JRE #2108 – Tom Green

This podcast features a lively conversation with comedian, actor, and musician Tom Green, covering a range of topics from his wild experiences on the road to his reflections on the entertainment industry. From his unique approach to stand-up comedy to his current life on a Canadian farm, Green offers a refreshingly candid and humorous perspective on life, fame, and the changing nature of entertainment. Underlying themes explore the power of individuality, the pursuit of authenticity, and the importance of staying true to oneself even in the face of industry pressures.

Major Topics Covered:

1. Tom Green’s Previous Podcast Appearance with Joe Rogan:
   1. Green recounts his previous podcast appearance with Rogan, where both of them got a bit “toxic” from too much whiskey.
   2. He woke up the next day in his van, parked in the studio parking lot, with no memory of what happened on the show.
   3. Green’s mom was concerned about his drinking, but he acknowledges that it was a fun time, despite the lack of memory.
   4. This anecdote highlights the comedic and somewhat chaotic nature of their relationship and their shared tendency to get carried away.
2. Tom Green’s Van Life and Travel:
   1. Green discusses his experience living and traveling in a van, particularly during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
   2. He describes sleeping in remote desert parks and truck stops, emphasizing the unusual and sometimes nerve-wracking nature of van life.
   3. His travels involved filming projects, showcasing his dedication to his craft and his willingness to embrace unconventional living.
   4. This segment highlights Green’s independent spirit and his desire to create outside of traditional industry structures.
3. Tom Green’s Encounter with a Fighter Jet:
   1. Green recounts a remarkable encounter with a US fighter jet while camping in the California desert.
   2. The jet seemingly spotted him, flew low over him, and then disappeared, leaving Green without a chance to capture it on camera.
   3. This experience emphasizes Green’s adventurous spirit and his fascination with the powerful and unpredictable forces of nature.
   4. He even discusses his experience flying with the Blue Angels, showcasing his willingness to push boundaries and embrace unique experiences.
4. Tom Green’s Stand-up Comedy Origins:
   1. Green shares his early experiences with stand-up comedy in Ottawa, Canada, highlighting the importance of local comedy clubs in fostering his career.
   2. He recounts seeing Norm McDonald perform at a young age, emphasizing McDonald’s unique and influential style of comedy.
   3. Green discusses the evolution of stand-up comedy, recognizing a shift from more structured to more absurd and unconventional styles.
   4. He emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice and style, even if it goes against the norm.
5. Tom Green’s Relationship with Norm McDonald:
   1. Green expresses his admiration for Norm McDonald, describing him as a “legitimate genius” and a “rare specimen.”
   2. He shares anecdotes about their interactions, including a humorous story about McDonald’s relapse into smoking after quitting.
   3. Green discusses McDonald’s unique personality, both on and off stage, highlighting his undeniable comedic talent and offbeat charm.
   4. This segment underscores the lasting impact of comedy icons and the power of comedic personalities to captivate audiences.
6. Tom Green’s Views on Gambling:
   1. Green expresses his dislike for gambling, particularly his aversion to math and his fear of losing money.
   2. He recounts watching Dana White gamble significant sums of money, emphasizing the inherent risk and thrill associated with gambling.
   3. Green discusses the potential dangers of gambling addiction, especially for those with money and impulse control issues.
   4. This segment offers a personal perspective on the complexities of gambling and the importance of self-awareness when engaging in such activities.
7. The Impact of Technology on Communication:
   1. Green reflects on the transformative impact of technology on communication, contrasting his childhood experiences with the current reliance on smartphones and social media.
   2. He laments the loss of spontaneity and the ability to “disappear” due to the constant tracking and surveillance that comes with modern technology.
   3. He acknowledges his own addiction to social media, even while recognizing the negative impact it has on his eyes and his overall well-being.
   4. This segment explores the challenges of navigating a hyper-connected world, emphasizing the need for conscious choices and mindful consumption of digital content.
8. Tom Green’s Life on a Canadian Farm:
   1. Green enthusiastically describes his move to a Canadian farm, highlighting his newfound love for nature and his desire for a more grounded lifestyle.
   2. He recounts his unexpected journey into the world of mules, detailing his experiences with his own mule, Fanny, and his newfound knowledge of these intelligent animals.
   3. Green’s farm life involves various animals, including chickens, donkeys, and even a bear encounter, highlighting his connection to nature and his appreciation for the natural world.
   4. This segment showcases Green’s desire to reconnect with his roots and embrace a more authentic and fulfilling way of life.
9. The Unique Intelligence of Mules:
   1. Green dives deep into the fascinating world of mules, emphasizing their intelligence, strength, and resilience.
   2. He discusses the complex psychological relationship between a mule and its rider, acknowledging the importance of clear communication and establishing trust.
   3. He shares anecdotes about Fanny’s reactions to various situations, showcasing her ability to sense her rider’s emotions and her strong sense of self-preservation.
   4. This segment offers a glimpse into the often-overlooked world of mules, revealing their remarkable intelligence and their ability to form deep bonds with their human companions.
10. Tom Green’s Views on the Wildlife at his Farm:
