointed with their performance in recent years (1h30m29s).
• The Pope's tweet about the Saints did not help them win against the Carolina Panthers, leading to the question of whether the Catholic God is real (1h30m45s).
• A suggestion was made to have a competition where different religions tweet about a team, and the team that wins would prove which religion is right (1h31m28s).

Religion, Witches, and Voodoo

• A story was shared about a person who met a Wiccan girl on the beach in Destin, Florida, and she did not perform any chants or enchantments, but rather just talked about her beliefs (1h32m2s).
• The person did not get the girl pregnant, and instead chose to drink wine, specifically a bottle of Zinfandel (1h32m15s).
• A question was asked about encountering witches or Voodoo in New Orleans, and a story was shared about stealing money from an altar in the French Quarter (1h33m16s).
• The person who stole the money used it to buy peanut butter M&M's and experienced bad luck for seven months, but after putting twice as much money back, their luck changed (1h33m30s).
• The person grew up in an area with a lot of Protestant snake handlers (1h33m56s).
• The altar where the money was stolen was located on the edge of the French Quarter (1h34m4s).
• Greek people have a tradition of creating a little altar for past loved ones, which is similar to a pagan ritual and not part of Christianity, and it's interesting to consider if more time should be spent communicating with the deceased (1h34m12s).

Coco, Family Traditions, and Hallucinogens

• Mexicans have a tradition of letting deceased family members come back for one last celebration, as depicted in the movie Coco, which is about dealing with generational trauma and communicating with the dead (1h34m50s).
• The movie Coco had a profound impact, as it made one person think about their dead grandparents and whether they would be proud of them, and it's a story about family and dealing with trauma (1h36m40s).
• A tradition was shared among brothers where they would take hallucinogens and watch big action movies, such as Star Wars, on Christmas, but one year they ended up watching Coco instead of Aquaman, which led to a deep emotional experience (1h35m32s).
• After watching Coco, one person was sobbing and their brother tried to calm them down by putting on Thor: Ragnarok, and later softcore pornography with huge-breasted women, which was a humorous attempt to comfort them (1h37m9s).

Wendy Weaf Foot, Acid, and Waffle House

• Wendy Weaf Foot is a nature-based animation series on YouTube that features children in nature, which might be a calming watch for some people (1h37m31s).
• Acid is a wild substance that can completely change one's experience of the world, making users react intensely to various stimuli (1h38m4s).
• Watching Avatar on acid led to an intense emotional reaction, including crying, due to the movie's affecting storyline (1h38m31s).
• Military homecoming videos can also evoke strong emotions, especially when watched around the holidays (1h39m14s).
• A past experience of being on mushrooms and acid at the movies led to a reaction to the character Babu Frik from Star Wars, with excessive laughter and a mistaken assumption by others that the person had special needs (1h39m38s).
• A memorable experience on acid involved going to a Waffle House at 4:30 in the morning, where the group encountered a gay black waiter, which was a new and exciting experience for them at the time (1h40m50s).
• A story is shared about a time when a group of friends were high on hallucinogenics or LSD at a breakfast place, which was the only spot open with lights where young people could hang out without issues as long as they were buying food (1h41m18s).
• One of the friends started laughing so hard that he began choking, prompting a strong but small breakfast server, who was described as having a flamboyant personality, to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him (1h41m48s).
• The server was described as having a strong posture, a way of talking with flair, and an overall fun attitude, which was appreciated for saving the friend's life (1h42m20s).

