JRE #431 – Matt Fulchiron (Part 1)

This podcast features comedian Matt Fulchiron, who is also the host of the “Full Charge Power Hour” podcast. It’s a lively discussion that touches on various topics, ranging from the absurdity of sales tactics to the controversial nature of vitamin supplements, and ultimately dives deep into the fascinating world of comedy, personal experiences, and reflections on life.

Major Topics

1. Aggressive Sales Tactics:
   • The podcast opens with a discussion on aggressive sales tactics, specifically those encountered in restaurants and other public spaces.
   • They critique the practice of trying to sell products or services in an environment not conducive to purchasing, highlighting the annoyance it can cause.
   • The episode explores the contrast between ethical and unethical sales practices, praising sponsors like Ting and 1800flowers.com for their transparency and customer focus.
   • They use a humorous anecdote of being approached by a woman offering a “complimentary” postcard photo that ultimately cost $10 to highlight how deceptive tactics can backfire.
2. The Disconnect with Customer Service:
   • The conversation shifts to the growing reliance on technology and the resulting disconnect with human interaction, especially in customer service.
   • They express frustration with the prevalence of automated systems and outsourcing to overseas call centers, highlighting the feeling of being treated like a number rather than a valued customer.
   • They acknowledge that while the trend is inevitable due to the efficiency of technology, it still feels impersonal and alienating.
   • They humorously point out the absurdity of having to explain basic computer operations to people who seemingly lack basic technological literacy.
3. Vitamin Supplements and Their Efficacy:
   • The episode discusses the controversial debate surrounding vitamin supplements, fueled by studies questioning their effectiveness.
   • They debunk the idea that vitamins are inherently useless, emphasizing the importance of considering the quality and source of vitamins, highlighting the difference between food-based and synthetic vitamins.
   • They highlight the crucial role vitamins play in overall health and well-being, specifically referencing the benefits of vitamin B12 for energy levels.
   • They stress the importance of a balanced diet as the primary source of vitamins, but acknowledge the value of supplementation for specific needs.
4. Stand-up Comedy and Originality:
   • They explore the unique dynamic within stand-up comedy, emphasizing the importance of originality and the sanctity of individual material.
   • The conversation addresses the ethical gray area of selling comedy acts to other performers, contrasting it with the acceptance of borrowing or referencing material in other art forms.
   • They highlight the importance of the tight-knit community within stand-up, where trust and honesty prevail, ensuring that comics don’t steal material from each other.
   • They acknowledge the value of collaboration and outside perspectives, but believe that stand-up comedy is ultimately a personal art form that requires authentic expression.
5. The Legacy of Bill Hicks:
   • They pay tribute to the late comedian Bill Hicks, praising his unique style and lasting impact on comedy.
   • They discuss Hicks’s unapologetic honesty and willingness to tackle controversial subjects in a satirical and thought-provoking manner.
   • The episode highlights Hicks’s ability to blend ideas with humor, challenging societal norms and sparking critical thinking.
   • They compare Hicks’s influence to that of Lenny Bruce, arguing that Hicks’s impact is amplified by the accessibility of his work in the digital age.
6. The Dangers of Addiction and Habit:
   • They touch upon the dangers of addiction, specifically focusing on smoking, emphasizing the enslaving nature of the habit.
   • They discuss the irony of romanticizing smoking in movies and popular culture, contrasting it with the devastating health consequences.
   • They explore the prevalence of addictive substances like nicotine in everyday products, highlighting the need for awareness and caution.
   • They delve into the harrowing effects of “Colombian Devil’s Breath,” a powerful and dangerous drug that can control a person’s mind, drawing parallels to the potential risks of nicotine dependence.
7. The Culture of Long Working Hours:
   • The episode discusses the pervasive culture of long working hours in various industries, specifically in Hollywood.
   • They highlight the grueling demands placed on actors and crew members, often working 14 to 16 hours a day, six days a week.
   • They express concern about the impact of such demanding schedules on mental and physical health, and argue that shorter work hours are not only feasible but beneficial.
   • They use examples like NewsRadio, where shorter work hours allowed for creativity and improvisation, to illustrate how a less demanding environment can lead to better results.
8. The Hollywood System and Creative Control:
   • They discuss the complexities of the Hollywood system, highlighting the challenges of maintaining creative control when multiple stakeholders have input.
   • They criticize the tendency for networks and producers to interfere with creative projects, often leading to compromised outcomes.
   • They explore the dynamic between writers, producers, and actors, and how external pressures can influence the final product.
   • They use the examples of Hardball and NewsRadio to highlight the stark contrast between shows where creativity thrived and those where it was suppressed.
9. The Importance of Authenticity in Stand-up Comedy:
   • The conversation circles back to stand-up comedy, emphasizing the importance of honesty and originality in the art form.
   • They discuss the difference between collaborative writing and simply borrowing or stealing material, reiterating the importance of respect for individual creativity.
   • They acknowledge the potential benefits of working with other comedians, but believe that the core of stand-up lies in personal expression.
   • The episode highlights the value of honesty and integrity within the stand-up community, where trust and respect are paramount.
10. The Power of Visuals and Cultural Phenomena:
    • The episode explores the impact of visuals and cultural phenomena on our perception of the world.
    • They use the example of the Dick Van Dyke Show as a time capsule of cultural norms and expectations of the past.
    • They discuss the fascinating history of futuristic predictions, specifically referencing the Monsanto House of the Future at Epcot.
    • They explore the enduring appeal of iconic movies like The Godfather and Goodfellas, highlighting how timeless themes and artistic excellence transcend eras.
11. The Age of Plastic Surgery and the Quest for Eternal Youth:
    • They discuss the growing prevalence of plastic surgery in Hollywood, exploring the motivations behind the quest for eternal youth.
    • They examine the potential risks and drawbacks of excessive plastic surgery, highlighting how it can affect a person’s appearance and even acting abilities.
    • They compare the aging processes of actors like Jack Nicholson and Burt Reynolds, contrasting those who have embraced aging with those who have tried to fight it.
    • They discuss the importance of authenticity and accepting the natural process of aging, highlighting actors like George Carlin who remained true to themselves throughout their careers.
12. The Influence of Fashion and Cultural Trends:
    • They explore the ever-changing nature of fashion and cultural trends, specifically referencing the controversial “sagging” pants trend.
    • They discuss the perceived absurdity of certain fashion choices, highlighting how trends can sometimes reflect a desire to rebel against norms.
    • They offer a humorous take on the tracksuit and fanny pack trend, suggesting it as a new wardrobe choice for themselves.
    • They examine the power of cultural icons like Bruce Lee and Beyonce to shape fashion trends, and how certain items become synonymous with their images.
13. The Blur Between Real and Fictional Identities:
    • They discuss the blurring of lines between real and fictional identities, particularly in the context of actors and their on-screen personas.
    • They explore how actors who achieve significant fame can struggle to separate themselves from the characters they portray, potentially impacting their real-life relationships and interactions.
    • They use the example of a friend who experienced a negative reaction from his girlfriend after receiving good news, highlighting the emotional toll of striving for success in a competitive industry.
    • They acknowledge that the acting profession is demanding, requiring a level of dedication and commitment that can lead to a certain level of self-absorption.
14. The Importance of Community and Shared Experiences:
    • The podcast delves into the importance of community and shared experiences, specifically within the context of stand-up comedy.
    • They discuss how being part of a close-knit group of comedians fosters support, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
    • They highlight the value of sharing ideas and experiences with fellow comics, and the mutual encouragement that arises from being surrounded by like-minded individuals.
    • They emphasize the sense of camaraderie and understanding that comes from working in a profession that requires a high degree of vulnerability and self-disclosure.
15. The Power of Humor to Challenge and Transform:
    • The episode reflects on the transformative power of humor, particularly in its ability to challenge societal norms and spark critical thinking.
    • They discuss how stand-up comedy can serve as a platform for social commentary, addressing issues that are often overlooked or dismissed.
    • They highlight the importance of using humor to confront difficult topics, and the ability of laughter to bring people together and create change.
    • The podcast concludes on a note of optimism, suggesting that humor can be a powerful force for good in the world, inspiring people to think differently and make a positive impact.

