Fitzdog Radio – Episode 1090: Trae Crowder with Greg Fitzsimmons
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1090 of Fitzdog Radio, host Greg Fitzsimmons welcomes comedian and author Trey Crowder for an in-depth conversation. The episode delves into Trey's personal background, his struggles growing up in a small Southern town, his journey in stand-up comedy, and the challenges of integrating political views into his performances.
Guest Background
Timestamps: 11:05 - 15:00
Trey Crowder, originating from Tennessee, introduces himself as a comedian with a thick Southern accent and a reputation that might misleadingly suggest conservative leanings. However, Trey identifies as a "bleeding heart liberal." He is known for his works such as Liberal Redneck Manifesto and Dragon Dixie: Out of the Dark. Trey also produced the documentary Inherent Good about Andrew Yang and has appeared on shows like Real Time with Bill Maher. Greg commends Trey's versatility and growing social media presence, noting his successful touring schedule and upcoming performances across various cities.
Notable Quote:
"I started doing stand up in 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. And, you know, it was going okay for living in Knoxville and also fucking around and having kids in my mid-20s."
(12:30) – Trey Crowder
Trey Crowder’s Upbringing and Hometown
Timestamps: 15:00 - 25:00
Trey recounts his upbringing in a small town straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, highlighting the town's decline following the closure of a major factory in the 1990s. This closure led to significant unemployment and the rise of opioid addiction, deeply affecting his community. Trey shares personal anecdotes about his mother's struggle with addiction and the loss of his cousin to an overdose, illustrating the pervasive impact of substance abuse in his hometown.
Notable Quote:
"The combination of that just, I mean, ruined my hometown. And then that also. So like everything like our. The football team got shitty."
(23:05) – Trey Crowder
Family Struggles with Addiction
Timestamps: 25:00 - 35:00
Trey delves deeper into his family's battle with addiction. He describes his mother's prolonged struggle with opiates, her multiple incarcerations, and eventual recovery in 2011. He also touches upon broader issues, such as the over-prescription of painkillers in working-class communities and the resulting opioid crisis. Trey shares his own first encounter with prescription pills following wisdom teeth removal, which inadvertently introduced him to addiction pressures despite his awareness of his mother's history.
Notable Quote:
"They like targeted communities like mine, right. For, you know, for like starting the spread of this whole thing... It was like a very concerted effort."
(26:12) – Trey Crowder
Supportive Family and Pursuit of Comedy
Timestamps: 35:00 - 50:00
Despite the turbulent environment, Trey credits his supportive father for providing a stable foundation and encouraging his comedic aspirations. His father ran a video store and was open-minded, especially regarding his uncle's relationship and sexual orientation. This support allowed Trey and his sister to pursue higher education and careers outside the destructive patterns prevalent in their extended family. Trey emphasizes the role of his father's unwavering support in shaping his path as a successful comedian.
Notable Quote:
"I think the truth is that's pretty much entirely because of my dad. Like, if my dad had not done that and been that way, then I, you know, I probably would be, you know, turned out the same way as a lot of my cousins did."
(50:05) – Trey Crowder
Navigating Politics in Comedy
Timestamps: 50:00 - 65:00
Trey discusses the integration of his political beliefs into his stand-up routines. Coming from a predominantly conservative background, he faces challenges when performing in Southern venues where his liberal perspective may not align with the audience's views. Trey balances his material by beginning sets with overtly political jokes to satisfy his core fanbase while ensuring the majority of his acts remain relatable and non-political for the broader audience. He highlights the delicate act of addressing sensitive topics without alienating his listeners.
Notable Quote:
"I try genuinely very hard to not do that. Clapter especially, like I try genuinely very hard to not do that."
(59:23) – Trey Crowder
Developing Sitcoms with a Unique Point of View
Timestamps: 65:00 - 75:00
The conversation shifts to Trey’s ventures into television, where he has secured multiple development deals for sitcoms based on his comedic style and personal experiences. Trey explains that these sitcoms often follow the "fish out of water" trope, drawing from his Southern upbringing and the cultural clashes he experiences. However, he notes the difficulty in conveying his unique perspective to Hollywood executives who may not fully grasp the nuances of his humor or the realities of his hometown.
Notable Quote:
"They just don't get things. But also they'll be like, is that. Is this real? You should tone this down. And they'll be like, I already did tone that down before I even put it in there."
(63:19) – Trey Crowder
Favorite Southern Comedians
Timestamps: 75:00 - 80:00
Trey shares his admiration for fellow Southern comedians, listing Roy Wood Jr., Ron White, and Theo Vaughn as his top picks. He praises their ability to blend regional humor with broader comedic appeal. Additionally, Trey humorously recounts his views on Andy Griffith, injecting personal opinions about Griffith’s off-stage persona based on anecdotes he’s heard.