SNL, Bill Burr, and North Korea

• A visit to Saturday Night Live (SNL) is mentioned, where Bur and Bill Burr were seen, and it was noted that being on the show would be a cool experience, but also a hard job with a lot of stress and pressure to constantly perform (1h42m51s).
• The idea of being one's own boss is discussed, with the conclusion that it's better to have control over one's work and schedule, rather than being an employee, even if it's a cool job like being on SNL (1h43m29s).
• A personal anecdote about playing music in the dark is shared, highlighting the challenge and the benefit of developing a more intuitive understanding of the fretboard (1h44m29s).
• Bill Burr is mentioned as someone who dropped into a lot of characters during the SNL visit (1h44m41s).
• The acting part of a show, likely Saturday Night Live (SNL), was well done, with the actor committing to the characters and making the cheesy parts work (1h44m45s).
• The show's after-party was interesting, with limos lined up to take the cast and crew to the event, which was described as a "show of force" (1h45m12s).
• The idea of North Korea having a strict control over its soldiers' access to the internet was discussed, and how some soldiers in Russia have gained access to the internet and are now watching pornography (1h45m53s).
• The article from Ukrainian World Congress.org reported that North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have never had unfettered access to the internet before and are now "gorging" on pornography (1h46m24s).
• It was speculated that the soldiers sent to Russia might not be the best, but rather expendable, and that Kim Jong-un might be trying to get rid of them (1h46m52s).

Kim Jong-un, Pornography, and Calves

• The fashion sense of Kim Jong-un was praised, with his outfit being described as great, and his leather jacket being particularly notable (1h47m8s).
• It was mentioned that Kim Jong-un gets massages and facials every day, which was seen as an interesting and luxurious lifestyle (1h47m28s).
• The physical effects of watching a large amount of pornography were humorously discussed, with the idea that all non-essential blood is redirected to the genitals (1h48m10s).
• A person used to tie their legs off during tests at school to keep blood flowing to their brain, which they believed helped them think and resulted in being a pretty good student (1h48m20s).
• They mention their leg skin used to look nice, but not as much nowadays, although they think they could improve it by going to the gym for a couple of weeks (1h48m41s).
• The person jokes about having thick calves, but being too milky white, and compares their calf muscles to "Force Five walls" that could provide shelter (1h49m10s).

Goat Seizure, Politics, and the Supreme Court

• A news story is mentioned about an 11-year-old girl who won a $300,000 settlement after police seized her goat, which was later slaughtered, with the reason for the seizure and slaughter being unclear (1h49m34s).
• The person expresses sympathy for the girl and criticizes the police for taking and killing the goat without a clear reason, comparing it to other instances of police overstepping their authority and killing animals (1h50m21s).
• The conversation shifts to the topic of the world and current events, with the person expressing uncertainty and concern about the state of the world, particularly with regards to the upcoming election and people's fears about Donald Trump (1h51m6s).
• The person shares their own perspective on the election, stating that they did not support either candidate and found it difficult to understand why people were enthusiastic about either one, and specifically expresses concern about Trump being "dangerous" (1h51m30s).
• The Supreme Court's potential shift to far-right control is a major concern, as it could lead to the erosion of women's rights, particularly regarding abortion and access to healthcare, with states that have banned abortion already experiencing a decline in general OBGYN care due to increased risks for doctors (1h51m45s).

Abortion, Politics, and Wealth Inequality

• The issue of abortion is closely tied to women's healthcare, and restricting access to it can have far-reaching consequences, including making it harder for women to receive general healthcare in rural states (1h52m20s).
• The claim that open borders allow rapists into the country is used as an argument against repealing abortion restrictions, but it is pointed out that the US also has "homegrown rapists" and that the issue is more complex than just blaming immigration (1h52m35s).
• The potential reversal of progress on issues like gay marriage is also a concern, as it is seen as a step backwards for social progress (1h53m10s).
• The influence of big business and wealthy individuals on politics is a major issue, as they tend to support politicians who will help them transfer wealth from the poor to the rich (1h53m26s).
• The Democratic party's failure to acknowledge and address issues like inflation and price gouging is seen as a major reason for their losses, as they are perceived as being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people (1h53m52s).
• The party's focus on cultural issues and its tendency to "tattle" on people for saying the wrong thing is seen as a distraction from more important issues and a turn-off for many voters (1h54m57s).
• The Democratic party's shift towards targeting moderate Republicans and focusing on policy issues that are not relevant to working-class people is seen as a mistake, as it alienates potential supporters and fails to address the economic concerns of many Americans (1h54m45s).
• The most pressing issues for people include lack of healthcare, wage inequality, and the impact of AI on jobs, with companies making more money from AI while cutting employee hours and not providing better lives for workers (1h55m12s).
• Bernie Sanders suggested that if AI increases company profits, some of that money should go to employees instead of just cutting their hours and keeping all the profits (1h55m25s).
• AI should be a tool to make normal people's lives easier, not just for rich people to charge less, and there should be protections for workers (1h55m52s).

