Fitzdog Radio - Episode 1083: Eric Griffin

Release Date: January 22, 2025

Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Eric Griffin
Title: Erik Griffin

1. Host's Travel Woes and Setup (00:00 - 07:00)

Greg Fitzsimmons kicks off the episode by sharing his recent travel misadventures. From his stay in Janesville, Wisconsin, to a troubled flight from LaGuardia plagued by snow delays and pilot antics reminiscent of "Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem" (00:00), Greg recounts the chaos that unfolded, including a frightening incident where the pilot circled New York City dangerously low over the Empire State Building (06:45). Despite these hurdles, Greg maintains a positive outlook, highlighting the charm of small-town hospitality and the quality of local establishments like The Tavern and Levity Live in Nyack, New York (03:30).

2. Introduction of Eric Griffin (07:00 - 12:20)

Transitioning from his travel story, Greg warmly introduces his guest, Eric Griffin—with a “K”—a seasoned comedian and director known for his podcast "Riffin with Griffin." Greg praises Eric's work ethic and his growing ventures into directing comedy specials (12:20). He sets the stage for an engaging conversation, emphasizing Eric's significance in the comedy scene.

3. Personal Background and Life Updates (12:20 - 22:00)

Greg and Eric delve into personal backgrounds, discussing the nuances of Eric's name pronunciation across different regions (12:20) and touching on family dynamics, including Eric's recent fatherhood. Eric shares heartfelt moments about his family, particularly his mother's passing due to a blood clot, highlighting the challenges within the medical system and the importance of family support during tough times (47:00).

Notable Quote:
Eric: “I don’t know if she knew, but she loved babies, so I have a great picture of that.”

4. Comedy Career and Experiences (22:00 - 35:00)

The conversation shifts to their careers in comedy. Greg discusses his upcoming shows and Eric shares anecdotes from his performances, including dealing with hecklers and performing in challenging venues like Prince Albert, Canada. They both reflect on the resilience required in stand-up comedy, comparing it to a "street fight" where the comedian must adapt and survive (45:00).

Notable Quote:
Greg: “Standup comedy is like a warrior’s battle. You’ve been through tough gigs, but you emerge stronger.”

5. Health, Medical System, and Personal Challenges (35:00 - 52:00)

Eric opens up about his experiences with the healthcare system, criticizing its inefficiencies and lack of personalized care. He emphasizes the importance of advocating for loved ones in medical settings and shares his mother's struggles with dementia and her subsequent passing (49:00).

Notable Quote:
Eric: “Our medical system is trash. You don’t know it until you need it.”

6. Relationships, Marriage, and Family Dynamics (52:00 - 57:00)

Discussing personal relationships, Greg and Eric explore the dynamics of marriage and parenting. They talk about balancing personal ambitions with family responsibilities and the impact of having children on their lives. Eric reflects on his marriage vows prioritizing family above all else (54:00).

Notable Quote:
Greg: “Nothing will come between you and your life, including your children.”

7. Social and Political Commentary (57:00 - 61:00)

The duo engages in a candid discussion about politics, expressing frustration with the current state of governance and the influence of corporations. They debate the roles of the president versus Congress, highlighting the systemic issues that plague the political landscape (61:00).

Notable Quote:
Eric: “The President is like the commissioner of a sports league. They take all the blame while corporations run the show.”

8. Stand-Up Anecdotes and Fastball Segment (61:00 - 65:00)

In the "Fastballs with Fitz" segment, Eric answers rapid-fire questions, sharing his closest encounter with a fistfight on stage and his thoughts on humor within tough environments. He recounts an intense moment at the Comedy Store where a heckler escalated into physical confrontation (58:00).

Notable Quote:
Eric: “I threw a chair back at him, and then I punched him in the face. It was crazy, but I finished the set to a standing ovation.”

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows (65:00 - End)

Greg wraps up the episode by promoting upcoming shows for both himself and Eric, providing dates and locations. He encourages listeners to support their performances and check out Eric's podcast. The episode concludes with final well-wishes and a humorous exchange about everyday mishaps (65:00).

Notable Quote:
Greg: “Get your tickets at EricGriffinWithAK.com and check out Griffin with Griffin.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg on Travel Delays:
  “We take off, we get to LaGuardia and we start circling because the airport is closed. So we're like Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem trying to have the Virgin child.” (06:30)

• Eric on Medical Advocacy:
  “When you have an elderly person in your life and you go, go with them to the doctor and be their advocate, fight for them.” (51:52)

• Greg on Stand-Up Resilience:
  “Standup comedy is like a warrior’s battle. You’ve been through tough gigs, but you emerge stronger.” (45:00)

• Eric on Political Figures:
  “The President is like the commissioner of a sports league. They take all the blame while corporations run the show.” (61:35)

• Eric on Stage Fights:
  “I threw a chair back at him, and then I punched him in the face. It was crazy, but I finished the set to a standing ovation.” (58:37)

Conclusion

Episode 1083 of Fitzdog Radio offers a blend of personal storytelling, professional insights, and candid discussions. Greg Fitzsimmons and Eric Griffin navigate through tales of travel chaos, the rigors of stand-up comedy, personal hardships, and societal observations, all while maintaining a tone of humor and camaraderie. This episode stands out as a testament to resilience, the importance of advocacy, and the unbreakable spirit of comedians.

Note: All timestamps reference the provided transcript segments and are approximate for context.