Joy, a Podcast – "Car Chat With Craig"
Host: Craig Ferguson
Date: November 11, 2025
Setting: Craig’s Dodge Ram 1500, parked by Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Format: Solo episode, Q&A with listener questions
Episode Overview
In this improvisational, lighthearted solo episode, Craig Ferguson fields listener questions from the front seat of his truck during a lunch break in Philadelphia, humorously lamenting his busy schedule and lack of guests. With his trademark wit and rambling charm, Craig weaves stories, jokes, and reflections on joy, life, and showbiz, with cameo appearances from crew members Tomas and briefly, director Morgan Fallon. The episode covers topics ranging from music lyrics and weird movies, to confidence, the British monarchy, and even Shrek’s accent.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Podcast Format & Setting
- Craig sets the tone by explaining the format: a seat-of-the-pants Q&A session from his truck (00:56).
- Playfully bemoans the glut of podcasts and lack of guests (“...there's not enough podcasts on the Internet right now. And I feel like I can help boost the amount of podcasts…”).
2. Showbiz Lore & Late Night Memories
- Dispels the myth that “Secretariat” (the pantomime horse on his late night show) was a real horse (03:10).
- Anecdote: One of the former "front ends" of Secretariat now works as a Netflix executive.
- Reflects on evolution as a performer (43:15):
“I look back on these late night shows...I did that show for a long time...it was just like this, except it was on TV.”
3. Music, Pop Culture, and Cheesy Lyrics
- Craig’s favorite lyric: “A wop bop, a loo bop, a wop bamboo.” (06:18)
- Cheesiest lyric he can’t stand: “I've been undressed by kings and I've seen some things that a woman ain't supposed to see / I’ve been to paradise, but I’ve never been to me.”
- On B-52s vs. Devo (56:10):
"...the B-52s always cheered me up. Devo, I always happy to hear, but the B52s cheered me up.”
4. Backstage Demands & Ridiculous Riders
- The most unusual thing on Craig’s rider: Mexican Coke (in a glass bottle) and coconut water—not actual cocaine:
“Coca Cola, Mexican recipe. I don't, you know, in the glass bottle. I don't necessarily need actual Mexican cocaine.” (15:10)
5. Joy, Friendship, and Life Advice
- Discusses his best friend “Big Tz” from Czechia (22:00), riffing on the country’s new name and local pickling customs.
- On relationships and humor:
“If you’re going to marry the woman, maybe you’re gonna ease up on the diarrhea jokes. There’ll be plenty of time for that after you’re married.” – Addressing Hamza from Cairo (1:03:40)
6. Scottish Stereotypes & Shrek
- Addresses the question of Shrek’s Scottish accent and alleged “cultural appropriation” with playful skepticism:
"A Scottish ogre would speak with a Scottish accent, right? An ogre from Brazil would speak Portuguese…” (19:00)
7. The British Monarchy
- Offers a blunt opinion on dissolving the British monarchy (48:10):
“Yeah, I think so. But I mean, come on. You’re magical because you were born there and you get a special hat and everything. Come on, really?... It brings so many tourists. I’m like, you know, Disneyland... France also famously, not, not big on monarchy. A lot of tourists. I think Britain would be fine for tourists.”
8. Behind the Scenes of ‘Lemony Snicket’
- Recalls working on A Series of Unfortunate Events:
"I was told the role would be bigger... a lot of fun. I remember having a great time with Jennifer Coolidge… And Jane Addams... It was funny, though: one of the producers... said, 'Are you enjoying working on a big budget movie?' I said, 'Yeah, not that much.' He said, 'I think I can arrange that.' See, rich people can be funny." (35:25)
9. Awkward Situations & Confidence
- To a listener asking about his conversational confidence (58:00):
“I think what confidence is... for me confidence is situational. You take in your surroundings and if it’s appropriate to speak up, then do. And if it is inappropriate to speak, then, you know, speak louder because that’s how you get ahead in showbusiness, I guess.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Craig, on his current circumstances:
“I’m doing it from a truck. From a truck. Ah, how the mighty have fallen.” (30:00)
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On best friends and country naming:
“Do we say the Czech Republic? Don’t even say the Czech Republic anymore. Do you just say Czechia? Name for a country... That’s terrifying. They're taking over the Czech Republic. AI with two letters at a time.” (22:30)
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On late night TV self-reflection:
“Look, let me just say this. I can’t be held responsible for what I say. Now I’ve said it, I think that’s probably made it true.” (44:45)
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On Beauty and the Beast curse:
“Well, I think I’d like to be a self-pleasuring device... Like a back massager or something.” (50:42)
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On awkwardness with guests:
“That was my entire... That is my entire career is awkward situations with guests.” (46:55)
Important Timestamps
- 03:10 - Secretariat myth and Netflix exec anecdote
- 06:18 - Favorite and cheesiest song lyrics
- 15:10 - Mexican Coke and absurd riders
- 19:00 - Shrek's Scottish accent & cultural appropriation
- 22:00 - Best friend "Big Tz" and Czechia jokes
- 35:25 - Working on Lemony Snicket and Hollywood satire
- 43:15 - Reflections on his past TV persona
- 48:10 - On the British monarchy
- 50:42 - Beauty and the Beast style curse (object Craig would be)
- 56:10 - B-52s vs. Devo (music that brings joy)
- 58:00 - Conversation confidence and authenticity (closing advice)
Tone & Style
Craig is relaxed, unscripted, and self-deprecating throughout ("completely phoned-in episode"; "inconsistency, I’m your man for that"), mocking podcast conventions and embracing spontaneity and imperfection. The episode blends wit, tangents, and heartfelt moments, making it both a comedic and oddly comforting listen.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
If you want a distilled shot of Craig Ferguson’s signature humor—affectionately irreverent, often stream-of-consciousness, and peppered with life advice, showbiz stories, and gentle ribbing of his own fame—this truck-cast delivers. The episode stands out for its candid Q&A, memorable anecdotes, and comradely spirit, offering listeners a blend of laughter and perspective inside a Dodge Ram on the streets of Philly.