Episode Summary: Adam Carolla Show – Harley Morenstein + Jo Koy (Carolla Classics) Release Date: May 31, 2025

Guests:

• Harley Morenstein – Creator of Epic Meal Time and author of the "Epic Meal Time" cookbook.
• Jo Koy – Stand-up comedian known for his relatable humor and engaging performances.

1. Balancing Fame and Family Dynamics

Timestamp: 01:00 – 05:17

Adam Carolla opens the discussion by delving into the contrasting experiences of fame between himself and his guests, particularly focusing on how their families perceive their public personas.

• Adam Carolla: “Ultimately. End of the day, everything... all we have is you, the listeners.” [01:00]

Carolla shares a personal anecdote about his daughter’s fluctuating affection towards him since his TV series aired on Spike, highlighting the challenges of maintaining familial relationships amid public success.

• Jo Koy: Discusses his own parenting approach, expressing confidence in his son's independence regarding hygiene. [01:53 – 04:02]

• Harley Morenstein: Comments on his second appearance on the show, reflecting on the evolution of his relationship with fame and family support. [04:46 – 05:17]

Notable Quote:

• Adam Carolla: “The podcast was no big deal. The books and the live shows was all just stuff I slinked away in the night to go do and then come back.” [04:22]

2. Navigating the Entertainment Industry

Timestamp: 05:17 – 12:33

The conversation transitions to the impact of television exposure versus podcast popularity, with Carolla emphasizing the differing ways media presence affects personal interactions and recognition.

• Allison Rosen: Explores the reach and immediacy of television compared to podcasts, noting how TV commercials increase public awareness even among non-viewers. [05:17 – 06:24]

• Jo Koy and Harley Morenstein: Share experiences of managing public recognition and maintaining authenticity in their respective fields. [06:25 – 12:33]

Notable Quote:

• Adam Carolla: “But okay, commercials running for a show that never came out, that's all they need is people to go campaign. Just a promo campaign for a show that they never make.” [06:12]

3. Comedy Careers and Personal Struggles

Timestamp: 12:33 – 26:27

Adam and his guests discuss the rigors of live performances, the balance between personal life and career, and the mental toll of constant touring and public scrutiny.

• Jo Koy: Talks about his extensive touring schedule, purchasing multiple tickets for family and friends, and the financial strains it can impose. [11:30 – 12:00]

• Harley Morenstein: Reflects on the dynamics within Epic Meal Time, including the humorous and sometimes challenging interactions among team members. [18:21 – 26:27]

Notable Quote:

• Jo Koy: “Yeah, I’ve had to buy 104 tickets because every friend and family wanted to go.” [11:30]

• Harley Morenstein: “I think it's also a steady diet of other people going, hey, saw your dad on the... that counts. That's official.” [04:46]

4. Epic Meal Time and Entertainment Entrepreneurship

Timestamp: 26:27 – 54:00

Harley Morenstein takes center stage, discussing the success of Epic Meal Time, his transition into writing a cookbook, and the challenges of adapting an online brand to traditional media formats.

• Harley Morenstein: Describes the creation and execution of over-the-top culinary creations, emphasizing the blend of humor and excess that defines Epic Meal Time. [26:27 – 54:00]

• Adam Carolla and Guests: Engage in playful banter about Harley’s complex recipes, the logistics of filming, and the humorous side of running a large-scale food entertainment operation.

Notable Quote:

• Harley Morenstein: “One time we put a quail inside a Cornish hen, inside a chicken... wrapped in baconators. That was cool.” [55:52]

• Adam Carolla: “That's why it's a weird thing, because my instinct is always like, he's already rich. We don't need to make him richer.” [58:37]

5. Current Events and Social Commentary

Timestamp: 54:00 – 86:57

The show shifts to news segments presented by Allison Rosen, covering a range of topics from the disappearance of Flight 370 to a disturbing assault case involving young girls inspired by the Slenderman mythos.

• Allison Rosen: Reports on Malaysia’s Prime Minister confirming Flight 370 went down in the southern Indian Ocean after 17 days.

• Harley Morenstein and Jo Koy: React to and discuss the psychological and societal implications of young individuals committing violent acts influenced by internet folklore like Slenderman. [62:46 – 86:57]

Notable Quotes:

• Allison Rosen: “They plan to kill the girl to please Slender Man, a demon-like creature who preys on children.” [62:46]

• Adam Carolla: “We have to separate out the people who take other people's lives from the people that say shitty things.” [75:21]

6. Light-hearted Segments and Humor Interludes

Timestamp: 86:57 – 155:57

The podcast features various comedic exchanges, including discussions about stunt moves, funny personal stories, and humorous takes on everyday situations. Harley Morenstein and Jo Koy contribute to the humor with their unique perspectives and experiences.

• Harley Morenstein and Jo Koy: Share laughs over anecdotal stories, such as unusual culinary experiments and stand-up experiences. [86:57 – 155:57]

• Allison Rosen: Provides humorous commentary and light-hearted news updates, maintaining an engaging and entertaining atmosphere throughout. [154:45 – 155:57]

Notable Quote:

• Joe Koy: “I'm gonna hit all three of you with my dick like the Stooges.” [32:53]

• Harley Morenstein: “I'm the only one because this... I am shrimp potel guy. I am onion volcano guy.” [150:02]

7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

Timestamp: 155:57 – End

Adam Carolla wraps up the episode by promoting Harley Morenstein's new cookbook, upcoming live shows, and various sponsors, ensuring listeners are informed about future content and offerings.

• Adam Carolla: Highlights Harley’s cookbook release and directs listeners to relevant websites for more information. [155:57 – End]

Notable Quote:

• Adam Carolla: “Harley’s new book, Epic Meal Time, Everybody available on Amazon.” [155:57]

Conclusion:

This episode of the Adam Carolla Show offers a blend of insightful conversations about balancing fame with personal life, the entrepreneurial journey of expanding an online brand to traditional media, and commentary on serious social issues, all interspersed with light-hearted humor and engaging anecdotes from guests Harley Morenstein and Jo Koy. The dynamic interactions between the hosts and guests provide listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful reflections on the complexities of modern fame and personal relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing public success with maintaining genuine family relationships can be challenging for entertainers.
• Expanding an online brand like Epic Meal Time into traditional media requires adaptability and teamwork.
• The influence of internet culture on young minds can have profound and sometimes disturbing consequences.
• Humor and personal stories remain central to connective and engaging podcast content.

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the main discussions and highlights shared by Adam Carolla, Harley Morenstein, and Jo Koy, offering a comprehensive overview of their conversations and insights.