The Adam Carolla Show
Episode: Kelsey Grammer on Trump, Newsom Running for President, and Malibu Fire Updates
Release Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging and wide-ranging episode, Adam Carolla welcomes actor Kelsey Grammer for an energetic and candid conversation, joined later by Rudy Pavich for the news. The main themes revolve around political authenticity and inefficacy (with special attention on Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom), reflections on California’s governance, the Malibu fire aftermath, and Grammer's personal resilience in the face of tragedy. Woven throughout are Carolla’s trademark rants, satirical sketches, and unfiltered banter. The episode is both comedic and surprisingly heartfelt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kelsey Grammer at the Kennedy Center & Reflections on Trump (01:52 – 08:29)

• Kelsey shares his experiences attending and presenting at the Kennedy Center, noting the institution's improvement efforts and the role of politics in cultural spaces.
  • "The President was sort of hosting, but he was not, what's the word, abrasive really in any way..." — Kelsey Grammer (02:22)
• Both Carolla and Grammer express appreciation for decisive leadership—pointing to Trump's ability to “hit the ground running” in contrast to “process people” who prefer endless discussion over action.
  • “Process people hate disruptors because their whole world is a status quo world.” — Adam Carolla (06:47)
  • Grammer recounts observing Trump's post-election preparations at Mar-a-Lago and being impressed by the sense of purpose.
• The hosts dissect the “process people” mentality, criticizing local and state politicians—especially in California—for bureaucracy and a lack of real results.

2. Process People, Leadership Styles & Newsom's Candidacy (08:29 – 13:24)

• Carolla rails on politicians like Gavin Newsom for prioritizing panels and public discussions over bold actions, describing them as “process people” clinging to grants and nonprofit money.
• There's an extended riff on the absurdity and hypocrisy of massive spending with little result: billions spent on homelessness and infrastructure, but little tangible progress.
  • “They would rather have a crumbling infrastructure... than give somebody the win.” — Adam Carolla (07:56)
• Kelsey Grammer agrees, highlighting the cynicism behind unsolved problems and ongoing funding.

3. Trump vs Newsom / Political Personas (11:05 – 20:25)

• Carolla discusses his distrust of Gavin Newsom, dubbing him a “sociopath”—contrasting this with politicians he respectfully disagrees with, such as Andrew Yang.
• Noteworthy is their mutual incredulity at Newsom’s popularity:
  • “What concerns me most is not Gavin Newsom or whomever... It's the people that really like them.” — Adam Carolla (09:58)
• Carolla and Grammer also touch on the perception that Trump is “deranged” but credit him for “lower taxes, less crime, and stout borders.” The two suggest performance should trump personality.
• Carolla’s comedic bit replaces Newsom’s voice with AI Burt Reynolds to highlight how style and rhythm mask political incoherence (15:01 – 19:03):
  • [15:01] "I thought that if we took his voice out and just replaced it with Burt Reynolds voice... we'd hear how clearly insane Burt Reynolds sounds in this exchange." — Adam Carolla
  • They play a reenacted exchange, emphasizing nonsensical policy-speak.
• Grammer says, "He can talk for four hours and still say nothing. Right. Which is satisfying and gratifying to process people.” (19:17)

4. Malibu Fires, Graffiti, and Process Paralysis (22:48 – 25:16)

• Both discuss the aftermath of the Malibu fires, noting how vacant properties are now tagged with graffiti—a symbol of government inaction and bureaucratic delays.
  • “Coming up on a year since the fires, and the reason nothing’s been done is because they’re process people.” — Adam Carolla (24:10)
• Grammer agrees: “Where’s California headed? ...We're throwing away a lot of money” (25:22)

5. Kelsey Grammer’s New Movie and Book, and Personal Loss (25:37 – 38:31)

• Grammer discusses his new movie Turbulence and his memoir Karen, reflecting on the murder of his sister and father.
  • “Took me 50 years before I was ready to write it... what I wanted to do is... just wanted people to know my sister.” — Kelsey Grammer (27:25)
• He describes the long-term impact and trauma of such losses and his ongoing involvement with the parole process for the perpetrators.
  • “If you sit there and say, I did this horrible thing... maybe I can redeem myself... but I’m not for his release.” — Kelsey Grammer (30:26)
• The discussion touches on the criminal justice system, perceptions of the death penalty, and the psychological burden on victims’ families.

