Join the conversation with the legendary Carrot Top on the Digital Social Hour with Sean Kelly! 🚀 With over 30 years of comedic genius, Carrot Top shares his journey from being the longest-running comedian in Vegas history to his experiences with props
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A
You know, it's so easy to be pulled in any direction with. With all that, with all the, you know, attractions and the things and the side things. Hey, there's parties, there's drugs, there's booze, there's women. And then you, like, you know, I gotta be a pro. I gotta go home and I gotta write some jokes and I gotta do a show tomorrow. So you gotta. You gotta stay focused and always keep. Keep it tight.
B
Yeah. All right, guys, got Carrot Top here today. Longest running comedian in Vegas history.
A
Good Lordy, right? Crazy, man.
B
How many years you on now?
A
Well, if you add up all of them, I think 30 years. Yeah, 30 years. Eight. 19 at Deluxe or. And 10 at MGM. And it's almost 31 of bellies. Yeah.
B
I feel like most comedians don't last more than 10 minutes.
A
I know. Yeah. It's crazy. Yeah. I've been lucky.
B
Damn. You still want to do another 30 more?
A
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, I feel like Biden. I feel like I'm ready to go.
B
Oh, man.
A
Yeah. I'm still having a good time too. I think that's the important thing, I think enjoying it, you know, I enjoy the process of writing jokes. I love the energy of getting up there and doing it every night. It's a new crowd, new audience, so it's fun.
B
I love that. Yeah. Vegas is always a new audience.
A
Yeah.
B
Dude, you're looking jacked.
A
I am. I have been training a little bit. Summertime, getting my. My Bill back.
B
I might have to hire you as a person.
A
Gave me the shirt last night, so I'm wearing it. Bill and Ted's excellent advent. The. These two kids, and they look just like Bill and Ted.
B
Really?
A
Yeah, you know, young kids and they had long hair, so.
B
Damn.
A
I'm gonna wear this shirt on this podcast.
B
Dude, you must be working out like two a day. Like, I can't believe this.
A
Yeah, I'm about one. One once a day.
B
Okay. Yeah. You're the most jack comedian I've ever met.
A
I'm the most jack comedian.
B
Was that a goal of yours?
A
No, no, no.
B
Damn.
A
I'm just carrying all my hate mail where it comes from.
B
You do get a lot of that.
A
No, I don't.
B
You don't? On social media, everybody gets mail.
A
Like, everybody gets hate ship. You know, that's part of being. Especially Carrot Top. My God, people love just to. It's gotten less. I mean, years ago when I first started, it was just like, you know, who's this guy? And it was kind of cool to hate Me, and I've done it so long now, now become kind of a staple of. You know, I've been doing 30 years of 40 in comedy. So I think it's probably gotten around to the point where, hey, he's pretty good. He's been doing it 40 years, so.
B
Yeah. Yeah. I didn't notice that at first, though. You got a ton.
A
Yeah, they like to. In the beginning because there's something new and something. Which was odd. You think that would be the opposite reason. You know, you do something original that's new. And people hate. Hate that they don't want new and original and funny. They want, like, they. You. They probably rather me do other people's act, which was the most, you know, the most forbidden thing to do back when I first started doing kind like you do your own material. And so that's why I kind of went the route I did with the props and the other stuff, because I'm saying no one could say I stole their act. I mean, I'm carrying around a walker with a dildo on it and a crime watch sign. So, you know.
B
Has anyone tried to steal your material?
A
People have tried to steal my props, like, just to have them. Yeah, we catch them all the time. Like, dad, you can't take that. The. Tonight, a couple shows have stolen my prop. I had. I had. And even just simple ideas, like a social media thing. I had one where Mike Tyson, speaking of, you know, ears, now, it's a popular topic now because Trump got shot in his ear. So I had a, you know, a couple Trump jokes with the ear. And. But I had one that was for Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear. The joke was, you know, he bit his ear. So I. I was on the Tonight show with. So I had this, like, you're the George Foreman grill. Everybody would say, yeah, I said, the Mike Tyson has a grill. And I opened it up and there was an ear on it, and it killed. It was like, you know, the funniest thing. So the next, I don't know, two weeks later, Jay Jake does this whole segment on the show where he does, like, these props, the things that we found on. On in junkyards. And I'm like, he did my exact joke. Like it was the Mike Tyson's grill. I'm like, you gotta tell your writers to maybe steal a little bit. You mean. Jesus, don't steal right from the show you did it on.
B
Damn.
A
So that's crazy.
B
So he was at the show and then stole it.
A
Oh, the writers.
B
Oh, the writers.
A
Writers, writers looking for bits and they. Writers. Hey, do that one, you know. But I was just on the show, like it was a week later.
B
Wow.
A
And I'm like, really?
B
I always wondered how those shows come up with random topics, but that makes sense. If they just go.
A
Sometimes they just lift them like they did mine.
