Fitzdog Radio: Sam Morril - Episode 1077 Summary

Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Sam Morril

Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections ([00:39] - [04:30])

Greg Fitzsimmons ([B]):
Greg opens the Thanksgiving special by expressing gratitude despite political frustrations, affirming, "This is the best goddamn country in the world." He reminisces about his long-standing Thanksgiving traditions in Venice, highlighting activities like a massive soccer game, beach outings, and gatherings at friends' homes for hot tubs and spiked cider.

Sam Morril ([C]):
Though not present during the introduction, Sam sets the tone for an intimate and nostalgic conversation, reflecting on personal and professional experiences leading into the holiday season.

Comedy Tours and Personal Anecdotes ([04:31] - [20:00])

Tour Experiences:
Greg shares his recent tour experiences in Tempe, Arizona, including performances at the Improv and interactions with fellow comedians like Rob Dukes. He humorously recounts encounters with MAGA supporters in the audience, expressing frustration yet maintaining a positive outlook.

Upcoming Tours:
Greg announces his upcoming shows with notable guests like Howie Mandel and Mark McGrath, detailing dates across various cities such as San Francisco, Cleveland, Janesville, Milwaukee, and more. He emphasizes the excitement leading up to the holidays and the diverse lineup planned for the coming months.

Sam’s Stand-Up Journey:
Sam discusses his aspirations, including his stand-up special "You Know Him From All of His Specials" and his podcast "We Might Be Drunk with Mark Norman." He shares memorable moments from his tours, such as driving a Porsche with Rob Dukes and performing at various comedy venues.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg: "Thanksgiving's a big holiday for me. We always celebrated... it was such a wild time." ([02:15])
• Sam: "He's got some of the best stand-up specials that have been put out in the last 10 years." ([08:45])

Stand-Up Challenges and Industry Insights ([20:01] - [35:00])

Navigating the Comedy Scene:
Both Greg and Sam delve into the challenges of the comedy industry, discussing the difficulties of maintaining long-standing traditions amid changing demographics and rising costs in places like Venice. They highlight the perseverance needed to sustain a comedy career.

Evolving Comedy Landscape:
Sam reflects on the evolution of stand-up, contrasting the disciplined, tape-based practices of the past with today's digital age. He emphasizes the importance of honing material through extensive practice and the struggle to remain relevant without becoming overly indulgent.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam: "Stand up is a different sport because you can't fake your way through it." ([11:40])
• Greg: "It's hard to get booked when you're like, I'll only go on if it's live." ([16:50])

Personal Stories and Comedic Inspirations ([35:01] - [50:00])

Memorable Performances:
Sam recounts various performances, including pop-up shows at iconic New York locations like Peter Luger's and Katz's Deli. He shares humorous mishaps, such as performing in a deli and interacting with renowned comedians like Louis C.K. and Jimmy Kimmel.

Inspirational Figures:
Both hosts pay tribute to influential comedians like Richard Jenney and Bill Burr, discussing their impact on the comedy scene. They debate the merits of touring versus seeking television opportunities, emphasizing the authenticity and connection achieved through live performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam: "You have to earn it because these clubs are used to people coming in every week." ([40:31])
• Greg: "Watching Orson Welles drunk doing a commercial is the funniest shit you've ever seen." ([32:26])

Navigating Personal Relationships and Touring Dynamics ([50:01] - [65:00])

On the Road:
Sam and Greg explore the dynamics of touring, including managing friendships, handling impromptu situations on tour buses, and maintaining discipline amidst the temptations of constant travel. Sam shares anecdotes about interactions with fans and fellow comedians, highlighting the camaraderie and occasional conflicts that arise during long tours.

Emotional Boundaries:
They discuss setting boundaries with fans and acquaintances to maintain personal peace, especially when intoxicated. Sam emphasizes the importance of balancing humor with respect, avoiding overstepping during interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam: "The only way I can keep going is because I don't get that drunk anymore." ([60:20])
• Greg: "I really just want to work the main clubs in LA." ([54:39])

Philosophies on Comedy and Personal Growth ([65:01] - [73:18])

Evolving as Comedians:
Sam and Greg reflect on their growth within the comedy industry, discussing the transition from early, perfection-driven performances to embracing more authentic and spontaneous styles. They emphasize the balance between refining material and staying true to one's comedic voice.

Future Aspirations:
Looking ahead, Sam shares plans for expanding his tour, including potential specials filmed in new regions like Los Angeles. Both hosts express a desire to continue evolving their comedy while staying connected to their roots and loyal fan bases.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg: "It's easy." ([62:14])
• Sam: "Your first act, I mean, think about when you're doing like a corporate or something, how often a college or something like that where you just have to find a way to connect." ([49:58])

Conclusion and Final Remarks ([73:19])

Final Plugging:
As the episode wraps up, Greg introduces Sam Morril as a talented comedian known for his outstanding specials and engaging podcast. Greg invites listeners to tune into Sam's work, praising his authenticity and success in the stand-up realm.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• [02:15] Greg: "Thanksgiving's a big holiday for me. We always celebrated... it was such a wild time."
• [08:45] Sam: "He's got some of the best stand-up specials that have been put out in the last 10 years."
• [11:40] Sam: "Stand up is a different sport because you can't fake your way through it."
• [16:50] Greg: "It's hard to get booked when you're like, I'll only go on if it's live."
• [32:26] Sam: "Watching Orson Welles drunk doing a commercial is the funniest shit you've ever seen."
• [40:31] Sam: "You have to earn it because these clubs are used to people coming in every week."
• [60:20] Sam: "The only way I can keep going is because I don't get that drunk anymore."
• [54:39] Greg: "I really just want to work the main clubs in LA."
• [62:14] Sam: "It's easy."
• [49:58] Greg: "Your first act, I mean, think about when you're doing like a corporate or something, how often a college or something like that where you just have to find a way to connect."

Key Takeaways:

• Nostalgia and Tradition: Both hosts share heartfelt memories of past Thanksgiving celebrations, underscoring the importance of traditions in their lives.

• Tour Life Realities: The conversation offers an unfiltered look into the life of touring comedians, including the highs of performing and the challenges of managing personal relationships on the road.

• Evolution of Comedy: There's a strong emphasis on personal growth within the comedy industry, highlighting the shift from structured practices to embracing spontaneity and authenticity.

• Industry Insights: The discussion sheds light on the comedy scene's dynamics, including booking challenges, audience interactions, and the balance between mainstream success and grassroots touring.

• Personal Reflections: Both Greg and Sam delve into their personal journeys, sharing vulnerabilities and aspirations, making the episode relatable to both comedy enthusiasts and general audiences.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful conversation between Greg Fitzsimmons and Sam Morril.