6. Fatherhood at 70—Kelsey on Family (36:08 – 38:09)

• Grammer shares his joy at becoming a father again at age 70, discussing the challenges and rewards of both natural and IVF pregnancies with his wife.
  • “I love life. I love life. I’m good. It’s not her [wife pushing for children].” — Kelsey Grammer (37:30)
• He reflects that his current relationship and family arrived at the right time for him to be “qualified to have a relationship and a family” (37:39).

7. Political Satire, Process Culture, and Euphemisms (41:59 – 73:23)

• The second half of the show (with Rudy Pavich) is a blend of political rants, social commentary, and comedic sidebars:
  • Satirical takes on criminal justice reform, euphemisms for criminals, and the “Justice Fair” for “Angelenos impacted by the justice system” (69:18 – 71:47).
  • “Impacted by the justice system are Asian women who got punched by black guys walking down the street. Not the black guy who punched them...” — Adam Carolla (69:52)
  • Carolla criticizes the trend of appointing former criminals to public safety panels and reflects on city priorities amid destruction and ongoing crime.
• Extended riffs on woke culture, performative activism, and gender politics—lampooning present-day Los Angeles and New York governance.

8. Modern Bureaucracy & Social Commentary (76:03 – End)

• Carolla and guests discuss social media screening for foreign visitors (“if you talk shit about the US, we don’t need you”) and the broader consequences of oversharing or public activism.
• A segment mocks the proliferation of government organizations dedicated to race and equity, with Carolla playing a clip from Admiral Rachel Levine.
  • “The key to all the Biden appointees was weave race into every single conversation.” — Adam Carolla (92:15)
• The show closes with discussion of current events, Kelsey's projects, and upcoming tour dates.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Political Authenticity:

  • “Process people hate disruptors because their whole world is a status quo world.” — Adam Carolla (06:47)
  • “He can talk for four hours and still say nothing. Right. Which is satisfying and gratifying to process people.” — Kelsey Grammer (19:17)

• On Newsom’s Appeal:

  • “I realized that Gavin Newsom sort of doesn’t track verbally... but it comes in a package that is favorable and likable, especially to women.” — Adam Carolla (14:19)

• On Personal Tragedy & Resilience:

  • “I just wanted people to know my sister. She was a wonderful girl, and we had a great childhood.” — Kelsey Grammer (27:25)
  • “I couldn’t save my sister, but I can do this [attend parole hearings].” — Kelsey Grammer (32:41)

• On Fatherhood and Aging:

  • “I love life. I love life... We actually agree about it. We love our family. It’s been a great experience.” — Kelsey Grammer (37:30)

• Satirical/Comedic Highlights:

  • “I thought that if we took his voice out and we just replaced it with Burt Reynolds voice... we'd hear how clearly insane Burt Reynolds sounds in this exchange.” — Adam Carolla (15:01)
  • [On process people’s “result”] “They want things to stay the same way is what—that’s the result they want.” — Kelsey Grammer (20:04)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:52 – Kelsey Grammer joins, discussing Kennedy Center
• 03:51 – Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s preparedness
• 06:28 – “Process people” described; CA politics analogy
• 08:29 – Billion-dollar mismanagement in California
• 11:05 – Newsom’s candidacy and sociopathic persona
• 14:19 – “AI Burt Reynolds” satirical bit
• 19:17 – Grammer on political doublespeak
• 22:48 – Malibu fires, graffiti, and delayed recovery
• 25:37 – Grammer on new movie Turbulence and memoir Karen
• 27:25 – Reflections on family, tragedy, and healing
• 36:08 – Fatherhood at 70: life and family perspectives
• 41:59 – Satirical takes on justice reform, euphemisms
• 69:18 – LA “Justice Fair” critiqued
• 92:15 – Analysis of race framing in Biden admin

Final Thoughts

This episode blends political satire with poignant personal stories, exemplified by Kelsey Grammer’s candor and Carolla’s biting wit. The theme of authenticity versus bureaucratic inertia recurs throughout, with both critique and comedy aimed squarely at “process people” in modern governance. The interplay between sharp cultural commentary and deeply personal storytelling makes for a memorable, multifaceted episode.

For listeners seeking both laughs and thoughtful perspectives, this episode delivers—in spades.

Guest Plugs:

• Turbulence (film) — available on VOD
• Karen (memoir by Kelsey Grammer) — out now
• Adam’s live shows and Rudy’s appearances (see AdamCarolla.com)

[End of Summary]