Podcast Summary: Fitzdog Radio Episode 1092 Featuring Aries Spears

Title: Fitzdog Radio
Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Aries Spears
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Duration: Approximately 82 minutes
Format: In-depth interview with comedic insights and personal anecdotes

1. Introduction and Welcome

Greg Fitzsimmons opens the episode with reflections on his recent comedy tour across Canada and Pittsburgh. He shares humorous anecdotes about flight delays and his experiences performing in Pittsburgh, highlighting the supportive staff at The Improv and the vibrant, blue-collar audience. Greg emphasizes the invigorating effect of performing in such genuine environments, contrasting it with the fatigue often felt from extensive touring.

"Pittsburgh, PA. I gotta tell you something. The Improv. The staff at the Improv is among the best in the country. They treated me like gold."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [03:15]

2. Personal Stories and Audience Interactions

Greg recounts a memorable experience at his Pittsburgh show where he overhears a couple next door and humorously interacts with them, leading to a playful moment that engages the entire audience. He compares the dynamic to the infamous "Jerry Springer" moments, sharing his thoughts on the authenticity and chaos of live performances.

"It's like throwing this person under the bus for entertainment value right now? I don't know. It's like a Jerry Springer moment."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [10:50]

3. Reflection on Comedy and Life Balance

Transitioning from personal experiences, Greg discusses the emotional highs and lows of being on the road, including moments of depression and rejuvenation through performing. He introduces Aries Spears, highlighting his extensive career in comedy, including his tenure on MADtv, stand-up specials, and acting roles.

"My worst weekends, I come home feeling depleted and frustrated, but some weekends, like this one in Pittsburgh, I feel invigorated and excited about stand-up again."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [07:30]

4. Introduction of Aries Spears

Greg enthusiastically introduces Aries Spears as a legendary comedian, commending his work ethic, talent, and the respect he commands among peers and audiences alike. He sets the stage for an engaging and candid conversation.

"My guest is a legendary comic. All the comics love him, all the audiences respect him. He's been destroying for decades."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [19:06]

5. Journey in Comedy and Career Aspirations

Aries Spears shares his journey in the comedy industry, highlighting his early experiences and the challenges he faced. He reflects on his time at MADtv and expresses a long-held aspiration to join "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), discussing how different paths could have shaped his career differently.

"I'm grateful for MADtv because it made me more famous than I had been up to that point. But I always wanted SNL."
— Aries Spears [61:34]

6. Insights on Stand-Up Comedy and Audience Engagement

The conversation delves into the intricacies of stand-up comedy, with Aries emphasizing the importance of crowd work and the ability to adapt on stage. He criticizes the notion that certain comedic techniques are "hacky," advocating for authenticity and the primary goal of making the audience laugh.

"If the objective is to go up there and make an audience laugh, and you accomplish that mission, you've done your job."
— Aries Spears [77:09]

Greg concurs, highlighting the balance between maintaining a personal standard and adapting to different audience dynamics.

"When you're a comedian, you're making so many micro-decisions in that hour... external distractions can really impact your performance."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [58:29]

7. Navigating Race and Stereotypes in Comedy

Aries and Greg engage in a candid discussion about race, stereotypes, and their impact on comedy. Aries explores the parallels between Italian and African American cultures, humorously addressing how stereotypes influence comedic material.

"Black people, we do everything with a flair that takes it up a notch. If you accomplish that, your mission is accomplished."
— Aries Spears [34:35]

He also touches upon historical tensions and the representation of Black comedians in predominantly white media landscapes.

"Black people don't play that shit... We just do what we do."
— Aries Spears [34:17]

8. Personal Relationships and Life Outside Comedy

The discussion shifts to personal life, with Aries sharing insights into his relationships and the challenges of maintaining balance between personal and professional life. He humorously narrates interactions with his wife, emphasizing the importance of controlling chaos and maintaining respect in relationships.

"Sometimes you just gotta keep doing it till you get it right."
— Aries Spears [25:07]

Greg adds his own anecdotes about marital quirks, creating a relatable and humorous dialogue about shared experiences in relationships.

"What's the thing that drives me crazy about her? When I make turkey burgers, she'll always season them while they're still in the package."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [26:04]

9. Experiences on the Road and Managing Performances

Aries recounts various experiences from his tours, including confrontations and the importance of audience control. He describes handling hecklers and maintaining focus during performances, stressing the need for comedians to manage external distractions effectively.

"If somebody wants to put hands on you, you're not doing comedy. Unless somebody wants to put hands on you."
— Aries Spears [73:42]

Greg complements by discussing the delicate balance comedians must maintain to stay engaged with the audience while managing disruptions.

"Humility is everything. Some comedians are playing arenas and somehow still have humility."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [60:03]

10. The Business Side of Comedy and Creative Control

The conversation turns to the business aspects of comedy, including industry pressures, creative control, and the impact of management. Aries expresses his desire to create independently and resist external pressures that may undermine his creative vision.

"I refuse to believe that when you get to Jim Carrey's level, you're fighting the same fight that I'm fighting."
— Aries Spears [63:30]

Greg discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity and the temptations of commercial success, advocating for staying true to one's roots and personal standards.

"I always say I crawl my way to the middle. I'm staying right here because I'm not... my head's not going to get blown out."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [60:53]

11. Final Thoughts and Tour Announcements

As the episode nears its conclusion, Greg and Aries share final insights and reflections on their careers. They discuss the importance of humility, controlling the chaos of live performances, and the personal satisfaction derived from maintaining a consistent performance level.

Aries lists his upcoming tour dates and promotes his podcast, "Spears and Steinberg," encouraging listeners to engage with his content across various platforms.

"Check out the podcast Spears and Steinberg, available on all streaming platforms. YouTube channel, Spearsburg Pod."
— Aries Spears [81:05]

Greg also highlights his own tour schedule, encouraging listeners to attend his live shows.

"Go to fitzdog.com and get yourself some tickets."
— Greg Fitzsimmons [80:22]

12. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted exchange between Greg and Aries, reinforcing their camaraderie and mutual respect. They reiterate the importance of staying grounded, respecting the audience, and continuously striving for genuine comedic expression.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Greg on Pittsburgh Audience:
  "The crowds are just real America. It's blue collar, but it's kind of smart blue collar and they can take a joke."
  — Greg Fitzsimmons [07:55]

• Aries on Maintaining Control:
  "I have to be in control of the chaos. It's like, giving your drunk uncle the keys to the gun cabinet."
  — Aries Spears [59:07]

• Discussion on Race and Comedy:
  "The darker the berry, the sweeter the juice. But black dudes don't do booty jokes."
  — Aries Spears [31:18]

• Aries on Stand-Up Complexity:
  "Crowd work is hacky... it's one of the hardest art forms within the art form."
  — Aries Spears [78:05]

• Greg on Humility in Comedy:
  "Humility is everything. Some comedians are playing arenas and somehow still have humility."
  — Greg Fitzsimmons [60:03]

• Aries on Creative Control:
  "I'm trying to get healthier and do the right thing. I asked for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil and some apple cider vinegar."
  — Aries Spears [53:56]

Conclusion

Fitzdog Radio Episode 1092 featuring Aries Spears offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of the life and career of a seasoned comedian. Through candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and humorous exchanges, Greg Fitzsimmons and Aries Spears delve into the complexities of stand-up comedy, the impact of race and stereotypes, and the delicate balance between personal life and professional aspirations. The episode not only highlights the challenges comedians face on and off the stage but also underscores the importance of authenticity, humility, and resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of comedy.