Fitzdog Radio: Steph Tolev - Episode 1099 Summary

Release Date: June 4, 2025

Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Steph Tolev, Canadian Stand-Up Comedian

Introduction

In Episode 1099 of Fitzdog Radio, Greg Fitzsimmons welcomes Canadian comedian Steph Tolev, known for her sharp humor and dynamic performances at venues like the Comedy Store. Steph brings her unique perspective, shaped by her Bulgarian heritage and experiences in the vibrant comedy scenes of Toronto and Los Angeles.

Main Discussion Topics

1. LA's Car Culture and Fast Driving

Steph delves into the intense car culture prevalent in Los Angeles, expressing strong opinions about fast-driving individuals and their impact on the city's roads.

• Steph on Tesla Cybertrucks:
  "[...] you have got to be on ketamine to come up with that body type. That thing screams douche." [06:30]

• Experiences with Speeding Drivers:
  Steph shares a harrowing story from high school about witnessing a dangerous car crash caused by reckless driving, highlighting the dangers of street racing culture.
  "[...] he's all fucked up from it. I don't know how the other car was, but come on, people stop." [08:15]

2. LA vs. Other Cities: Cultural Comparisons

The conversation shifts to comparing Los Angeles with other cities, particularly Toronto and Montreal, focusing on cultural differences and community dynamics.

• Steph on Montreal Winters:
  "[...] it's so cold. It's unbearable." [40:52]

• Greg on Family Structures:
  Discussing the American dream versus Canadian family living arrangements, Greg emphasizes the challenges of high housing prices and the trend of children moving out early.
  "The American dream was you buy a house and you got a place to retire... now we're all going to be just Walmart greeters paying rent for the rest of our lives." [27:15]

3. Comedy Scene and Personal Experiences

Steph and Greg explore the intricacies of the comedy world, including struggles faced by female comedians and the competitiveness within the industry.

• Steph on Performing in Canada:
  "The Toronto scene, the comics I came up with are super supportive and were nothing but amazing." [43:17]

• Greg on Handling Hecklers:
  Sharing incidents where audience members disrupted their performances, Greg underscores the importance of maintaining control and turning negative experiences into positive interactions.
  "[...] next time I do a special, I'm gonna plant somebody in the front row to get thrown out." [57:07]

4. Personal Relationships and Family Dynamics

The duo discusses their personal lives, touching upon relationships, familial expectations, and the importance of apologies.

• Steph on Apologizing:
  Emphasizing the value of sincere apologies, Steph recounts her approach to resolving conflicts in her personal life.
  "When I know I'm in the wrong, I apologize. Even if I don't want to, I will say it." [69:50]

• Greg on Parenting and Apologies:
  Greg reflects on teaching his children the significance of apologizing, contrasting it with his own upbringing where apologies were rare.
  "It's a life lesson for them that apologizing is always gonna make everybody feel better if it's right." [70:19]

5. Stand-Up Specials and Future Projects

Steph promotes her latest stand-up special and upcoming projects, sharing insights into her creative process and aspirations within the comedy industry.

• Promotion of "Filth Queen":
  Steph announces her new special slated for release on Netflix, detailing the creative journey behind its production.
  "It's on Netflix. June 23rd, it drops." [75:22]

• Steph's Podcast and Online Presence:
  Discussing the shift from traditional websites to social media platforms, Steph highlights the importance of digital presence in modern comedy careers.
  "It's all Instagram now. I'm like, fuck. I. I better look at that." [59:34]

Notable Quotes

• Steph on LA Drivers:
  "Every license plate on there should just be douche one, douche two, all the way up to douche." [10:15]

• Greg on Joe Rogan Podcast with Bono:
  "Joe's one of my best friends, but he's also a guy who really knows how to communicate and have conversations." [17:55]

• Steph on Handling Hecklers:
  "I'm trying to fight my way back in. I fly down to Florida. I visit her." [31:05]

• Steph on Apologies:
  "I apologize a lot. Even if I don't want to, I will say it." [69:50]

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, Steph Tolev and Greg Fitzsimmons offer a candid and humorous exploration of their lives within the competitive and often tumultuous world of stand-up comedy. They address broader societal issues such as urban car culture, housing challenges in America versus Canada, and the dynamics of modern relationships. Their dialogue underscores the importance of resilience, genuine communication, and the continuous pursuit of personal growth amidst life's unpredictable chapters.

Steph's anecdotes about her experiences in the comedy scene, coupled with Greg's reflections on family and personal interactions, provide listeners with relatable and insightful perspectives. The episode not only entertains but also sheds light on the complexities of balancing personal ambitions with societal expectations.

Tune in to explore more honest and humorous conversations with Greg Fitzsimmons and his diverse array of guests on Fitzdog Radio.