Fitzdog Radio – Episode 1093: Caroline Rhea

Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Caroline Rhea

1. _Birthday Celebrations and Boston Adventures_**

The episode kicks off with Caroline Rhea sharing her recent birthday experience in Boston. Turning 59, Caroline humorously expresses her disdain for the number nine, preferring ages that begin with zero for their "fresh start" connotation. She recounts celebrating at Laugh Boston, where a heartfelt moment occurred when the audience sang "Happy Birthday," complete with a grand cake presentation on stage.

Caroline Rhea [00:14]: "I never liked the nines. I always like the ages that start with a zero because it's kind of a fresh start."

Caroline also reminisces about attending a Red Sox opening day with her friend John Tobin, highlighting the pure joy and enthusiasm of Boston fans. She touches on her mixed feelings about certain traditions, such as the military-related ceremonies at baseball games, expressing her support for veterans through her involvement with Tunnels to Towers.

2. _Stand-Up Comedy Insights and Experiences_**

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the intricacies of stand-up comedy. Caroline and Greg discuss the emotional highs and lows of performing, including the fear of bombing on stage. Caroline shares a personal anecdote about a particularly intimidating performance at Largo, where the audience's lack of response made her question her craft.

Caroline Rhea [08:50]: "I keep waiting for this show to pop and it just never did."

Greg relates by recounting his own experience of bombing on stage and the subsequent feelings of inadequacy, only to find reassurance in the first laugh of the night.

Greg Fitzsimmons [17:46]: "Every day I wake up feeling like I forgot how to do stand up comedy. And it's only after I get the first laugh that night that I go, oh, yeah, I remember how to do this."

The duo emphasizes the necessity of being present in the moment during performances, highlighting how stand-up comedy demands immediate connection with the audience.

3. _Personal Lives and Family Dynamics_**

Caroline opens up about her family life, particularly her relationship with her daughter, Ava. She humorously describes moments where Ava would "fire" her in her sleep, showcasing the playful yet challenging aspects of parenting.

Caroline Rhea [32:31]: "She would count. She'd be like, nine, eight, four, nine. You're fired. You're fired."

Greg shares insights into his own family, discussing the importance of apologizing to his children and modeling healthy behavior patterns.

4. _Spirituality, Guilt, and Personal Growth_**

The conversation takes a reflective turn as Caroline and Greg explore themes of spirituality and guilt. Caroline discusses her experiences with Catholicism, detailing how it instilled a sense of guilt that has both constrained and motivated her.

Caroline Rhea [24:10]: "I have studied so much spirituality, except I really don't know anything about Catholicism."

Greg adds his perspective on guilt as a socializing tool, debating its role in moral accountability versus personal freedom.

Greg Fitzsimmons [27:35]: "Guilt is the ultimate socializing tool. It's been used by every society to try to keep people in line."

They both agree on the significance of non-reactivity as a means to overcome manipulative guilt, emphasizing personal responsibility in emotional responses.

5. _Creative Pursuits: Writing and Acting_**

Caroline and Greg discuss their ventures beyond comedy. Greg narrates his journey into novel writing and memoirs, sharing a humorous story about his unpublished novel in Ireland.

Greg Fitzsimmons [33:01]: "I wrote a novel kind of about falling in love. And then I gave it to her after two or three months, and she read it and she goes, it's brilliant."

Caroline details her acting endeavors, particularly her role in the independent film "Unbearable Christmas," where she portrays a tough, alcoholic mother. She humorously contrasts her character's traits with her real-life persona.

Caroline Rhea [44:58]: "I play an alcoholic, and I don't drink, and she's a very tough, mean mother."

6. _Humorous Anecdotes and Interactions_**

Throughout the episode, Caroline and Greg engage in playful banter, sharing funny encounters with other comedians and memorable moments from their careers. Highlights include discussions about encounters with Michael Keaton and Norm Macdonald, adding a layer of camaraderie and industry insider humor.

Caroline Rhea [38:57]: "My favorite Norm joke, he said, homeless guy with his dog. The dog's got to be thinking, this is the longest walk of my life, buddy."

7. _Upcoming Projects and Tour Dates_**

As the episode progresses, Caroline promotes her upcoming performances and projects. She lists her tour dates across various cities, encouraging listeners to purchase tickets through Fitzdog Radio's website.

Caroline Rhea [04:25]: "Huntington beach at the Mamba on May 4th. Escondido Grand Comedy Club May 9th and 10th..."

Additionally, she discusses her upcoming film release, "Unbearable Christmas," set to debut during the holiday season.

8. _Promotional Segments_**

Interspersed within the conversation, Caroline promotes Mood, a cannabis brand advocating for accessible and federally legal cannabis products grown on American farms. She highlights their product range and special discounts for listeners.

Caroline Rhea [07:55]: "When you say Fitz F I T Z. And the promo code it is, you know, it's just, it helps you in many ways in life."

9. _Closing Remarks and Final Interactions_**

The episode concludes with light-hearted interactions, including a segment called "Fitzpat Fitz Dog Fastballs," where Caroline and Greg engage in rapid-fire questions. They wrap up by reiterating upcoming tour dates and expressing mutual appreciation for each other's work.

Caroline Rhea [56:34]: "Have fun up there. I love you. And thank you so much for coming on it."

Notable Quotes:

• Caroline Rhea [00:14]: "I never liked the nines. I always like the ages that start with a zero because it's kind of a fresh start."

• Greg Fitzsimmons [17:46]: "Every day I wake up feeling like I forgot how to do stand up comedy. And it's only after I get the first laugh that night that I go, oh, yeah, I remember how to do this."

• Caroline Rhea [27:48]: "I hate being made to feel guilty."

• Greg Fitzsimmons [28:58]: "Like, now, as a married person, are you a good apologizer?"

Conclusion:

Episode 1093 of Fitzdog Radio offers an engaging blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions on comedy, family, and personal growth. Caroline Rhea's candid storytelling, paired with Greg Fitzsimmons' relatable hosting, provides listeners with a rich and entertaining experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the show, this episode encapsulates the essence of Fitzdog Radio's honest and funny interviews.

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