AI, Taxes, and Gay Rights

• The issue of AI and its impact on jobs is not being addressed, and instead, politicians are focusing on divisive culture war issues, trying to divide people who should be on the same side (1h56m43s).
• Some people mistakenly believe they will become billionaires and oppose taxes, not realizing they are not in the same economic bracket as the wealthy (1h57m7s).
• Raising taxes on the richest people could provide healthcare and other benefits to those in need (1h57m29s).
• The Supreme Court being taken over by ideologically right-wing justices is a concern, as it could lead to the rollback of fundamental rights and progress, including gay and women's rights (1h57m41s).
• The idea of gay people having to "come out" again and get married is mentioned, with a humorous tone suggesting that it's hard work to be gay, especially back in the day, and that some people put a lot of effort into it (1h58m41s).

Gay Roommate and Donald Trump

• A story is shared about a gay roommate who was a figure skater, had a defined jawline, and could jump over a Toyota, doing tricks like the axle and spin (1h59m16s).
• The roommate was met while shopping for firewood in Los Angeles, and he was doing tricks in the parking lot, which was impressive but also a bit concerning for the car (1h59m37s).
• Donald Trump is mentioned as someone who loves the attention and being in the spotlight, and that he's impressive for a 78-year-old man, especially when it comes to his energy and ability to perform (2h0m19s).
• Trump's love for being in front of a crowd and riffing is highlighted, and it's suggested that he prefers this to being in meetings or talking about stats and numbers (2h0m43s).
• Suzanne Somers is mentioned as one of the funniest guys, and it's noted that Trump's humor is part of what makes him entertaining, even if what he says is sometimes insane (2h1m21s).
• Trump is described as a New York guy who happens to be straight, but has a personality that might be perceived as gay (2h1m50s).
• A person's mannerisms and behavior are being described, with the observation that he seems like a gay guy from Queens, although it's noted that this doesn't necessarily mean he's gay, just that he has gay mannerisms (2h1m56s).
• The person being described is also associated with a group called "Gays for Trump," and a humorous comparison is made to "Squirrels for Trump" (2h2m24s).

Nicki Jam, Politics, and Joe Biden

• A story is shared about a person who brought up Nicki Jam, thinking it was a woman, when in fact Nicki Jam is a man, specifically a dude from Instagram with a mouth full of gold (2h2m50s).
• The conversation shifts to politics, with the opinion expressed that the president doesn't have that much power, and that the Supreme Court plays a significant role (2h3m25s).
• The person speaking expresses that they don't believe the government will significantly affect their life, and that they agree with the idea that the president's power is limited (2h3m22s).
• The Democratic party is criticized for not running a coherent campaign, and the speaker expresses that their politics are further left, with Bernie being the only candidate they liked due to his perceived integrity (2h3m42s).
• Donald Trump is described as a rich guy who grew up rich, and is compared to a class president, with the opinion that he's not different from other politicians, but rather a billionaire propped up by other billionaires (2h3m55s).
• The speaker expresses that they have class issues and don't trust super-rich guys, and that they don't see how Trump will do anything different (2h4m10s).
• The idea that Trump is a shaking-up force is questioned, with the observation that he's already been president and isn't new to the scene (2h4m42s).
• The speaker criticizes Joe Biden, saying that he's been having ice cream for six months and hasn't done anything, which is why they lost faith in the Democratic party (2h5m3s).

Political Candidates and Remixes

• A person is being deceived by their family members, who are pretending that he is the mayor of Wisconsin and giving him unlimited ice cream and milk, which is seen as a huge mistake (2h5m16s).
• The decision to run a particular candidate again is considered a bizarre mistake, as it would have been better to have an open primary where people could vote on the issues they care about (2h5m57s).
• The candidate in question is compared to a musician who releases only remixes and no new music, which is seen as unimpressive (2h6m25s).
• The candidate's attempts to appeal to black voters with a mixtape were unsuccessful, and their diss tracks did not resonate with people (2h6m34s).

