The Adam Carolla Show: Episode Summary Release Date: May 8, 2025
Guests:
- Gary Owen: Comedian known for his sharp wit and relatable humor.
- George Gallo: Acclaimed writer and director of films like Midnight Run and Bad Boys.
- Jason Mayhem Miller: Stand-up comedian and Navy veteran.
1. Introduction and Guest Overview
Adam Carolla kicks off the episode by introducing his guests: comedian Gary Owen, writer/director George Gallo, and stand-up comedian Jason Mayhem Miller. He highlights George Gallo's notable works, including Midnight Run—which he cites as his favorite—with stars like Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, and the recent release Comeback Trail featuring De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, Morgan Freeman, and Zach Braff. Adam praises Gallo’s contributions to both action and comedy genres, emphasizing his ability to blend humor seamlessly into various narratives.
Notable Quote:
- Adam Carolla [03:16]: “Midnight Run—probably my favorite, with De Niro and Charles Grodin. Bad Boys and Trapped in Paradise. Underrated comedy, so many others.”
2. Discussing Midnight Run and Character Portrayals
The conversation delves into Midnight Run, where Gary Owen praises Tommy Lee Jones' performance as the anchor of the film, highlighting his subtle brilliance. They discuss the transition of actors like De Niro from dramatic roles to comedy, noting the Hollywood mystique that surrounds such talented individuals.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [04:02]: “He does that monologue at the end of No Country for Old Men, which kind of inspired me to write a monologue for him at the end of this movie.”
3. The Art of Screenwriting and Collaboration
Gary Owen shares insights into the screenwriting process, recounting how he co-authored the screenplay for Midnight Run. He describes the collaborative relationship with director Marty Brets and the challenge of developing a third act. Owen explains how securing high-profile actors like De Niro and Grodin elevated the project, making it easier to attract other talent such as Morgan Freeman and Zach Braff.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [13:38]: “Then everybody in town came in. The second Charles Grodin came in, everyone knew. You could feel it. He just sat next to Bob and he just started breaking his balls.”
4. Exploring Comedic Influences and Favorites
Gary Owen discusses his favorite classic comedies, including The Original In-Laws with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, Blazing Saddles, and Preston Sturges' films. He emphasizes the importance of rapid-fire dialogue and smart humor, drawing parallels to modern comedic styles.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [16:55]: “I love the rapid-fire dialogue. That's the stuff I really, really like.”
5. Navigating the Comedy Industry and Creative Challenges
The conversation shifts to the challenges of sustaining a career in entertainment. Gary Owen reflects on writing over 100 screenplays, with 20 films produced, and the frustration of having numerous excellent scripts remain unproduced. They discuss the financial realities of pitching ideas and the perseverance required to succeed in the industry.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [22:04]: “I've had a good career, you know, but I had 100 screenplays and I've had 20 movies get made, which is still pretty good, but there's an 80 terrific scripts that are sitting around collecting dust.”
6. Stand-Up Comedy: Evolution and Platform Diversity
Jason Mayhem Miller shares his journey from Navy service to stand-up comedy, detailing his experiences winning a contest to appear on BET's Comic View. He discusses the transition from traditional platforms like Comedy Store to modern digital platforms such as Mint Comedy, highlighting the shift in how comedians distribute their work.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Mayhem Miller [39:20]: “Mint Comedy came along. They let us basically rent it for three months since we were so conditioned to get so much for free now, you know, it's not easy to get everybody just to pay to see a special.”
7. Personal Stories: Military Service and Comedy Beginnings
Jason delves into his six-year tenure in the Navy, serving in the Honor Guard and later as a master-at-arms (Navy cop). He recounts the rigorous training, including participation in President Clinton's inauguration, and how his military experiences influenced his comedic style. Jason emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, drawing parallels between military discipline and the demands of stand-up comedy.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Mayhem Miller [49:23]: “I took the GI Bill, but I just never used it because I was doing stand-up.”
- Jason Mayhem Miller [98:11]: “They put me on a part of the base where I was grading papers. They just say you were here Monday through Friday.”
8. Industry Insights: Comedy Specials and Content Ownership
The guests discuss the complexities of producing comedy specials in the current landscape of numerous streaming platforms. Jason emphasizes the importance of maintaining original content to avoid issues like joke theft, sharing anecdotes about comedians unintentionally replicating others' material.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Mayhem Miller [45:21]: “I just want to know my stuff's mine.”
9. News Segment Highlights
a. Smokey Robinson Allegations: Smokey Robinson faces a $50 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault by four former housekeepers. The discussion touches on the recurring theme of sexual misconduct allegations against prominent figures and the challenges in addressing such issues within the entertainment industry.
b. Catholic Church's Excommunication Policy: The Catholic Church announces that priests will be excommunicated if they comply with a new Washington state law requiring the reporting of child abuse confessions to law enforcement. The conversation highlights the tension between religious confidentiality and legal obligations.
c. Trump’s Proposal to Reopen Alcatraz Prison: Former President Donald Trump proposes reopening Alcatraz Prison to house America's most ruthless and violent offenders. The guests humorously debate the feasibility and implications of such a move, referencing cultural representations like the movie The Rock.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Carolla [90:07]: “Smokey Robinson is accused of harassing and assaulting four former housekeepers who worked at his Chatsworth home between 2006 and 2024.”
- Dawson [100:42]: “Trump says he'll reopen Alcatraz Prison for America's most ruthless and violent offenders.”
10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Projects
Gary Owen promotes his latest projects, including a horror movie with a Roman Polanski-esque approach, a comedy titled Accidental Gangster, and a collaboration with Nick Valalonga on a screenplay about Carlo Gambino. Jason Mayhem Miller discusses his new stand-up special available on Mint Comedy and upcoming live shows across the country.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [32:10]: “Any of it never gonna happen. These are my evil plans.”
Conclusion
This episode of The Adam Carolla Show offers a rich blend of humor, industry insights, and personal anecdotes from seasoned professionals in comedy and filmmaking. From deep dives into classic and contemporary comedies to navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry and addressing serious news topics, Adam Carolla and his guests provide an engaging and thought-provoking conversation for listeners.
Notable Overall Quotes:
- Adam Carolla [05:28]: “I do think there was a mystique in Hollywood where we just didn't know what these people were up to off of the screen. And it made the product better because of the sort of mystery of it all.”
- Jason Mayhem Miller [47:38]: “Everybody has... they have what they like.”
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting memorable moments and quotes.