Podcast Summary: "Kinky Kings w/ Jim Norton"

Podcast Information:

• Title: 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer
• Host/Author: YMH Studios
• Episode: Kinky Kings w/ Jim Norton
• Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction and Guest Appearance

The episode kicks off with Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer welcoming their special guest, Jim Norton, a beloved comedian known for his sharp wit and candid discussions. Bert notes, “[00:05] Bert Kreischer: Well, Bert is recovering from quadruple bypass. It's going to be a few weeks, but as he recovers, we have some great friends stopping in and stopping with us,” highlighting the supportive dynamic among the hosts.

Jim Norton expresses his gratitude for the warm welcome: “[00:24] Jim Norton: Thank you, Tom. Oh, thank you for that applause.” The camaraderie is evident as Bert continues, “[00:27] Bert Kreischer: Doesn't that feel good?” setting a relaxed and humorous tone for the episode.

World War II Documentaries and Hitler’s Portrayal

A significant portion of the conversation delves into World War II documentaries, particularly focusing on Adolf Hitler's portrayal. Bert shares his fascination: “[00:37] Bert Kreischer: Speaking of gerbils, man, it's a Hitler summer. Here we are. I've been watching nothing but World War II docs because sometimes you’re like, I've seen it. And then a new one comes out... I’m just fascinated.”

Jim Norton adds depth by referencing personal accounts: “[01:19] Jim Norton: I did see. I read an article about a guy. He was a Jewish guy who lived. He was one of Hitler's neighbors... He wrote a book... his family got out of there.” This personal narrative emphasizes the complex human interactions during the war, contrasting the often one-dimensional portrayal of Hitler.

Bert elaborates on Hitler’s multifaceted personality as depicted in documentaries: “[01:39] Bert Kreischer: When the youth kids are joining and he shakes, he switches hand and taps their face like this. And he's like, you're a good boy... How come we don't see more of this? I'm tired of seeing the negative spin.”

Jim reflects on the evolution of warfare: “[02:45] Jim Norton: We have wars going on right now, that there's... World War III tomorrow, it wouldn't look like those wars, like with the way technology. This was like, you know, the people were just like, I love my country and I'm just going to battle.”

This segment underscores the enduring interest and evolving understanding of historical events through new media releases.

Stand-Up Comedy: Bombed Sets and Audience Interaction

Transitioning to comedy, the hosts and guest share personal anecdotes about bombing on stage and the challenges of stand-up. Bert recounts a particularly rough set: “[52:20] Bert Kreischer: I was supposed to do 25 minutes in the... summer of Katrina... I thought a clever opener would be my observation that...”

Jim empathizes with the struggle, stating: “[55:27] Jim Norton: No, the... [55:28] Bert Kreischer: The skill set. [55:29] Jim Norton: No, you have to. And a lot of times, if I... I see it, too.”

The discussion highlights the vulnerability comedians face when performing live, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. They share tips on handling bombed sets, such as pivoting strategies and maintaining honesty with the audience: “[55:45] Jim Norton: But when you plow ahead, like, you know that went as planned.”

Mental Health and Personal Struggles

Jim Norton opens up about his struggles with anxiety and the importance of therapy: “[17:24] Jim Norton: And the reason I still... displaying a lot of self-awareness about his mental health struggles, Bert commends the openness: “[62:51] Bert Kreischer: I was like, you can kind of tell someone's impact by how long they keep doing that.”

This candid conversation underscores the significance of mental health awareness, especially in high-pressure environments like comedy and entertainment.

Interviews with Celebrities and Historical Figures

The episode features reminisces about interviews with notable personalities. Jim shares insights from his interview with Dana White: “[38:54] Jim Norton: We talked boxing and we talked MMA for about 40 minutes and he remembered everything.”

Bert reflects on interactions with figures like William Shatner and Buzz Aldrin, highlighting their unique personalities: “[37:27] Bert Kreischer: Like crazy. [37:28] Jim Norton: And they're right.”

These anecdotes provide listeners with behind-the-scenes glimpses into the personalities that shape popular culture and history.

Reflections on Patrice O'Neal and Legacy

A heartfelt segment discusses the late comedian Patrice O'Neal. Jim and Bert reminisce about their time with Patrice, sharing personal stories and the impact he had on their lives and careers: “[64:07] Bert Kreischer: How long is it friends? How long has he been... [66:19] Jim Norton: Awful.”

Jim reflects on Patrice's growth and his own feelings of relevance, highlighting the importance of legacy and the enduring influence of peers: “[63:09] Jim Norton: You know, I just found a video...”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and final thoughts on navigating the comedy landscape, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and continuous growth: “[69:00] Tom Segura: Here's what we call two bears, one cave.”

Jim promotes his new special, “Unconceivable,” encouraging listeners to check it out on his YouTube channel: “[68:22] Bert Kreischer: Be sure to check out Jim's new special, Unconceivable. It is out right now on his YouTube channel.”

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Norton [00:24]: "Thank you, Tom. Oh, thank you for that applause."
• Bert Kreischer [00:37]: "I've been watching nothing but World War II docs because sometimes you're like, I've seen it."
• Jim Norton [01:19]: "He was one of the few people alive who'd had like a personal interaction with Hitler."
• Bert Kreischer [52:20]: "I thought a clever opener would be my observation that... nothing gets my dick harder than a bloated carcass floating by."
• Jim Norton [17:24]: "I learned that people, when you feel shame about anything, it grows in you and it stays."
• Jim Norton [25:16]: "All the same thing. And I hate myself for at times still requiring that."
• Bert Kreischer [62:51]: "You can kind of tell someone's impact by how long they keep doing that."
• Jim Norton [66:20]: "But that was part of the thing that... I really did love him."

Final Thoughts

"Kinky Kings w/ Jim Norton" offers a rich tapestry of conversations ranging from historical analyses and personal comebacks in comedy to deep dives into mental health and the legacies of influential comedians. The interplay between Tom, Bert, and Jim provides both humor and profound insights, making it a valuable listen for fans and newcomers alike.