#655 - Sal Vulcano

In this heartfelt and hilariously candid episode of 'This Past Weekend,' Theo Von sits down with Sal Vulcano for a richly layered conversation that weaves together comedy, personal reflection, and profound life observations. The episode begins with Sal discussing the legacy of 'Impractical Jokers' and the bizarre, intimate fan stories that have emerged over the years, including couples having sex during episodes. From there, the dialogue shifts to nostalgic TV shows, childhood mishaps like the tragic fate of a CO2-overloaded fish, and the emotional weight of preserving a frozen goldfish for over 15 years. Sal shares deeply personal moments—fatherhood, the joy and difficulty of expressing love, and the touching story of returning a lost 1985 wedding VHS tape—highlighting how small acts of connection can carry immense emotional resonance. The conversation also takes a satirical yet thoughtful turn on space exploration, questioning the ethics and purpose of elite-focused missions like Artemis, likening lunar colonization to a modern-day 'Epstein’s Island.' A standout moment comes with a wildly absurd yet surprisingly sincere self-exam tutorial on testicular health, where humor disarms discomfort and promotes awareness. The episode continues with Sal reflecting on his recent roast, the emotional complexity of parenting—especially setting boundaries with his children—and the physical and emotional toll of being a public figure while raising a family. He humorously speculates about the real-life challenges of carrying eight children, referencing the Suleiman octuplets and even placing a playful wager on their birth weights. Sal also promotes his new projects, including the TBS show 'Foul Play' starring Anthony Davis and his upcoming comedy series 'Manoush,' while sharing tour plans for Canada, the UK, and Europe in 2027, with hopes of filming a special in Boston. The episode closes on a warm note, with Theo and Sal expressing excitement to help locate Amy and Stu Shankman for the upcoming season 13 of 'Impractical Jokers,' underscoring the enduring camaraderie and community that define their work. Throughout, the tone remains deeply human, balancing absurdity with sincerity and laughter with vulnerability.