B
Damn. That's crazy. A lot of those shows are losing audience. Podcasts are taking over.
A
They are. Really. They are.
B
Yeah. I know you go on a few. You've been on Rogan too, right?
A
Yeah. Rogan's great. Rogan's super duper.
B
Him alone is getting more views than all these shows combined.
A
Yep.
B
It's pretty crazy. Times are changing. I know. Those shows were like the thing when I was growing up.
A
Yeah. They were Tonight shows and late night Letterman and all those. They don't compare to what they used to be now.
B
Yeah. Why do you think they've lost their appeal?
A
1. I think it's because of this, what you said, this new format, new concept. Much easier, much quicker to do a show like this than it is that they've turned real political. I think a lot of people aren't going on those shows because the politica sized of them. I've been doing it for years and it was always just fun. And then you go on now and it's mostly policy, political driven. So it turns away a lot of people, I feel.
B
Do you even touch on politics in your shows or you stay away?
A
I do in a. In a. In a roundabout way. I mean, I do a Trump impression where I just. It's so bad. It's actually with a cold today, it's kind of not good. But just, just that, you know, I make the joke is basically something I, you know, he always claims everything he makes. So I do a joke about it. You know, burgers. There was hot dogs, but never burgers. I made burgers. You could. Look, the administration didn't have burgers. They didn't have. They had motels. They didn't have hotels. You know, my friends, I stop. I said there was stop. There was to go. I made stop and says Trump, anything you say, he will just start like he invented it. You know, we didn't have microphones. No one had microphones. But so that way I do. But on that, I don't get too political. No one cares about it. And I don't think to get people riled up over it.
B
Yeah. I know some comedians die, fall into it.
A
Yeah. Which is not my thing. You know, it's Carrot Top. You want to see me doing goofy things.
B
Yeah. Vegas is tough, though, because I feel like it's a mixed political crowd. So you don't want to come.
A
Oh, it's definitely mixed.
B
Yeah. You don't want to go too far down one road.
A
Indeed.
B
Yeah. I saw Shane Gillis just did a Trump thing on Kill Tony. Yeah, did you see that?
A
I didn't, but I like him.
B
Yeah, he's. Dude, he's so funny. He might be my favorite.
A
Oh, that's great.
B
Yeah, I saw him when he was coming up. He opened up for Michael Rappaport.
A
Nice.
B
Like five years ago. And he was unknown. His trajectory has been insane.
A
It's great.
B
Did you see him really coming up like that early on?
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
Because you probably know all the same comedians.
A
Yeah, we're all aware of each other and look at each other.
B
Do you see them as competition or is it friendly?
A
No, never competition. I mean, I look at them as just now. I just like watching how other comics work. You know, it's always fun to see the process, how they come up, how they. How they write, their style of comedy, how they deliver it. Everyone has, you know, a different delivery, different approach. You know, a lot of mine is observational. Like, you know, a lot of my stuff is everyday things, like people that back their car in. I do a whole joke about that and it was turned into our routine. But it's. It's great because as you have people pull, they have many people back in and people clap. And I said, it's you people that are ruining America. And then they'll, you know, like, why? I'm like, you're. You put the, you know, we're first out, you're last in. It doesn't matter. You're. You're. Unless you're robbing a bank, just park your fucking car. And we have all this digital jokes that come with it. So I'm like, do one. Like, it's funny visually. You'll see. Here's your cap is bigging. We're not quite at the gate. If you don't stay in their seats while I back this into detail. And that shows a picture of this plane backing into the tarmac. So it's funny looking because people. It's just. It's pop culture. It's like, that's. That's what we're talking about. Imagine a pilot backing his car and his truck and plane in.
B
That's a good point. People that back in. How much time are you actually saving?
A
Yeah, none. They're spending more. Exactly.
B
Yeah. You're spending more trying to.
A
Who gave them the idea that was supposed to be the quickest way to part, but.
B
Yeah. How often are you changing your. Your jokes and material?
A
Oh, God, Every day I try to. Every day. Every day I try to add one thing.
B
Wow.
A
Yeah. I don't care if it's. It's just one thing, whether it be a bed board or add something to something. But usually once a day, I come up with something that might be on the news, that might be. With all the campaign stuff going on, it's been a big week with making, you know, jokes. But I try to do one a day.
B
That's actually insane. I didn't know that. I thought you just did the same show for like.
A
Yeah, no, no, I never. Never done that. Never have done that.
B
Because a lot of people do do that.
A
Oh, I know. Well, you know, in their defense, a lot of those guys, if. Let's say a Chris Rock, let's say, is getting ready for a special, and he. He's getting ready to do that. Our special in Omaha, you know, he's gonna do that same exact show for however long it takes for him to get it down. Right. And then he'll do it and tape it, and then he'll go and he'll mess around and back.
B
Yeah. Cause he's practicing delivery.
