#1082 - Greg Fitzsimmons
NaN minutesEpisode #1082
Greg Fitzsimmons is a writer and stand-up comedian. He also hosts his own podcast “FitzDog Radio" available on Spotify.
Episodes with Greg Fitzsimmons
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Episode Timestamps
Richard Jenny: The Underrated Stand-Up Comedian's Legacy
- Richard Jenny, a highly skilled comedian from the 90s, is hailed for his impactful body of work, including specials on Showtime and HBO.
- Despite his talent and popularity, Jenny struggled with personal demons, ultimately committing suicide in 2007, leaving behind a mixed legacy.
- His distinctive style and dedication to comedy earned him admiration from peers like Chris Rock and a revered status among audiences, yet he felt unfulfilled in his career.
The Comedy Scene's Balancing Act: Camaraderie and Competitiveness
- The speaker shares insights into the comedic landscape, citing the therapeutic atmosphere of the comedy store where comedians bond and support each other.
- Facing the audience invokes a universal fear among comedians, but this fear propels artistic growth and encourages risk-taking on stage.
- The importance of performing after strong acts is emphasized, as comedians must find their individual rhythm instead of competing with their predecessors' energy.
Ari and the Alaskan Adventure: From Concerts to Culture in Anchorage
- Ari and the speaker perform in Anchorage, Alaska, and encounter a surprisingly normal and diverse community.
- The Beach Boys' concert evokes a sense of communal experience compared to stand-up comedy performances.
- The speaker discusses experiences with local wildlife and the unexpected urban norms in a small Alaskan city.
Exploring Arizona's Wildlife: Coati Mundi Encounters and Jaguars on the Rise
- A discussion about the Coati Mundi, an intriguing South American animal spotted in Arizona, leads to humor about mistaken identities.
- The speakers reflect on the diverse wildlife of Arizona, including the influx of jaguars migrating from Mexico.
- Personal anecdotes about unusual animal encounters, including a rescue of a possum and observations on local animal behaviors.
Joe Rogan's Adventurous Family Trip in Costa Rica: Encounters with Howler Monkeys and Caiman Crocodiles
- Joe Rogan shares his family's visit to Costa Rica, highlighting the incredible wildlife, including howler monkeys and caiman crocodiles.
- He describes the thrill and fear of close encounters with crocodiles during a boat tour in the Black River.
- Rogan recounts adventures in the rainforest, such as zip-lining and relaxing in hot springs, alongside humorous family interactions.
Joe Rogan's Nutritional Insights: Debunking Myths about Vitamins and Understanding Weight Loss
- Rogan discusses the use and efficacy of homeopathic remedies and the importance of vitamins like D and B12 for health.
- He challenges traditional views on sugar and suggests that it's not just caloric intake that matters for weight loss, but the quality of food.
- The conversation includes insights into diet changes, like eggs being considered zero points on Weight Watchers, reflecting evolving attitudes toward food.
Joe Rogan and Anthony Bourdain: A Journey through Health, Concussions, and Unconventional Fitness
- Joe discusses his diet changes and the impact of cutting out bread, pasta, and sugar on his health.
- Conversations about the risks of concussions for athletes, including soccer players and their experiences with head injuries.
- Joe explains the importance of checking testosterone levels for mental health, drawing connections to behaviors in fighters and veterans.
Anthony Bourdain’s Relentless Pursuit of Jiu-Jitsu Amidst a Culinary Career
- Detailing Bourdain’s transition from celebrated chef and author to an avid practitioner of jiu-jitsu despite his age.
- Rogan reminisces about past interactions with Bourdain and highlights his love for exploring unique culinary experiences around the world.
- Bourdain’s commitment to physical fitness and regular training even while traveling, showcasing his dedication to a balanced lifestyle.
Comedians and Cannolis: Exploring Food Culture with Tony and Gladys
- The narrator shares humorous anecdotes about dining experiences, particularly at Starbucks, while discussing the challenges of avoiding bread.
