Fitzdog Radio: Ian Edwards – Episode 1111

Podcast: Fitzdog Radio
Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Ian Edwards
Date: September 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Greg Fitzsimmons welcomes comedian, writer, and actor Ian Edwards for an honest, laughter-filled deep dive into the world of stand-up, TV writing, life transitions, and the adversity and camaraderie found along the way. They reflect on their time working together, the unpredictable rules of showbiz, comedy’s evolving landscape, and Ian’s personal philosophy. Ian also discusses his new self-produced comedy special, "Untitled," and his plan to donate all YouTube proceeds to California wildfire relief—a gesture that shapes the heart of the conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Path and Pitfalls of Stand-Up Comedy

Timestamps: 16:18 – 19:00

• Experience & Milestones

  • Ian has been performing comedy for over 20 years.

    “Over 20 years. That’s the highest I tell people. Yeah, but it’s been a minute.” (Ian, 16:18)

  • They discuss the oft-cited “14-year rule” for reaching mastery in stand-up.

    “Seven is like the first time you kind of know who you are.” (Ian, 16:29)
    “Seven is the least amount of time you should be doing stand up before you start headlining rooms.” (Fitz, 16:48)

• Industry Changes & Opportunities

  • They reflect on how comics are fast-tracked to headlining from viral moments, rather than through years of grinding at open mics.

    “I see these guys, they do kill Tony a dozen times, and all of a sudden they’re headlining rooms...” (Fitz, 16:52)

  • Ian cautions not to wait for industry approval; pursue projects independently when possible.

• Mentorship & Breakthroughs

  • Bill Burr played a role in Ian’s first special, demonstrating the value of industry relationships, but also the importance of not waiting on gatekeepers.

2. Comedy Writing: The Chaotic Life of a Writer's Room

Timestamps: 19:00 – 32:00

• Shared Histories

  • Ian and Greg reminisce about writing together on "In the Flow with Affion Crockett" and the unpredictable chaos of TV sketch production.
  • Writers’ room politics are exposed: budget mishaps, sketch ideas tossed for arbitrary reasons, and staff turnover after 13-week contracts.

• Production Absurdities

  • Hilarious stories include writers who "couldn't write or type" but were hired due to connections.
  • A memorable moment: Fitz pitches “Wayne Brady” as a "closeted celebrity," only to discover a writer dating Wayne.

    "She goes, 'trust me, he's not gay.' I was like, I’m just saying what I heard...To her credit, she was totally cool to me...Except then Wayne Brady came to visit." (Fitz, 27:38)

3. Ian’s New Special and Giving Back

Timestamps: 32:00 – 38:30

• Self-Production & Burnout

  • Ian reveals the taxing process of editing his own special:

    “If you editing yourself and watching yourself on a daily basis...you just get so sick of it all.” (Fitz, 31:15)

• Shooting & Delays

  • The special was filmed at The Comedy Store in La Jolla—a favorite room for both comedians.
  • Saw a release delay due to California wildfires; Ian felt releasing it during widespread crisis would be in poor taste.

• Charitable Intentions

  • Ian will donate all earnings (ad revenue and possible direct donations) from the special to fire victims, seeking audience input on the most effective local charity.

    “All the money that it makes from views or AdSense...I'll donate to a charity that helps victims of the fire.” (Ian, 36:10)
    “Just watch this special...I’ll show it, like, I’ll prove it, I’ll show it like...how much it made.” (Ian, 36:43)

4. Showbiz, Friendship, and the Writers Guild Hustle

Timestamps: 41:00 – 46:00

• Booking Woes

  • Ian admits he struggles with self-promotion and booking his own appearances, preferring not to "ask" for favors.

    “I barely text Rogan. I was like, I don't want to ask him.” (Ian, 40:51)

• Writer’s Guild Matters

  • Both lament the challenge of reaching the 17 credits needed for lifetime Writers Guild health coverage.

    “If you get qualified...any 17 years, then you get coverage for free for the rest of your life...I have 16 out of 17.” (Fitz, 43:11)

5. Life, Relationships, and the Value of Comedic Family

Timestamps: 46:00 – 54:00

• Dating & Age Gaps

  • Amusing observations on the LA dating scene and generational divides:

    “Some 59 year old women are hot...they can get younger dudes.” (Ian, 46:23)

• Reasons for Not Settling Down

  • Ian shares his lifelong preference for friendship, communal meals, and the comics' camaraderie over traditional marriage.

    “I just want to hang out with my friends, eat, drink and laugh...To me, that’s family.” (Ian, 51:10)

• Post-Pandemic Shifts

  • Both note the pandemic halted nightly hangs and shifted them towards more TV-watching and time alone, sharing how tough road life and loneliness can be for comics.

