Greg Fitzsimmons

Date: 2015-06-10 | Duration: 3h 3m

Episode Overview

Greg Fitzsimmons joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on comedy, mental health, and the evolving entertainment industry. They delve into Fitzsimmons’ early days in stand-up, recalling the grueling circuit of hundreds of comedy clubs and the perseverance required to break through. Fitzsimmons shares insights on crafting material, the discipline of writing, and how revisiting old bits can spark new ideas. Their discussion highlights the unique challenges comedians face balancing creativity with the demands of a changing media landscape. The episode also explores deeper topics such as mental health struggles and the impact of psychedelics like psilocybin. Fitzsimmons reflects on the complex nature of depression and suicide, emphasizing how chemical imbalances can unpredictably affect people regardless of their circumstances. They discuss the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, describing their ability to foster profound emotional insights and healing. This candid conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on wellness beyond conventional approaches. Additionally, Fitzsimmons and Rogan touch on union dynamics in Hollywood, the economics of show business, and the importance of community within creative industries. The episode blends humor with sincerity, providing listeners with both entertaining anecdotes and meaningful reflections on life, art, 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

– Economic Slavery
– Mental Health
– Stand-up Comedy
– Social Media and Twitter
– Automotive Enthusiasm
– Wildlife and Urban Animals
– Psychedelic Mushrooms
– Meditation and Mantras
– Unions and Labor
– Addiction and Recovery
– Art and Counterculture
– Film and Pop Culture
– Personal Relationships
– Gut Health and Probiotics
– Animal Behavior
– Comedy Writing Process
– Environmental Regulations
– Podcasting and Radio
– Childhood and Trauma
– Social Dynamics
0:00:40 – Discussion on economic slavery and global labor
0:05:54 – Reflection on suicide and mental health struggles
0:11:33 – Greg Fitzsimmons' breakthrough in stand-up comedy
0:15:45 – Mention of 'When Stand Up Stood Out' documentary
0:16:18 – Early comedy club scene and touring experiences
0:22:14 – Humorous talk about personal hygiene and bacteria
0:26:12 – Conversation about female sexuality and periods
0:30:21 – Fundamental human need for physical touch
0:31:15 – Greg's first Hollywood job and early struggles
0:36:34 – Passion for naturally aspirated horsepower cars
0:39:52 – Story about dealing with a bat in the apartment
0:49:22 – Discussion on coyotes and urban wildlife conflicts
0:53:19 – Chicken behavior and laying eggs explained
1:13:13 – Views on unions and the auto industry
1:21:41 – Residual checks and financial realities in entertainment
1:25:06 – Responsibilities and costs of being a showrunner
1:33:16 – Importance of probiotics for gut health
1:58:35 – Neurochemistry of love: serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin
2:00:29 – History and effects of psilocybin mushrooms
2:07:34 – Role of meditation and mantras in mental health
2:13:17 – Pharmaceutical drugs derived from rainforests
2:18:02 – Comedians using meditation for creativity
2:23:06 – Cognitive changes and trauma recovery
2:28:04 – Addiction recovery and support meetings
2:31:01 – Reference to 'Best in Show' and geek culture
2:36:31 – Discussion on underground counterculture art
2:41:06 – Artistic expression during political unrest
2:46:41 – Greg Fitzsimmons' comedy career highlights
2:50:38 – Experiences with spiritual clearing and meetings
2:53:02 – Church views on babies and tithing
2:55:04 – Promotion of Fitzdogg Radio podcast

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 powerful Greg Fitzsimmons we were reading this badass Abraham Lincoln quote it's a quarrel not at all no man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention and there's a lot more of the quote but you'll forget it by the time towards the end of it find that quote and listen to it or read it rather where Where can they find it? Dane Cook's Instagram page. Dane had it posted. Dane has a few too many inspirational posts to my likings, Starting point is 00:00:35 but I don't mind a few. Not inspired? This one is very good. This one is very good. No, I'm just busting his balls. His aren't that bad. They're a little odd. His picture's a little odd. His abs look good. He's in Starting point is 00:00:45 very good shape. Very good shape. We were just talking about what a bad motherfucker Abraham Lincoln was. Yeah, I mean, when he came up literally dirt poor and found his way, you know, one of these guys that, like, was working non-stop. I think he worked in a pharmacy or something. Starting point is 00:01:01 And 12 hours a day and yet put himself through law school by reading books like the guy lived in the library he's one of the most well-read presidents of all time and he was a real fucking intellectual but he he made his way based on that quote he can't he came in and he was attacked and he was marginalized because all the guys were you know they were set the politicians they had the money and the position, and they just kept stripping him down, and he kept moving past it, flowing past it, and then think about what he did with slavery. Starting point is 00:01:34 He had to fucking go to war. And, you know, basically know that half the country wants to fucking kill you, and you just go right around that, and you go, no, we've got a bigger goal here. Have you ever had a conversation with one of those Southern deniers? No, that's not what the war was about, man. The war was about economics. You're right. Okay. The war wa...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #658?

Greg Fitzsimmons was the guest on JRE #658. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #658?

On Joe Rogan Experience #658 with Greg Fitzsimmons, topics include Economic Slavery, Mental Health, Stand-up Comedy, and Social Media and Twitter.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #658?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #658 with Greg Fitzsimmons is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.