Fitzdog Radio - Episode 1087: The Sklar Brothers

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guests: Jason and Randy Sklar (The Sklar Brothers)

1. Introduction and Las Vegas Anecdotes (00:37 - 06:43)

The episode kicks off with The Sklar Brothers sharing their recent experiences in Las Vegas, highlighting both the highs and lows of their seven-night stay. They recount performing at Brad Garrett's club, praising Garrett's professionalism and generosity. However, they also describe the grueling nature of being outdoors almost constantly, leading to feelings of depression and the pitfalls of incessant gambling.

Notable Quote:

• Randy Sklar (03:15): "Vegas is a 36-hour trip. Seven days and seven nights."

They humorously critique the superficial aspects of Vegas, such as unhealthy food options and the prevalence of limping patrons. Their stories transition to a heartfelt account of how Greg Fitzsimmons' wife saved him from the Vegas slump by joining him for the final three nights, culminating in a meaningful Valentine's Day celebration filled with reconnecting and enjoying simple pleasures like movies and dining at a special Italian restaurant.

2. Brad Garrett's Influence and Generosity (06:43 - 14:01)

The conversation shifts to Brad Garrett's recurring role in hosting their shows. The Sklar Brothers emphasize Garrett's exceptional character, describing him as "a generous, funny, good dude" who goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. They share anecdotes of Garrett covering their Valentine's Day dinner expenses and supporting them during Vegas nights by buying chips for their gambling activities.

Notable Quote:

• Jason Sklar (09:50): "Brad picked up the check without us even knowing who from. He just did it because he's got all these people that work at the club like family."

They also touch upon Garrett's philanthropic efforts, including his long-term charity for terminally ill children, showcasing his commitment beyond the stage.

3. Comedy Careers and Relocation to LA (14:01 - 22:40)

Greg and The Sklar Brothers delve into their comedy journeys, particularly the challenges and triumphs associated with relocating from New York to Los Angeles. They reminisce about their early days performing at iconic NYC comedy clubs like the Luna Lounge, Comic Strip, and Catch a Rising Star, and how transitioning to LA required them to rebuild their careers from scratch.

Notable Quote:

• Greg Fitzsimmons (18:13): "The key to the bit is the headline."

They discuss the differences in comedic styles between the East and West Coasts, the importance of writing versatile material that resonates across diverse audiences, and the influence of veteran comedians like Maria Bamford on their development.

4. Maintaining Comedic Sharpness Through Continuous Performance (22:40 - 37:21)

The discussion focuses on the necessity of consistent performance in keeping a comedian's skills honed. Greg and The Sklar Brothers stress the importance of regularly performing stand-up to stay sharp, likening it to going to the gym for physical fitness. They contrast this with successful comedians who transition away from stand-up to focus on acting or other ventures, often resulting in a decline in their comedic edge.

Notable Quote:

• The Sklar Brothers (32:12): "People today never did that [consistent performing]; they just want the fame."

They share personal anecdotes about the grind of touring, the benefits of engaging with different audiences, and the satisfaction derived from overcoming the challenges of live performances.

5. Collaboration and Creative Processes (37:21 - 54:47)

Greg and The Sklar Brothers explore the collaborative aspects of comedy, including writing and refining material. They discuss their experiences working together on various projects, such as hosting awards shows and contributing to television series like "What We Do in the Shadows." The conversation highlights the balance between maintaining creative integrity and adhering to event-specific guidelines.

Notable Quote:

• Greg Fitzsimmons (43:21): "The younger versions of us would have come in like, 'What? You don't know what you know,' and..."

They emphasize the importance of adapting material to fit different audiences and settings, sharing insights on how to navigate creative differences and producer feedback effectively.

6. Personal Stories and Family Dynamics (54:47 - 66:40)

The episode takes a more personal turn as Greg and The Sklar Brothers share stories about their families and personal lives. Greg recounts a recent incident involving his son who totaled his new car, illustrating the challenges of parenting and maintaining harmonious relationships within the family.

Notable Quote:

• Greg Fitzsimmons (63:29): "I really feel badly about how I spoke to him. I had to."

