The Adam Carolla Show: Kurt Braunohler & Greg Fitzsimmons (Carolla Classics) Released on May 3, 2025
Introduction and Sponsor Messages
The episode begins with brief promotional segments for sponsors like Mint Mobile, setting the stage for Adam Carolla's signature blend of humor and candid conversations. Giovanni introduces "Corolla Classics," a companion podcast featuring highlights from 16 years of the Adam Carolla Show, inviting listeners to explore ad-free archives and exclusive content.
Emotional Anecdote: A Morning Routine Turned Hilarious Timestamp: [01:33] - [08:49]
Adam opens the show with a heartfelt yet humorous story about an emotional moment with his son, Sonny. After an early morning routine of coffee and radio calls, Adam heads to use the bathroom in the entry hall of his home. Sonny unintentionally turns off the bathroom light while Adam is mid-use, leading to a comedic yet tense exchange. Adam grapples with his emotions, ultimately expressing pride in Sonny's independence despite the awkward situation.
Notable Quote:
Adam Carolla: "Don't you ever apologize for what you just did." [06:20]
Segment: ABC Movies of the Week Timestamp: [08:49] - [23:05]
Diving into nostalgia, Adam reviews classic ABC Movies of the Week from the 1970s. He humorously critiques films like "Bad Ronald" and "Killdozer," highlighting their absurd premises and campy execution. The guests join in to reminisce about these over-the-top made-for-TV movies, poking fun at their often ridiculous plots and production values.
Notable Quote:
Adam Carolla: "It's like one of our greatest looks." [11:01]
Little Rotten Tomatoes: Game Segment Timestamp: [25:08] - [34:16]
Introducing a playful game segment, Adam and his guests engage in "Little Rotten Tomatoes," where they rate movies based on whether they deserve a "fresh" or "rotten" critic score. The game features films adapted from TV shows, including "The Fugitive," the "Mission Impossible" remake, and "21 Jump Street." The lively debate over critic scores showcases the group's sharp wit and differing opinions on beloved and overlooked films alike.
Notable Quote:
Allison Rosen: "Today's theme is movies based on TV shows." [26:26]
News with Allison Rosenberg: Tackling Social Issues with Humor Timestamp: [53:07] - [155:04]
Allison Rosenberg takes over the news segment, delivering updates with a comedic twist. Topics range from passenger shaming on airplanes to the rise of social media as a platform for criticism. A standout moment features guest Sean Kathleen, a former flight attendant, who shares her frustrations with rude passengers and the challenges of modern air travel etiquette.
Notable Quote:
Kurt Braunohler: "Passenger shaming is a new social media weapon against all the gross things that people do on airplanes." [53:35]
Interaction Highlight: Adam humorously interacts with a guest impersonating Charlie Sheen, blending celebrity culture with everyday annoyances, such as dealing with unruly airline passengers.
In-Depth Discussion: Identity, Religion, and Societal Norms Timestamp: [155:04] - [167:41]
The conversation shifts to more serious topics as Adam delves into societal issues like Islamophobia, religious fundamentalism, and cultural stereotypes. Engaging debates with Kurt and Greg touch on the complexities of criticizing extremist behaviors without generalizing entire communities. The discussion underscores the importance of distinguishing between individual actions and broader cultural or religious identities.
Notable Quote:
Adam Carolla: "Let's stop turning it into all men need to really sit down and realize. And don't try to turn every guy into an abuser." [22:26]
Guest Spotlight: Greg Fitzsimmons Joins the Conversation Timestamp: [167:41] - [179:00]
Comedian Greg Fitzsimmons (Fitz Dog) brings additional humor and insights to the show. Sharing his experiences from performing in intimate comedy clubs like the Punchline in Ventura and Sacramento, Fitz discusses the dynamics of stand-up comedy, audience engagement, and the challenges of filling smaller venues. His anecdotes about intimate performances and the importance of connecting with the audience add depth to the comedic discourse.
Notable Quote:
Greg Fitzsimmons: "I need to tell one extra joke." [111:17]
Final News Segment: Celebrity Legal Troubles and Everyday Absurdities Timestamp: [179:00] - [191:00]
Allison Rosenberg wraps up the news with updates on celebrity antics, including a humorous take on Charlie Sheen being sued by a dental technician. The segment blends real-world news with Adam's characteristic humor, commenting on the absurdity of such situations and the spectacle of celebrity legal battles.
Notable Quote:
Adam Carolla: "Imagine being his dental assistant like Charlie. You're gonna have to put the cigarette out before we do the teeth cleaning." [157:53]
Conclusion and Sign-Off Timestamp: [191:00] - End
As the episode winds down, Adam and his guests exchange final jokes and promotional messages. They announce upcoming shows, special events, and encourage listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms. The closing remarks feature lighthearted banter and mutual appreciation among the hosts and guests, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes.
Notable Quote:
Adam Carolla: "Until next time, it's Adam for Kurt and Allison and bald. Oh, and Matt saying mahalo." [71:26]
Key Takeaways:
- Humorous Storytelling: Adam's ability to weave personal anecdotes with humor sets a relatable and engaging tone.
- Nostalgic Reviews: Revisiting classic ABC Movies of the Week offers a funny and critical look at made-for-TV films of the past.
- Interactive Segments: Games like "Little Rotten Tomatoes" foster entertaining debates and showcase the hosts' diverse opinions.
- Social Commentary: Through news segments and in-depth discussions, the show addresses serious societal issues with a comedic lens.
- Dynamic Guest Interactions: Comedians like Kurt Braunohler and Greg Fitzsimmons enhance the episode with their unique perspectives and humor.
This episode exemplifies "The Adam Carolla Show's" blend of comedy, candid conversations, and insightful commentary, making it a memorable addition to the Carolla Classics series.