Fitzdog Radio: Jay Mohr - Episode 1071 Summary

Release Date: October 2, 2024

In Episode 1071 of Fitzdog Radio, host Greg Fitzsimmons sits down with renowned comedian and actor Jay Mohr for an in-depth and candid conversation. The episode delves into Jay's extensive career in comedy, his personal battles with addiction, his journey through recovery, and his insights into the art of stand-up. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and memorable moments from their interaction.

1. Greg's Alaska Adventure

[00:55] Greg Fitzsimmons opens the show by recounting a recent trip to Alaska, expressing mixed feelings about the experience. He shares frustrations about being confined to a hotel and not renting a car, which limited his exploration of the vast and scenic state. Despite the initial disappointment, Greg highlights the warmth of Alaskan audiences during his performances, noting their appreciation and humor.

Greg Fitzsimmons: "If you don't get any walkouts, you're not doing your job. But I got stir crazy."

2. Introducing Jay Mohr

Greg introduces Jay Mohr, emphasizing his multifaceted career spanning TV shows like Action, The Ghost Whisperer, and Gary Unmarried, as well as his stint on Saturday Night Live. Jay's impressive resume includes voice acting in Paulie and a nomination for an Emmy for his role as host and executive producer of Last Comic Standing.

3. Jay Mohr's Personal Struggles and Recovery

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Jay's battle with addiction and his path to sobriety. He recounts his experiences with various substances, including Adderall and other prescription medications, and the challenges of overcoming dependency.

Jay Mohr: "The minute I have it, it's all I think about, is how do I get more of this?"

Jay discusses the impact of addiction on his personal and professional life, including his time in rehab and the 12-step program that facilitated his recovery. He reflects on the importance of confronting personal demons and the role of supportive relationships in maintaining sobriety.

Jay Mohr: "The greatest laughter I've ever had in my life was those 30 days in that first rehab."

4. Insights into Stand-Up Comedy

Jay shares his creative process, highlighting how performance under pressure and presence of an audience can spark spontaneous and genuine comedic material. He compares the flow of stand-up to a "transcendental" experience, similar to musicians drawing inspiration.

Jay Mohr: "There's a veil between consciousness when I'm on stage."

Greg echoes this sentiment, drawing parallels between the improvisational aspects of comedy and music, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of creative inspiration during live performances.

5. Personal Relationships and Marriage

The discussion shifts to Jay's personal life, particularly his marriage to Jeannie. He candidly talks about the dynamics of his relationship, the challenges they've faced, and the support Jeannie provided during his recovery.

Jay Mohr: "She saw something in me worth hanging around."

Jay humorously describes aspects of married life, including routines with their children and the humorous misunderstandings that arise, showcasing his relatable take on family dynamics.

6. Anecdotes from Jay Mohr's Career

Throughout the episode, Jay regales Greg with numerous stories from his career in comedy and acting. From his interactions with fellow comedians like Buddy Hackett and Jeff Ross to memorable experiences performing at various venues, Jay offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a comedian.

Jay Mohr: "If you want to see him live, he's one of the great stand-up comics that's out there today."

He recounts memorable moments, such as being physically confronted during a performance in Boston and the chaotic yet humorous experiences in different cities like Denver and Nashville.

7. The Art of Listening and Personal Growth

Jay delves into the transformative power of the 12-step program, emphasizing the importance of genuine listening and presence in personal interactions. He shares a poignant moment where he facilitated a deep conversation in a support meeting, highlighting the impact of being truly present.

Jay Mohr: "Turns out that's listening."

Greg and Jay discuss how these skills parallel the attentiveness required in effective stand-up comedy, where understanding the audience and responding authentically is crucial.

8. Reflections on Friendship and Community

The episode touches on the significance of community and friendships within the comedy scene. Jay reminisces about his relationships with fellow comedians and the supportive yet competitive nature of the industry.

Jay Mohr: "We're brothers. We started together."

He also humorously addresses the challenges of maintaining friendships while navigating the demands of a career in entertainment.

9. Closing Thoughts and Final Questions

In the concluding segment, Greg and Jay engage in a playful "fastballs" segment, posing rapid-fire questions that showcase their camaraderie and quick wit. This light-hearted exchange underscores the deep mutual respect and enduring friendship between the two comedians.

Greg Fitzsimmons: "Who is your best Asian friend ever?"

Jay Mohr: "Like, Bobby Lee never counts, right?"

The episode wraps up with Jay sharing a memorable comedic bit about rapping as a cow, leaving listeners with a final dose of his signature humor.

Jay Mohr: "Some people think of cows. My mind is in the gutter. Well, all you humans can suck my utters."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [12:10] Jay Mohr: "I never took Ritalin, Adderall. I just wanted to fit in."
• [17:35] Jay Mohr: "That's why I know anything about, like, presidential history, jazz art."
• [25:23] Jay Mohr: "This is like some occult or something here. I don't know."
• [41:04] Jay Mohr: "I quit cocaine in an afternoon."
• [54:03] Jay Mohr: "You keep him out of here, I'll give you free oil changes for as long as you want."
• [66:57] Jay Mohr: "Like, I'm gonna do whatever."
• [78:30] Jay Mohr: "That's the ism like me."
• [85:48] Jay Mohr: "Do you think it was like a repressed memory or he just never talked about it?"

Conclusion

Episode 1071 of Fitzdog Radio offers a profound and entertaining glimpse into Jay Mohr's life, blending humor with heartfelt reflections. Greg Fitzsimmons expertly navigates the conversation, allowing Jay to share his vulnerabilities, triumphs, and the wisdom he's gleaned from years in the comedy trenches. Whether discussing the nuances of stand-up or the complexities of personal recovery, this episode stands out as a compelling narrative of resilience and the enduring power of laughter.

Upcoming Shows and Support

Greg encourages listeners to attend his upcoming live comedy shows across various cities and highlights support opportunities through his bookie, MyBookie AG, offering promotions for new users.

Greg Fitzsimmons: "Jay Moore, you're a pleasure. Love you too, man. Thanks for being here."

Stay tuned to Fitzdog Radio for more honest and hilarious conversations with Greg Fitzsimmons' friends and fellow comedians.