Greg Fitzsimmons

Date: 2014-05-01 | Duration: 2h 41m

Episode Overview

Greg Fitzsimmons joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on addiction, comedy, and personal history. They begin by discussing the complexities of opioid use, including the chemical similarities between Vicodin and heroin, and the challenges of withdrawal and serotonin depletion. Fitzsimmons shares insights into how 5-HTP can aid recovery, highlighting the often overlooked biochemical side of addiction. The conversation then shifts to health and nutrition, with anecdotes about probiotics, digestive enzymes, and the impact of diet on overall well-being. Fitzsimmons also delves into his upbringing in a tough neighborhood shaped by organized crime, recounting vivid memories of his eccentric family and the environment that influenced his early life. He reflects on how martial arts helped him navigate and eventually move beyond that chaotic world. The episode explores the evolution of stand-up comedy, with Fitzsimmons describing the differences between early road sets and the demands of putting on a full show, as well as the importance of community and support in the comedy scene. Throughout the episode, Fitzsimmons offers candid stories about the entertainment industry, including interactions with other comedians and the realities of fame. His blend of humor and honesty provides a compelling look at the intersections of personal struggle, creative growth, and resilience.

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

– Mental Health
– Comedy
– Stand-up
– Drug Addiction
– Health and Nutrition
– Martial Arts
– Racism
– Real Estate
– Music
– Podcasting
– Social Media
– Mafia History
– Parenting
– Surfer Culture
– Public Safety
– Art Collecting
– Television
– LGBTQ Issues
– Stand-up Venues
– Cultural Change
0:00:00 – Show introduction and casual banter
0:01:20 – Discussion on prescriptions and back surgery
0:03:27 – Effects of Vicodin withdrawal on receptors
0:05:42 – Serotonin depletion and 5-HTP supplementation
0:07:03 – Vegetable consumption and digestion humor
0:08:11 – Probiotics and digestive enzymes discussion
0:10:27 – Meal structure and post-meal sleepiness
0:12:26 – Creativity affected by anxiety
0:14:05 – Fear tactics and control through dogs
0:16:46 – Berwyn Heights mayor SWAT raid story
0:19:08 – Firefighters shot at during emergency response
0:20:47 – Racist reputation of a public figure
0:22:31 – Legalization and regulation of prostitution
0:24:07 – Explanation of a billion dollars
0:25:30 – Discussion on misogyny and public humiliation
0:28:13 – Hate directed at women in entertainment
0:29:18 – Children's awareness of adult topics
0:31:03 – Teenage sex and societal attitudes
0:32:34 – Men's anger towards women
0:34:03 – Nostalgia about 80s music
0:37:03 – Starting comedy career and road experience
0:39:13 – Differences between early and road comedy sets
0:41:45 – Comedy club locations and atmosphere
0:45:40 – Nightclub culture and alcohol laws
0:48:24 – Marijuana decriminalization and enforcement
0:50:35 – Study on abnormalities related to health
0:53:36 – Novelty health products and diet commentary
0:55:23 – Aging and physical appearance humor
0:59:40 – Winning Emmys and TV appearances
1:01:12 – Meeting Ellen DeGeneres
1:02:09 – Discussion on holiday traditions
1:04:29 – Extracting billions from millions analogy
1:06:50 – Fairphone and ethical technology
1:10:29 – Excitement about new Mustang car
1:12:03 – Anti-gay KKK figure discussion
1:13:14 – Obscure satire websites
1:15:46 – Olympic bomber suspect controversy
1:17:25 – Profiling and security measures debate
1:19:31 – Living in Mulberry Street neighborhood
1:22:24 – FBI infiltration of the mafia
1:24:09 – Woman running numbers and resisting mob
1:27:18 – Family gatherings and dynamics
1:29:48 – Martial arts impact on personal growth
1:32:10 – Feeling unprotected and need to leave
1:34:50 – Mother's engagement despite violence
1:38:44 – Parent coaching before homeless shelters
1:40:39 – Community importance in daily life
1:42:16 – Horse riding across the country story
1:44:36 – Child's asthma and doctor visits
1:46:40 – Real estate panic selling
1:50:20 – Neighborhood gentrification and Spike Lee
1:53:12 – Surfer culture and balance
1:55:00 – Eddie Ifft's near fights stories
2:00:46 – Physical attack at Stitches comedy club
2:03:06 – Comedy club incident in Vermont
2:06:30 – Danny's career in sitcoms
2:09:09 – Audience uninformed about topics
2:12:02 – Challenges of fame and public interaction
2:14:24 – Handling long stories in conversations
2:16:06 – Pitching ideas to book agents
2:18:27 – Market for funny women comedians
2:21:29 – Humor in gay male communities
2:23:32 – Family dysfunction and resilience
2:25:42 – Successful books and New York comedy
2:27:26 – Creating a show from scratch
2:30:46 – Carolla podcast and joke feedback
2:33:12 – Mocking other comics
2:35:04 – Fitzdog Radio and social media presence
2:37:03 – Onnit sponsorship and closing remarks

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Fuck the music, let's just turn the show on. Starting point is 00:00:17 Just like this. Starting point is 00:00:31 You know what it also does, though? Starting point is 00:00:44 Dude, don't even say that. It's great business you're rude no no no no but someone asked Starting point is 00:01:20 prescriptions obviously now that's what's crazy. Were they different states or same state? Starting point is 00:01:44 He had a back surgery. Starting point is 00:01:59 I mean, it's the same exact chemical makeup. Starting point is 00:02:12 It was literally like that. Starting point is 00:02:29 I can have a long conversation. Starting point is 00:02:44 All the great writers. Vicodins isn't heroin, though, right? Vicodins back on the heroin. Just do it. Get back on them. All the great writers. Starting point is 00:02:59 that your Starting point is 00:03:27 And then you have to, when you go off it, it takes a while for those receptors to clean Starting point is 00:03:53 and their serotonin would be depleted right and then they realized if you take 5-htp while you're Starting point is 00:04:33 to give your body enough to rebuild itself. And in certain circumstances, what you're doing to Starting point is 00:04:56 Just wreck the whole thing. Starting point is 00:05:14 to not have to deal with all this shit Starting point is 00:05:42 And then our reserves are depleted. Starting point is 00:06:10 Yeah. Um, there's, there's, we had Steve Maxwell's, this famous strength and conditioning Starting point is 00:06:35 to make it the most nutritious, Starting point is 00:06:49 I think there's no correct answer. Starting point is 00:07:03 And I eat vegetables all day long. Starting point is 00:07:32 when I'm really going, I probably fart 20 times a day and they're long farts. Starting point is 00:07:56 And he started laughing so hard. Starting point is 00:08:11 I just got some probiotics in the mail that I'm going to start taking. Starting point is 00:08:28 Yeah, you...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #493?

Greg Fitzsimmons was the guest on JRE #493. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #493?

On Joe Rogan Experience #493 with Greg Fitzsimmons, topics include Mental Health, Stand-up, Drug Addiction, and Health and Nutrition.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #493?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #493 with Greg Fitzsimmons is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.