#941 - Greg Fitzsimmons
NaN minutesEpisode #941
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
Greg Fitzsimmons and the Wild Life of Steve Graham: Comedy, Skiing, and the Depths of Resilience
- Greg Fitzsimmons reflects on his long friendship with Steve Graham, a wild character and former US ski team member.
- Steve Graham has endured 25 knee surgeries and continues to engage in physical activities like sparring despite being almost legally blind.
- The discussion reveals insights into personal struggles with energy, discipline, and the importance of pursuing one's passion in both comedy and life.
A Comedy Career and Community Mentorship: Lessons from Greg Fitzsimmons
- Greg Fitzsimmons discusses the importance of supporting young comedians and watching their performances to provide feedback.
- He recounts his beginnings in comedy, the influence of peers like George McDonald, and the significance of community in the industry.
- The chapter highlights the joy of performing live and the shared experience among comedians, emphasizing originality and mentorship.
The Gambino Crime Family and the Ravenite Social Club: Inside the Underworld of John Gotti
- The Ravenite Social Club was a hub for the Gambino crime family, where key figures like John Gotti conducted business.
- FBI agents utilized innovative tactics, including hiding wiretaps in hubcaps, to eavesdrop on conversations among mobsters.
- The narrator shares personal anecdotes about living in a sublet previously occupied by mobsters, highlighting the presence of shell casings and a wiretap device left behind.
Family Legacy and the Impact of Organized Crime: Stories of Love, Loss, and Resilience
- The narrator recounts life with their grandmother who endured significant hardships after suffering an aneurysm, impacting the family dynamic.
- A vivid description of visiting the grandmother in jail showcases the complexities of familial love intertwined with the legacy of organized crime.
- The narrator reflects on their grandfather's pride in contributing to the war effort, juxtaposing personal history with broader historical events like the Manhattan Project.
Bill Burr and the Comedy Mastery of Richard Jenny
- Bill Burr reflects on the talent of Richard Jenny, highlighting his unique comedic style and physical presence on stage.
- Burr discusses the struggles of comedy writing and how confidence affects the ability to push jokes further.
- The text emphasizes moments of brilliance in stand-up, like familial interactions and relatable scenarios, and how skilled comedians turn everyday situations into hilarious bits.
Kevin Meaney's Unmatched Performance in Stand-Up Comedy
- Burr recalls witnessing Kevin Meaney's extraordinary ability to captivate an audience, describing how he would dominate the stage with his humorous persona.
- The conversation touches on the difference in live performances compared to televised shows, emphasizing the unique atmosphere of a concert.
- The discussion reveals how comedic careers can stagnate without consistent evolution of material, using Meaney as a cautionary tale.
Kevin’s Journey: From Broadway Success to Personal Revelation
- Kevin struggled to follow Joey Diaz’s performance, showcasing the pressure of live comedy.
- After a challenging period, Kevin found fulfillment on Broadway and came out as gay.
- His transformation led to personal happiness, weight loss, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Behind the Scenes with Pete Holmes: The Art of Comedy Writing
- Pete Holmes demonstrates excellent leadership in the writers' room, ensuring all ideas are appreciated.
- The dynamic between showrunners and comedians is crucial for developing successful television episodes.
- Discussions include the challenges and innovations of comedy production in networks like HBO and Netflix.
Teenage Shenanigans at the Lake: Chris Spencer and the Ice Hockey Incident
- The protagonist recalls winter escapades at a lake with friends, including late-night gatherings and hockey games.
- A confrontation occurs when Chris Spencer, a larger kid, knocks the protagonist down while he's flirting with a girl named Salin.
- Salin later develops a crush on the protagonist despite the incident, leading to a comical Halloween altercation involving shaving cream.
Wrestling Wisdom: The Grueling Experience of Competing Like a Savage
- The protagonist reflects on his wrestling experience, highlighting the rigorous training and mental toughness required.
- He shares a story about a girl who attempted to fight him on the bus, illustrating the complexities of adolescent interactions.
- Weight cutting is discussed as both a challenge and a means of building mental resilience among wrestlers.
Kenny's Fiery Temperament and the Loss of a Beloved Dog
- Discussion of Kenny's aggressive behavior and tendency to fight.
