JRE #1270 – Lenny Clarke

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Lenny Clarke, a legendary Boston comedian and actor. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, from Lenny’s early days in the Boston comedy scene to his experiences with drugs, Hollywood, and the darker side of the entertainment industry. We also hear about Lenny’s incredible comeback after facing multiple obstacles and his unique perspective on life.

Podcast Topics:

1. Lenny Clarke’s Early Days in Boston Comedy:

• Lenny’s early gigs at Jays and Pittsfield in Boston, where he worked 7 nights a week at one point, making cash every night.
• The frantic pace of Boston comedy and the audience’s demand for no-nonsense humor.
• Lenny’s unique hosting style, incorporating his own material and acting as a buffer between acts.
• The competitive nature of the Boston comedy scene and the fierce rivalry between Lenny and Don Gavin.

2. Lenny’s Drug Use and Sobriety:

• Lenny’s experience with cocaine and his decision to quit after a bender that led him to an AA meeting.
• The influence of drugs on the Boston comedy scene and how it affected the style of humor.
• Lenny’s journey to sobriety and his 23 years of clean living.
• The contrast between Lenny’s wild past and his current healthy lifestyle.

3. Lenny’s Hollywood Experiences:

• Lenny’s struggles with agents and network executives, including a story about losing a million dollar bonus after an unintentional disagreement.
• Lenny’s experience with casting couches and how they have changed with the #MeToo movement.
• Lenny’s perspective on the power dynamics in Hollywood and how easily things can be taken away.
• Lenny’s decision to retire from acting after witnessing firsthand how the industry has changed.

4. Lenny’s Views on Cancel Culture and Louis C.K.:

• Lenny’s support for Louis C.K. and his belief that he deserves a second chance after facing backlash for his behavior.
• Lenny’s perspective on the complexities of cancel culture and how it affects individuals and their careers.
• Lenny’s argument that not all accusations are true and that some individuals are unfairly targeted.
• Lenny’s belief that Louis C.K. has been unfairly punished and that he deserves a chance to rebuild his career.

5. Lenny’s Stories about Other Comedians:

• Lenny’s anecdotes about working with other Boston comedians, including Don Gavin, Steve Sweeney, and Dennis Leary.
• Lenny’s stories about his encounters with famous comedians like Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Hicks, and Sam Kinison.
• Lenny’s insights into the lives and careers of these legendary comedians, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique personalities.
• Lenny’s perspective on the evolution of comedy, from the era of joke stealing to the current focus on podcasts and online content.

6. Lenny’s Perspective on Life and Success:

• Lenny’s belief that success comes from hard work and dedication, and that even the most successful people can face setbacks.
• Lenny’s advice to young comedians to learn from their mistakes and to never give up on their dreams.
• Lenny’s appreciation for the support of his friends and colleagues in his journey through life.
• Lenny’s unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of a life in comedy.

7. Lenny’s Encounters with the Military and Area 51:

• Lenny’s experiences performing for the military at various bases, including Guantanamo Bay.
• Lenny’s fascination with UFOs and his belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
• Lenny’s discussion of Area 51 and the rumored stories about alien crafts and government cover-ups.
• Lenny’s skepticism about the official explanations for Area 51 and his desire to uncover the truth.

8. Lenny’s Thoughts on the Evolution of Comedy and the Impact of Social Media:

• Lenny’s observation that the comedy scene has become more supportive and less competitive due to the rise of podcasts and online content.
• Lenny’s concern about the impact of social media on comedy, especially the fear of being “canceled” for offensive jokes.
• Lenny’s belief that the old days of joke stealing have mostly died out, but that some comedians still resort to it.
• Lenny’s advice to young comedians to focus on developing their own unique voices and to be true to themselves.

9. Lenny’s Physical Transformation and Health Journey:

• Lenny’s struggle with weight and his journey to losing over 100 pounds after becoming sober.
• Lenny’s commitment to staying healthy and fit through exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
• Lenny’s inspiring story of overcoming addiction and health challenges to achieve a healthier life.
• Lenny’s perspective on the importance of self-care and taking responsibility for one’s well-being.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You might have been the only guy. Everybody else got hamstring.” – Lenny reflects on the importance of paying taxes, referencing a time when many comics in Boston got into trouble with the IRS.
• “I’m very fortunate that I did that didn’t still haven’t never did Coke.” – Lenny emphasizes his choice to stay away from cocaine, despite being surrounded by a culture of drug use in the Boston comedy scene.
• “It’s like student loans or something. You know? What are you doing out here? What’s going on?” – Lenny compares the burden of unpaid taxes to the weight of student loans, highlighting the ongoing financial consequences of past choices.
• “The first night he comes in, I was pretty lit up because you’re not going on tonight. You’re drunk and I go fuck you, man.” – Lenny describes a heated argument with his brother Mike, showcasing the fiery personality that drives his comedic energy.
• “It’s a problem with people that have so much power. They want you to suck their dick every second of the day.” – Lenny criticizes the overbearing and demanding nature of some people in positions of power, reflecting his experience with Hollywood executives.