Fitzdog Radio - Episode 1084: Matt Fulcher with Greg Fitzsimmons
Release Date: January 29, 2025
In Episode 1084 of Fitzdog Radio, host Greg Fitzsimmons engages in an honest and humorous conversation with fellow comedian Matt Fulcher. The episode delves deep into their personal journeys in stand-up comedy, their experiences on the road, and their insights into maintaining personal relationships amidst the chaos of a comedy career. Skipping the usual advertisements and intros, this summary captures the essence of their candid dialogue, enriched with notable quotes and clear section structuring.
1. Returning from the Road and Life in LA
Greg kicks off the episode by sharing his recent experiences traveling through the Arctic Midwest, New York City, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Battling asthma during wildfires, he relishes being back in the beauty of Los Angeles.
Greg Fitzsimmons (00:40): "I'm so happy to be back in LA... It's a good life. People are better looking here. They just are. They're better looking. They're healthier."
He reflects on the contrast between being bundled up for cold weather and suddenly enjoying LA's warmth, highlighting personal rejuvenation after time away.
2. Introducing Matt Fulcher: A Comedic Partnership
Greg introduces Matt Fulcher, emphasizing their growing friendship and collaborative efforts in developing a script for Bill Burr. Matt is known for his podcast, Full Charge Power Hour, and his numerous appearances on platforms like Comedy Central and The Joe Rogan Experience.
Greg Fitzsimmons (14:57): "It's not often that I introduce somebody that I have spent as much time on Zoom with as I have with this next gentleman, Matt Fulcher."
3. Early Comedy Days and Challenges
The duo reminisces about their early days in comedy, sharing anecdotes about working with Vince Champ, who was later revealed to be a notorious serial rapist. They discuss the impact of such revelations on their careers and personal lives.
Greg Fitzsimmons (18:38): "But then he... commit the crime and then go to the next place."
Matt recounts his time emceeing for Greg, facing moments of high pressure and unexpected challenges during shows.
4. Touring with Notable Comedians: Tom Segura and Daniel Tosh
Matt shares his touring experiences with prominent comedians like Tom Segura and Daniel Tosh, highlighting the camaraderie and the ups and downs of life on the road.
Matt Fulcher (28:05): "Starting at 24... open mics for like three years... and then after a while I'm like, oh, I should try to do this at a club."
He details his abrupt decision to quit a job at 30, the subsequent support from Tom Segura, and the adventures that followed, including tours in Japan and interactions with other comedians.
5. The Art of Podcasting and Maintaining Consistency
The conversation shifts to the challenges of podcasting. Matt emphasizes the importance of consistency and the difficulty of maintaining multiple podcasts without burning out.
Matt Fulcher (61:18): "It's about the consistency. That's..."
Greg reflects on his own struggles with multiple podcasts and contemplates the burnout associated with maintaining several platforms.
6. Navigating Personal Relationships and Cheating with Humor
A significant portion of the episode delves into personal relationships, with both Greg and Matt humorously discussing themes of marriage, fidelity, and the complexities of maintaining trust while juggling a demanding career.
Matt Fulcher (40:28): "I have cheated on her. Like it's a varsity sport."
They share candid stories about their wives, humorous misunderstandings, and the delicate balance of humor and honesty in relationships.
7. Swimming and Public Pool Anecdotes
Matt introduces a lighter topic by discussing swimming as a remedy for middle-aged stresses. The conversation humorously explores the realities and quirks of public pools.
Matt Fulcher (65:15): "I'm trying to get a devil's three way going."
8. Friendship and Handling Audience Disruptions
Greg and Matt discuss friendships within the comedy scene and strategies for dealing with disruptive audience members. They share past incidents and their approaches to maintaining control and humor during shows.
Greg Fitzsimmons (69:19): "I will play on it, and I will use his words against him... he's a fucking hero to them now."
9. Upcoming Tours and Future Plans
Matt shares his upcoming tour dates across the country, and Greg offers supportive remarks, highlighting the importance of live performances in their careers.
Greg Fitzsimmons (74:00): "You were a great guest."
10. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
In the concluding moments, Greg and Matt engage in friendly banter, wrapping up the episode with mutual respect and the affirmation of their enduring friendship.
Greg Fitzsimmons (76:34): "Do it for the country. What's left of it."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Greg on Returning to LA: "I'm so happy to be back in LA... It's a good life. People are better looking here." (03:00)
- Matt on Quitting His Job: "I just went away. Which is weird for me. I'm a very responsible guy." (32:05)
- Greg on Handling Difficult Audience Members: "I will play on it, and I will use his words against him... he's a fucking hero to them now." (69:19)
- Matt on Friendship: "I have cheated on her. Like it's a varsity sport." (40:28)
- Greg on Podcast Burnout: "I'm so burnt. And I would love to take six months off, but I just know that my listenership would just go away." (61:56)
- Matt on Marriage: "She is like Lucy Ricardo. She's like, I want to come to this." (73:28)
Conclusion
Episode 1084 of Fitzdog Radio offers an engaging and candid exploration of the lives of two seasoned comedians. Through sharing personal anecdotes, professional challenges, and humorous insights, Greg Fitzsimmons and Matt Fulcher provide listeners with a richly detailed narrative that is both entertaining and relatable. Whether discussing the trials of touring, the intricacies of personal relationships, or the demands of podcasting, their conversation paints a vivid picture of the comedic journey, making it a valuable listen for fans and newcomers alike.