Adam Carolla Show: "Happy Thanksgiving 2024!" – Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Adam Carolla Show
• Host/Author: PodcastOne / Carolla Digital
• Episode: Happy Thanksgiving 2024!
• Release Date: November 28, 2024

Introduction

In the "Happy Thanksgiving 2024!" episode of The Adam Carolla Show, Adam Carolla delivers a heartfelt and humorous Thanksgiving message to his listeners. The episode primarily focuses on embracing the holiday spirit, sharing personal anecdotes, and presenting his signature cranberry sauce recipe. Despite the festive occasion, the conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion about managing holiday stress and the temptation to indulge.

Conversation on Drinking and Holiday Stress ([00:01] – [01:02])

The episode opens with a candid exchange between Adam Carolla and his co-host Dawson about handling work-induced stress during the holiday season.

• Adam Carolla ([00:01]): "When work gets crazy, I like to..."
• Dawson ([00:02]): "Stop by the bar after, have a few cold ones."
• Adam Carolla ([00:05]): "I don't drink at all until 4:00. We limit ourselves to one bottle of wine a night."

This brief conversation sets a relaxed tone, acknowledging common holiday behaviors while also highlighting personal boundaries regarding alcohol consumption.

Thanksgiving Message and Gratitude ([01:02] – [04:17])

Adam Carolla transitions into his Thanksgiving message, blending humor with genuine gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of taking a break from the usual routines and fully embracing the holiday spirit.

• Adam Carolla ([01:02]): "Well, it's Thanksgiving. Here we are again. 15 in. Jeez Louise, where's the time gone?"

He encourages listeners to take the day off from exercising, advocating for complete relaxation:

• Adam Carolla ([01:26]): "If you're planning on jogging today, you should jog into the back of a municipal bus because I don't want to see anyone. Take a goddamn day off."

Adam highlights the historical significance of Thanksgiving, referencing the pilgrims and the traditional practices:

• Adam Carolla ([03:57]): "It's a mandate that you cheat today. And that doesn't involve exercising."

Expressing his gratitude, Adam credits his listeners for enabling him to pursue his passion:

• Adam Carolla ([04:17]): "I'm really thankful for you guys. And I know it sounds like I'm kissing butt here, but you guys have enabled me to do this for a living, which is just something I never thought I could ever do."

He shares a personal reflection on his journey, contrasting his current success with his humble beginnings:

• Adam Carolla ([04:17]): "I thought, you know, I'd be on a roof somewhere swinging a hammer about this time. Or maybe, maybe I'd have my own small crew of Guatemalans who were super bitter and they didn't like the jefe or the maestro. That would be me."

Adam underscores the significance of his listeners, sharing stories that highlight the impact of his show on diverse audiences:

• Adam Carolla ([04:17]): "The best story I ever hear is when the dad shows up at the comedy show and he brings his 23-year-old son and he goes, he got me onto you. And now I listen..."

Cranberry Sauce Recipe ([15:24] – [19:33])

A standout segment of the episode is Adam’s detailed yet humorous cranberry sauce recipe. He provides a straightforward guide, infused with his characteristic wit and no-nonsense attitude towards holiday traditions.

Recipe Instructions:

1. Ingredients:

   • 12-ounce sack of fresh cranberries
   • 1 cup of water (free)
   • ½ cup of sugar (adjustable to taste)

2. Method:

   • Rinse the Cranberries: "Rinse the cranberries, bring the water to a boil..."
   • Combine and Cook: "Throw in a half cup of sugar, stir it, let it emulsify and disintegrate there inside the water."
   • Simmer: "Put the lid on, put it on low, simmer it, walk away. It's done in five to ten minutes."
   • Serving: Adam emphasizes serving the cranberry sauce warm for enhanced flavor: "Cold cranberry sauce does not help. A little warm, a little warmer than room temperature. It's good."

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Carolla ([15:24]): "It's nothing. It's nothing. It's a 12 ounce sack of cranberries, cup of water free."
• Adam Carolla ([15:24]): "If you like the canned version of it, there's something wrong with you. I like the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese version of Mac. No, no, there's something wrong with you. You're stupid fresh. It's better."

Adam humorously criticizes canned cranberry sauce, advocating for the freshness and simplicity of his homemade recipe:

• Adam Carolla ([15:24]): "Symbolically, nobody should ever reach for a can opener during Thanksgiving. There's two things you shouldn't do in Thanksgiving. No, three things. First thing, you shouldn't exercise. Second thing, you shouldn't do is burn any calories turning a can opener."

He concludes the recipe segment by reiterating his gratitude and encouraging listeners to enjoy the holiday without overcomplicating traditions:

• Adam Carolla ([19:33]): "I want to tell you that if you'd like to listen to the show commercial free... Thank you. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and mahalo."

Expressions of Gratitude and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Adam reflects on his career and the unexpected path that led him to success in podcasting:

• Adam Carolla ([04:17]): "I didn't think I'd be coming into my own building and sitting in air conditioning and talking to really interesting people and having interesting discussions and exchanging ideas."

He shares amusing stories about the listening audience, showcasing the diverse impact of his show:

• Adam Carolla ([04:17]): "The best story I ever hear is when the dad shows up at the comedy show and he brings his 23-year-old son and he goes, he got me onto you."

Adam also humorously criticizes common Thanksgiving practices that detract from the enjoyment of the day, reinforcing his message to fully embrace the holiday spirit without unnecessary stress or effort.

Conclusion

In the "Happy Thanksgiving 2024!" episode, Adam Carolla successfully blends humor with heartfelt gratitude, offering listeners both entertainment and practical advice for enjoying the holiday. His cranberry sauce recipe serves as a centerpiece, reflecting his no-frills approach to traditional festivities. By focusing on taking a well-deserved break and appreciating his audience, Adam fosters a sense of community and appreciation that resonates with his listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Adam Carolla ([00:05]): "I don't drink at all until 4:00. We limit ourselves to one bottle of wine a night."
• Adam Carolla ([01:02]): "It's a mandate that you cheat today. And that doesn't involve exercising."
• Adam Carolla ([04:17]): "I'm really thankful for you guys. And I know it sounds like I'm kissing butt here..."
• Adam Carolla ([15:24]): "Symbolically, nobody should ever reach for a can opener during Thanksgiving."
• Adam Carolla ([19:33]): "Thank you. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and mahalo."

This episode of The Adam Carolla Show is a blend of humor, personal reflection, and practical holiday advice, making it a perfect listen for those looking to embrace Thanksgiving with a light-hearted and genuine spirit.