A
He's practicing that exact thing. But I'm not. I'm not necessarily getting ready to shoot a special. So I don't have to change. You know, I can change my every. Every. Every day.
B
Right.
A
But if they came to me and said, hey, we want to shoot a special, you know, in a month or two, I'd start tightening it down and staying.
B
I'm surprised you haven't been approached.
A
Yeah, we've had a bit approach, more documentary kind of stuff as opposed to a special.
B
Okay.
A
I'm not really keen on just doing an hour special.
B
Document the money.
A
I think just by. Because by just giving away the hour of the show. That kind of seems dumb to me. It's like you kind of want to give them a tease, and then they want to come see the show. I think if you do the show on Netflix, they've seen the show, and then they, hey, you want to go see a show? And then they come like, we just saw that. So with a documentary, you get to also get. Know how I got here, how the hell did I get here? And you get to see the behind the scenes. And it's more of a Learning to know who I am. Older people might know young people not Might not really be aware of my career and how I. How I got here, why I'm still here. I think that'd be a fun document. That'd be really interesting more and. And get. And get, you know, testimonials from, you know, other comics. Get Jaylen or, you know, all these different people saying hopefully nice things about me. But, you know, to say, like, yeah, it'd be fun to see who is Carrot Top.
B
Yeah. There's something to learn from your longevity.
A
Yeah.
B
I mean, you're like the LeBron of comedy.
A
I like that. The LeBron of comedy.
B
Yeah. I mean, he's 20 years in. You're 30.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah. But he's. He's about to wrap up. I think his son's in the league now. You follow NBA at all?
A
A little bit. I know the sun got in the league. I mean, that's kind of a proud moment.
B
Any sports you're big on?
A
I'm probably still more football than anything else.
B
Football?
A
Yeah.
B
What's your team?
A
Well, shitty Dolphins.
B
But you live in Vegas.
A
Well, but I'm from Orlando, so. When I was a kid, we had the Miami Dolphins, so I've always stayed true to them.
B
Yeah. I can't remember in my lifetime them ever being good.
A
No, probably not. In your lifetime. They were. They were barely good in my lifetime. I think it was when I was 2.
B
Jeez, you don't even remember.
A
No.
B
Yeah, my job.
A
Well, literally, I was born in six, so in the six, like, 71, they. That was in when they won.
B
Damn.
A
So, yeah, in my lifetime.
B
Look, good for your age, man.
A
Great for my age. Yeah.
B
That's impressive. Out here in Vegas, it's easy to get wrapped up in the partying, drinking and clubbing. But you say, but I'm old, so I don't.
A
You know, that's what keeps me. I am disciplined. That is a really big part of the comedy, too. His discipline with anything is discipline. I don't care what. What job it is. But especially a job like. Like show business, you know, it's so easy to be pulled in any direction with. With all that. With all the, you know, attractions and the things and the side things. Hey, there's parties, there's drugs, there's booze, there's women. And then you, like, you know, I gotta be a pro. I gotta go home and I gotta write some jokes and I gotta do a show tomorrow. So you gotta. You gotta stay focused and. And always keep. Keep it tight.
B
Yeah. Did you go through a phase in your younger years where you were I.
A
Don'T know if I was that. I mean, I'd never been a partier, but, I mean, I would go out more than I did when I was young because I had energy, you know.
B
Yeah.
A
Shows over and like, let's go get a drink, you know, now it's like, let's go on my sports Center.
B
Yeah. Because there are a lot of comedians that go down that road.
A
Yeah.
B
Drinking and drugs or whatever.
A
Yeah.
B
No, it seems to be common in that space.
A
Yeah, it is.
B
But that's cool that you stay locked in. Yeah. It's easy in Vegas to get distracted.
A
And I was just on top of that. Vegas. So on top of not just being in a comic in Las Vegas. How about that? You know, A lot of distractions. So much distractions.
B
Yeah. You probably get invited to so many events, dinners, parties, clubs.
A
Y.
B
Damn. Props to you, man. Six days a week, you're performing.
A
Six days? Yeah. Six days. That's great. Sunday. Yeah. It's fun, though, too, because you kind of get into a rhythm, you know, you get. If you have one where you're, you know, you always have the next night, you know, to kind of fix it and try it better, you know.
B
How many people are in the audience usually?
A
4 million? No, it's about. About 400 people.
B
Okay. That's a good size. So you could really feel the energy and see if it's a good show or not.
A
Yeah, yeah.
B
Has there ever been, like, a show that bombed?
A
Oh, yeah. Every comics had to have each other bombed out. Although I would say bomb. Not professionally now. Not bombed. I mean, I had one that I didn't think went as well, but I don't have one that just. You tanked it. I mean, it's. I've been doing it too long to. You kind of learned how not to have a tank. But when I first started. Oh, boy. Yeah. There's a lot of. You're just so green. You know, there's a lot of shows. I remember in clubs, you just. Man, you just. You know, and you'd eat it, man. But then. But when you come off, they're like, that was great. And so you. You sometimes would think, you know, even to this day, sometimes when I'm like, man, that was horrible. Like, people were like, that was great. Great show. I'm like, really? Like. Yeah. So they don't know until you tell them you guys fucking suck. Then they'd know.
