Fitzdog Radio – Episode 1075: Greg Fitzsimmons Interviews Rob Huebel
Release Date: November 6, 2024
Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Rob Huebel
1. Introduction and Current Events
Timestamp: [00:39]
Greg Fitzsimmons opens the episode amidst the tension of the upcoming election results. Recorded on Monday, November 4, he expresses his concerns about potential unrest and violence following the declaration of election winners. Greg shares his personal stance on voting without endorsing any candidate, revealing a desire for national unity amidst widespread anger and confusion.
Greg Fitzsimmons [00:39]: "I just think this country can't be any more angry and confused, and I'm hoping for the best."
2. Personal Anecdotes: Yoga and Road Rage
Timestamp: [02:00 - 06:00]
Greg recounts his recent attempts to find peace through yoga and meditation. He describes a transformative experience during a yoga class, feeling a profound sense of calm and transcendence. However, this tranquility is shattered by a frustrating encounter on the road, where a reckless driver triggers a brief moment of vengeful satisfaction.
Greg Fitzsimmons [04:30]: "This is the transcendent moment. This is time and space coming together with my spirit."
3. Halloween Traditions and Stories
Timestamp: [06:00 - 17:00]
The conversation shifts to Halloween, with Greg sharing his family's unique approach to trick-or-treating. He details their creative setups, such as red velvet ropes and walkie-talkies, aiming to treat tricksters without seeking personal gain. Greg also praises his friend Matt Malloy's interactive candy-giving method, which requires kids to perform a joke or song for extra treats.
Rob Huebel reciprocates with his own Halloween memories, reminiscing about elaborate haunted houses and the humorous chaos they brought. Both hosts highlight the evolution of trick-or-treating from their childhood experiences to more organized and theatrical setups in their communities.
Rob Huebel [15:29]: "They set up all the dead rock stars on his roof... it's like a field of dry corn."
4. Discussing Music Preferences and Experiences
Timestamp: [17:00 - 34:00]
Greg and Rob delve into their musical tastes and experiences. Greg admits his growing interest in country music, attending live performances by artists like Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton. He humorously laments his poor memory for artist names but expresses enthusiasm for discovering new music through recommendations.
Rob shares his fondness for classic rock bands like Rush and Van Halen, influenced by his older brother. They discuss the challenges of keeping up with evolving music trends and the impact of personal connections on their musical journeys.
Greg Fitzsimmons [34:05]: "And so I started getting into that, which I really like a lot."
5. Media, Podcasting, and Career Reflections
Timestamp: [34:00 - 57:00]
The discussion transitions to their careers in entertainment and media. Rob reflects on his experiences with morning TV shows and podcasting, critiquing the challenges of maintaining energy levels during live broadcasts. He humorously describes a failed attempt to incorporate his own jokes into a morning show interview.
Greg promotes his latest comedy special available on YouTube, detailing the production process and his decision to self-fund the project despite initial setbacks with streaming platforms like Netflix.
Rob Huebel [46:41]: "I'm here to promote your comedy special."
6. Personal Lives and Relationships
Timestamp: [57:00 - 63:00]
Greg and Rob discuss their personal lives, including their families and relationships. Rob talks about his wife Holly Hanula's demanding role as a traffic reporter, highlighting the exhaustion it brings to their household. They share lighthearted banter about managing personal and professional responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of supportive partnerships.
Rob Huebel [64:17]: "She's the traffic reporter on NBC... she's on every morning."
7. Reflections on Comedy and Industry Experiences
Timestamp: [63:00 - 75:00]
The hosts reminisce about their early days in comedy, referencing past shows like "Human Giant" and collaborations with notable comedians. Rob recounts performing at corporate events, including a pre-9/11 show at the World Trade Center, blending humor with sensitive topics. They discuss the evolution of comedy formats and the importance of adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Rob Huebel [75:21]: "When I was first starting, there was someone in our improv group whose father did corporate training..."
8. Final Thoughts and Promotions
Timestamp: [75:00 - 79:15]
As the episode draws to a close, Greg and Rob engage in playful banter about the possibility of being "Fitzdogged"—a term coined on the show for a particular type of humorous mocking. Greg promotes his film "All Happy Families," encouraging listeners to stream it across various platforms. Rob shares insights about his latest horror movie project, expressing satisfaction with his creative endeavors.
Greg Fitzsimmons [77:41]: "The film All Happy Families is streaming now. Everywhere."
Notable Quotes
- Greg Fitzsimmons [00:39]: "I just think this country can't be any more angry and confused, and I'm hoping for the best."
- Greg Fitzsimmons [04:30]: "This is the transcendent moment. This is time and space coming together with my spirit."
- Rob Huebel [15:29]: "They set up all the dead rock stars on his roof... it's like a field of dry corn."
- Greg Fitzsimmons [34:05]: "And so I started getting into that, which I really like a lot."
- Rob Huebel [46:41]: "I'm here to promote your comedy special."
- Rob Huebel [64:17]: "She's the traffic reporter on NBC... she's on every morning."
- Rob Huebel [75:21]: "When I was first starting, there was someone in our improv group whose father did corporate training..."
Conclusion
In this engaging episode of Fitzdog Radio, Greg Fitzsimmons and Rob Huebel navigate through a myriad of topics ranging from personal anecdotes, Halloween traditions, music preferences, media experiences, to reflections on their careers in comedy. Their candid and humorous dialogue offers listeners a blend of deep insights and lighthearted banter, making it a valuable listen for both fans and newcomers alike.