Podcast Summary: Duncan Trussell Family Hour – Episode 691: Pauly Shore

Podcast Information:

• Title: Duncan Trussell Family Hour
• Host: Duncan Trussell
• Guest: Pauly Shore
• Episode Number: 691
• Release Date: May 23, 2025
• Description: A weekly salon-style supershow where comedian Duncan Trussell and guests explore the multiverse.

1. Introduction and Welcome [00:00]

Duncan Trussell kicks off the episode by warmly welcoming his longtime friend, Pauly Shore, highlighting Pauly’s multifaceted career as a movie star, TV personality, and comedian. Duncan shares his admiration for Pauly’s unique life experiences and sets the stage for an engaging conversation.

Notable Quote:

"Operation Beast Blast. My goal is to get as many subscribers as Mr. Beast and Destroy the pyramids. Trust me, it's the right fucking move."
– Duncan Trussell [00:00]

2. Early Impressions and Celebrity Encounters [02:42]

Duncan reminisces about his first encounters with Pauly Shore, comparing them to his early days at the Comedy Store. He expresses how meeting Pauly was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, given Pauly’s established presence in the comedy world.

Notable Quotes:

"Everyone has had a fucked up childhood."
– Pauly Shore [08:22]

"When you walked in here, it made me think of my first day on the phones at the Comedy Store."
– Duncan Trussell [03:29]

3. The Comedy Store and Mitzi Shore's Influence [07:02]

The discussion delves into the profound impact of Pauly’s mother, Mitzi Shore, and The Comedy Store on his life and career. Pauly describes the club as a nurturing ground for comedians, emphasizing the blend of toughness and compassion Mitzi embodied.

Notable Quotes:

"Comedy, whether I'm Mitzi Shore's son or Sammy Shore's son, it's in my blood."
– Pauly Shore [09:54]

"She was very compassionate. She was very open-hearted in that way."
– Duncan Trussell [50:59]

4. Transition from Acting to Stand-Up Comedy [30:03]

Pauly shares his journey from acting in mainstream films like "Son in Law" and "The Goofy Movie" to focusing more on stand-up comedy. He discusses the challenges of balancing his comedic persona with authentic self-expression on stage.

Notable Quotes:

"I still love acting because it's so hard, and I love figuring it out."
– Pauly Shore [12:06]

"But the thing that you see happen and it's the coolest thing to see. You see someone who's, you know, whatever, okay, on stage and then you haven't seen him in a while and they're just. They figured it out."
– Duncan Trussell [62:19]

5. Personal Struggles and Growth [07:45]

Pauly opens up about his personal struggles, including his sister Sandy’s tragic passing and the challenges within his family. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, meditation, and focusing on the present to overcome past traumas.

Notable Quotes:

"I try not to think of all the negative shit... you can either live in it or you could be like, move on from it."
– Pauly Shore [08:25]

"Taking that way. The Richard Simmons thing was a big deal for me."
– Duncan Trussell [45:20]

6. Developing Authentic Comedy [34:41]

The conversation shifts to the essence of authentic comedy. Pauly discusses how he draws inspiration from legendary comedians like Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison, focusing on vulnerability and genuine moments on stage.

Notable Quotes:

"Acting is listening. Acting is reacting. That's more than anything."
– Pauly Shore [42:25]

"You can't fake vulnerability. They sniff that out in a second."
– Duncan Trussell [35:52]

7. Current Projects and Future Endeavors [20:30]

Pauly talks about his recent projects, including quitting his Los Angeles-based podcast to focus on a more personal venture, “Random Rants.” He outlines plans to reconnect with his roots by returning to his original podcast format, emphasizing a more intimate and authentic connection with his audience.

Notable Quotes:

"I'm going back to that and it's awesome. I started filming some."
– Pauly Shore [21:08]

"Yeah, but the way I look at it is I look at a lot of different ways."
– Pauly Shore [53:18]

8. The Legacy of The Comedy Store and Mitzi Shore [54:14]

Duncan and Pauly reflect on the legacy of The Comedy Store as a quasi-cult-like environment under Mitzi Shore’s leadership. They discuss how Mitzi’s uncompromising standards and dedication to the art of comedy created a unique and influential space for comedians to grow.

Notable Quotes:

"Mitzi never told me when to not. This is her club. She owns it."
– Pauly Shore [74:14]

"Everyone coming to her was hungry to some degree... she was developing comedians because that's what she was good at."
– Duncan Trussell [50:59]

9. Balancing Fame and Personal Identity [62:19]

Pauly explores the complexities of maintaining personal identity amidst fame. He discusses his desire to balance his public persona with his authentic self, addressing the isolation that can come with fame.

Notable Quotes:

"I got to play him in the short film. And I did really well."
– Pauly Shore [45:20]

"I'm playing myself with the fucking wig."
– Pauly Shore [46:03]

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [79:00]

As the episode wraps up, Duncan and Pauly discuss Pauly’s ongoing projects and his commitment to personal and professional growth. They highlight the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and staying true to oneself in the ever-evolving landscape of comedy and entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

"I wrote a whole fucking thing about it. And I got a writer, he's writing the script, and I'm going to produce it in Vegas."
– Pauly Shore [80:31]

"You finish up... something happened. But it doesn't just happen once."
– Duncan Trussell [62:19]

Key Takeaways:

• Influence of Mitzi Shore: Pauly Shore credits his mother, Mitzi Shore, and The Comedy Store for shaping his career and comedic style, emphasizing a balance of compassion and tough love.

• Authenticity in Comedy: Both Duncan and Pauly stress the importance of genuine vulnerability and authenticity in stand-up comedy, drawing inspiration from icons like Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison.

• Personal Growth: Pauly discusses overcoming personal tragedies and the role of therapy and meditation in his journey towards self-improvement and resilience.

• Balancing Multiple Roles: Pauly highlights his transition from acting to focusing more on stand-up comedy and personal projects, aiming for authenticity over fame or financial gain.

• Legacy and Community: The episode underscores the enduring legacy of The Comedy Store as a nurturing ground for comedians and the importance of community and mentorship in the world of comedy.

Closing Remarks: Duncan Trussell and Pauly Shore share a deep and insightful conversation, offering listeners a glimpse into the life and mind of one of comedy’s unique personalities. The episode blends humor with heartfelt discussions on personal struggles, the craft of comedy, and the enduring influence of mentors and legacy.