Podcast Summary: Adam Carolla Show – July 23, 2025

Guests:

• Darrell Hammond – Saturday Night Live alumnus
• Andy Cowan – Writer for Seinfeld
• Jason "Mayhem" Miller – Host of Trending Topics Segment

1. Introduction

Adam Carolla kicks off the episode by welcoming his guests: Darrell Hammond, renowned for his tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL), and Andy Cowan, a distinguished writer for the iconic sitcom Seinfeld. Additionally, Jason "Mayhem" Miller joins later to discuss current news and trending topics.

2. Darrell Hammond Reflects on SNL Days

Timestamp: 02:26 – 10:20

Darrell Hammond delves into his experiences on SNL, particularly focusing on his role in voicing Don Pardo, the show's legendary announcer.

• On Creating Don Pardo's Voice:

  "We had to invent a voice. The idea was it's Don Pardo, but it's not Don Pardo." (02:46)

Darrell explains the creative process behind developing an authentic yet unique rendition of Pardo's iconic voice, ensuring it resonated with the audience without being a direct imitation.

• On Adapting Impressions:

  "You gotta exaggerate it. You turn this into a Hirschfeld drawing or a character, that's what you gotta do." (17:33)

He emphasizes the importance of amplifying certain traits to enhance comedic effect, moving beyond mere accuracy to embodying the essence of the character.

3. Personal Anecdotes: The Bahamas Cruise Incident

Timestamp: 24:05 – 58:56

Darrell shares a harrowing personal story from his pre-SNL days, detailing an incident aboard a cruise ship that led to his arrest in the Bahamas.

• The Arrest:

  "I had to go to the bathroom, and I walked into the stall and this gentleman from downstairs follows me into the stall... he was just like, let me just give this to you to take back to the Ship so you can give to your friends." (25:39)

Under the influence of excessive rum, Darrell was coerced into possession of cocaine, resulting in his detention. He recounts the bleak conditions of the Bahamian jail and the psychological toll it took on him.

• Father's Reaction:

  "He was irate. I was so wasted... He had been in two wars, including one with Nazis. The cat knows danger, and he senses that something really bad could happen here." (40:07)

Darrell describes his father's stern and silent reaction upon learning of his son's predicament, highlighting the emotional strain and subsequent steps taken to secure his release.

• Reflection on Sobriety:

  "Coming up on three. Hard and harder than hell, my brother." (51:12)

He candidly discusses his ongoing struggles with sobriety, sharing insights into his battle with alcohol addiction and its profound impact on his personal and professional life.

4. Andy Cowan Discusses Writing for Seinfeld

Timestamp: 94:07 – 116:49

Andy Cowan provides an in-depth look into his tenure as a writer for Seinfeld, detailing the creative processes and challenges faced in crafting memorable episodes.

• Pitching Ideas:

  "One he liked, which he didn't wind up using, he almost used, was the lost bra. George discovers a lost big bra in the dryer and wants to find. You know, it's like the glass slipper, right?" (95:03)

Andy shares anecdotes about pitching various concepts to Larry David, illustrating the iterative nature of sitcom writing and the evolution of ideas from inception to execution.

• Developing Characters:

  “...it became a little more cartoonish as I went along, especially when Jerry took over. It became a little more outlandish.” (100:34)

He reflects on the transformation of character portrayals over the series' lifespan, emphasizing the balance between maintaining authenticity and embracing exaggerated comedic elements.

• Behind-the-Scenes Insights:

  "He was very supportive... he would introduce me in this introduction. He said, my next guest is odd. Bizarre. He would label me bizarre." (105:16)

Andy highlights the mentorship and support he received from Merv Griffin during his early showbiz days, underscoring the importance of guidance and encouragement in creative fields.

5. Mayhem Miller's Trending Topics: Hunter Biden Rant

Timestamp: 60:09 – 118:56

Jason "Mayhem" Miller takes center stage to discuss and critique a recent controversial interview with Hunter Biden.

• Critique of Hunter Biden's Claims:

  "He flies around the world three times... Don't give me that six days, not enough Ambien bullshit." (67:41)

Mayhem vehemently rejects Hunter Biden's excuse of being on Ambien during a debate, likening it to the infamous "Twinkie defense" and questioning the credibility of his statements.

• Political Commentary:

  "Hunter Biden's a sociopath, but the thing is, Joe Biden's a sociopath that dumb people don't know is a sociopath." (71:17)

He extends his criticism to President Joe Biden, labeling both as sociopaths and accusing them of dishonesty and untrustworthiness.

• Discussion on Media and Editing:

  "It was just him interviewing drunk people and then editing it to be really funny." (65:07)

Mayhem points out the manipulative nature of media editing, suggesting that Hunter Biden's interview was distorted to fit a particular narrative, thereby misleading the audience.

6. Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Adam Carolla wraps up the episode by reflecting on the deep and varied conversations with his guests. He appreciates Darrell Hammond's willingness to share personal struggles and Andy Cowan's insights into the world of television writing. The episode concludes with a light-hearted interaction between Adam and Andy, showcasing their camaraderie and mutual respect.

Notable Quotes:

• Darrell Hammond on Comedy:

  "You gotta exaggerate it. You turn this into a Hirschfeld drawing or a character, that's what you gotta do." (17:33)

• Andy Cowan on Creativity:

  "We need to be funny. We need to get laughs. So his... the way he did George Bush Senior, that's just the best." (19:29)

• Mayhem Miller on Accountability:

  "Don't give me the Ambien excuse, you retard." (71:17)

Overall Insights:

• Darrell Hammond offers a raw and honest portrayal of the pressures and challenges faced by comedians, especially those operating within high-profile shows like SNL. His personal anecdotes reveal the darker side of fame and addiction, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the man behind the laughs.

• Andy Cowan provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of sitcom writing. His experiences on Seinfeld highlight the collaborative and often tumultuous nature of creating enduring television content. Andy's stories emphasize the importance of perseverance, creativity, and adaptability in the entertainment industry.

• Jason "Mayhem" Miller's segment serves as a fiery critique of political figures and media practices, reflecting the polarized nature of contemporary discourse. His passionate delivery underscores the frustration many feel towards perceived dishonesty and manipulation in the public sphere.

Conclusion:

This episode of The Adam Carolla Show masterfully blends humor, personal storytelling, and sharp political commentary. Through engaging conversations with Darrell Hammond and Andy Cowan, Adam provides listeners with both laughter and poignant reflections. The inclusion of Jason Mayhem Miller's candid takes further enriches the discourse, ensuring a comprehensive and entertaining listen for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.