B
Yeah, that must hurt. I mean, getting off stage and getting booed and.
A
Yeah, like I said, I'm lucky in my fan or my career, where I am at that. I have fans and I have people that go to see it specifically. They're not going to boom me or heck of me.
B
Wow, you got people coming multiple times.
A
Oh, yeah. These guys give me shirtless. I've been in the show, like, 10 times.
B
Holy crap.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah. I mean, if you're changing your material.
A
And they're young kids and it's a they to be that young and still seeing the show that many times, that's cool.
B
Is this the main thing? You got any other businesses or podcasts that you're starting up?
A
We're always doing something. You know, we do pot. We do a lot of podcasts. We do. We're trying to do a documentary. I'm trying to write a book. There's some talk about maybe a movie. A movie or two. And I've done some movies that are still coming out. Did have some parts in some. I had, like, little cameos in some. That's what's fun about. I'm on that show Hacks on hbo. It's always fun about this job. You never know, you know, the next day that, like, they call me, say, you want to be on. Most of those things happen. Wouldn't say by accident, but, I mean, just by not planning them. But I remember Larry Sanders, if you remembered his show. I was. I was driving in L. A. Just going to lunch or something. They said, where are you? And I'm like, on the 405, stuck in traffic, like, where are you? Can you get to the CBS studios, like, in, like, the next two hours or something? And I was like, yeah, what it was. It's a Gary Shanley show. And I was like, oh, what? What am I doing? Like, you don't even need to bring your props. Just go down there. So I went and I just kind of played a character, and then they. They put me in it, and I'm, you know, an hour prior to that, I had no idea I was going to eat. Eating lunch. I had no idea I was going to be in one of my favorite shows, you know, Larry Sanders. So sometimes you just. It just. Things just happen, and you're like, oh, cool. Yeah, the hangover was one of the best. But, you know, I was backstage getting ready for the show. My manager came in and said, there's this guy. He was kind of like a. No, there's this guy out here that they said, they're shooting this movie and they want to know if you want to do something in it. I said, when? They said, like, right Now I'm like, right now? I said, well, we're getting ready for the show. They said. They said it, like, literally take one minute. And I said, what's what? They have a script. He said, no, he just doesn't bring the director in. It's Todd, you know, Phillips.
B
Yeah.
A
I don't know. He says, hey, we're filming this movie called Hangover, and it's, you know, these guys, and the joke is, they just want to be. They're partying with you. So I said, all right. They all walked in. Now, I don't know any of them at the time. I'm like, I. Zach. I said, I know him. You're a comic, right? He goes, yeah. I said, ah. And they said, so what's the. They were. They're all like, garrett Top, you know, like, this is crazy. I'm the big, you know, star, and I. These guys are all now huge stars, right? But this show, this movie hadn't hit yet, so they're all just, like, in shock, you know, star shock of me. I thought it was funny. And they said, what do you want to do? And I said, I don't know. What's the plan? They said, what would, you know, be drinking, and he'll pull a shirt up, and you'd be laying on his belly drunk. And I'm like, eric, they're filming a little bit. And I'm like, well, this isn't funny. I said, what if we're doing, like, coke? And they all like, yeah. I'm like, well, that'd be funny. I mean, doing coke with Carrot Top is pretty funny. I mean, I don't know. I think everyone knows. There probably is this assumption that I do, you know, my appearance. I look like I do drugs. I don't. So they said, if you're cool. I said, yes. And my sister went and got some sweet and low. And we made up, you know, all these lines of coke. We put one on Zach's belly, and I was throwing it off his belly, and. And then all of a sudden, it was hilarious. It looked like a party. Looked like they came to my rock, you know, my backstage, and we're doing blow with me. And that made. That made the movie, so.
B
Wow.
A
But that's one that's, you know, not knowing. They just happened. Never knew. And they left. And all of a sudden, dude, you're in the Hangover. I'm like, what? Oh, one that we did coke with? Yeah, it's huge. It's like the biggest movie in the world. That's all My God. Cool. I'm glad I did it. And then people are like, dude, I know you did coke. Any coke? I'm like, no, it's a movie.
B
Wow. So that scene was kind of improvised. That's pretty much.
A
Oh, totally. Yeah. A lot. A lot of. A lot of things in comedy really are a lot of things. Damn movies, sitcoms. I mean, sometimes there's a base script. Sometimes you just kind of improvise off it.
B
Damn. They should have had you in the second one, too.
A
They tried.
B
Oh, they did.
