Fitzdog Radio - Episode 1089: Joey McIntyre
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Overview
In Episode 1089 of Fitzdog Radio, host Greg Fitzsimmons engages in a candid and entertaining conversation with Joey McIntyre, a prominent member of the legendary boy band New Kids on the Block. The episode delves deep into Joey's multifaceted career, personal life, and his latest musical endeavors, all peppered with humor and insightful reflections.
1. Visiting Mom in Florida
Before introducing his guest, Greg shares a vivid and humorous account of his visit to his mother in Florida. He paints a picture of her vibrant community, the warmth of the environment, and the unique quirks of family life in the Sunshine State.
"I like feeling like I'm the most intelligent person in the state, which is not hard to feel." — Greg Fitzsimmons [04:20]
Greg recounts amusing anecdotes about his mother's car, their race against sunset to return home, and the lively interactions in their community. This segment sets a personal and relatable tone for the episode.
2. Introducing Joey McIntyre
At around [18:41], Greg warmly introduces Joey McIntyre, highlighting his long-standing career with New Kids on the Block and his recent solo projects.
"This guy was 13 traveling the world, playing arenas and stadiums in '91." — Greg Fitzsimmons [18:45]
Joey responds with gratitude, acknowledging Greg's support and the dynamic nature of balancing a solo career with group commitments.
3. Balancing Solo Career and Band Life
The conversation transitions to Joey's experiences juggling his solo endeavors alongside his commitments to New Kids on the Block. They discuss the challenges of maintaining personal identity within a successful group and the importance of collaboration.
"It's a process... trying to carve my path and have some autonomy while this beautiful thing rages on called New Kids on the Block." — Joey McIntyre [53:44]
Joey shares insights into his latest album "Freedom," detailing his creative process and the collaboration with young talents like Sean Thomas.
4. Unionization and the Entertainment Industry
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the state of unions in Hollywood, the impact of digital streaming on traditional revenue models, and the struggles faced by creatives in maintaining their livelihoods.
"The only way you have power is in numbers... we need to break the business up." — Joey McIntyre [30:05]
Greg and Joey critique the corporate influence on labor practices, emphasizing the need for stronger collective bargaining to support artists and creators.
5. Personal Life and Moves
Joey opens up about his move to Venice, California, sharing stories about finding his home, meeting his wife, and integrating into the local community. They reminisce about the vibrant and supportive atmosphere of Venice, highlighting its unique charm.
"It's absolutely magical. It's just... dogs and kids are running back and forth." — Joey McIntyre [62:07]
Greg relates by describing his own long-term residence in Venice, fostering a sense of camaraderie between the two guests.
6. New Album "Freedom"
Joey delves into the details of his new album, "Freedom." He discusses the inspiration behind the songs, the themes of personal growth and liberation, and the collaborative efforts that shaped the album.
"It's 10 songs, 32 minutes. So it's like I kind of went there with like, doesn't keep you too long, but packs a punch." — Joey McIntyre [48:33]
They highlight how the album reflects Joey's journey and his desire to connect authentically with his audience while exploring new musical territories.
7. Shared Experiences and Anecdotes
Greg and Joey share humorous and enlightening stories from their careers, including touring experiences, interactions with fellow artists, and memorable moments that have shaped their professional lives.
"What's the closest you've ever got to a fist fight on stage?" — Greg Fitzsimmons [72:50]
"Donnie... we had moments in the show and he would go backstage and play video games." — Joey McIntyre [70:07]
These anecdotes add depth to their conversation, showcasing their camaraderie and mutual respect.
8. Fastballs Segment
In a lively Fastballs segment, Greg and Joey engage in a rapid-fire Q&A, answering quick and quirky questions that reveal more about their personalities and preferences.
"Don't say it ain't." — Joey McIntyre [73:12]
"There are two types of people in the world... Decaf and caffeinated." — Greg Fitzsimmons [72:59]
This segment injects energy and fun into the episode, providing listeners with light-hearted insights into the hosts' thoughts.
9. Upcoming Projects and Tours
Towards the end of the episode, Joey shares exciting details about his upcoming "Freedom Tour," including tour dates and locations. He expresses enthusiasm about reconnecting with fans and performing live.
"Freedom Tour. Phase one is here. Guess what, baby? See you there." — Joey McIntyre [76:30]
Greg adds information about Joey's residency in Las Vegas, encouraging listeners to attend his performances.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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"You shouldn't be sitting alone, staring at Fox News and bitching. You should be in a community." — Greg Fitzsimmons [06:15]
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"Being a creator is about getting into different rooms and people seeing what you bring to the table." — Joey McIntyre [55:35]
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"Life is about a chip on your shoulder somewhere; gotta have that energy." — Joey McIntyre [49:42]
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"The only way you have power is in numbers... we need to break the business up." — Joey McIntyre [30:05]
Conclusion
Episode 1089 of Fitzdog Radio offers a rich and engaging dialogue between Greg Fitzsimmons and Joey McIntyre. From personal anecdotes about family and community life to deep dives into the intricacies of the entertainment industry and creative processes, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining insight into the life of a seasoned artist. Joey's reflections on his career, coupled with his authentic storytelling, make this episode a must-listen for fans of both Greg and Joey.
For more episodes and updates, visit fitzdog.com.