JRE #1876 – Greg Fitzsimmons

30-Sep-22

This episode features comedian Greg Fitzsimmons, known for his podcasts “Fitzdog Radio,” “Sunday Papers,” and “Childish.” The conversation explores a wide range of topics, touching on fitness, mental health, success, the entertainment industry, and the complexities of human nature. Provocative discussions about the impact of social media, the dangers of wealth, and the dark side of human behavior also emerge. Underlying themes include the importance of personal growth, the nature of ambition, and the search for meaning in an often chaotic world.

Podcast Topics

1. Fitness and Mental Wellness

   1. Greg and Tom Segura’s intense calorie-burning fitness contest, highlighting the extremes people go to for competition and the potential for self-destruction.
   2. The positive impact of rigorous exercise on mental well-being, with emphasis on cardio’s ability to alleviate negative thoughts and anxiety.
   3. The contrast between Greg’s approach to fitness, primarily for mental health, and others who prioritize physical appearance.
   4. The conversation explores the benefits of both cardio and weightlifting in managing anxiety and stress.

2. The Influence of Social Media and “Woke” Culture

3. The pressure to conform to perceived “woke” ideals in Hollywood and its effect on comedic expression.
4. Greg argues against the necessity of explicit statements of virtue signaling and promotes subtly conveying messages through humor.
5. The contrast between the progressive “woke” culture of Hollywood and the more grounded, less politically charged attitudes of audiences in other parts of the country.
6. The discussion highlights the potential for social media to create echo chambers and limit diverse perspectives.

7. The Paradox of Success and the Pursuit of Happiness

8. The challenges of navigating wealth and success, emphasizing the risk of becoming consumed by the pursuit of more and losing sight of true fulfillment.
9. Greg’s personal philosophy of prioritizing personal growth and the joy of the creative process over solely chasing external markers of achievement.
10. The discussion explores the phenomenon of self-sabotage and the importance of overcoming resistance in achieving goals.
11. The concept of “being at the level you think you should be at” is introduced, suggesting that self-belief plays a crucial role in achieving success.

12. The Entertainment Industry and Its Impact on Comedians

13. The changing landscape of comedy, with podcasts playing a significant role in creating opportunities and fostering community.
14. The evolving path to success in comedy, from traditional club circuits to the growing influence of podcasting and social media.
15. The impact of “woke” culture on comedy, with Greg advocating for artists to express their authentic perspectives without fear of censorship.
16. The discussion explores the unique challenges faced by comedians, including the pressures of staying relevant, finding their voice, and dealing with rejection.

17. The Dark Side of Human Behavior and the Search for Meaning

18. The conversation dives into the world of crime and the destructive power of greed and ambition, with examples like the Brett Favre scandal and the Roy DeMayo murder crew.
19. The discussion highlights the complexities of human motivation, examining the influence of factors like CTE, mental health, and the seductive nature of excitement and power.
20. The episode explores the fragility of civilization and the thin veneer of order that separates us from barbarism, referencing historical examples of violence and cruelty.
21. Greg’s exploration of the human condition touches on themes of loneliness, the pursuit of connection, and the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility.

22. The Allure and Dangers of Obsession

23. The episode examines the addictive nature of gambling, the intense pursuit of wealth, and the destructive consequences of obsession.
24. The conversation explores the phenomenon of self-destruction, illustrated through stories of individuals who lose everything chasing their obsessions.
25. Greg’s perspective on the dangers of chasing external validation and the importance of finding meaning and fulfillment in something greater than ourselves.
26. The discussion raises questions about the balance between ambition and well-being.

27. The Impact of Technological Advancements and the Future of Entertainment

28. The conversation highlights the rapid pace of technological change, emphasizing the transformative impact of smartphones, the internet, and AI on our lives.
29. The discussion explores the implications of these advancements on the entertainment industry, with a focus on the evolving landscape of comedy, podcasting, and streaming services.
30. The episode touches on the ethical considerations surrounding technology, specifically discussing the potential for misuse and the importance of responsible innovation.
31. Greg’s reflection on the world we live in highlights both the opportunities and challenges presented by technological progress.

32. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

33. The episode emphasizes the value of being true to oneself and rejecting the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
34. Greg’s personal journey exemplifies the importance of embracing one’s imperfections and finding acceptance through self-awareness.
35. The discussion touches on the dangers of self-judgment and the importance of forgiving oneself for past mistakes.
36. The episode encourages listeners to cultivate self-compassion and to find strength in their individuality.

37. The Power of Community and Connection

38. The conversation explores the importance of human connection and the role that relationships play in providing support, meaning, and a sense of belonging.
39. Greg highlights the significance of friendships, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals.
40. The discussion touches on the power of shared experiences, humor, and vulnerability in building strong bonds.
41. The episode underscores the importance of cultivating a sense of community and belonging, especially in a world that often feels isolating and disconnected.

42. The Nature of Reality and the Search for Truth

43. The conversation touches on the complexities of human perception and the difficulty of discerning truth in a world of misinformation and manipulated information.
44. The discussion explores the significance of critical thinking and the importance of questioning authority and established narratives.
45. The episode encourages listeners to be discerning consumers of information and to cultivate a healthy skepticism.
46. Greg’s reflection on the human condition prompts listeners to consider the nature of truth and the complexities of navigating a world filled with competing perspectives.

Memorable Quotes

1. “For me, working out is just for my head. I don’t even give a shit about this body. It’s a gift. But my brain, if I work out, man, I just feel happy, and if I don’t, I get depressed.”
2. “We were talking a lot of shit to each other. And Tom got sick, Tom got the flu, and then the day he got better from the flu, you ran thirteen miles. No shit. The day he got better, he ran thirteen miles through his neighbor, through the hills. Damn. That’s different than a treadmill. They’re two miles on the street is like, that’s real.”
3. “It’s funny when somebody like you gets rich because you you don’t have the inclination to go, ‘Well, now I need twice as much of that.’ Instead of that, like, ‘I gotta thank you.’ Like, I did two shows for you this week at the thing, and you handed me some money. And I got home, I looked at it. I was like, ‘Oh, Joe, Joe’s ethos is, ‘I got lucky.'”
4. “With comedy man, like, the thing about it that I enjoyed the most is like the camaraderie and the fun and the new material and the putting on the good shows and having a good time with everybody. Yeah. And I’m like, ‘That is something that I I feel like when I moved here, I’m like, I wanna invest in that. Not just, like, invest in it in the sense of, like, do it all the time and do it a lot of shows with my friends like you guys last night, and, you know, we’re gonna do Atlanta this weekend, like, just but also, like, to to set a place where it’s, like, encouraged, supported, and then you know that if you there’s a clear path now.'”
5. “It’s so freeing when you can see them for what they are, though. Just laugh right in their faces. Yeah. You know, like, I I god. I heard these 2 guys. I’m I’m staying in a I won’t say what hotel, but you put me in a very nice hotel here in town. And I walked past the lobby and these 2 guys. They no. 4 guys, and they all had to the dress shirts on and the and they all look like they they do like like what do you call that? Workout now, the CrossFit. Yeah. They do like CrossFit. They’re all like tan. They all have crew cuts. And I just hear one good. Good. Well, what about the capitalization? And I just stopped and I went, ‘Yeah, what about the capitalization?’ And then I just turned out a long way.”