Detailed Summary of "Tom Rhodes + Artie Lange" Episode (May 24, 2025) | The Adam Carolla Show

Episode Information:

• Title: Tom Rhodes + Artie Lange
• Release Date: May 24, 2025
• Host: Adam Carolla
• Guests: Tom Rhodes, Artie Lange

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Artie Lange sharing an anecdote about a recent Mangria bottle signing event in Portland. The event was marred by logistical issues, leading to a significant number of fans waiting in line without receiving their signed bottles.

2. Mangria Signing Fiasco

Artie Lange ([02:03]) recounts the challenges faced during the Mangria signing in Portland:

• Photographer Mismanagement: Artie and his associate, Mike August, hired a photographer to document the event. However, the photographer focused excessively on capturing images within the store, neglecting the long queue of fans.

  "At some point, every single one of them is going to stand next to me. I'm going to put my arm around them, we're going to take a picture, and then they're going to move on." ([04:17])

• Missed Opportunities: Despite signing hundreds of bottles, the lack of a professional photographer resulted in no actual photos being available to share with the fans. This oversight led to disappointment among attendees who expected to receive their signed bottles.

  "We do not have any of those pictures." ([05:46])

• Logistical Hurdles: Navigating the large venue and managing the overflow of fans proved difficult, especially with a driver who seemed unprepared for the task.

  "We have no pictures if that's the case, then it'll turn up because it's on his person or in his clothes or something somewhere." ([18:58])

Outcome: The event concluded with Artie and Mike unable to provide the promised photos, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the execution of the signing event.

3. Policies and Adaptations at BevMo

Following the Portland event, Artie discusses the restrictions imposed by BevMo on signing bottles during subsequent events in Irvine. The corporate policy prohibits signing bottles to avoid potential legal issues.

• Creative Solutions: To comply with the new policies while still engaging with fans, Artie introduces the concept of printing signed labels separately and applying them to bottles post-event.

  "I will sign on the way to Irvine and then I will stick them on your bottle so you can have a signed bottle." ([22:06])

• Challenges: This workaround adds complexity to the signing process and may deter some fans due to the extra steps involved.

4. Personal Stories and Struggles

The conversation shifts to more personal topics, with Artie Lange and Allison Rosen sharing their experiences with addiction and personal setbacks.

Artie Lange ([16:37]) opens up about an incident involving a mysterious SIM card and misplaced photos, reflecting on the unpredictability of events and its impact on their professional commitments.

Allison Rosen delves into her battle with heroin addiction:

• Initial Use: Allison describes how she began using heroin as a coping mechanism, leading to severe addiction that affected her personal and professional life.

  "I became a heroin addict. It's not a complicated thing. When you do heroin, your life slowly goes away." ([52:00])

• Intervention and Recovery: Facing the brink of losing her life, Allison recounts her intervention by family and friends, leading to her eventual entry into rehabilitation.

  "They found... It's a very devastating thing that's ever happened." ([48:37])

• Impact on Career: Despite the struggles, Allison managed to regain her career momentum post-rehab, highlighting resilience and the challenges of overcoming addiction.

  "After I did that, the book, like, shot through the roof, and the royalties were like... I got out in three days." ([141:56])

5. Promotion of Tom Rhodes' Podcast

Throughout the episode, there are mentions and promotions of Tom Rhodes' endeavors:

• Live Shows: Tom Rhodes is gearing up for a live podcast show in Austin, featuring six handpicked comedians known for their unique and edgy humor.

  "Tom Rhodes Radio, by the way, available on iTunes. He's doing a live show." ([62:47])

• Podcast Content: The discussion touches upon the nature of Tom's podcast, emphasizing original comedy and the vibrant comedy scene in Austin.

  "They're doing something to rival the Montreal Comedy Festival, because that's the biggest festival in North America." ([63:17])

6. Discussion on Mental Health and Public Behavior

The hosts explore the challenges faced by stenographers and public figures in high-stress environments:

• Mental Strain on Stenographers: Artie Lange speaks about the psychological toll of stenography, especially in high-pressure settings like Congress and courtrooms.

  "I think stenographers have a lot built up in them... it's like, well, let's see how old this guy is and how he's dressed and what his posture is." ([76:37])

• Public Outbursts: They debate the appropriateness and triggers for public outbursts, referencing a recent incident where a stenographer had a meltdown after a government shutdown was temporarily resolved.

  "He started ranting. They had to pull her out..." ([73:39])

7. Reflections on Personal Relationships

Artie and Allison share insights into their personal lives and relationships:

• Artie Lange's Struggles: Artie candidly discusses his therapist's advice and his battles with maintaining personal stability amidst chaotic decision-making.

  "My therapist the other day when I was complaining... What do you do?" ([81:11])

• Allison Rosen's Relationships: Allison reflects on her past relationships, emphasizing the impact of personal choices on her emotional well-being.

  "He was working on a house... He fell 30ft on his head and became a quadriplegic." ([127:43])

8. Current Events and Social Commentary

The hosts touch upon contemporary issues, blending humor with social critique:

• Government Shutdown: Briefly addressing the end of a partial government shutdown, they discuss the implications and public reactions.

  "The partial government shutdown is over, at least temporarily. It prevents the country from defaulting." ([72:05])

• Addiction and Society: They critique societal attitudes towards addiction, questioning the stigmatization and the personal costs associated with it.

  "Fat fucks you up long into your adult life." ([75:35])

9. Promotions and Advertisements

Throughout the episode, there are intermittent promotions for various products and services, including Lumosity, Carbonite, DraftKings, and Enzyte. These segments are presented in a humorous and conversational manner, aligning with the show's tone.

10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

The episode concludes with discussions about upcoming events, including a BevMo signing in Irvine, promotions for Allison's book "Crash and Burn," and a brief mention of Tom Rhodes' live show.

• "Crash and Burn" Book Promotion: Allison promotes her book, sharing snippets of her recovery journey and its positive reception.

  "The book, the way grandpa got AIDS, the book is called Crash and Burn and it chronicles the last four years." ([176:28])

• BevMo Signing Event: Plans for future signing events are outlined, emphasizing improved logistics to prevent past mishaps.

  "Bevmo tomorrow. Me and the Stone Pelican, Katie Lang. Our own Mike August." ([179:50])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Artie Lange:

  • "Every single one of them is going to stand next to me. I'm going to put my arm around them, we're going to take a picture, and then they're going to move on." ([04:17])
  • "We do not have any of those pictures." ([05:46])
  • "Tell him he only shoots the kids that don't clean their rooms." ([165:00])

• Allison Rosen:

  • "I became a heroin addict. It's not a complicated thing. When you do heroin, your life slowly goes away." ([52:00])
  • "My book was chosen one of the top 10 travel stories 2011." ([64:53])
  • "The book is called Crash and Burn and it chronicles the last four years, which have been somewhat sketchy." ([140:36])

• Adam Carolla:

  • "But I don't think the FCC or anybody would do anything if you named your show Prank Puppets, but you've gone too far and you're now punishing yourself." ([21:16])
  • "You think if his father is not his real father, that's something he shouldn't find out?" ([46:20])

Conclusion

This episode of The Adam Carolla Show featuring Tom Rhodes and Artie Lange offers a blend of humorous anecdotes, personal struggles, and social commentary. The primary focus revolves around the Mangria signing mishap, providing listeners with an inside look into event management challenges. Additionally, the candid discussions on addiction and mental health add depth to the episode, while continual promotions maintain the show's dynamic pace. Overall, the episode delivers engaging content that balances humor with heartfelt conversations, making it a compelling listen for both regular fans and newcomers.