- Personal story about the tragic death of a dog after being hit by a car.
- Reflection on how loss impacted both the narrator and Kenny's view on dealing with emotions.
The Struggles of Growing Up: Education and Young Adult Anxiety
- Narrative about the narrator's chaotic experiences in school and lack of direction post-high school.
- Encounter with a science teacher highlighting the narrator's potential and lack of motivation.
- Exploration of peer pressure and societal expectations during adolescence.
Insurance Policies at Boston University: The Shocking Scheme Revealed by Students
- Discussion of the surprising practice at Boston University where life insurance policies were taken out on students.
- Revelation that the administration profited from student deaths, leading to media scrutiny.
- Reminiscing about student protests against outdated policies and absurd dorm rules in the late 1980s.
Aries Afir's Mysterious Disappearance: A Comedy Journey to Self-Discovery
- The comedian Aries Afir has taken a three-month hiatus from public life to travel and disconnect.
- During his absence, Afir's exploration parallels Henry Rollins’ approach to travel and storytelling.
- Afir's commitment to fairness and generosity in his career, including sharing profits with fellow comedians.
The Rise of Arrey: From Open Miker to Independent Thinker
- Discussion on Arrey's journey from being an open mic performer to hosting a successful podcast and television show.
- Arrey's independent thinking and refusal to be influenced by others is highlighted.
- References to Duncan's concern over Arrey's absence and the speculation about his return.
Roi Demaeo: The Psychopath of the Mafia and Dark Fascination with Murder
- Introduction to 'Murder Machine,' a book about infamous mob hitman Roi Demaeo, known for his brutal killings.
- Exploration of society's fascination with murder and true crime stories, referencing popular culture like 'My Favorite Murder' podcast.
- Discussion on extreme stunts, the thrill of danger, and people's attraction to videos of life-threatening situations.
Alex's Thrilling Adventures: Wingsuit Record-Holder Andy and His Death-Defying Flight
- Alex describes extreme climbing techniques and an insane story of borrowing climbing powder from another climber.
- Andy, a wingsuit record holder, has a high mortality rate in his extreme sport, having witnessed fatalities among other participants.
- Discussion revolves around the wild adrenaline rushes of wingsuit flying and BASE jumping from planes in various locations.
Navigating the Risks: John and the Dangerous World of Skydiving and Statutory Concerns
- John discusses the risks associated with skydiving, including a terrifying anecdote about an experienced skydiver whose parachute malfunctioned.
- The conversation shifts to the awkwardness of teenage sexuality and the legal nuances around dating younger individuals.
- Discussion on the ethics of fantasy and age in sexual attraction leads to humorous revelations about personal experiences.
Navigating Complexities of Teen Relationships: Insights from a 16-Year-Old's Perspective
- Discussion about physical appearances and the challenges in verifying ages when meeting younger women.
- Personal anecdotes revealing the speaker's early sexual experiences at age 16 with his girlfriend who was 15.
- Reflections on the confusing dynamics of teenage relationships and sexual encounters.
The Impact of Hormonal Birth Control on Female Attraction: A Deep Dive
- Exploration of how hormonal contraception affects women's instincts in selecting genetically compatible partners.
- Personal stories highlighting the sheer impulsiveness that often accompanies teenage sexual behavior.
- Concerns regarding the long-term effects of hormonal birth control on young women's health and relationships.
The Reckless Days of Youth: Exploring Relationships and Party Culture
- Discussion about the impact of clothing choices, like patchouli and fanny packs, on dating.
- The narrator reflects on youthful sexual encounters, prioritizing impulsive decisions over personal safety.
- A vivid recount of summer jobs, partying, and the stark realities of construction work, highlighting the lessons learned during those formative years.
The Summer Hustle: Bartending in the Hamptons with Shawn and the Party Crowd
- Narration of a summer job at a beach club in the Hamptons, detailing the challenges of working in a chaotic environment.
- Description of interactions with fellow bartenders and the difficult clientele, emphasizing the hard work involved.
- Memorable moments include cleaning up after partiers and hustling to maintain the bar, contrasting the expectations of summer fun with the reality of labor.
