JRE #190 – Greg Fitzsimmons

This podcast delves deep into the world of stand-up comedy, tracing the careers of Joe Rogan and Greg Fitzsimmons from their early days in the Boston comedy scene to their current successes in podcasting and beyond. Provocative topics include the grueling early days of stand-up, the evolution of their comedy styles, the impact of fame, and their perspectives on religion, sex, and social issues. Underlying themes explore the importance of authenticity, the constant struggle for improvement, the lasting power of friendship, and the ongoing search for meaning and purpose in life.

Early Days in the Boston Comedy Scene

1. Grinding It Out:
   • Rogan and Fitzsimmons started their stand-up careers within a week of each other in Boston, facing the brutal reality of low-paying gigs and constant struggle for stage time.
   • They experienced the highs and lows of open mics, comedy hell, and driving to gigs for minimal pay, forging a strong bond through shared hardship.
   • The Boston comedy scene was known for its punchline-driven style, emphasizing raw humor over storytelling.
   • They developed a unique camaraderie, even resorting to stealing each other’s jokes to survive bombing sets.
2. The Utopia of Boston Comedy:
   • Boston was a hotbed of comedy talent during the 80s and 90s, boasting multiple clubs and a vibrant, competitive atmosphere.
   • This era, with a focus on local talent and a meritocratic system, fostered a sense of camaraderie and ambition among aspiring comedians.
   • The pursuit of fame was secondary to the thrill of making people laugh and gaining the respect of their peers.
   • The early days were characterized by a passion for comedy, a thirst for recognition, and an unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries.
3. The Misfit Toys Syndrome:
   • Rogan and Fitzsimmons, along with a select group of Boston comedians, didn’t fit neatly into any established comedy category, standing out for their raw, edgy, and often controversial humor.
   • They found solace in each other’s company, forming a tight-knit group of “real people” who embraced the challenge of pushing comedic boundaries.
   • This outsider status fueled their ambition and fostered a sense of camaraderie among those who shared a similar comedic vision.
   • Their humor was a rebellion against the polished, sanitized comedy often seen in mainstream media.

Evolution of Comedy Styles and Perspectives

1. The Struggle for Authenticity:
   • Fitzsimmons initially pursued a more clean and clever style, aiming for mainstream appeal.
   • Rogan, however, encouraged Fitzsimmons to embrace his darker, more outrageous side, pushing him to be more authentic and fearless in his comedy.
   • This clash in comedic styles led to tension and conflict, but ultimately informed their individual journeys as comedians.
   • The debate over “clean” vs. “dirty” humor reflects a larger conversation about artistic freedom, societal expectations, and the evolving nature of comedy.
2. The Power of Vulnerability:
   • Both Rogan and Fitzsimmons have evolved their comedy over the years, integrating personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and philosophical musings into their sets.
   • This shift towards a more introspective and thoughtful approach reflects a maturity and deeper understanding of the craft.
   • They acknowledge that the most compelling comedy often stems from honesty and authenticity, and that audiences connect with vulnerability and raw emotion.
   • Their comedy is no longer just about punchlines but about exploring the complexities of human experience.
3. Learning to Break the Rules:
   • Rogan and Fitzsimmons reference comedic pioneers like Bill Hicks and George Carlin, who challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of stand-up.
   • They recognize the importance of learning the rules of comedy to ultimately break them, finding their own voice and style through experimentation and rebellion.
   • Their respect for these comedic legends inspires their own desire to push limits and challenge audiences’ expectations.
   • The influence of these comedic icons continues to shape the landscape of stand-up, encouraging new generations of comedians to embrace risk and authenticity.
4. The Rise of Podcast Culture:
   • Both Rogan and Fitzsimmons have embraced podcasting as a platform for free-form conversations, unfiltered thoughts, and diverse perspectives.
   • They see podcasting as a natural evolution of radio, allowing for longer, deeper discussions that are not bound by commercial breaks or corporate censorship.
   • Their podcasts have become cultural touchstones, offering a platform for engaging discussions on various topics, from spirituality and philosophy to pop culture and politics.
   • Podcasting has provided a new avenue for comedians to connect directly with their audiences, fostering a more intimate and authentic dialogue.

