Fitzdog Radio Episode 1107: Greg Fitzsimmons Interviews Nick Thune

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Hosts & Guests:

• Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
• Guest: Nick Thune, stand-up comedian with multiple appearances on "The Tonight Show," Comedy Central specials, and acting roles in projects like Love Life and Knocked Up.

Introduction and Personal Updates [00:09 - 09:35]

Greg Fitzsimmons kicks off the episode by sharing his recent experiences transitioning from New York back to Los Angeles. He describes enjoying the consistent summer weather in LA, with temperatures that never exceed 80°F or drop below 74°F, and minimal humidity. Greg recounts solitary moments at the beach, riding his bike, and playing pickleball with his friend Mary Fitzgerald, whom he surprisingly found quite skilled at [00:09].

Notable Quote:

"It never gets above 80, never gets below 74. Not really humid... it's fucking relaxing." ([00:20])

Greg also discusses upcoming plans, including a golf game with friends at Griffith Park followed by a concert by Tedeschi Trucks at the Greek Theater. He praises the venue's scenic hillside location, emphasizing it as a perfect spot to finish the summer with a bang [00:40].

Stand-Up Experiences and Challenges [02:30 - 09:30]

Greg shares his recent stint performing at the Comedy Cellar in New York, where he felt he "bombed hard" during his opening act with a new bit defending Los Angeles. He expresses disappointment with the reception and realizes that starting with a new routine was a rookie mistake [03:00].

Notable Quote:

"And then I'm looking out at my son's face and it's too much." ([05:15])

Greg discusses the pressure of performing in major cities like New York and LA, especially with family members in the audience. He talks about the challenges of following up acts, referencing a performance by someone impersonating Donald Trump, which added to his anxiety [07:00].

Conversation with Nick Thune [09:35 - 79:03]

Personal Stories and Anecdotes [09:35 - 21:13]

Greg welcomes Nick Thune, delving into their personal histories and relationships. They reminisce about playing golf together with mutual friends like Greg Garcia, the showrunner behind My Name is Earl and Yes, Dear [09:50].

Notable Quote:

"He said, I've been fired from way more shows than that. Yeah, you're going to be fine." ([67:08])

Nick shares a compelling personal story about his troubled godfather, an Italian man who owned a gas station and car wash in Portland. He reveals that his godfather was involved in fraudulent activities, including tampering with business numbers, which led to his eventual downfall [11:00 - 16:00].

Addiction and Sobriety [21:13 - 38:17]

The conversation shifts towards Nick's battle with addiction. He discusses his sobriety journey, focusing on his nearly seven-year struggle to stay clean from alcohol, contrasting it with Greg's own 35 years of abstinence [35:00].

Notable Quote:

"Shame is a powerful drug." ([37:26])

Nick elaborates on the importance of confronting personal feelings and trauma without the crutch of substances, emphasizing practices like meditation and walking to manage emotions like anger and frustration [38:00 - 39:50].

Comedy Career and Challenges [38:17 - 62:35]

Nick recounts various anecdotes from his stand-up career, including dealing with performance anxiety, handling interruptions during shows, and experiences getting fired from projects. He highlights his flexibility in adapting his material, such as converting a one-hour special into a more digestible half-hour format for better audience retention [55:00 - 62:00].

Notable Quote:

"Shame is not all bad... it was definitely the thing that made me quit." ([37:39])

Personal Growth and Relationships [62:35 - 75:12]

The dialogue turns introspective as Nick discusses the impact of failed friendships and the emotional toll of being ghosted by a close friend. He touches on themes of self-worth, resilience, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles [73:00 - 75:12].

Notable Quote:

"If you miss, like, getting a dick in a vagina. Then coming. It doesn't make any sense." ([28:57])

Light-Hearted Segments and Future Projects [75:12 - 79:03]

Towards the end, Greg and Nick engage in light-hearted banter, including playing a segment called "Fastballs with Fits," where they exchange quick-fire questions and jokes. They also discuss Nick's new art projects, his collaboration on a podcast for single parents, and upcoming stand-up tour dates [77:00 - 79:00].

Notable Quote:

"Parents. And the timing is great because podcasting is really just taking off." ([60:14])

Conclusion and Upcoming Events [79:00 - End]

Greg wraps up the episode by promoting Nick Thune's latest special "Born Young," available on YouTube via Nateland and 800 Pound Gorilla channels. They discuss Nick's upcoming performances in Chicago and other cities, mentioning that tickets are available through fitzdog.com [78:50].

Overall Insights:

• Balance of Humor and Depth: The episode masterfully blends personal anecdotes with humor, providing listeners with both entertainment and meaningful conversations about addiction, relationships, and personal growth.

• Resilience and Authenticity: Both Greg and Nick emphasize the importance of resilience and maintaining authenticity in the face of professional and personal challenges.

• Supportive Camaraderie: The dynamic between Greg and Nick showcases their camaraderie and mutual support, making the episode engaging and relatable for listeners.

Final Thoughts:

Fitzdog Radio Episode 1107 offers a candid and humorous look into the lives of Greg Fitzsimmons and Nick Thune. The episode not only entertains but also provides profound insights into overcoming personal struggles, navigating the comedy industry, and maintaining meaningful relationships. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy or interested in the personal journeys of comedians, this episode delivers a rich and engaging experience.

Subscribe and Follow:

• Website: fitzdog.com
• YouTube: Nateland and 800 Pound Gorilla
• Upcoming Shows: Chicago Improv (August 8-10), Dallas, and more.

Don’t Miss Out: Grab your tickets for Nick Thune’s special "Born Young" and join him on his upcoming comedy tour!