Fitzdog Radio – Episode 1074: T.J. Miller Release Date: October 23, 2024
Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: T.J. Miller

Introduction

In Episode 1074 of Fitzdog Radio, host Greg Fitzsimmons welcomes comedian and actor T.J. Miller for an engaging and humorous conversation. The episode delves into T.J.'s experiences in the comedy world, his perspectives on the evolving entertainment industry, and his thoughts on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors.

Early Career and Stand-Up Comedy

T.J. Miller reminisces about his early days in the stand-up scene, highlighting the dichotomy between "esoteric and smart" comedians and those thriving in more down-and-dirty club environments.

T.J. Miller (00:59): "When we started in stand-up, there were like two camps of comics in Boston. The guys that were esoteric and smart and clever, and then the down and dirty club scene."

Greg adds his own experiences traveling with Joe Rogan to local clubs, emphasizing the camaraderie and memorable nights shared between comedians.

Experiences with Comedy Clubs

The conversation shifts to T.J.'s interactions with various comedy clubs, particularly his encounters with club owners who failed to honor agreements. He recounts a particularly troubling experience with the owner of Stand Up New York, leading to public disputes and strained relationships within the comedy community.

T.J. Miller (25:12): "He used my picture to sell tickets and then didn't book me. It was the old bait and switch."

Greg expresses solidarity, labeling the club owner as a "scumbag" and discussing the importance of trustworthy relationships in the comedy industry.

Court Jesters and the Role of Comedy

Greg and T.J. explore the historical role of court jesters, drawing parallels to modern stand-up comedians. They discuss how jesters were both entertainers and truth-tellers, able to speak candidly under the protection of the monarchy.

T.J. Miller (16:25): "The court jester really was the first. It was always high-stakes. If you said the wrong thing, they might just kill you."

This segment underscores the fearless nature required in comedy to address sensitive or controversial topics.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Comedy and Other Industries

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing AI's burgeoning influence. T.J. shares anecdotes about AI tools like ChatGPT revolutionizing fields such as coding and copywriting, leading to job displacement and altering traditional workflows.

T.J. Miller (47:29): "ChatGPT just does it right away. If I came up with an app idea, it wrote all the code in 30 seconds."

Greg echoes these concerns, noting the reduction in copywriting positions and the challenges faced by his children in the job market.

Tour Experiences and Comedy Specials

T.J. provides insights into his touring schedule and the production of his comedy specials. He highlights the efficiency and quality of his collaborators, enabling him to produce multiple specials with limited budgets.

T.J. Miller (54:07): "I shot two specials in five weeks because this guy is a genius."

Greg discusses his own special, "Dear Jonah," sharing his journey of revising and reworking the content to achieve better reception post-pandemic.

Interactions with Siri and AI on Air

A humorous exchange occurs between Greg, T.J., and an AI assistant named Conrad. They playfully critique AI's attempts at humor, illustrating the limitations of AI in replicating genuine comedic timing and creativity.

Greg Fitzsimmons (43:45): "That's the thing I found about AI is it can do so much. But the one job, as of now that is AI proof is comedy."

This segment emphasizes the irreplaceable human element in comedy.

Tour Highlights and Upcoming Shows

The duo shares details about their respective tours, discussing venues and upcoming appearances. T.J. mentions his specials "Dear Jonah" and "The Philosophy Circus," while Greg outlines his extensive tour schedule spanning multiple cities across the United States.

T.J. Miller (73:14): "I'm releasing a Silicon Valley1 that's 37 minutes long and that's amazing."

Greg highlights his presence on Joe Rogan's show as part of his promotional efforts.

Conclusion and Sign-Off

As the episode winds down, Greg and T.J. engage in a lighthearted and playful banter, reflecting their strong rapport and mutual respect. They craft a mock sign-off with Conrad, incorporating humor and a touch of absurdity, before bidding each other farewell.

Greg Fitzsimmons (75:32): "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hollywood. Welcome to Hollywood."

The episode concludes with laughter and final remarks, encapsulating the dynamic and entertaining nature of Fitzdog Radio.

Notable Quotes

• T.J. Miller (25:12): "He used my picture to sell tickets and then didn't book me. It was the old bait and switch."
• Greg Fitzsimmons (43:45): "That's the thing I found about AI is it can do so much. But the one job, as of now that is AI proof is comedy."
• T.J. Miller (47:29): "ChatGPT just does it right away. If I came up with an app idea, it wrote all the code in 30 seconds."
• Greg Fitzsimmons (75:32): "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hollywood. Welcome to Hollywood."

Key Takeaways

• The Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy: The episode explores the transition from traditional court jesters to modern comedians, emphasizing the enduring need for humor that challenges and entertains.

• Challenges in the Comedy Industry: T.J. shares personal experiences with unethical club owners, highlighting the importance of integrity and trust within the entertainment community.

• AI's Disruptive Role: Both hosts discuss the profound impact of AI on industries like coding and copywriting, raising concerns about job displacement and the limitations of AI in creative fields like comedy.

• Collaborative Creativity: Insights into the production of comedy specials and the logistics of touring underscore the collaborative efforts behind successful comedic ventures.

• Human vs. AI in Creativity: The playful critique of AI's attempts at humor reinforces the belief that genuine comedic talent remains uniquely human.

For more episodes and updates, visit Fitzdog Radio and follow Greg Fitzsimmons on his social media channels.