Greg Fitzsimmons

Date: 2021-07-28 | Duration: 2h 53m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Greg Fitzsimmons joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on comedy, creativity, and personal experiences. They dive into the evolution of stand-up comedy, with Greg sharing insights from his early days in the Boston comedy scene and reflecting on how the craft demands constant refinement. He discusses the importance of discipline in comedy, especially during the pandemic when many comedians had to rebuild their material and stage presence after long breaks. Greg also highlights the supportive nature of the comedy community and the challenges young comics face today. The discussion shifts to health and wellness, where Greg talks candidly about his struggles with tinnitus and the benefits of brain-boosting supplements like mushrooms and neuro gum. They explore how physical fitness and mental health practices, including cardiovascular exercise, play a crucial role in overall well-being, especially in the context of COVID-19. Greg also shares humorous and memorable stories from his touring life, including odd gigs and the unpredictable nature of road comedy. Later, the conversation touches on wildlife encounters and Greg’s fascination with animals, including elephants and alligators, revealing his appreciation for nature’s complexity. The episode blends humor, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful observations, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of a seasoned comedian navigating both the art and the realities of his profession.

About Greg Fitzsimmons

Greg Fitzsimmons is a seasoned stand-up comedian, writer, and podcast host known for his sharp wit and insightful social commentary. With multiple appearances on "The Howard Stern Show" and a successful podcast, "The Greg Fitzsimmons Show," he brings a unique blend of humor and candidness to his discussions. Fitzsimmons has also earned three Daytime Emmy Awards for his writing on shows like "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," showcasing his versatility beyond stand-up. His engaging storytelling and ability to tackle everything from personal anecdotes to cultural critiques make him a compelling guest, as evidenced by his thought-provoking conversation with Joe Rogan in episode #260.

Key Moments

– Tinnitus
– Guitar Playing
– Parenting
– Comedy Career
– Stand-up Comedy
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy Specials
– Comedy Clubs
– Mental Health
– Psilocybin Therapy
– Boxing
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Wildlife Biology
– Animal Behavior
– Elephant Intelligence
– Art and Illustration
– Moon Landing Conspiracy
– CIA LSD Experiments
– Whitey Bulger
– COVID-19 Impact on Comedy
0:00:00 – Discussion about tinnitus and ear wax buildup
0:01:29 – Seeing Gary Clark Jr. in concert
0:02:04 – Therapeutic value of playing guitar
0:03:37 – Imagining first time getting high with son
0:07:21 – Home renovation experiences and challenges
0:09:54 – Memories from working on The Man Show
0:12:05 – Doug’s unique comedy vibe and audience connection
0:14:28 – Impact of the pandemic on comedy writing
0:17:46 – Learning from early comedy influences like Mike McDonald
0:20:52 – Observing comedians reclaiming the stage
0:23:29 – Comedy scene dynamics and relationships
0:26:12 – Remembering many comedians and their styles
0:28:06 – Brain health and dietary fats discussion
0:30:53 – Use of mushrooms and neuro gum for cognitive support
0:32:30 – Watching John Wick and fight commentary
0:37:42 – Artie Lange’s comedic style and sobriety
0:41:21 – Seinfeld’s creative influence and legacy
0:46:41 – Greg Fitzsimmons’ book on fan letters
0:49:44 – Stories about fights and tough guys
0:53:07 – Discussion on fur, synthetic fur, and animal ethics
0:55:49 – Disneyland’s financial success and alligator anecdotes
0:58:16 – Large alligator and snake size facts
1:02:47 – Wildlife biologist stories about animal attacks
1:06:20 – Exotic animal meat experiences
1:08:49 – Elephant intelligence and painting abilities
1:13:33 – Personal art style and early art education
1:18:17 – John Wick movie discussion
1:22:39 – Roadside emergency and travel stories
1:25:17 – Young comics gaining confidence on stage
1:28:38 – COVID-19 treatments and pandemic reflections
1:32:19 – Importance of cardiovascular exercise for COVID-19
1:36:35 – Comedy set preparation and refining material
1:39:21 – Kill Tony show and live comedy interactions
1:44:02 – Tightening comedy sets for arena shows
1:46:44 – Audience excitement returning post-pandemic
2:08:12 – Political satire sitcom about Biden
2:14:08 – Discussion of documentary 'Roadrunner'
2:20:52 – The Shining conspiracy theories
2:25:14 – Moon landing skepticism and conspiracy talk
2:36:40 – CIA LSD experiments and Whitey Bulger connection
2:49:14 – Mention of Golden, Colorado and Sunday paper ritual

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience Both sounds in my ears at the same time. I have like, I think I get a lot of wax built up in my ears and I got fucking tinnitus now. Starting point is 00:00:40 Brian Johnson. Starting point is 00:00:53 Right. They didn't know tinnitus. Starting point is 00:01:09 Yeah. Starting point is 00:01:29 Like I saw Gary Clark Jr. out here. Starting point is 00:01:39 Because we were like right there, like second row. Starting point is 00:01:56 Do you play guitar? Starting point is 00:02:04 It was very therapeutic when I first moved to a chord guy. I don't, I don't jam. You just like it for fun. I, Starting point is 00:02:20 you know, Starting point is 00:02:45 He's really good. Starting point is 00:03:01 We haven't gotten high and played together. Starting point is 00:03:37 I pictured like the first time I get high with my son would be like kicking back, talking about, Starting point is 00:04:03 Yeah. Starting point is 00:04:22 There's like a number attached to it. Starting point is 00:04:36 If he steals a stereo and it's like, Starting point is 00:04:58 $12 an hour and you're expected to take on people that Starting point is 00:05:41 And so the cop looked scared. Starting point is 00:06:00 And he waited in the car. Starting point is 00:06:19 Actually, Waco is supposed to be. Starting point is 00:06:37 They've got this thing and they build houses and everybody goes there and it's really super cute. Starting point is 00:07:05 Yay. Starting point is 00:07:13 for three weeks. Starting point is 00:07:21 We did one renovation Starting point is 00:07:30 They take a long time. Starting point is 00:07:44 Are you fucking crazy? Starting point is 00:07:59 They're constantly upgrading their life. Starting point is 00:08:15 You and I just don't. Starting point is 00:08:27 Are you worried about these? Starting point is 00:08:38 You look at my face. Starting point is 00:08:56 I guess it really is like life or death in terms of your career ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1688?

Greg Fitzsimmons was the guest on JRE #1688. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1688?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1688 with Greg Fitzsimmons, topics include Tinnitus, Guitar Playing, Parenting, and Comedy Career.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1688?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1688 with Greg Fitzsimmons is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.