Exploring Deeper Themes

1. The Allure and Danger of Belief Systems:
   • Rogan and Fitzsimmons discuss the allure of belief systems, both positive and negative, acknowledging how powerful ideas can shape individuals and societies.
   • They explore the complexities of indoctrination, particularly in the context of religion, questioning the blind acceptance of dogma and the suppression of critical thinking.
   • They also address the dangers of rigid belief systems, highlighting the potential for manipulation, intolerance, and violence.
   • The podcast encourages listeners to critically examine their own beliefs, question authority, and seek truth through open-minded inquiry.
2. The Pursuit of Meaning and Purpose:
   • Rogan and Fitzsimmons wrestle with existential questions about the meaning of life, the nature of consciousness, and the role of spirituality in human existence.
   • They discuss the limitations of scientific explanations and the enduring human need for something beyond the material world.
   • They express skepticism towards organized religion, but acknowledge the potential for spiritual growth through introspection and connection to nature.
   • The podcast encourages listeners to embrace the unknown, explore their own spirituality, and find meaning in their own unique journeys.
3. The Importance of Personal Growth and Self-Reflection:
   • Both Rogan and Fitzsimmons emphasize the importance of personal growth, self-reflection, and the continuous pursuit of improvement.
   • They discuss the role of psychedelics and isolation tanks in facilitating introspection and challenging limiting beliefs.
   • They advocate for honesty, vulnerability, and the courage to confront personal demons and societal biases.
   • The podcast promotes the idea that self-awareness and self-improvement are ongoing processes, essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
4. The Value of Connection and Community:
   • Rogan and Fitzsimmons highlight the significance of human connection, friendship, and the creation of supportive communities.
   • They emphasize the role of shared experiences, mutual support, and the importance of authentic relationships in navigating the complexities of life.
   • They acknowledge the power of community in fostering growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
   • The podcast underscores the importance of building meaningful connections and cherishing the bonds that enrich our lives.
5. The Challenges of Fame and Success:
   • Both Rogan and Fitzsimmons discuss the impact of fame and the constant scrutiny that comes with it.
   • They acknowledge the challenges of maintaining authenticity and navigating the distorted perceptions that can arise with increased notoriety.
   • They highlight the potential for fame to isolate and alienate, creating a disconnect between public persona and personal reality.
   • The podcast offers a glimpse into the complexities of navigating success and maintaining a genuine connection with oneself and one’s loved ones.
6. The Role of Humor in Challenging Societal Norms:
   • Rogan and Fitzsimmons discuss the role of humor in challenging societal norms, pushing boundaries, and confronting controversial issues.
   • They argue that humor can be a powerful tool for social commentary, encouraging critical thinking and challenging conventional perspectives.
   • They acknowledge the potential for humor to offend, but emphasize the importance of using it responsibly and ethically, promoting dialogue and understanding.
   • The podcast encourages listeners to embrace the power of humor as a means of engaging with difficult topics, sparking conversations, and fostering positive change.

Memorable Quotes

1. “We went through, like, the darkest time for stand ups. Well, the the early days. Yeah. We went through our personal darkest days, but at the lightest time in combat.” – Rogan reflects on the intense pressures and challenges of early stand-up careers, emphasizing the camaraderie that helped them endure.
2. “It was fun for us because we knew — Yeah. — we neither one of us should there was a a point in time where both of us were doing, like, middling gigs, and we really didn’t have the time. We really didn’t have a real solid half hour. So it’s sometimes you just When you when we’re when you’re a young comic and you slip in the beginning of your set, like, the odds of you pulling yourself out of the fire are Oh, yeah.” – Rogan describes the early struggles of stand-up, highlighting the importance of finding ways to support and motivate each other.
3. “That’s where we steal I mean, I knew I knew that there were grenades that I had in my waistband that were joking. Yes. That they were just gonna take the fucking top off and lab it, and you’re back in the game. Yeah. It’s like we would help each other. Yeah. It was like well, there was a a time where I was headline and where I had no fucking business headline.” – Fitzsimmons emphasizes the importance of having “weapons” in your stand-up arsenal, and how they supported each other through difficult sets.
4. “And the thing about Boston is and I think it was kinda unique to a lot of common other comedy cities is it it is a punch line town. It’s bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, you know, they don’t wanna see something esoteric. They don’t wanna see a storyteller. They want you to grab them and just smack them around and then walk off stage with your hands in the air.” – Rogan describes the distinct style of Boston comedy, which valued quick wit and direct humor over more nuanced storytelling.
5. “So the other thing is if I and if I if possible, I’m I just said that thing about wait. Let me just say my side of it. Okay. It’s possible. Who knows? I might have said something about you. You know? And again, I was a fucking loud mouth. I said, I’ve talked a lot of shit.” – Fitzsimmons reflects on a past conflict with Rogan, highlighting the potential for misunderstandings and hurt feelings to arise, even between close friends.