Artie Lange

Date: 2019-11-04 | Duration: 1h 38m

Episode Overview

Artie Lange opens up about his lifelong struggles with addiction, gambling, and the chaotic lifestyle that shaped both his career and personal life. He recounts his early brushes with the law, including an attempted bank robbery at 17, and how substance abuse—ranging from heroin to cocaine—became intertwined with his comedy career. Lange shares vivid stories of desperate withdrawals, the constant battle to stay clean, and the impact of drug court programs. He also discusses the challenges of mixing vices like alcohol and gambling, revealing how these habits fueled cycles of self-destruction. Throughout the conversation, Lange reflects on the toll addiction took on his health, including liver issues and multiple stints in rehab. He candidly describes the paranoia and physical pain of withdrawal, as well as the temporary relief provided by methadone and Suboxone. The episode touches on his relationships with fellow comedians, including Greg Giraldo, and the unique pressures of performing while battling addiction. Lange’s raw honesty offers insight into the harsh realities behind the humor, illustrating the resilience required to keep moving forward despite repeated setbacks.

About Artie Lange

Artie Lange is a multifaceted talent known for his work as an actor, writer, comedian, and radio personality. He gained widespread recognition as a cast member of "The Howard Stern Show" and for his role in the cult classic film "Dirty Work." With a career marked by both critical acclaim and personal challenges, Lange has penned several best-selling books, including his memoir "Too Fat to Fish," which candidly explores his life in the entertainment industry. Recently, he launched his own podcast, "The Artie Quitter Podcast," where he shares his unique perspective and engages with fans. Lange's blend of raw humor and vulnerability makes him a compelling figure in comedy, captivating audiences with his unapologetic storytelling and resilience.

Key Moments

– Addiction Recovery
– Heroin Use
– Gambling Addiction
– Comedy Career
– Drug Court
– Mental Health
– Rehab Experiences
– Substance Withdrawal
– Methadone Treatment
– Jail and Incarceration
– Personal Relationships
– Podcasting
– Writing and Books
– Stand-up Comedy
– Drug Culture
– Paranoia and Anxiety
– Celebrity Stories
– Physical Health Issues
– Comedy Industry Dynamics
0:00:40 – David Tell visits Artie in rehab
0:01:54 – Artie takes a puff of a joint
0:06:24 – Artie recounts first arrest for attempted bank robbery
0:08:13 – Losing 25 grand on a fight bet
0:10:48 – Placing a bet on the Cowboys
0:12:20 – Discussion of repeated relapses in addiction
0:13:14 – Heroin saving money paradox
0:14:38 – Challenges for young comics and drug culture
0:17:22 – Obsession over a romantic relationship
0:18:11 – Artie's experience with drug court
0:20:58 – Desperate heroin withdrawal symptoms described
0:21:49 – Paranoia about bringing drugs on planes
0:24:28 – Chaos of addiction and lifestyle
0:25:19 – Calculating losses from gambling and drugs
0:27:22 – Suboxone's role in recovery
0:30:39 – Chemicals sprayed on marijuana concerns
0:31:18 – Shout out to Turning Point rehab
0:34:52 – Relapse immediately after jail release
0:36:06 – Charlie Parker as a heroin addict example
0:38:08 – Greg Giraldo story at airport lounge
0:40:35 – Stopping a sexual assault incident
0:44:46 – Life defined by drugs and gambling
0:47:07 – Porn use to aid sleep in jail
0:48:30 – Guard recounts violent inmate story
0:50:00 – Artie's legal representation and jail cell
0:52:41 – Value of transcribed conversations over books
0:56:01 – HBO show Crashing and addiction chaos
0:58:22 – Helping others as part of recovery
1:00:29 – Comedy industry competitiveness and struggles
1:03:00 – Howard Stern and radio show conflicts
1:06:54 – Physical altercation with a kid
1:09:18 – Snorting Oxycontin and addiction start
1:11:03 – Addiction as a disease discussion
1:12:00 – Liver transplant necessity due to addiction
1:14:10 – Parole officer restrictions on travel
1:15:04 – Endurance required for long-term recovery
1:18:25 – Drug dealers' payment preferences
1:20:18 – Arrest in Paris for drunkenness
1:22:27 – Feeling like a kid on Christmas morning
1:25:52 – Daily life intertwined with gambling
1:28:32 – Norm Macdonald bathroom story with Andy Dick
1:31:51 – Weird joke writing style of Greg Giraldo

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 network the timer's on all right we're rolling uh first of all before we get started i want to Starting point is 00:00:30 Yeah, thank you. Starting point is 00:00:40 and David Tell came to visit me in rehab, Starting point is 00:00:54 Yeah. Starting point is 00:01:06 high and i tell these young kids because you know i'm 52 now so i was in you know i was in rehab and Starting point is 00:01:54 I don't know what happened to him, but he, uh, he handed me a joint and I, I took a puff Starting point is 00:02:47 the time. Uh, he was a boxer when he was young and just the real street smart guy and his life Starting point is 00:03:18 I'm like, that one day at a time stuff, it sounds so cliche. Starting point is 00:03:49 And, you know, it's all stuff. Starting point is 00:04:07 When you're really bullshitting yourself and everybody else, Starting point is 00:04:16 are looking at a lot of jail time, Starting point is 00:04:29 You're just a solid guy, a great talent. Starting point is 00:05:00 You get addicted to the lifestyle too because you don't live like everybody else. Starting point is 00:05:47 back in the day you know weed in washington square park uh blow so there's triggers all over the place so i just say if i can get this one more just get one more block without fucking up Starting point is 00:06:24 Well, again, the first time I got arrested, I got arrested for attempted bank robbery when I was 17 years old. Starting point is 00:06:43 I was 17. Starting point is 00:06:57 I was like, wow, I'm going to get 50 Gs. Starting point is 00:07:26 and uh he sat me down and he goes when you rob a bank you know take my daughter Starting point is 00:08:13 And I lose 25 grand on a fight, Starting point is 00:08:30 of coke on me i take a swing at a cop and that's my last day at at mad tv oh jesus what year was Starting point is 00:08:56 I come out of LA County. Starting point is 00:09:20 Do you have to do something to replace the feeling of gambling? Sta...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1376?

Artie Lange was the guest on JRE #1376. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1376?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1376 with Artie Lange, topics include Addiction Recovery, Heroin Use, Gambling Addiction, and Comedy Career.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1376?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1376 with Artie Lange is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.