6. Therapy, Trauma, and Perspective

Timestamps: 60:00 – 64:00

• Therapy Anecdotes

  • Fitz recounts running into his (attractive) pandemic-era online therapist at a show, leading to an awkward but funny exchange.
  • Ian shrugs at therapy’s usefulness for him, reflecting on cultural differences regarding trauma:

    “Some black people just be like, yeah, fuck it. You know, I’m one of them...Not to be stereotypical, but yeah, that’s the shit some white people consider trauma is my baseline.” (Ian, 63:22 & 64:00)

• Corporal Punishment Memories

  • Ian relives corporal punishment in Jamaica—teachers would beat students who didn't do homework, reinforcing discipline but also providing wild stories about classmates attempting to fight back.

    “There's the people in line to get their ass whooped...every morning, Shane is like, Shane, I saw you the night before, bro, on your veranda. Why didn't you do your homework?” (Ian, 65:41)

7. Comedy “Fastballs with Fitz” – Quickfire Q&A

Timestamps: 70:09 – 83:30

• Hackiest Bit

  • Ian admits to opening with a “hacky” race-in-the-room bit at a rural Moose Lodge recently, acknowledging you have to read the room.

    “First of all, you can’t invite a black person to the Moose Lodge in the middle of nowhere and expect them not to feel like something’s up. Like, this is the beginning of a horror movie.” (Ian, 81:12)

• Worst Opener Story

  • Shares a tale of an arrogant host in Cincinnati who was ultimately replaced after undermining both Ian and his feature act.

• On Lending Money & Friendship

  • Ian only lends as much as he can afford to lose, so money never jeopardizes a friendship.

• Conspiracy & Regrets

  • Ian suspects mob and government overlap in JFK’s assassination, referencing classic mobster confessionals.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stand-Up’s Learning Curve:

  “Seven is like the first time you kind of know who you are. And then 14 is like a really good time...to be, like, in, like, high gear.” (Ian, 16:29 – 16:45)

• On Charitable Giving:

  “All the money that it makes from Views or AdSense...I’ll donate to a charity that helps victims of the fire.” (Ian, 36:10)

• On Friendships & Comedy Community:

  “I just want to hang out with my friends, eat, drink and laugh...To me, that’s family.” (Ian, 51:10)

• On Therapy and Trauma:

  “Some black people just be like, yeah, fuck it. You know, I’m one of them.” (Ian, 63:22)

• On Moose Lodge Hackery:

  “You can’t invite a black person to the Moose Lodge in the middle of nowhere and expect them not to feel like something’s up. Like, this is the beginning of a horror movie.” (Ian, 81:12)

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Topic | |----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 16:18 | Ian discusses years in comedy and learning curve | | 19:00 | Inside a writers’ room: chaos, politics, odd hires | | 27:38 | Wayne Brady "outing" joke and aftermath | | 32:00 | Filming the special, dealing with technical stress | | 36:10 | Deciding to donate special proceeds | | 40:55 | Booking woes and reluctant self-promo | | 43:11 | Writers Guild health credits dilemma | | 51:10 | Ian’s philosophy on friendship over traditional family | | 60:31 | Awkward encounter with Fitz’s former therapist | | 64:00 | Ian on discipline, trauma, and cultural differences | | 70:09 | “Fastballs with Fitz” questions | | 81:12 | Hacky but necessary race-in-the-room bit at Moose Lodge|

Summary in the Original Tone

Fitzdog Radio delivers another freewheeling, frank, and funny conversation in this episode. Greg and Ian open up about the grind of comedy, the reality of TV writing rooms, and why some comics get their start too early—and how the industry can leave behind even the most talented. There’s lots of ballbusting but also vulnerability about loneliness, mental health, and what truly sustains: the community and friendships built in comedy over decades. Ian’s special, “Untitled,” embodies this spirit—done independently, offered free on YouTube, and intended as a direct good for others after the devastation of the California fires. Throughout, their chemistry, candor, and wit make for memorable listening.

Where to Find Ian’s Special & Contact

• Special: “Untitled” available on YouTube @IanEdwardsStandUp (drops September 23rd)
• Charity Suggestions: Email IanEdwardsStandUpMail@gmail.com or comment under the special on YouTube.

Closing Note

If you’re a fan of honest comedy talk, reflection, and inside-showbiz stories, this episode is can't-miss. Support Ian’s special; your view helps fire victims, and you’ll get to see one of comedy’s most respected craftsman at the top of his game.

End of summary.