Notable Quote:
"I think Roy from. From Alabama. Think he's awesome. And these are if you asked me tomorrow, I'd have a different list."
(65:07) – Trey Crowder
Personal Anecdotes and On-Stage Experiences
Timestamps: 80:00 - 90:00
Trey recounts memorable moments from his comedy career, including dealing with challenging audiences and situations. He shares a story about performing at a memorial event for a fallen officer, illustrating the unpredictable nature of live performances. Additionally, Trey discusses his disciplined approach to maintaining set consistency across various venues, emphasizing the importance of strong material that resonates regardless of the location.
Notable Quote:
"I was in Spring Break once, and I had a fight in a bar over a stupid girlfriend... It just devolves into a fucking one of those, like, cartoon smoke cloud melees."
(67:34) – Trey Crowder
Closing Remarks
Timestamps: 90:00 - End
As the episode nears its conclusion, Greg and Trey discuss upcoming projects and tours. Trey announces his new special, Trash Daddy, set to release on March 13th on the 800 Pound Gorilla YouTube channel. They exchange mutual appreciation, highlighting their professional relationship through a shared agent and Trey's longstanding admiration for Greg’s work. The episode wraps up with typical camaraderie and well-wishes for future endeavors.
Notable Quote:
"I was a big fan and have been for a long time. I was a, you know, a comedy nerd before I ever even started and I think still am."
(78:01) – Trey Crowder
Conclusion
Episode 1090 of Fitzdog Radio offers a comprehensive look into Trey Crowder's life, from his challenging upbringing in a Southern town grappling with economic downturns and addiction to his successful career in comedy. The conversation underscores the importance of supportive family, the complexities of integrating political views into entertainment, and the resilience required to navigate both personal and professional arenas. Trey's candid storytelling and Greg's engaging hosting create an insightful and entertaining episode for listeners.
Notable Quotes Summary:
-
Trey Crowder on Starting Stand-Up:
"I started doing stand up in 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. And, you know, it was going okay for living in Knoxville and also fucking around and having kids in my mid-20s."
(12:30) -
Trey on Hometown Ruin:
"The combination of that just, I mean, ruined my hometown. And then that also. So like everything like our. The football team got shitty."
(23:05) -
Trey on Factory Closure and Addiction:
"They like targeted communities like mine, right. For, you know, for like starting the spread of this whole thing... It was like a very concerted effort."
(26:12) -
Trey on Father's Support:
"I think the truth is that's pretty much entirely because of my dad. Like, if my dad had not done that and been that way, then I, you know, I probably would be, you know, turned out the same way as a lot of my cousins did."
(50:05) -
Trey on Balancing Politics in Comedy:
"I try genuinely very hard to not do that. Clapter especially, like I try genuinely very hard to not do that."
(59:23) -
Trey on Developing Sitcoms:
"They just don't get things. But also they'll be like, is that. Is this real? You should tone this down. And they'll be like, I already did tone that down before I even put it in there."
(63:19) -
Trey on Favorite Comedians:
"I think Roy from. From Alabama. Think he's awesome. And these are if you asked me tomorrow, I'd have a different list."
(65:07) -
Trey on On-Stage Challenges:
"I was in Spring Break once, and I had a fight in a bar over a stupid girlfriend... It just devolves into a fucking one of those, like, cartoon smoke cloud melees."
(67:34) -
Trey on Comedy Nerd Status:
"I was a big fan and have been for a long time. I was a, you know, a comedy nerd before I ever even started and I think still am."
(78:01)
Upcoming Events and Resources
-
Trey Crowder's New Special: Trash Daddy – Releasing March 13th on the 800 Pound Gorilla YouTube channel.
-
Tour Dates:
- Fort Lauderdale – March 1st
- Tampa – March 2nd
- Minneapolis – March 7th & 8th
- Portsmouth – March 21st
- Boston, Binghamton, Austin, Lowell, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Eugene, Portland, Houston, Vegas, Tulsa, La Jolla
- Tickets available at treycrowder.com
-
Podcasts:
- Well Red Podcast
- Putting on Airs
Final Thoughts
Trey Crowder's episode on Fitzdog Radio provides a profound exploration of his life and career, highlighting the interplay between personal adversity and professional success. His ability to navigate sensitive topics with humor and authenticity offers listeners a compelling narrative of resilience and the power of comedy as a tool for both personal expression and social commentary.