A
It was going to be exactly that. They were going to be in a plane going to Europe. And I. I look back, I'm in first class, and they're all back there getting drunk and crazy. And the lady says, the gentleman up front would like to buy you a drink. And they. They all. They all look up, there's the curtain. They pull the curtain back. And I'm like. And I'm like, would you do some coke?
B
Classic.
A
And.
B
Yeah, but what happened?
A
They just never got. They were. They were. They would just were too far along and couldn't get back to. But he was like, dad, dang, why didn't you tell me earlier? Because I thought of it. I thought, hey, you know, I got wind of it that they were filming the second one. So I thought, oh, I'll come up with a bit. He loved it. He was like, damn it, that would have been so good. Great, great callback. But, oh, well.
B
Did they film both in Vegas or just the first one?
A
I have no idea. I think the first one.
B
Okay, I don't remember.
A
I've been cut out of so many movies now. Just. I mean.
B
Really?
A
Oh, yeah. I met everyone you probably interview. If you ask me, how many movies are cut out? They probably have dozens.
B
I didn't know that was common.
A
Well, I didn't either, but I. I've been out of. I've been kind of. Yeah, it is very common what happens, you know, they shoot all the footage they can. It's not that they didn't like me or my scene. They just got to the point where they say, it's not needed. Well, when we shot with Melissa McCarthy was brilliantly funny, but it did. When we shot it, I kept saying, this is a weird scene. It's kind of like a flashback. She ate some bad fish and her. She went on this trippy thing and they just. When they probably put the movie together, like, it didn't make any sense.
B
Damn.
A
So, yeah.
B
A little too edgy for their. Their life, right?
A
Yeah. Who knows?
B
I feel Like, a lot of movies are kind of soft these days.
A
Yeah.
B
They're not as like.
A
Yeah.
B
Vulgar as they used to be.
A
Yeah.
B
You know.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, Adam Sandler movies don't hit the same anymore.
A
Right.
B
Those used to be hilarious.
A
He did make good movies.
B
The 2000s.
A
Yeah.
B
Oh, my gosh. But his new ones on Netflix, they're decent, but nothing like the old ones.
A
Right.
B
But you want to eventually create your own movie one day. Is that something in the books?
A
We did a movie called Chairman of the Board, which I did. God, whatever year was. And it was my movie starring me. But it was an interesting time because I'd never been in a movie. I, you know, first time starring in a movie, and I'd barely even gotten behind a camera. I'd never been on a crew, and I've been on the, you know, the Tonight show and whatnot, but I never had a movie crew where there's, you know, over a thousand people on the set, you know, doing something, and everyone's looking right at me, and they're all like, you know, everyone's getting me ready and getting me in the camera. And action. You're just like, you know, it's just a lot to. To. To absorb, especially never doing it right. So I did okay, considering that was my first ever doing a movie. Cold, you know, Blue, Green as I could. But we had a great start. You know, Cast. We had. The supporting cast was Raquel Welch and Jack Warden and Larry Miller and, God, you name it, they were all in it. And so it really, really was fun. It was a legit movie. And it still holds up to this day when we see it. Yeah, it's a good one.
B
Check it out.
A
Chairman of the Board.
B
So you were a producer and actor?
A
No, I was barely an actor.
B
Oh.
A
Yeah, I didn't. But I had. I. I used a lot of my I ideas we wrote with. I wrote it with the other guys, and some of the. The scenes are my props that I was using. Like, I was an inventor in the movie. So when I came into the pitch, I had, you know, some of the jokes that I use in my show, in the movie, as an invention kind of thing. So in a sense, I kind of help. You know, I should look and see if I was a producer on that, because I should.
B
Yeah, you might have to make sure.
A
Producer.
B
Yeah, that'd be cool. Yeah, I think that's neither.
A
Chairman of the board, too. Get ready.
B
Get ready, guys. When. What year did that one come out?
A
90 something.
B
Oh, so it's old.
A
Yeah, yeah.
B
Okay. 30 years old, almost. Damn.
A
Yeah.
B
Been at this for a while, man. Do you even go to the movies anymore?
A
No, no, it's. I know. I just don't. It's fun to think the last movie. See, the last movie I saw in theaters was the new Top Gun. I think Top Gun. The new Top Gun, because everyone said you got to see because of the surround sound and the. The jets. So I saw it was very good. But other part of that. Jeez. Blazing Saddles. I mean, it's. It's been that long.
B
I don't even know what that is. I mean, these days, everything just comes out on streaming.
A
It's true. It's odd. You always wonder if movie theaters are even showing movies anymore. I didn't even know they existed.
B
They got to be hurting.
A
Yeah. I mean, they said everything streams.
B
That's scary. Is the comedy space slowing down like the movies?
A
No comedy thing. Still good. You know, live comedy still is still. People want to see live comedy. Thank God.
B
Okay.
A
People do stream it too, but I think you still get that live audience and they're watching comedy. Yeah, we hope so.
