Greg Fitzsimmons

Date: 2016-03-16 | Duration: 2h 45m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Greg Fitzsimmons opens up about his personal struggles with opioid addiction, sharing candid reflections on his experience with Vicodin and the challenges of withdrawal. He discusses the culture around prescription painkillers, the role of doctors in the epidemic, and how his own journey toward sobriety was influenced by friendships and self-awareness. This raw account sheds light on the broader opioid crisis while offering a personal perspective on recovery. The conversation also delves into Fitzsimmons’ early days in comedy, recalling his time on the open mic circuit and the mentorship he received from established comedians like Teddy. He shares humorous and insightful stories about the grind of developing material, the camaraderie among comics, and the evolution of his comedic voice. Alongside this, Fitzsimmons touches on his love for physical fitness, recounting a tough workout that left him shaking but determined, illustrating his commitment to health and discipline. In addition, Fitzsimmons and Joe Rogan explore topics ranging from wildlife behavior—highlighting encounters with bears and coyotes—to the quirks of modern culture, including the furry community and the impact of social media on comedy. The episode balances humor with thoughtful commentary, offering listeners a multifaceted look at Fitzsimmons’ life, career, and worldview.

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

– Stand-up Comedy
– Opioid Addiction
– Sports Injuries
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Wildlife Behavior
– Concussions
– Bowling
– Yoga
– Car Culture
– Music Industry
– Environmental Pollution
– Animal Conservation
– Social Media
– Comedy Industry
– Drug Myths
– Physical Therapy
– Neuroscience
– Podcasting
– Personal Relationships
0:01:11 – Discussion of Reginokine blood spinning procedure
0:03:47 – Greg's struggle with Vicodin addiction
0:07:00 – Early comedy career and open mic nights
0:10:31 – Mention of a great documentary on addiction
0:12:59 – Doctors urged to address opioid crisis
0:14:02 – Explanation of patella tendon injury
0:17:02 – Discussion of powerful business families
0:19:17 – Benefits of hemp fiber
0:21:24 – Polar bear behavior and survival
0:25:04 – Bear population control and human interaction
0:26:44 – Mountain lion encounters and dangers
0:27:35 – Furry fandom and costume culture
0:30:45 – Greg's interest in bowling and personal life
0:36:38 – Discussion on the vastness of space
0:39:54 – Skepticism about the word 'God'
0:42:26 – Sexual harassment lawsuit mention
0:46:41 – Intense workout experiences
0:50:11 – Support systems for overcoming challenges
1:00:19 – Head injuries and concussion effects
1:03:53 – Dangers of unconsciousness in fights
1:07:08 – Quietness of certain vehicles
1:09:06 – Cost and features of Mustang GT
1:12:26 – MMA player statistics and insights
1:13:34 – Ronda Rousey's aggressive fighting style
1:15:06 – Post-fight reactions and confusion
1:18:39 – Restaurant experiences and food quality
1:22:25 – Urban wildlife observations
1:24:09 – Dog bitten by rattlesnake story
1:30:07 – South Africa trip and baboon encounters
1:33:52 – Snapchat video format discussion
1:38:05 – Comedy scene dynamics and rivalries
1:41:46 – Vegas comedy show experience
1:45:09 – Importance of stage practice for comedians
1:47:23 – Creative writing and journaling habits
2:00:20 – Car show versus Regis Philbin show
2:05:24 – Hangover myths and alcohol effects
2:07:11 – Addiction myths debunked by Carl Hart
2:21:57 – Veterinarian insights on bear behavior

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Powerful Greg Fitzsimmons Starting point is 00:00:35 Yours is hanging in. Starting point is 00:00:49 But mine, I'm Irish. Starting point is 00:01:11 invented reginokine which is that blood spinning procedure that kobe bryant all these athletes go Starting point is 00:01:32 It's collagen. Starting point is 00:01:55 Hang in there, baby. Starting point is 00:02:17 That's one of them, yeah. Starting point is 00:02:46 a good like muscle to weight ratio i fucking struggled to do 15 i was shaking i was like Starting point is 00:03:36 And you know what? Starting point is 00:03:47 How long was I hooked on Vicodin? Starting point is 00:04:09 Then you got friends. Starting point is 00:04:32 I was bad. Starting point is 00:04:46 you you don't realize until you stop for a few days and you go dark you go if you don't take it Starting point is 00:05:14 So you can't feel happiness until eventually those go away. Starting point is 00:05:34 right after I met you quit. Yeah, that's right. That's exactly right. And I was amazed that, Starting point is 00:06:08 a problem. I need to work Starting point is 00:06:24 Oh, yeah. Starting point is 00:06:44 Where is it? Starting point is 00:07:00 like, oh yeah, this guy's special. Jerry Lewis? Starting point is 00:07:28 I remember when I was an open mic night guy, like I just started and Teddy did a set and Starting point is 00:07:47 I watched that. Starting point is 00:07:56 And he booked me and Teddy. Starting point is 00:08:13 And it was in kind of like a resort-y sort of vacation-y area. Starting point is 00:08:55 i'm stretching with material i don't have i'm doing your material at this point i got my hand Starting point is 00:09:19 And the guy, the club owner's like, all right. Starting point is 00:09:33 The guy's like, are you kidding? Starting point is 00:09:48 Pills, man. Starting point is 00:10:03 He's Brian's partner. Starting point is 00:10:31 Great documentary guys. Starting point is 00:10:50 And he's got ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #775?

Greg Fitzsimmons was the guest on JRE #775. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #775?

On Joe Rogan Experience #775 with Greg Fitzsimmons, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Opioid Addiction, Sports Injuries, and Mixed Martial Arts.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #775?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #775 with Greg Fitzsimmons is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.