    1. Green describes the presence of wolves on his property, acknowledging his mule’s fear of them, even though wolves generally pose no threat to such large animals.
    2. He recounts his experience with a black bear that visited his property, highlighting the unpredictable nature of living in a wilderness area.
    3. Green’s enthusiasm for wildlife encounters emphasizes his appreciation for the natural world and his willingness to embrace the risks and rewards of living in a remote location.
    4. This segment delves into the complexities of human-wildlife interactions, exploring the balance between respect for nature and personal safety.
11. Tom Green’s Experience with the Trucker Rally in Ottawa:
    1. Green shares his perspective on the trucker rally in Ottawa, highlighting his personal connection to the city and his understanding of the frustrations that fueled the protest.
    2. He acknowledges the right to dissent and the importance of freedom of speech, while also expressing concerns about the disruptive nature of the protest.
    3. Green draws parallels between the trucker rally and the January 6th Capitol riot, recognizing the distinct contexts and motivations behind each event.
    4. This segment delves into the complexities of political protests and the challenges of navigating social unrest in a democratic society.
12. Tom Green’s Political Views:
    1. Green expresses his displeasure with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, acknowledging the widespread dissatisfaction with his policies and leadership style.
    2. He discusses the political climate in Canada, recognizing the significant divisions and the polarization of opinions similar to that in the United States.
    3. Green’s perspective on Canadian politics reflects the broader societal anxieties and frustrations with political systems perceived as unresponsive to the needs of the people.
    4. This segment highlights the shared challenges faced by democratic societies in navigating political polarization and finding solutions to complex societal issues.
13. The Importance of Authenticity:
    1. Green emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, regardless of industry pressures or societal expectations.
    2. He discusses his own journey of navigating the entertainment industry, acknowledging the temptations of conforming to a certain mold in order to achieve success.
    3. Green’s decision to leave Los Angeles and embrace a more grounded lifestyle highlights his commitment to living a life that aligns with his values and his genuine self.
    4. This theme underscores the importance of staying true to one’s core identity, even when faced with external pressures and the allure of conventional success.
14. The Power of Individuality:
    1. Green highlights the importance of individuality and the power of pursuing one’s own unique path.
    2. He discusses his own unconventional career, showcasing his willingness to defy expectations and embrace creative expression outside of traditional norms.
    3. Green’s experiences with the entertainment industry emphasize the challenges of maintaining individuality in a system that often seeks to homogenize talent and creative expression.
    4. This theme underscores the importance of celebrating individuality, embracing originality, and creating art that reflects the unique perspectives of the individual artist.
15. The Changing Nature of Entertainment:
    1. Green discusses the evolving landscape of entertainment, recognizing the rise of social media and podcasting as alternative platforms for creators.
    2. He highlights the potential for greater freedom and authenticity in the digital space, where artists have direct access to audiences without relying on traditional gatekeepers.
    3. Green’s own embrace of podcasting and his decision to leave Hollywood reflect the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry and the shift towards more independent and decentralized models of content creation.
    4. This segment explores the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital revolution, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new platforms and forging new paths for creative expression.
16. Tom Green’s Foot Injury in Costa Rica:
    1. Green recounts a harrowing experience in Costa Rica where he suffered severe third-degree burns on both of his feet.
    2. He vividly describes the pain, the medical procedures, and the emotional impact of the injury, showcasing the fragility of human resilience.
    3. His story highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected events, the role of medical professionals in healing, and the power of human connection in times of adversity.
    4. This segment offers a personal and intimate glimpse into a difficult experience, emphasizing the importance of self-care, seeking help, and embracing the unpredictability of life.

Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s like telepathy, for sure. You can’t attribute all that to body language. She feels it.” – Green describes the unique connection he feels with his mule, Fanny.
• “It’s a different kind of, I don’t necessarily feel that anybody should tell me that I can’t have a handgun, especially not the government.” – Green expresses his strong feelings about gun rights.
• “The whole thing seems like, if I was gonna make a playbook, if I was gonna instigate a bunch of dumbasses to go do something really stupid because it’ll make their leader look like a fascist and Hitler. That’s how I would do it.” – Green shares his cynical view on the January 6th Capitol riot.
• “It’s like a weird place. And you feel almost like you have to be there. Now everything’s changed to the internet.” – Green expresses his feelings about Los Angeles and the transformative power of the internet.
• “The last thing they want to do is do something and talk about something that’s going to politically get them at odds with the people that run the studios.” – Green reveals the pressures faced by artists in Hollywood to conform to a specific ideology.