B
That's one of those spaces that's recession proof.
A
I don't know if it's recession proof, but as of right now, it's. It seems to be okay.
B
I mean, right now I feel like we're in one.
A
Yeah.
B
And if you're still getting spots filled.
A
Well, people always want. That is one thing during a recession and hard times. They want to laugh. That's one thing. People really, you know, find their medicine from getting to laugh and kind of forget about their problems. That's why they don't want to talk about politics.
B
Do you think social media helped the comedy space overall? Because a lot more eyeballs saw, like, the new skits and stuff on social media. Yeah.
A
I mean, I still have my. I haven't figured quite that one out yet. If social media. Does that mean. Whether just not maybe for me or other people. I mean, some people become, you know, huge Internet stars. Are off of social media.
B
Yeah.
A
I mean, what. Just as one example, what. Justin Bieber, I think, was one of the first. Or the Kardashians. They have a show. But there's people that. That. That are musicians and singers that have become huge just off social media.
B
Oh, yeah. And comedians. Like, a lot of comedians.
A
A lot of comedians.
B
Andrew Schultz, the ovon, Trevor Wallace. Yeah, there's a few that really blew up from social media.
A
Yeah.
B
But that's not part of your marketing strategy.
A
No, it is part of it. Yeah. He's got to get people to. You know, it's like, here. It's up. We've already heard of him. Let's get good, guys.
B
Yeah. Plus, your stuff, you kind of don't want to put out, right? You want it to be more of a surprise.
A
Well, I put it out. Yeah, we put it out a little bit. Yeah.
B
Oh, like your prop.
A
Yes.
B
You put it out. Okay.
A
Yeah, I always put it out there and show the making of it and the new prop of the day or whatever the week. Yeah.
B
Okay.
A
Yeah. Because a lot of times there's a shelf life to it, too. So you want to get it out.
B
Yeah.
A
You know.
B
Were you on Reno911?
A
Was that. What.
B
Were you on Reno 91 1? The show?
A
Yes. Yes.
B
What were you doing?
A
You didn't do your homework. Yes, I was on there.
B
No, I knew you were on there. But what went down on that episode?
A
Actually, what went down on there was hotel furniture right off the. Right off the balcony into the parking lot. Oh, yeah, it was a great. It was a great scene. I'm in my room in my robe, and they. I have. There's been a part. I'm partying on my floor excessively. I'm throwing TVs off the. The balcony and my. My launch, my sofa, and they come bring me down, and I'm in a robe, and I'm saying, look, sorry, I'll write. I'll write you a check. And I have, like, a rubber bank check. Like, it's a rubber check and, you know, some stupid thing, and I grab the guy's gun and I run. I get in his car and I peel out and I. And they go chasing after me.
B
Damn.
A
Yeah, it was a fun, fun episode because I'm completely not playing me. I mean, I'm. You know, I would never act that way, and I wouldn't. I wouldn't take a gun and. But I'm shooting at them and I'm peeling out of the hotel park, so it was. It was very fun.
B
I missed that show.
A
Yeah, it was a good episode, too.
B
Yeah. Jason Aldean threw a couch off the balcony.
A
Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
B
You're also on Family Guy.
A
Yeah.
B
That is one of the best shows.
A
Yeah. Of all time. Yeah.
B
They just hit you up. Come on.
A
Yeah, same thing. They. They had an idea, and they said, do you want to be the voice of it, or do you want us just to get a voice for it? I said, of course I want to be the voice for it. So they sent me the stuff, and I. I Went to read it, and I was like, oh, man, this is really, really not funny. Which, you know, hard to tell them. Yeah, it's not funny talking to people.
B
That are talking to Seth. You said that to Seth?
A
Yeah.
B
Wow.
A
Yeah.
B
How do you take it?
A
Well, he said, okay, but. What? Well, it's not. But it's not. Well, it's funny, though. I said, no, it's horrible. And he's like, what's not funny about it? I'm like, well, one. It's a pun. It's just like. It's the dumbest thing. I mean, Carrot Top's already the lowest common denominator. Then you may have me do puns now. It's really horrible. He says, well, I thought that's what you do. I said, no, I don't do puns. I do, like, inventions and whatnot. So he tried to. He said, explain to me, then what would you like to replace the prop with? And I said, how about my paper cups and string foam that has call waiting? And he's like, oh, that's great. That's clever, and that's good. But that wouldn't work in. In this, because the whole thing is. It's. It's. It's dumb. The prop has to be dumb. I said, so you're making fun of me because I'm dumb? He's like, well, no, but. And we've already. We've already made the animations. I'm like, well, then why did I spend an hour trying to talk you into doing my cups and string if we already knew that was what you were married to? So I said, okay, well, it's horrible. I'll go. I'll do it. So I did the voice, reluctantly did the voice to it, and then they had me go back to LA because they had to do another part to it and loop it over. And anyway, so I'm sitting in with them now, face base. And I said, it's all of them. It's like 10 of them. I said, this is horrible, by the way. And everybody's just like. They're all going, this is great. I'm telling you, Scott, this is great. Everyone loves it. So I said, all right. So I read the lines and. And was laughing. I'm like, it's horrible, though, but it's funny to you, but you're not the one. But the joke was. It's a. It was a. Like a saw.
