#882 - Tom Papa
NaN minutesEpisode #882
Tom Papa is a comedian, actor, writer and television/radio host. Check out his new special "Human Mule", debuts on EPIX on December 9 at 8pm.
Episodes with Tom Papa
Watch the full episode of #882 - Tom Papa.
Episode Timestamps
Tom Papa's Comedy Special Filmed in Cleveland: The Impact of LeBron James
- Tom Papa discusses his upcoming comedy special filmed at the Hannah Theater in Cleveland.
- He reflects on Cleveland's transformation and pride after LeBron James returned, winning the NBA championship.
- The city is experiencing a revival with new restaurants and entertainment options, but still struggles with its football team, the Browns.
Navigating Comedy: The Careers of Jay Leno and Duncan Trussell
- Discussion on Jay Leno's lack of recent comedy material and his identity as a late-night host rather than a stand-up.
- Duncan Trussell is highlighted as a talented comedian with little to no recorded work, raising questions about the current comedy landscape.
- Tom Papa emphasizes the importance of creating material that reflects growth and pride in one's work, unlike past comedians who failed to evolve.
George Carlin's Evolution from Comedian to Writer: Analyzing His Late Career Shift
- George Carlin was celebrated as one of the greatest comedians, but his later work raises questions about quality.
- Carlin expressed a preference for being called a 'writer,' which shifted his performance style.
- The discussion highlights the difference in material quality produced during long tours versus brief productions.
Conan O'Brien's Rise and Fall: The Bitter Reality of Late Night Television
- Conan O'Brien faced immense pressure when Leno was reinstated just after he took over 'The Tonight Show'.
- The chaotic dynamics of late-night ratings and programming decisions affected both Conan and Jay Leno.
- The conversation also criticizes modern late-night comedy, mentioning Stephen Colbert's recent struggles with his audience.
Conan O'Brien's Evolving Late Night Journey: From Awkward Beginnings to Creative Freedom
- The transition from Conan O'Brien's early scripted monologues to his later improvisational style showcased his evolution as a late-night host.
- The pressure of mainstream expectations contrasted sharply with the relaxed atmosphere of his original late-night show.
- Comedians like Bill Burr were noted as ideal guests who excel at engaging organically rather than adhering to forced conversational transitions.
Rodney Dangerfield's Quest for Respect: The Comedy Legend's Iconic Catchphrase
- Rodney Dangerfield's career was marked by his relatable humor encapsulated in the catchphrase 'I don't get no respect.'
- Dangerfield's time away from show business was spent writing countless jokes, preparing for a successful comeback in his forties.
- The discussion highlighted how catchphrases can significantly impact a comedian's identity and audience engagement.
Comedians Reflect on the Ethical Dilemma of Charging for Photos: A Deep Dive with Gary Clark Jr.
- Discussion on the appropriateness of charging fans for photographs and merchandise.
- Reflections on the relationship between performers and fans, emphasizing genuine interactions over commercial transactions.
- Mention of experiences at shows with artists like Gary Clark Jr., highlighting the distraction posed by audience members wanting photos.
Comedy Show Dynamics: Tackling Hecklers and Fan Interactions in Cleveland with Chris Rock's Example
- Exploration of the challenges comedians face with hecklers and maintaining the flow of their performance.
- Comparison of different crowd behaviors witnessed in comedy shows, including a specific incident involving Chris Rock.
- Insight into the excitement and unpredictability of live comedy performances and the importance of audience engagement.
Chris Rock's Divorced Journey: The Price of Fame and Controversy
- Chris Rock struggles with the aftermath of a bitter divorce, revealing the financial turmoil and legal fees involved.
- He expresses frustration about how divorce lawyers profit from broken marriages, citing a conversation with late comedian Phil Hartman to illustrate the unjust financial stakes.
- Joe Rogan and other comedians discuss the hypothetical scenario of losing their wealth but maintaining their friendships, emphasizing the importance of social connections over material possessions.
Healing Through Awareness: Overcoming Pain with Mind-Body Techniques
- Joe Rogan shares his experience of chronic pain, detailing a year-long struggle before discovering the teachings of Dr. John Sarno.
- Sarno's principles focus on the mental origins of physical pain, encouraging awareness of stress and anxiety instead of solely treating symptoms.
- Rogan's transformation from a year of pain to relief within a month and a half highlights the power of mindset in healing and physical recovery.
The Struggles of Comedian Joe on Pain and Parenthood
- Comedian Joe discusses his physical issues, particularly related to a herniated disc and the common misconception that these problems are rare.
- He reflects on the stress of balancing his successful career with family responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of being the primary provider.
