Adam Carolla Show: Comedian Phil Hanley’s Painful Battle with Dyslexia + Former UFC Fighter Keith Jardine Previews His New Movie

Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Adam Carolla Show, host Adam Carolla engages with two remarkable guests: Comedian and Author Phil Hanley and Former UFC Fighter Keith Jardine, who is now venturing into movie-making. The conversation delves deep into personal struggles with dyslexia, the journey to overcoming challenges, and insights into the worlds of comedy and mixed martial arts (MMA).

Guests' Backgrounds

• Phil Hanley: A seasoned comedian and author, Phil brings his unique perspective on fighting dyslexia and how it has shaped his career in comedy and writing.

• Keith Jardine: Known as the "Dean of Mean" in the MMA arena, Keith transitions from his fighting career to discuss his new indie film project, "Kill Me Again", and the parallels between fighting and filmmaking.

Discussion on Dyslexia

Adam Carolla initiates the conversation by highlighting the guests' recent tours and upcoming projects. The focus soon shifts to dyslexia, a topic close to both Phil and Keith.

• Adam Carolla ([03:06]): "I have a problem in life. My problem is I see things. It's really my biggest problem."

• Keith Jardine ([05:14]): "I'd say anyone who's an adult who is dyslexic fell through the cracks of any color."

The dialogue explores the societal perceptions of dyslexia, especially the differing narratives based on race.

• Adam Carolla ([05:23]): "But if you're a black guy can't read, we don't say he's dyslexic. White guy, you go dyslexic."

Keith emphasizes that dyslexia affects individuals across all backgrounds, challenging the notion that it's solely a personal deficit.

Personal Stories and Struggles

Both Adam and Keith share their personal battles with dyslexia, shedding light on the challenges and coping mechanisms they developed.

• Adam Carolla ([14:52]): "But I'm white and generally smart. So I realized as I got older and I went through life and I was like, I don't really read."

• Keith Jardine ([11:20]): "My mom would advocate. Every single year they tried to fail me and my mom. My dad's approach was, those sons of bitches. I pay their taxes. You're smarter than them."

Keith recounts his parents' unwavering support, ensuring he received the necessary education despite the school's initial resistance.

Overcoming Dyslexia and Career Paths

The conversation transitions to how both guests navigated their careers despite their reading challenges.

• Keith Jardine ([16:39]): "Yeah, I do read now, too. But it took."

• Adam Carolla ([17:10]): "Yeah, I learned how to do it."

Both acknowledge the progress they've made, with Adam highlighting his journey into radio and comedy without initially mastering reading.

Comedy and Writing

Dyslexia's impact on their comedic styles becomes a focal point, illustrating how personal challenges can fuel creativity.

• Adam Carolla ([15:41]): "But it affects all. It affects everything."

• Keith Jardine ([16:02]): "No, it was. It was the most insane."

Adam shares anecdotes about struggling with scripts, leading to improvisational humor, while Keith discusses the meticulous effort required in activities like audiobook narration despite dyslexia.

Filmmaking and "Kill Me Again"

Keith Jardine introduces his latest project, "Kill Me Again", an indie film that blends elements of a time loop with a serial killer narrative.

• Keith Jardine ([73:43]): "Yeah, I did everything. Wrote, directed, produced, begged for money."

• Adam Carolla ([74:19]): "So what happened is, in the past, you couldn't hand me a piece of paper..."

Keith elaborates on the challenges of independent filmmaking, including tight budgets, limited resources, and the creative process of developing a compelling script without extensive locations.

MMA Fighting and Personal Experiences

Keith delves into his MMA career, discussing the evolution of the sport and his personal experiences within it.

• Tate Fletcher ([73:43]): "The Dean of Mean."

• Adam Carolla ([73:18]): "So knowing your mustache, but how about the balance?"

Keith reflects on the technical skills required in MMA and the significant increase in skill levels over the years.

Personal Philosophies and Life Lessons

Adam and Keith share their philosophies on hard work, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one's passion despite obstacles.

• Adam Carolla ([78:06]): "They wanted the white people to stay off campus. And he said no."

• Keith Jardine ([66:39]): "Cause I'm fighting, I was. I knew I had to do it."

Adam emphasizes the importance of not waiting for the "perfect time" to pursue dreams, advocating for action despite uncertainties.

Conclusion

As the episode winds down, Adam thanks Phil Hanley and Keith Jardine for their candid discussions. The guests leave listeners with inspiring messages about overcoming personal challenges, the importance of persistence, and the joy of pursuing one's passions, whether in comedy, MMA, or filmmaking.

Notable Takeaways:

• Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Both guests exemplify how personal struggles, like dyslexia, can be transformed into strengths through perseverance and creative adaptation.

• The Intersection of Comedy and Adversity: Dyslexia has shaped their comedic styles, allowing them to connect with audiences on a deeper level through shared human experiences.

• Independent Creativity: Keith's journey into filmmaking underscores the importance of taking risks and embracing the DIY spirit to bring unique stories to life.

• The Evolution of MMA: The discussion highlights how MMA has matured as a sport, with increasing skill levels and professionalization enhancing its global appeal.

This episode is a testament to the power of candid conversations, offering listeners both laughs and profound insights into navigating life's hurdles with humor and determination.

Note: Timestamps correspond to moments within the provided transcript to attribute quotes accurately.