Episode Overview

Episode Title: Happy Thanksgiving from Adam Carolla
Date: November 27, 2025
Podcast: Adam Carolla Show

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Adam Carolla reflects on gratitude, tradition, and what truly matters in life and work. Instead of reading a long list of names, Adam focuses on the "bigger picture," sharing heartfelt thoughts on the value of meaningful work, supporting family, and appreciation for his listeners and team. The episode offers an introspective side to Carolla’s signature candid humor and conversational style.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Reflecting on Tradition and Gratitude

• Longstanding Thanksgiving tradition: Adam opens by acknowledging the show's yearly tradition of sharing what he’s thankful for, noting the challenge of singling out names without leaving anyone out.

  "There are a lot of names I'm thankful for, but the problem with the names is once you forget one of them, then that person feels like you're not thankful for them." (00:12)

• Broadening the focus:
  Rather than specific individuals, Adam expresses gratitude for the overall success and longevity of the show.

  "I'm thankful that we're year 16 of this and this is my job." (00:23)

The Value of Meaningful Work

• Wishing more for loved ones:
  Adam contemplates what he’d wish for his children:

  "I don't know that you could wish more for someone you liked, family member, son or daughter, than they got to do what they wanted and get paid to do it." (00:29)

• Thought Experiment:
  Adam poses a hypothetical scenario: If he could choose for his son to either earn $1 million a year doing anything or $100,000 a year doing what he loves full time, he’d choose passion over money.

  "I would take the 100 grand doing what he wants every day. That is how important this is." (01:33)
  He adds nuance, clarifying that guaranteed money isn’t negative, but fulfillment is paramount.

Appreciation for Listeners and Team

• Expressing Thanks:
  Adam credits the show's success and his ability to live his dream job to the support of listeners, viewers, and participants.

  "The fact that you guys make it possible is never forgotten by this podcaster. So I am thankful to you who listen and share and watch this stuff on YouTube and comment and anyone who participates." (01:44)

• Gratitude for the Work Environment:
  Adam expresses pride in the community and work culture they've built:

  "We come to a place where people want to go to for work ... there's work involved. There's some trials and there's some tribulations, but I don't know that you could want any more than that." (02:12)

• Humble Reflection:
  He reflects on his humble beginnings, emphasizing how meaningful his current life is considering where he started:

  "Coming from where I come from and starting out how I started out, it is the greatest blessing of all." (02:29)

Memorable Moment: Heartfelt Thanksgiving Message

• Adam closes with direct, genuine appreciation, wishing listeners a happy Thanksgiving and underscoring his gratitude:

  "So enjoy your Thanksgiving. And what I'm thankful for is you guys. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Adam Carolla Show." (02:35)

Notable Quotes

• "There are a lot of names I'm thankful for, but the problem with the names is once you forget one of them, then that person feels like you're not thankful for them." — Adam Carolla, (00:12)
• "I'm thankful that we're year 16 of this and this is my job." — Adam Carolla, (00:23)
• "I would take the 100 grand doing what he wants every day. That is how important this is." — Adam Carolla, (01:33)
• "The fact that you guys make it possible is never forgotten by this podcaster." — Adam Carolla, (01:44)
• "Coming from where I come from and starting out how I started out, it is the greatest blessing of all." — Adam Carolla, (02:29)
• "So enjoy your Thanksgiving. And what I'm thankful for is you guys." — Adam Carolla, (02:35)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01: Adam begins his Thanksgiving reflections
• 00:29: On wishing for family to have both fulfillment and financial security
• 01:20: The "million vs. hundred thousand" hypothetical
• 01:44: Direct thanks to listeners and supporters
• 02:12: On the value of his work environment and team
• 02:29: Reflection on humble beginnings and present success
• 02:35: Heartfelt closing Thanksgiving message

Tone and Style

True to Adam Carolla’s style, the episode blends humor, candor, and heartfelt gratitude. His straightforward, conversational language draws the listener in and leaves them with both a sense of appreciation and an invitation to value meaningful work and community.

Summary

This Thanksgiving message from Adam Carolla is a short yet memorable tribute to gratitude, meaningful work, and the audience that makes his career possible. With his signature blend of humor and directness, Adam both celebrates past achievements and recognizes the importance of fulfillment, passion, and community support in creating a truly rewarding life.