- Joe's experience of slowly overcoming pain leads him to question whether stress from his lifestyle and family obligations plays a role in his physical health.
Howard Stern's Influence on Joe's Mind-Body Connection
- Joe references Howard Stern's similar experiences with tension leading to physical pain, highlighting the mind-body connection.
- He shares his history with yoga and the mental clarity and relief it provided, showing a contrast with his current life filled with distractions.
- The conversation reveals Joe's internal struggle between pursuing difficult activities for relief and the anxiety stemming from his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Tom Papa and the Importance of Socialization in Creativity
- Tom Papa emphasizes the role of social interaction in generating creative ideas.
- He discusses how isolation can stunt the creative process for comedians and artists.
- Papa highlights the significance of staying active and writing, even if the output isn't always great.
Exploring Controversial Figures: John Podesta and Fake News Phenomenon
- The conversation dives into John Podesta's controversial connections to pedophilia allegations and fake news.
- Discussion arises regarding the implications of Pizzagate and its impact on public perception.
- The speakers reflect on the challenges of discerning truth in the age of misinformation.
Hillary Clinton's Health Controversies: Uncovering the Truth Behind 2016's Election
- Discussion centered on the legitimacy of news sources and how they influenced perceptions during the 2016 election.
- Examination of Hillary Clinton's health, including claims of illness, past incidents, and media portrayal.
- References to Bill Clinton's comments on Hillary's health and specifics of her medical issues during the campaign.
Donald Trump's Unique Approach: A Deep Dive into the Populist Presidency and Marijuana Legislation
- Analysis of Trump’s campaign tactics, including media interactions and unofficial health rumors.
- Discussion on the implications of Trump's presidency on marijuana legalization and states' rights.
- Exploration of personal anecdotes about marijuana use and discussions on its societal impacts, particularly in Colorado.
Joe Rogan's Insightful Reflection on Self-Criticism and Hard Work
- Joe Rogan discusses the importance of being critical of oneself to improve creatively.
- He shares his own struggles with self-criticism and the impact of his thoughts.
- Rogan reflects on his experiences in Denver and humorously describes getting his dog high.
The Dangers of Fake News: A Deep Dive with Joe Rogan on Trump's Era
- Joe Rogan and his guests analyze the phenomenon of fake news and its implications.
- They discuss how misinformation spread through social media affects public perception.
- Rogan emphasizes the responsibility of media organizations to maintain accuracy and truth.
Exposing Creeps: The Age of Truth in Journalism and Comedy
- Exploration of how modern technology enables the exposure of powerful individuals and fake news stories.
- Discussion about the impact of virtual reality technologies on stand-up comedy and human interaction.
- Mention of comedians like Tom Papa and Cat Williams and their influence in the comedic landscape.
Cat Williams: The Comedic Genius and His Offstage Antics
- Analysis of Cat Williams' unique comedic style and onstage philosophy regarding performance readiness.
- Reflections on how Cat's offstage life, including confrontations, influences his comedy material.
- Recognition of Cat Williams' intelligence and creativity as a performer and comedian.
Jim Carrey's Unique Performance Style: From Nutrition to Comic Genius
- Discussion about Jim Carrey's energy levels and how his performance changes after eating.
- Carrey's transformative role in 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' highlighted for his over-the-top physical comedy.
- Insights into Carrey's career evolution, including his decision to embrace character comedy with the encouragement of Rodney Dangerfield.
The Craft of Comedy: Mastery Beyond Control with Seinfeld and Others
- Exploration of the complexities of stand-up comedy and the unpredictable nature of performances.
- Comparison of modern comedians like Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle with past legends on their disciplined approach.
- Reflection on the lifelong journey of mastering crafts like bread-making and archery, paralleling the challenges faced in comedy.
Jerry Seinfeld's Recipe for Comedy: The Grueling Process Behind 40 Years of Stand-Up
- Jerry Seinfeld shares insights on the demanding process of writing comedy after decades in the industry.
- He discusses how creating the hit sitcom 'Seinfeld' impacted his stand-up schedule.
- Despite his success, Seinfeld continues to face the same struggles as new comedians when it comes to writing.
Tom Papa's Culinary Journey: The Art and Science of Mastering Artisan Bread
- Tom Papa delves into the details of artisan bread making, emphasizing the importance of technique and ingredients.
- He praises the superior quality of bread from a Venice bakery called Gusto.
- The conversation explores the relationship between gluten, fermentation, and the nutritional aspects of sourdough, including its appeal to gluten intolerant individuals.
Tom Papa Unpacks Industrial Bread Ingredients and Their Health Consequences
- Discussion about Wonder Bread and its questionable health benefits.
