reSee.it Podcast Summary
Theo Von introduces Sal Vulcano, highlighting his upcoming tour dates in Georgia and Florida from June 23rd to 26th, advising fans to purchase tickets only from the official theovonn.com website. Sal Vulcano, known for Impractical Jokers, is also recognized for his podcasts, Hey Babe with Chris Distefano and Taste Buds with Joe DeRosa.
Theo and Sal discuss Sal’s sober lifestyle and his recent move to Florida. They contrast Florida’s smaller comedy scene, centered around Zany’s, with larger markets, noting the limited performance opportunities. They reflect on the pandemic's impact on live comedy, the anxiety of maintaining fresh material while touring, and the importance of consistent stage time. Sal explains the complexities of scheduling tours, often prioritizing larger tours over his own, resulting in a constantly evolving schedule. He shares the stress of pre-sale ticketing for shows still in development, including physical symptoms like chest pains, driven by the pressure to deliver quality performances.
Sal discusses his experiences with medication, including starting Wellbutrin six months prior for anxiety and depression, reporting gradual improvements. He also addresses his ADHD and OCD diagnoses. He recounts his brief trial with time-release Adderall, which led to two sleepless days, sweating, and dehydration, prompting him to discontinue its use. The conversation shifts to Lexapro, with Theo sharing his own experiences and the understanding that antidepressants aren't a universal solution. Sal outlines his current treatment plan with his doctor, focusing on addressing anxiety before ADHD, with ongoing adjustments to the medication.
The conversation humorously digresses into suppositories, their history, and functionality, with jokes about the delivery method and related concepts. This leads to personal experiences with medicine and the balance between medical necessity and humor.
The discussion transitions to Sal’s carnival memories, describing rides like the zipper and Himalaya, and the often-unpredictable environments of these attractions. They share anecdotes from the Meadowlands fair and discuss "world’s smallest" performers, debating the definition of "smallest" and the mix of fascination and discomfort these exhibits evoke.
Sal recounts his Semester at Sea, a 100-day college voyage with stops in Vancouver, Japan, China, Kenya, Brazil, and Cuba. He describes the blend of classes and port days, and his urban planning major. He remembers a roommate who has since passed away, and reflects on the trip's transformative impact, the scholarship support he received, and the intensity of studying and traveling at sea.
They discuss the future of Practical Jokers after Joe Gatto’s departure, emphasizing that the show will feature guest stars like Eric Andre, Method Man, Jillian Bell, Rob Riggle, and David Cross, rather than replacing Joe. Season 10 is set to begin soon, with 18 episodes and 18 guests, with the format allowing for diverse talent. Sal stresses that the show’s core remains friendship and shared humor, with the 40–50 person crew feeling like family.
The conversation touches on burnout and the benefits of therapy, including a BetterHelp mention and a Zoom therapy option, highlighting Sal’s commitment to mental health. They conclude with mutual appreciation, promoting Sal’s tour schedule on salvulcanocomedy.com and expressing excitement for future collaborations.
(512 words)