- A memorable incident occurs when the narrator mistakenly eats a woman's muffin at Starbucks, leading to a comical exchange.
- They reminisce about iconic food spots in New York City, particularly Katz Deli and its legendary pastrami, along with the cultural differences of dining experiences across cities.
Tributes to Fallen Comedians: Remembering Lauren Dabrowski and Dave
- The conversation shifts to personal stories about past acquaintances, highlighting the impact of Lauren Dabrowski, a comedy producer who helped many achieve sobriety.
- Reflects on the camaraderie within the comedy community, touching on the struggles of artists with addiction, illustrated through stories of friends in the industry.
- The narrative concludes with a tribute to Dave, a fellow comedian whose journey and untimely death resonate with the challenges faced by many in the comedy world.
Mike Sullivan: The First Male Feminist and His Untimely Demise
- Discussion of Mike Sullivan, the first male feminist encountered, and his decision to take his wife's last name.
- Reflection on the personal struggles and health issues faced by comedians like John Panette and Mike Sullivan.
- Insight into the impact of family history on health, with anecdotes of addiction and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Heartbreaking Reality of Dreams Deferred: Tales From the Band and the Casino
- Narrative about a struggling musician named Robbie who battles addiction while striving for success in his band.
- The harsh realities of adult life, responsibilities, and the pressure to achieve dreams juxtaposed with fond memories of youth.
- A cautionary tale of a dishwasher who lost years of savings in Vegas, illustrating the fragility of hope and the dreams that often remain unfulfilled.
Herschel Walker's Journey: From NFL Star to Martial Arts Legend
- Herschel Walker, a former NFL player, battled trauma-induced multiple personality disorder.
- Despite his challenges, Walker excelled in Strike Force, showcasing his martial arts skills into his late 40s.
- Walker defied expectations, proving skeptics wrong by dominating younger fighters in MMA competitions.
Life Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu: Competing to Overcome Failures
- Jiu-Jitsu provides a unique environment to learn about competition and dealing with loss at a young age.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in both sports and life.
- Failure is reframed as a valuable lesson, promoting personal growth and humility in overcoming life’s challenges.
Joe Rogan Advocates for Kindness and Manners in Competitive Environments
- Joe discusses the rarity of kindness in competitive environments like workplaces and sports like jujitsu.
- He emphasizes the importance of basic manners as a foundation for treating others with respect.
- The conversation touches on how societal pressures can lead to fakeness and inauthentic interactions.
Exploring Religion's Role in Kindness: Joe Rogan and the Impact of Catholic Values
- Joe reflects on his Catholic upbringing and how it instilled a sense of service and kindness.
- He critiques how rigid religious ideologies can lead to shame and guilt rather than fostering positive actions.
- The chapter connects personal growth with the ability to choose one's narrative and react positively to life’s challenges.
Chaos and Catholicism: The Impact of Sister Mary Josephine on a Young Believer
- The narrator experiences chaos after leaving a harmful environment, turning to religion for order.
- Reflecting on early childhood memories, Sister Mary Josephine stands out as a traumatizing figure in Catholic school.
- The harsh treatment from authority figures leads to a loss of faith and a desire to abandon Catholicism entirely.
The Dark Side of the Priesthood: Crime and Complicity in the Catholic Church
- Discussion around the prevalence of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, focusing on priests who were victims themselves.
- Criticism of church leaders, including Ratzinger, for their failure to act against molesting priests.
- Exploration of community norms and traditions during church rituals, revealing the deep entrenchment of religion in personal and social lives.
The Impact of Birth Control on Women's Natural Compatibility Signals Discussed by Experts
- Experts discuss the historical context and societal beliefs about reproduction and birth control.
- Research presented shows that women on birth control lose the ability to discern male compatibility through smell.
- The discussion includes personal anecdotes and studies highlighting the importance of natural pheromones in attraction.