- Insight on the effects of preservatives like ammonium chloride on bread and gut health.
- Debate on the balance between shelf-life and health risks associated with processed bread.
Tom Papa Reflects on Nostalgia, Happiness, and Modern Food Habits
- Tom Papa shares anecdotes about traditional bread-making with his family.
- Discussion on how busy lifestyles impact eating habits and food quality.
- Exploration of the concept that pursuing success may lead to less happiness than simpler times.
Donald Trump: The Voice of the Disenfranchised White Americans
- Discussion of how Trump became a rallying figure for those feeling left behind in a changing economy.
- Examples of extreme attitudes among Trump supporters, including a racially charged altercation.
- Exploration of the perception among white working-class individuals that they are being marginalized in favor of diversity.
The Dangers of Simplistic Political Reactions: Fear and Anger in America
- Analysis of how expressions of fear and anger can lead to aggressive political responses, like the 'Build that wall' sentiment.
- Importance of understanding different perspectives and the randomness of life circumstances influencing behavior.
- A call for empathy and recognition of the complexities in discussions around race, privilege, and social justice.
Trump's Controversial Leadership: Reactions from Families and Citizens
- The author discusses the unexpected fears families experienced post-election, especially regarding Trump's statements about women and minorities.
- Accentuation of the term 'Cheeto Jesus' as a catchy nickname for Trump emerges, reflecting a broader societal reaction.
- Concerns raised by a 14-year-old girl about Trump's portrayal of women and environmental issues highlight generational unease.
Trump's Entangled Deal-Making: A Glimpse into Presidential Ambitions
- Discussion of Trump's singular focus on public image and business dealings, emphasizing his pursuit of ambitious ventures even after becoming president.
- Insight into the perception of Trump as a charismatic yet controversial figure, with a blend of showmanship and underlying discomfort.
- Reflection on Trump's impact on legislation regarding nonviolent drug offenders, tapping into the changing societal views on criminal justice.
Donald Trump's Controversial Use of the NDAA for Indefinite Detainment
- Discussion around the implications of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) under President Donald Trump's administration.
- Concerns expressed about the potential for abuse of power and indefinite detainment without warrant.
- Reflects on the historical context and the fear of future presidential misuse of such legislation.
Elon Musk's Battle Against Fake News and Corporate Power
- Elon Musk criticized for being targeted by fabricated news stories questioning his business ethics.
- The effectiveness of public perception and collective action against powerful corporations discussed.
- Emphasis on the need for real journalism to combat misinformation in the digital age.
Elon Musk vs. Fake News: A Deep Dive into the Chimeric Writer Controversy
- Elon Musk calls out a writer, Shepard Stewart, for supposedly spreading fake news.
- Criticism arises about the proliferation of misinformation in the aftermath of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- Discussion about the long history of yellow journalism, including the tactics used by William Randolph Hearst against marijuana.
The Dark History of Hemp: William Randolph Hearst's Role in Criminalizing Marijuana
- Hearst sought to suppress hemp cultivation to protect his paper mills from competition.
- Legislation against marijuana was fueled by Hearst's media campaign, linking cannabis to societal fears.
- The struggles of individuals like Todd McCormick, who faced legal challenges in trying to cultivate medical marijuana, highlight the ongoing repercussions of historical misinformation.
Donald Trump's Controversial Communication with Taiwan
- Donald Trump disrupts decades-long diplomatic norms by contacting Taiwan, challenging the One China policy.
- His tweet about Alec Baldwin reflects a diversion tactic amidst growing concerns over his presidential responsibilities.
- The implications of his actions are scrutinized and linked to potential power shifts in international relations.
UFC's Failed Acquisition of Pride: A Futile Business Venture
- The UFC's acquisition of Pride turns out to be more of a publicity stunt than a profitable business deal.
- Allegations of Yakuza involvement complicate operations, leading to the implosion of the Pride brand in the US.
- The discussion points to a broader trend of populist discontent with globalization, reflecting the failures of international business practices.
Tom Papa Discusses New Comedy Special on Epix
- Tom Papa reflects on the experience of creating a new comedy special set to air on Epix.
- The conversation touches on the magic of long recording sessions and the unique vibe of the studio.
- The special is available for free for a month on various platforms, and will later release on iTunes.
Upcoming Comedy Specials Featuring Jim Norton and Marc Maron
- Tom highlights the variety of comedy specials available on Epix, featuring comedians like Jim Norton and Marc Maron.
- He emphasizes the ease of access to the specials through epix.com, noting the platform's availability on different devices.
- The conversation concludes with a lighthearted farewell and hints at future guests, including Kevin Smith.