JRE #1362 – Lenny Clarke

Joe Rogan’s #1362 podcast featuring Lenny Clarke, a legendary Boston comic and actor, covers a wide range of topics, from his early career days to the changing landscape of stand-up comedy and his unique perspective on life. It’s a wild ride filled with humorous anecdotes, provocative insights, and even some unconventional life advice.

Major Topics

• Lenny Clarke’s Rise to Fame

  • Lenny Clarke’s early days in Boston’s stand-up comedy scene, where he was known for his outrageous and unpredictable humor.
  • His experience working with legendary comics like Lenny Bruce and Rip Taylor.
  • His transition from stand-up to a successful sitcom starring himself, which ran alongside Seinfeld and other popular shows.
  • The impact of the Gulf War on his career and the subsequent challenges he faced.

• The Evolution of Stand-up Comedy

  • The changing dynamics of stand-up comedy, from the free-wheeling days of the 80s to the more politically correct era of today.
  • Lenny Clarke’s perspective on the challenges of dealing with hecklers and the evolution of comedy routines.
  • His thoughts on the importance of finding your voice and not being afraid to push boundaries.
  • His advice for aspiring comics on how to navigate the industry and find success.

• The Darker Side of Fame

  • Lenny Clarke’s encounter with a “monster” agent who almost ruined his career.
  • His experiences dealing with people who were not fans and those who had a personal grudge against him.
  • His humorous take on how to handle hecklers and avoid confrontations.
  • His advice on letting go of grudges and focusing on the positive aspects of life.

• Unconventional Life Advice

  • Lenny Clarke’s perspective on the importance of finding your own path and not being afraid to experiment.
  • His advice on staying resilient in the face of adversity and not letting challenges define you.
  • His unorthodox methods for dealing with stress, including physical activities and a positive attitude.
  • His insights on the power of positive thinking and focusing on the things that you care about.

• Dark Humour & Controversial Stories

  • Lenny Clarke’s stories about his experiences with drug use, including his adventures in South America.
  • His anecdotes about the drug-fueled environment of Boston’s comedy scene in the 80s.
  • His encounters with individuals who have committed serious crimes, including murderers and those involved in illegal activities.
  • His raw and honest perspective on the darker aspects of life and how he has learned to cope with them.

• The Importance of Physical Health

  • Lenny Clarke’s journey with weight loss and his experience with alternative therapies.
  • His perspective on the role of diet and exercise in maintaining physical health and mental well-being.
  • His thoughts on the benefits of CBD and other natural remedies.
  • His advice on finding activities that you enjoy and incorporating them into a healthy lifestyle.

• The Importance of Goals

  • Lenny Clarke’s commitment to building his own gym and his desire to achieve his fitness goals.
  • His humorous take on dealing with difficult neighbors and the importance of setting boundaries.
  • His perspective on the value of having a purpose and striving for something bigger than yourself.
  • His advice on staying focused and motivated, even when faced with obstacles.

• The Love of the Game

  • Lenny Clarke’s passion for fishing and hunting, and his stories about his experiences with various animals.
  • His perspective on the importance of connecting with nature and appreciating the beauty of the outdoors.
  • His tales of encountering wild animals, including bears, elk, moose, and great white sharks.
  • His humorous anecdotes about his adventures in various hunting destinations, including Montana, Utah, and Alaska.

• Boston’s Culture and Charm

  • Lenny Clarke’s love for his hometown of Boston and its unique culture.
  • His stories about the city’s diverse population, from the working class to the wealthy elites.
  • His perspective on the challenges of living in a densely populated area.
  • His anecdotes about the city’s iconic landmarks, including Fenway Park and the Charles River.

• The Power of Laughter

  • Lenny Clarke’s belief in the healing power of laughter and how it has helped him through difficult times.
  • His perspective on the importance of finding humor in everyday life and not taking things too seriously.
  • His stories about the power of laughter to connect people and break down barriers.
  • His advice on using humor to cope with stress and adversity.

Memorable Quotes

• “I’ve been doing this for 42 years, I’ve been married 2 or 3 times, you know, it’s a lot of shit I’ve covered. You’re not gonna surprise me.”
• “I’ve got a hundred points of bandwidth and I’d like to use 100 of them on things I love and things I care about. And that’s it.”
• “Sugar is the number 1 thing to get the fuck out of your life. Get that shit out of your life.”
• “I’m a good person. I always have tried to be a good person. And sometimes, the more you try to be a good person, the more people misconstrued you.”
• “It’s a terrible place to be for a man, if I had a son, I’d fucking kick him out of the house. Make him go fend for himself. I really would.”