High School Flea Challenges: My First Sexual Experiences with Linda
- The narrator recounts his youthful experiences dancing and breakdancing to music by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock.
- He reflects on an early intimate encounter with a girl named Linda, noting her assertiveness and the impact it had on him.
- Flea infestations from his childhood dog became a humorous yet bothersome backdrop to his adolescent relationships.
Malaria's Toll: The Untold Problem of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
- The discussion shifts to the historical challenges of constructing the Panama Canal, highlighting the devastating effects of malaria and yellow fever on laborers.
- The U.S. intervention led to groundbreaking mosquito control methods that dramatically reduced disease incidence.
- The narrative emphasizes the continuing threat of malaria globally and the desperate need for advancements in disease control.
Exploring Toxoplasma: Dr. Robert Sapolsky Reveals the Cat Parasite's Grip on Human Behavior
- Dr. Robert Sapolsky from Stanford discusses the prevalence of the Toxoplasma parasite, affecting around 50-60 million Americans.
- Toxoplasma alters the behavior of infected rats, making them attracted to cat urine, which leads to their death and the parasite's transmission to cats.
- The parasite is linked to impulsivity and aggression in humans, with studies revealing a correlation between Toxoplasma infection and motorcycle accidents.
Gut Microbiome Insights: The Bacteria Weighing on Our Health Revealed
- Discussion on the significant portion of human body weight comprised of microorganisms, which outnumber human cells by 10 to 1.
- Probiotics and their role in health are debated, with personal anecdotes on the effectiveness of fermented foods like kimchi and kombucha.
- Concerns over dietary choices are raised, including the impact of sugar and carbohydrates on overall health and energy levels.
Rob Wolf Examines GMO Misconceptions in Modern Agriculture
- Rob Wolf discusses common misconceptions surrounding GMO foods, emphasizing that most foods are genetically modified in some way.
- He highlights the historical evolution of fruits and vegetables, specifically how apples have been selectively bred from sour crab apples into the diverse varieties we see today.
- Wolf compares the appearance of modern corn to its ancient form, pointing out the significant visual and taste transformations that have occurred.
Tom Sizemore and Celebrity Rehab: The Dark Side of Fame
- Tom Sizemore's struggles with addiction are discussed, including a memorable appearance on a VH1 show where he wore slippers and a bathrobe.
- The perils of reality TV in exploiting vulnerable celebrities undergoing rehab are critiqued, highlighting the lack of genuine care for their recovery.
- Mention of other celebrities like Val Kilmer and Rick James in relation to their partying lifestyles and the impact of fame on their mental health.
Warren Buffett's Philanthropic Strategy vs. Estate Tax Controversy
- Discussion of an estate tax aimed at preventing wealth concentration among a few families.
- Warren Buffett's decision to give away the majority of his wealth before his death is highlighted.
- The conversation touches on the problematic nature of government spending of inherited wealth without accountability.
Eric Prince's Alleged Blackwater Connections to Russia's Influence on Trump
- Eric Prince's involvement in arranging backchannel communications between Trump's administration and a Russian official.
- The context of the meeting in the Seychelles and the broader implications for U.S.-Russia relations.
- Prince's controversial reputation as founder of Blackwater and his subsequent business dealings in the UAE.
Kim Jong-un's Brutal Regime: Executions and Assassinations in North Korea
- Discussion on Kim Jong-un's assassination of his half-brother using a neurotoxin during what was thought to be a prank.
- Details on the brutal execution of a vice minister for inappropriate conduct during a mourning period for Kim Jong-il's death, utilizing an anti-aircraft gun.
- Remarks on the violent culture in North Korea, suggesting a documentary on the extreme measures taken by the regime would be warranted.
The Dark Hilarity of Modern Dating: A Coffee Date Twist with Consequences
- A humorous take on a dating scenario involving a cup of coffee and a swipe on a dating app leading to unexpected implications amidst a backdrop of dark political commentary.
- Mention of how the hosts joke about the extreme lengths the regime goes to eliminate traces of dissidents.
- A light-hearted conclusion discussing upcoming podcasts and guests while contrasting the absurdity of the dating anecdote with the seriousness of North Korea's political climate.