Fitzdog Radio – Ian Bagg Episode 1125 (January 28, 2026)
Episode Overview
This episode of Fitzdog Radio brings together host Greg Fitzsimmons and his longtime friend and fellow comedian Ian Bagg for a loose, hilariously candid, and affectionate conversation. The duo reminisce about their roots in New York and their journeys through stand-up and life, moving easily between comedy history, showbiz war stories, personal confessions, and offbeat riffs. The episode brims with irreverence and wit, offering a warm insight into the world and minds of two veteran comics.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Mel Brooks, Comedy Legends & Influences
[13:06–24:51]
- Greg shares attending the Mel Brooks Premiere — Judd Apatow's new documentary about Mel Brooks and its impact on the comedy world.
- Mel Brooks, at 99, attended the premiere and spoke for 20 minutes, demonstrating his enduring sharpness.
- “You realize...there is a comedian, comedic director, comedic writer who does not consider Mel Brooks to be one of the fundamental influences. I mean, it's pervasive.” (Greg, 13:39)
- The conversation explores Brooks's life challenges, insecurities, and need for acceptance—how humor gave him entry into social circles as a kid and what fueled his comedic drive.
- Ian draws parallels to Jonathan Winters, discussing trauma, sadness, and the desire for escapism as sources of comedic genius.
- “That kind of pain causes that kind of humor.” (Ian, 27:28)
- Discussion of Blazing Saddles, the irreverence of Brooks’s work, and how provocative comedy like this is received today (“That movie be made today?”).
2. The Judd Apatow Effect
[29:06–32:19]
- Praise for Apatow’s role as a comedy documentarian:
- Greg: “It's such a service...that he is putting forever documentation of their talent...presented where it’s honest.”
- Ian admits Apatow’s stand-up isn’t his favorite but deeply respects his filmmaking and passion for comedy history.
- Honest talk about the limits of crossing from one comedy art form (writing, filmmaking) to stand-up:
- “The funniest people I know in the world don't do stand-up.” (Ian, 31:47)
3. Comedy Roots & Oddball Influences
[36:02–41:16]
- They swap stories about formative comedic influences—Harlem Globetrotters, Bugs Bunny, Jerky Boys, SCTV, Mad/Cracked Magazine, Bob and Doug McKenzie, and more.
- “The Harlem Globetrotters were huge...that was like the Marx Brothers. I love that energy.” (Greg, 36:22)
- Ian reflects on Canada’s subtle contributions to their humor (Strange Brew, SCTV), and how these were originally just to fulfill Canadian TV quotas.
- “The funniest people I know don’t do stand-up. Just guys I grew up with.” (Ian, 31:47)
4. Showbiz War Stories: Chevy Chase & Painful Gigs
[41:44–50:33]
- Greg relates working the Comedy Central Roast of Chevy Chase, confirming Chase’s notorious aloofness.
- “He puts on mirrored sunglasses and faces away from the dais and does not crack a smile.” (Greg, 43:14)
- Ian and Greg commiserate about corporate gigs gone wrong: Joe Torre’s charity, the celebrity/unresponsive crowd dynamic, and the futility of unreceptive audiences.
- “I go up there and it's just clink, clank, clank, clink. No lights on, rich people…just, just, just.” (Ian, 47:07)
- Strategies for surviving tough rooms: looking for a “pocket” of friendly faces, latching onto any hint of audience connection.
5. Comics Talking Shop: Touring, Stand-Up and Booking
[63:39–65:13]
- Closing segment listing Ian Bagg’s upcoming tour dates.
- Discussion of favorite clubs, particularly the “rowdy” Stress Factory in New Jersey.
- “You shouldn't love it because they're rowdy...but I thrive off that.” (Greg, 64:19)
- Aside: quirky club stories, from “deaf club owner” to farm eggs on cheeseburgers.
6. Intimate & Absurd – Lightning Questions
[32:22–63:39]
- Greg’s rapid-fire questions dig up hilarious and touching details:
- Best Asian friend? “My wife’s friend Candace...she's the most interesting person I’ve met…50 year old single woman, good looking...has never been able to find love.” (Ian, 32:39)
- Pedicure/Jesus riffs—escalating absurdity about “Jesus pedicures,” wine footbaths, and open-toed sandal jokes.
- Losing virginity: “Australia 2...I was 18...wasn’t a hooker, just cost me money.” (Ian, 56:34)
- Trophies: Hockey, the Chelsea Piers championship won with Greg, and a steakhouse dinner hosted by Tim Robbins.
- Who would play Ian in a biopic? “Jonah Hill. At a bad time.”, “Jeff Garland. Heavy Will Ferrell.” (Ian, 59:55–60:28)
- Deepest recent apology: To his father, after his mother’s illness and passing, realizing his own behavior was the problem. (“I apologize for just being a piece of shit kid.” Ian, 63:07)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Mel Brooks’ influence:
- “You realize that he's a very...troubled guy. He was so insecure...He could make people laugh, and he was accepted.” (Greg, 16:39, 17:57)
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On Judd Apatow:
- “Do I think he's the funniest comic? No, I think he's horrible...But with film and documentaries, I don't think he can be touched.” (Ian, 29:13)
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On brutal show gigs:
- “For a bunch of people that are supposed to make people feel safe, you suck. And I just walk off. I'm like, suck my dick. Baseball sucks.” (Ian, 48:05)
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On apologies and family:
- “I apologize to my father for not understanding what he was going through and making our relationship worse...I didn't get it until afterwards.” (Ian, 62:11–63:07)
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On why comics tour rough rooms:
- “You shouldn’t love it because they’re rowdy.…but I thrive off that. I love that I thrive off that.” (Greg, 64:19)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Intro and Mel Brooks Documentary: 09:11–24:51
- Apatow as Comedy Historian: 29:06–32:19
- Odd Comedy Influences: 36:02–41:16
- Chevy Chase Roast and Gigs From Hell: 41:44–50:33
- Rapid-Fire Personal Questions & Lightning Round: 56:11–63:39
- Upcoming Tour Dates / Closing: 63:39–end
Tone & Original Language
The tone is lively, warm, irreverent, and always ready to nudge any subject—tragedy, showbiz, sex, family, or religion—into the absurd or the heartfelt. Fitzsimmons’s sharp, wry delivery pairs with Bagg’s spontaneous, irrepressible riffing for a conversation that feels both meaningful and recklessly fun. Even as the topics veer into dark or vulnerable territory, laughter and camaraderie are always the throughline.