Sir David Attenborough's Insights on Carnivorous Plants That Trap and Digest Rodents
- A fascinating exploration of newly discovered pitcher plants that attract and digest rats.
- Describes the unique mechanisms of how these plants lure their prey with sweet nectar and trap them.
- References to Sir David Attenborough's work in the natural world, showcasing the complex relationships within ecosystems.
Discovering Lost Civilizations: Guatemala's Ancient Cities Uncovered
- Recent discoveries in Guatemala reveal thousands of unknown ancient structures, indicating thriving communities.
- Advanced irrigation systems challenge previously held theories of civilization development in the region.
- The conversation emphasizes the role of archaeologists who painstakingly uncover ancient history.
The Unseen Intelligence of Plants: How They Communicate and Respond
- Plants demonstrate memory and communication, adapting to threats through chemical signals.
- Research shows that plants can grow towards the sound of water, showcasing an auditory sensitivity.
- The conversation critiques the perception of plant intelligence compared to animals, posing moral questions for vegans.
Michelin-Starred Hunting Techniques of Chef Joe
- Chef Joe emphasizes the significance of hunting and the method of shooting animals in the head for optimal flavor.
- Discussion on ethical slaughter methods compared to traditional cattle killing practices.
- Insights into the kosher slaughtering rituals and regulations required for meat to be considered kosher.
Mariah Carey's Acting Lessons and Culinary Delights in Italy
- An amusing encounter involving Mariah Carey seeking acting lessons from Sheila Gray, the granddaughter of Gray's Papaya founder.
- Contrasting the rich culinary experiences in Italy with the food culture and dietary differences in the U.S.
- Exploration of the nutritional differences in wheat between modern and historical varieties, linking it to gluten sensitivities.
Callan's Indulgence at Il Grano: A Culinary Journey through Pasta and Pizza
- Discussed the overindulgence and portion sizes of pasta at various restaurants including personal anecdotes at Il Grano.
- Recalled the memorable dish of squid ink pasta mixed with dungeness crab, highlighting the importance of portion control.
- Mentioned humorous stories about Donald Trump's peculiar pizza preferences and etiquette.
Elvis and the Absurdities of Stardom: A Look at Fame and Excess
- Explored the chaotic nature of celebrity life, focusing on Elvis Presley and his outrageous karate antics.
- Highlighted the groundbreaking nature of Elvis's fame, indicating the absence of examples to emulate.
- Discussed the personal struggles of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in their career and relationship dynamics.
Elvis Presley and Ed Parker: The Legends of American Martial Arts
- Discussion of Ed Parker's influence on karate and self-defense, emphasizing his legitimacy in the martial arts community.
- Exploration of Elvis Presley's unexpected karate skills and his efforts in martial arts, including a humorous description of a training video.
- Comparison of Elvis's fame and lifestyle with that of Michael Jackson and reflections on their impact on American culture.
The Superiority of Judo: The Legacy of the Gracie Family
- Analysis of the effectiveness of Judo compared to Aikido, with references to Ronda Rousey's background in Judo.
- Explanation of how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu evolved from Judo and the techniques that make it effective for self-defense.
- Insights into personal experiences with martial arts and recommendations for effective self-defense training, particularly for women.
Jiu-Jitsu Insights from Combat Expert: The Strength of Women's Techniques
- Discusses the effectiveness of arm bars and triangles in combat sports, highlighting that a skilled woman can be just as formidable as a man.
- Mentions a record-setting women's achievement of walking 5,000 meters on hands in eight hours, illustrating incredible physical capability.
- Notes the importance of physical fitness and agility, sharing personal anecdotes about handstands and gymnastic skills.
Russian Resilience: Insights on Crime and Survival in Harsh Environments
- Contrasts the toughness of Russian culture with American norms, particularly focusing on the gritty background of Russian organized crime.
- Notes the significant loss of male population during WWII, contributing to the resilient nature of Russian women.
- Highlights personal experiences with tough conditions and the outdoor activities of family members, showing a lifestyle built on resilience.