B
Yeah.
A
That had glasses on it. And the joke was, look, it's a seesaw.
B
And I'm like, that's Kind of hard to.
A
So I said, this is horrible. And I kept saying, it's horrible. This is horrible. And so they all said, no, you're wrong, Scott. I'm telling you, this is the highest rated one we've done in a lot. We've already, you know, shopped it and got everybody's comments, and they howl, really. So we. I said, okay, I trust you. And it was great. And people. People still walk up and say, I seesaw. I was great.
B
That's.
A
Yeah.
B
To me, that's too hard to put my head, like, to. To register the joke.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, when you have to think about the joke too. Too hard.
A
Yeah.
B
You know.
A
Well, it's pretty easy joke.
B
I mean, see Saw.
A
Yeah, it is horrible.
B
Yeah. Damn. Well, they know what they're doing. They've been on TV for a while as well.
A
I said, I got to listen to the pros.
B
Any other shows or movies you want to make an appearance on?
A
Well, yeah, I mean, I love doing. I love anything. I just love being part of movies. I love being part of shows. I love being. Especially if I'm kind of the odd guy out like most people book me in things that, you know you're going to be Carrot Top. I have done one where I was a really horrible, mean, like, killer clown.
B
Yeah.
A
Which is, I think is going to be really cool. It's just. I just am this murdery guy and covered in blood, and so it's kind of cool.
B
I'll check.
A
I'm not really revealed as Carrot Top. I don't think it's just.
B
I love horror movies.
A
I don't think it's just clown, but.
B
Did you have to wear a clown thing or was your hair.
A
No, I used my own. Everything just. But I had blood and I. I was. Yeah.
B
Damn. When's that coming out?
A
I. I don't know. They give. They don't know it's coming out.
B
Okay, I'll check that one out for sure, man. Well, where can people find you and check out your shows, man?
A
Well, they can find me at. Well, at the Lux stores where the show is and carrot top.com and they can look me on Instagram, which is real Carrot Top live. Rest like, real charactop. Is my Twitter and Facebook.
B
Perfect. We'll link it all below. And I'm gonna check out your show soon.
A
Yeah, Check it out. Twitter every night, six nights a week.
B
Cool. I'll be there next week.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
Very nice.
B
Come out. All right. Thanks for coming on, man.
A
Thank you, bud.
B
Thanks for watching, guys. As always. See you tomorrow.
Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour - "Carrot Top: From Props to Punchlines in 30 Years | Carrot Top DSH #792"
Introduction
In episode #792 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with the iconic comedian Carrot Top, marking an engaging discussion that spans three decades of Carrot Top's illustrious career. Released on October 8, 2024, the episode delves deep into Carrot Top's journey, his unique comedic style, challenges faced in the entertainment industry, and his insights on the evolving landscape of comedy.
Career Longevity and Success in Las Vegas
Carrot Top, recognized as the longest-running comedian in Las Vegas history, shares the secrets behind his sustained success. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, he has performed at renowned venues like Deluxe and MGM, totaling almost 31 years of continuous performances.
Carrot Top [00:33]: "Well, if you add up all of them, I think 30 years. Yeah, 30 years. Eight. 19 at Deluxe or. And 10 at MGM. And it's almost 31 of bellies."
Sean expresses admiration for Carrot Top's longevity, noting that many comedians struggle to maintain their presence beyond a decade.
Sean Kelly [00:42]: "I feel like most comedians don't last more than 10 minutes."
Carrot Top attributes his success to passion and enjoyment of the craft, emphasizing the thrill of performing to new audiences every night.
Carrot Top [00:57]: "I think enjoying the process of writing jokes. I love the energy of getting up there and doing it every night. It's a new crowd, new audience, so it's fun."
Unique Comedy Style and Use of Props
A significant aspect of Carrot Top's act is his use of props, which differentiates him in the comedy scene. He discusses the origins and challenges of integrating props into his routines, aiming to maintain originality while avoiding accusations of material theft.
Carrot Top [02:22]: "I kind of went the route I did with the props and the other stuff, because I'm saying no one could say I stole their act. I mean, I'm carrying around a walker with a dildo on it and a crime watch sign."
The incorporation of visually engaging props allows Carrot Top to deliver observational humor that resonates with diverse audiences.
Carrot Top [07:43]: "It's all visually funny. Like, you'll see a picture of a plane backing into the tarmac. So it's funny looking because people."
