This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
#666 - Sen. John Kennedy
In this episode, comedian and podcast host Theo Von sits down with U.S. Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation that blends humor with insights into politics and life. Senator Kennedy, known for his quick wit and folksy demeanor, discusses his roots in Louisiana, his time at Vanderbilt, and the growth of cities like Nashville and the communities along Louisiana's North Shore. The conversation flows naturally between topics like comedy, sports, wildlife encounters in Louisiana, and family history, with Kennedy sharing stories about his father Preston, who was a World War II veteran and petroleum engineer.
The Senator's authentic, down-home style shines throughout as he and Von trade stories about their shared Louisiana heritage, from dealing with raccoons and possums to the quirks of small-town life in places like Zachary and Covington. Kennedy reflects on his upbringing in a town of 3,000 people, his love for high school despite mediocre basketball skills, and the values instilled by his father. The episode showcases Kennedy's reputation as one of the most humorous members of the Senate while touching on his philosophy of authenticity in politics and life—being yourself unless you suck, as he puts it. The conversation is peppered with observations about everything from World Cup soccer to the alligator population in Louisiana.
128 min•Louisiana culture · Politics and authenticity