Memorable Quotes

• “2 dozen red roses for just $29.99, ladies and gentlemen. You could just buy them and take them to a bar and make some extra cash.” – A humorous suggestion for an unorthodox way to use a sale offer, highlighting the absurdity of aggressive sales tactics.
• “It makes you feel like the company doesn’t care about any of us. Not the Indians, not us, not us, not anybody.” – Expressing a common feeling of being devalued when dealing with impersonal customer service experiences.
• “The best way to get vitamins for sure is from food. But if you wanna get high level nutrients, like really high levels in your body to the point where it’s affecting you in positive ways like with a neutropic or with, you know, vitamin B Twelve when you’re you’re exercising. To actually get that all from food, holy fuck. You have to eat a lot of weird shit.” – A humorous yet insightful observation about the challenges of obtaining optimal nutrition solely through diet.
• “If you have one heart attack, you’re you’re very likely to have another so with saying that multivitamins don’t work because it didn’t stop that. This is crazy talk. You’re talking about people that are already dying.” – A passionate critique of studies that claim vitamins are ineffective, highlighting the limitations of such research and its potential to mislead the public.
• “I think a lot of people with the average American diet are vitamin deficient, and it’s way better, way better to get your diet in order and then slap them on it. It’s way better.” – A pragmatic and humorous approach to addressing the need for supplements while prioritizing a healthy diet.