Podcast Summary: 2 Bears Live From SXSW | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

Release Date: March 24, 2025

Hosts: Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer

Produced by: YMH Studios

Introduction

In this special SXSW episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave, comedian best friends Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer gather live at the YMH Studios' Bear Cave to engage in their signature blend of humor, personal stories, and candid conversations. Streaming live from Austin, Texas, the duo dives deep into various topics ranging from AI-generated content to personal reflections on career and legacy.

AI and "Fat Cracker Season"

The episode kicks off with a humorous critique of AI-generated content, specifically a fictional song titled "Fat N Words Season." Bert expresses both amusement and frustration over the AI's unpredictable outputs.

• Bert Kreischer [01:07]: "Yo, shut the up. It's fat cracker season."

• Tom Segura [02:08]: "I love my fat."

They joke about the AI's ability to create engaging yet bizarre content, highlighting the surreal nature of modern technology.

Personal Anecdotes and Relationships

Bert shares a personal story about a recent dinner with his mother, emphasizing the dynamics of family interactions and the value of letting others take the lead in conversations.

• Bert Kreischer [25:26]: "I went to dinner with my mom who tried two dinners... she just was talkative. Everything was about her."

Tom and Bert discuss the importance of different personalities in social settings, with Bert reflecting on his desire to return to a more carefree, college-like mindset.

Career Reflections and Legacy

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the contemplation of legacy and the transient nature of fame in the comedy world. Bert expresses existential thoughts about the impact of his work and fears of being forgotten posthumously.

• Bert Kreischer [17:14]: "I want none of it to matter to me. I don't want to try to make myself live, carry on a legacy or be important to the world."

Tom offers a contrasting perspective, highlighting how legacy often takes a backseat in everyday life unless actively pursued.

Mental Health and Therapy

Bert opens up about his experiences with therapy, discussing the balance between personal happiness and professional pressures. He touches on the benefits of couples therapy and single therapy in maintaining his well-being.

• Bert Kreischer [19:22]: "I'm in doubles couples therapy and single therapy... and I couldn't stop worrying about it."

Tom empathizes, sharing his own minimal experiences with therapy and the stigma often associated with mental health discussions.

Touring and Future Plans

The friends delve into their touring experiences, with Bert announcing his upcoming tour schedule and contemplating the future of his comedy career. Both comedians discuss the physical and mental demands of touring, the desire to reconnect with fans, and thoughts on possibly concluding their touring careers.

• Bert Kreischer [16:19]: "I'm so excited. I feel like I... realize why I like touring. It distracted me from everything."

• Tom Segura [59:12]: "I'm gonna have a good amount of time off."

Bert muses about retiring from touring, suggesting a desire to explore other creative avenues such as directing or filmmaking.

Interactions with Celebrities

A memorable segment features Bert recounting his encounter with Mel Gibson on a flight. The story highlights the unpredictability of meeting celebrities and the humorous interactions that can ensue.

• Bert Kreischer [34:07]: "Mel Gibson's sitting next to me on the plane... I'm a Ride or Die Mel Gibson fan."

Tom joins in, sharing his own anecdote about a disastrous interview in Belfast, adding to the camaraderie and shared experiences of navigating fame.

Comedy Specials and Creative Direction

Bert discusses his upcoming Netflix special, "Lucky," and contemplates making it his final special. He expresses feelings of burnout from the constant promotional cycle and the desire to potentially conclude his stand-up career on his own terms.

• Bert Kreischer [57:16]: "The next special will be my last one, I think."

Tom supports Bert’s introspection, emphasizing the importance of evolving creatively and finding fulfillment beyond the stage.

Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

As the episode winds down, Bert and Tom reflect on the sense of community they've built with their listeners. Bert considers innovative ways to engage with fans post-tour, such as organizing 5Ks or smaller meet-ups, underscoring the value of direct interaction with their audience.

• Bert Kreischer [54:15]: "I miss hanging out with fans. I miss going to the bar with fans."

Tom echoes this sentiment, highlighting the unique bond formed through their podcast and live interactions.

Notable Quotes

• Bert Kreischer [19:22]: "I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life."

• Tom Segura [57:14]: "We’re making a TV show just for our fans."

• Bert Kreischer [58:21]: "You walk away from the game when the game still wants you."

Conclusion

The 2 Bears Live From SXSW episode offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer. Their honest conversations about personal struggles, career aspirations, and the ever-evolving landscape of comedy provide listeners with both laughs and thoughtful reflections. As they navigate their journeys, the bond between the two comedians and their connection with the audience remains at the heart of their enduring friendship.

Speaker Attribution of Quotes:

• Tom Segura
• Bert Kreischer

All timestamps are in MM:SS format corresponding to the podcast transcript.