Fitzdog Radio – Episode 1072: Kira Soltanovich with Adam Carolla

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Introduction and Host’s Update

Greg Fitzsimmons kicks off the episode by sharing personal updates and reflections on his hectic schedule. He humorously details his relentless work pattern, juggling podcasting, stand-up comedy, traveling, social media, and more. Greg also touches on his recent hiatus from his usual activities, indulging in sports watching and preparing for an upcoming family trip to South Africa.

• Notable Quote:
  “I'm a guy wearing the South African rugby hat. The Springboks. Going to South Africa for Christmas this year with my whole family...” (02:10)

Guest Introduction

Kira Soltanovich introduces her guest, Adam Carolla, highlighting their long-standing friendship and shared experiences in the comedy industry.

• Notable Quote:
  “You’re like me. Just kept showing up. Kept showing up...” (11:10)

Friendship and Careers in Comedy

Kira and Adam delve into their careers in comedy, discussing the challenges and rewards of being "blue collar workers" in the stand-up circuit. They compare their experiences to union workers, emphasizing their dedication and persistence despite not always achieving mainstream fame.

• Notable Quote:
  “I feel like we are the blue collar workers of the standup circuits.” (11:45)

Personal Lives and Parenthood

The conversation shifts to their personal lives, particularly parenthood. Adam shares humorous anecdotes about managing family responsibilities alongside his career, while Kira discusses her own experiences raising children and balancing family dynamics.

• Notable Quote:
  “I have two different parenting styles. One is constantly irritated and agitated...” (40:46)

Religious and Cultural Discussions

Kira opens up about her upbringing with Catholicism and its impact on her worldview. The discussion explores themes of faith, religious education, and the intersection of religion with personal identity and modernization.

• Notable Quote:
  “I went to high school and they taught us the Bible as World Literature. It was devastating.” (53:02)

Family and Children’s Behavior

Both hosts share stories about their children’s humorous and often unexpected behaviors. Adam narrates his daughter's witty and offbeat sense of humor, while Kira recounts her children's mischievous acts and how they navigate growing up.

• Notable Quote:
  “She said, I was a World War II soldier and I died during the battles. And then my daughter was six and she said I was a pickle.” (48:43)

Stand-Up Comedy and Voice Evolution

Adam and Kira discuss the evolution of their comedic voices over the years. They reflect on the necessity of adapting their material and dropping old bits to stay fresh and relevant in the ever-changing landscape of comedy.

• Notable Quote:
  “I've been trying to figure out my comedy voice after 20 plus years. It’s changed.” (35:07)

Experiences on Stage and Comedy Anecdotes

The duo recount various on-stage experiences, including challenging performances and unexpected disruptions. Adam shares tales from performing in Reno and Chicago, illustrating his resilience and ability to maintain composure during chaotic moments.

• Notable Quote:
  “A guy vomited in the middle of my set. And I just kept going.” (67:10)

Fastball Questions

In a lighthearted segment, Kira poses rapid-fire questions to Adam, eliciting candid and humorous responses. Topics range from hypothetical gender transitions to award wins, showcasing the playful rapport between the hosts.

• Notable Quote:
  “I think a woman. A man who was born a woman.” (64:56)
  “Have you ever not finished a set on stage? No. And boy, have I had opportunities to walk off.” (67:10)

Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, Kira and Adam discuss upcoming shows and projects. They encourage listeners to attend their live performances and hint at future collaborations, maintaining enthusiasm for their ongoing careers in comedy.

• Notable Quote:
  “I think Kevin Nealon's doing it. Yeah, I think Nealon's doing it.” (74:31)

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Work-Life Balance: Both hosts emphasize the difficulty of balancing a demanding career in comedy with personal and family life, highlighting the importance of dedication and time management.

• Evolution of Comedy: The necessity for comedians to continually adapt and refine their material to stay relevant and avoid repetition is a recurring theme.

• Parenting in the Spotlight: Balancing parenthood with a public career presents unique challenges, as evidenced by their stories about raising children while maintaining a presence in the comedy world.

• Cultural and Religious Identity: Exploring how upbringing and cultural background shape personal beliefs and comedic perspectives provides depth to their narratives.

• Resilience in Performance: Handling unexpected events during performances with humor and professionalism underscores the unpredictable nature of live comedy.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Fitzdog Radio offers a candid and humorous exploration of life as comedians navigating personal growth, parenthood, and the ever-evolving landscape of stand-up comedy. Through shared experiences and insightful discussions, Kira Soltanovich and Adam Carolla provide listeners with an engaging and relatable glimpse into their lives both on and off the stage.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 1072 featuring Kira Soltanovich and Adam Carolla, highlighting their conversations, anecdotes, and shared insights into the world of comedy and personal life.