They discuss the importance of apologies and communication in strengthening familial bonds, reflecting on generational differences in parenting styles and the evolving dynamics in modern families.

7. Challenges in Live Performances and Managing Feature Acts (66:40 - 77:34)

The conversation shifts to the logistical challenges of managing live shows, particularly when dealing with feature acts that may not align with their comedic style or audience expectations. They share experiences of handling over-the-top performers and the impact such acts have on the flow and reception of their own sets.

Notable Quote:

• Randy Sklar (68:28): "He's taking the whole... And then of course, we got on stage and it was fine and we had a great set."

They discuss strategies for maintaining control over their performances, ensuring that their own material remains the focus, and the importance of selecting appropriate opening acts to complement their style.

8. Crafting and Refining Material for Awards Shows (77:34 - 85:00)

Greg discusses their preparation for hosting the Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards, elaborating on the process of writing and refining jokes tailored for a specific, high-profile audience. They highlight the collaborative efforts involved in creating content that resonates with industry professionals while navigating censorship and sensitivity issues.

Notable Quote:

• Greg Fitzsimmons (80:14): "These jokes weren't getting what we thought they should be getting."

They share the experience of balancing edgy humor with the expectations of a formal awards setting, emphasizing the importance of adapting their comedic approach to suit the occasion.

9. Fastballs with Fits: Rapid-Fire Segment (85:00 - 81:36)

In a lighter segment titled "Fastballs with Fits," Greg engages The Sklar Brothers in quick, spontaneous questions designed to elicit humorous and candid responses. Topics range from personal apologies to the quirks of audience interactions and the intricacies of selling merchandise during shows.

Notable Quote:

• Greg Fitzsimmons (63:29): "I really feel badly about how I spoke to you. I had to."

This segment showcases the camaraderie and improvisational skills of the guests, providing entertaining insights into their personalities and experiences in the comedy world.

10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events (81:36 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Greg and The Sklar Brothers discuss their upcoming performances, including appearances at the Aspen Comedy Festival and various comedy clubs across the country. They emphasize the importance of continual performance in sustaining their comedic prowess and share excitement about their future projects, including a two-man show with aspirations of reaching Broadway.

Notable Quote:

• The Sklar Brothers (75:34): "We're all just grinding week to week after all these years."

They conclude with reflections on their enduring passion for comedy and the relentless effort required to excel in the industry, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation for their future endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

• Perseverance in Comedy: Continuous performance is crucial for maintaining and enhancing comedic skills.
• Collaboration and Adaptation: Working together and adapting material to fit different audiences and settings are essential for successful comedy acts.
• Personal Growth and Relationships: Open communication and the ability to apologize strengthen personal and professional relationships.
• Navigating Live Performances: Managing feature acts and ensuring alignment with the show's tone are vital for cohesive performances.
• Evolving Comedy Landscapes: Adapting to changing industry standards and audience expectations is necessary for sustained relevance and success.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Randy Sklar (00:37): "Vegas is a 36-hour trip. Seven days and seven nights."
• Randy Sklar (03:15): "Vegas is a 36-hour trip. Seven days and seven nights."
• Jason Sklar (09:50): "Brad picked up the check without us even knowing who from. He just did it because he's got all these people that work at the club like family."
• Greg Fitzsimmons (18:13): "The key to the bit is the headline."
• Randy Sklar (32:12): "People today never did that [consistent performing]; they just want the fame."
• Greg Fitzsimmons (43:21): "The younger versions of us would have come in like, 'What? You don't know what you know,' and..."
• Greg Fitzsimmons (63:29): "I really feel badly about how I spoke to you. I had to."
• The Sklar Brothers (68:28): "He's taking the whole... And then of course, we got on stage and it was fine and we had a great set."
• Greg Fitzsimmons (80:14): "These jokes weren't getting what we thought they should be getting."
• The Sklar Brothers (75:34): "We're all just grinding week to week after all these years."

This episode offers a blend of humorous anecdotes, insightful discussions on the mechanics of comedy, and personal stories that highlight the resilience and dedication required to thrive in the entertainment industry. Whether you're a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, Greg Fitzsimmons and The Sklar Brothers provide a candid and entertaining exploration of life on the comedy circuit.