RFK, JD Vance, and Obama

• RFK and JD Vance are mentioned as potential candidates, with JD Vance being described as a traditional politician who will say whatever it takes to get elected (2h6m49s).
• JD Vance is criticized for being a venture capitalist and for initially expressing dislike for Trump before changing his stance when it became politically advantageous (2h7m7s).
• The politician is seen as untrustworthy and willing to say anything to gain power, and is compared to a typical Republican who will do whatever it takes to get elected (2h7m24s).
• The speaker expresses disappointment with politicians in general, stating that they are often unexciting and untrustworthy, with the exception of Obama, who was initially seen as a promising candidate but ultimately did not live up to expectations (2h7m51s).
• Obama is described as inexperienced, which contributed to his inability to effectively work with the Senate and pass meaningful healthcare reform (2h8m10s).

Politics, Bernie Sanders, and Medical Debt

• The discussion revolves around politics, with a mention of Bernie Sanders being a unifying figure due to his focus on real issues and economic equality rather than cultural differences (2h8m50s).
• The idea is that people agree on many issues, such as wanting to be able to afford a house, healthcare, and not struggling financially due to medical debt (2h9m52s).
• Medical debt is highlighted as the number one cause of bankruptcy in America, with the system being described as a "money laundering scam" (2h10m23s).
• There is a sense of frustration with the current system, with some people believing that revolution is the only way to bring about change (2h10m55s).
• The conversation also touches on the idea of blaming Tony for a hypothetical failed revolution, with the humor in being able to mock him for the rest of his life (2h11m13s).
• The Supreme Court is mentioned as a point of contention, with the regret of not being able to mock Tony about it being a significant aspect (2h11m27s).

Vance, Thiel, and Japanese Sidewalks

• Vance is mentioned as a seemingly nice guy, but with backers that may influence his decisions, raising questions about whether things would be different with certain politicians (2h9m0s).
• Peter Thiel is mentioned as the person who got Vance into office, highlighting the role of backers in politics (2h9m5s).
• Japan has sidewalks that turn footsteps into electricity, powering buildings, which is a cool and useful innovation (2h11m49s).

US Infrastructure and Homeless Solutions

• The US has poor infrastructure, including trains that don't work, and high-speed rail is needed (2h12m1s).
• A recent incident occurred where a train was robbed by people on horseback, highlighting the country's problems (2h12m6s).
• Visiting the Post Office can be frustrating, with slow service and disorganization (2h12m18s).
• Homeless people could be given a chance to earn electricity by walking on special floors, which could power places like Jamba Juice, providing them with exercise and a free smoothie (2h12m41s).
• Instead of creating nonprofits that cost more than providing homes, the focus should be on building affordable apartment buildings, which has been shown to work (2h13m26s).
• Nonprofits often cost more than providing actual solutions, and the issue of homelessness is often used as a political tool (2h13m36s).
• A humorous solution to homelessness is to sign them up for Southwest miles, giving them a credit card, and allowing them to earn miles and go on vacation (2h13m59s).

Bird Incident, New Movie, and Podcast Appreciation

• A personal anecdote is shared about being hit with a bird, possibly a sparrow or warbler, by someone in Frisco, which was a traumatic experience (2h14m21s).
• A new movie is available on VOD, and a tour called the Dreamboat tour is coming out, with a calendar of dates available (2h14m54s).
• Stavros Halkias enjoys being on the podcast and considers it his favorite, expressing his love for the experience and the host, Theo Von (2h15m6s).
• Stavros Halkias mentions that he will return in December and would love to have Theo Von on his show (2h15m11s).
• Stavros Halkias reveals that he initially didn't know Theo Von was the guy from "Ctown" that he liked, and thinks it's crazy that they met (2h15m15s).
• Stavros Halkias suggests playing some music, specifically "clap D", and offers to play a little guitar (2h15m27s).
• Stavros Halkias jokingly says that Theo Von can get his "dick suck" while he plays the guitar, referencing old times (2h15m30s).

Music and Closing

• Stavros Halkias starts singing a song, mentioning "Cornerstone" and expressing his thoughts and feelings (2h15m41s).