Dealing with Material Theft and Industry Challenges
Carrot Top opens up about instances where his material and props have been replicated by other shows, highlighting the competitive nature of the entertainment industry.
Carrot Top [02:59]: "People have tried to steal my props, like, just to have them. Yeah, we catch them all the time. Like, dad, you can't take that."
He recounts a specific incident where his joke was mimicked on Jay Jay the Show, showcasing the rapid cycle of idea replication in television.
Carrot Top [04:16]: "I've been on the show, like it was a week later... They just lift them like they did mine."
Acting Ventures and Improvisation in Film
Carrot Top shares anecdotes from his acting career, including unexpected appearances in popular films like The Hangover. He describes the spontaneity involved in these roles and the improvisational skills required.
Carrot Top [16:00]: "I was in the Hangover. It was improvised. They wanted me to pull a shirt up and lay on Zach's belly drunk. So we improvised with lines about coke."
He also discusses his participation in projects like Chairman of the Board and guest roles in television series such as Reno 911 and Family Guy.
Carrot Top [21:07]: "We did a movie called Chairman of the Board... It was my movie starring me. It was fun and still holds up to this day."
Personal Discipline and Lifestyle in the Entertainment Capital
Living and performing in Las Vegas presents myriad distractions, from parties to nightlife. Carrot Top emphasizes the importance of discipline in maintaining his focus and professionalism.
Carrot Top [11:15]: "I am disciplined. That is a really big part of the comedy, too. You gotta stay focused and always keep it tight."
He reveals that he avoids common pitfalls associated with the Vegas lifestyle, such as excessive partying and substance abuse, to sustain his rigorous performance schedule.
Carrot Top [12:00]: "I would go out more when I was young because I had energy... Now it's like, let's go on my sports center."
Evolving Landscape of Comedy and the Impact of Social Media
The conversation shifts to the changing dynamics of the comedy industry, particularly the decline of traditional late-night shows and the rise of podcasts and social media platforms. Carrot Top reflects on his experiences adapting to these changes.
Carrot Top [05:14]: "Those shows were turning real political. It turns away a lot of people. I've been doing it for years and it was always just fun."
He recognizes the emergence of internet stars and acknowledges that while some comedians thrive on social media, his strategy remains rooted in live performances and prop-based humor.
Carrot Top [23:14]: "Some people become huge Internet stars... But for me, it's about live shows and the props."
Future Projects and Creative Endeavors
Looking ahead, Carrot Top discusses his ambitions beyond stand-up comedy, including writing a book, developing a documentary, and potential movie projects. He expresses enthusiasm for exploring diverse creative outlets while staying true to his comedic roots.
Carrot Top [14:14]: "We're trying to do a documentary. I'm trying to write a book. There's some talk about maybe a movie or two."
He also mentions ongoing roles and the possibility of expanding his presence in various media.
Carrot Top [28:51]: "I'm working on a horror movie where I'm a killer clown covered in blood. It's really cool."
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Carrot Top illustrates the blend of creativity, discipline, and resilience required to thrive in the competitive world of comedy. Sean Kelly's insightful questioning allows listeners to appreciate the depth of Carrot Top's dedication and the evolution of his unique comedic style. From his enduring Las Vegas performances to his ventures in acting and media, Carrot Top remains a dynamic figure in entertainment, continually adapting to the industry's shifts while maintaining his signature prop-driven humor.
Sean Kelly [29:28]: "We'll link it all below. And I'm gonna check out your show soon."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Carrot Top [00:33]: "Well, if you add up all of them, I think 30 years. Yeah, 30 years. Eight. 19 at Deluxe or. And 10 at MGM. And it's almost 31 of bellies."
Sean Kelly [00:42]: "I feel like most comedians don't last more than 10 minutes."
Carrot Top [00:57]: "I think enjoying the process of writing jokes. I love the energy of getting up there and doing it every night. It's a new crowd, new audience, so it's fun."
Carrot Top [02:22]: "I kind of went the route I did with the props and the other stuff, because I'm saying no one could say I stole their act."
Carrot Top [07:43]: "It's all visually funny. Like, you'll see a picture of a plane backing into the tarmac. So it's funny looking because people."
Carrot Top [11:15]: "I am disciplined. That is a really big part of the comedy, too. You gotta stay focused and always keep it tight."
Carrot Top [16:00]: "I was in the Hangover. It was improvised. They wanted me to pull a shirt up and lay on Zach's belly drunk."
Sean Kelly [29:28]: "We'll link it all below. And I'm gonna check out your show soon."
Where to Find Carrot Top
Listeners interested in experiencing Carrot Top's dynamic performances can catch his shows at the Lux Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Additional information and updates are available on his official website carrottop.com and social media platforms:
Tune In
For a comprehensive look into the world of Carrot Top, his innovative use of props, and his journey in the comedy landscape, listen to episode #792 of Digital Social Hour on your preferred podcast platform.