Joy, a Podcast – Carrot Top (August 19, 2025)

Host: Craig Ferguson
Guest: Carrot Top (Scott Thompson)

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Craig Ferguson sits down with Carrot Top, the iconic comedian known for his high-energy Vegas residency and his prop-driven humor. They reflect on two decades of performing, the evolution of Vegas, living in the public eye (or avoiding it), and what brings them real joy amid the chaos of modern life and show business. The conversation veers from heartfelt to hilarious—punctuated with stories about legendary comics, celebrity run-ins, and the realities of sustaining joy (and a career) in comedy for the long haul.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening & Reunion ([02:05]–[03:56])

• Craig expresses delight at seeing Carrot Top after years apart and reminisces about Vegas trips together.
  • Notable story: Both remember a wild night post-show with Ron White at an upscale Vegas bar, resulting in all three being thrown out for smoking weed.
    • “What are they gonna do? Thow Ron White and Carrot Top out of a bar?” (Carrot Top, [05:08])

Vegas Residency & The Evolving Vegas Scene ([03:56]–[10:42])

• Carrot Top has performed almost nightly in Vegas for nearly 20 years, currently at the Luxor.
• The pacing and style of his act had to adapt to the unique Vegas audience:
  • “People last night were saying to me after the show, ‘How many jokes do you do per minute?’ …It’s just one after another…almost too fast-paced.” (Carrot Top, [06:11])
• Discussion about audience turnover, frequent repeat visitors, and the expectation to constantly refresh material.
• Vegas has shifted from strictly gaming-focused to something broader: culinary destinations with celebrity chefs, world-class shows, and even injury lawyers as local celebrities.

The Vegas Tradeoff: Touring vs. Residency ([10:42]–[12:53])

• Craig asks why Carrot Top stuck with residency; Carrot Top explains the evolution from temporary MGM Grand gigs to a full residency at Luxor.
• “So we did it on a whim for like a year. And then I was thinking, I want to go back on the road. …And then it finally turned into, you know, time got away. We’re now 20. So it’s been an incredible run.” (Carrot Top, [11:58])

Privacy in Showbiz & Social Media ([12:53]–[14:25])

• Ferguson notes the surprising absence of personal information about Carrot Top online.
• Carrot Top attributes this to a low-drama lifestyle and intentionally staying out of trouble.
  • “I just try to stay out of trouble…I don’t go out and do anything crazy…” (Carrot Top, [12:53])
• Impact of social media on comedy; phone policies at shows and the risk of bits being taken out of context and going viral for the wrong reasons.

The Prop Comic Stigma & Growing Thick Skin ([14:25]–[17:47])

• Craig and Carrot Top discuss the long-standing bias among "serious" comics against prop comedy.
  • “It would bother me and then…I would hear like a George Carlin or, you know, someone that I respected…validate what I do…” (Carrot Top, [15:35])
• Carrot Top originally chose props to be unique, but success brought critique.
• He now writes primarily for his core fans, echoing Chris Martin's attitude in Coldplay:
  • “I don’t write songs for people who don’t like Coldplay. I write songs for people who like Coldplay.” (Craig Ferguson quoting Chris Martin, [17:18])

The Real Carrot Top: Moving Beyond Props ([17:47]–[19:20])

• Carrot Top mentions increasing the amount of pure stand-up in his act.
• Recalls being blocked from doing a non-prop set on late-night TV, with producers demanding he stick to expectations.
• He wants audiences to see the wider range of his comedy:
  • “The live show has that element [storytelling]. Because you can’t do that rapid fire prop stuff for an hour and a half…” (Carrot Top, [18:59])

Comedy Legends: Rickles, Tyson, and Hogan Stories ([19:20]–[25:22])

• Hilarious and revealing stories about encounters with Don Rickles, Mike Tyson, Dennis Hopper and Hulk Hogan.
  • Mike Tyson confronts Carrot Top about an infamous prop, pretends to be angry, and then reveals he’s joking—punctuated by a Tyson punch ([22:27]).
  • A case of mistaken heckling: Hulk Hogan disrupts a show unintentionally trying to get Carrot Top's attention ([24:07]).
• Gentle roasting and navigating the line of being mean in comedy.

Hecklers, Audiences, and Show Cleanliness ([25:22]–[41:38])

• On the challenges of handling over-enthusiastic and clueless hecklers (“That was great!” “Did you make that?”)
• Carrot Top’s show is mostly clean, playful, and silly with a few innuendos.
• Anecdote about pushing boundaries on The Tonight Show with a topical Monica Lewinsky prop ([41:15]–[43:37]).
  • Notable moment:
    • “She comes in, like, a minute before the show starts, and she goes, everything's good, but you can’t…do with the podium. You can’t…put her head down.” (Carrot Top, [42:31])

Celebrity Encounters in Vegas ([47:04]–[49:44])

• On running into O.J. Simpson, Bernie Mac, and who’s playing Vegas nowadays.
• Reflections on famous residencies and the decline of stand-up presence in Vegas with notable exceptions (Penn & Teller).

Health, Fitness & the Joy of Routine ([38:56]–[40:44])

• Carrot Top’s journey into fitness—wrestling as a kid, keeping fit on tour, not “going crazy” with bodybuilding.
• Clears up rumors about his physique: “People think I weigh 200 pounds because I have a huge…But other than that, it’s just…” (Carrot Top, [40:12], followed by jokes about costume props).
• Discussion on hair, aging, and compliments about Craig’s own “peppered” look ([54:00]–[55:25]).

The Meaning of Joy and Life Choices ([26:24]–[28:54])

• Carrot Top never married, never felt compelled by the traditional path.
• Finds satisfaction in his own routine, and isn’t fazed by societal pressure:
  • “Everyone doesn’t have to get the house with the kid.” (Carrot Top, [27:07])
  • Ferguson: “You’re allowed to live the life you want to live.” ([28:07])

Generational Comedy & Social Media ([33:21]–[37:32])

• Comparing the “wildness” and grind of old-school comedy circuit to today’s social media-driven performers.
• Speculation about whether TikTok/YouTube comedians who go straight to fame can handle the unpredictability (and roughness) of live crowds.
• Both comics confess to outsourcing (most) of their social media, but still enjoying the occasional personal post.

Closing Reflections: Enduring Appeal & Final Appreciations ([55:57]–[59:43])

• Craig openly praises Carrot Top’s live show as one of the best and most joyous:
  • “You are one of the best live comics, the live shows I have ever seen and will ever see. I challenge anyone to go to your show and not laugh.” (Craig Ferguson, [55:57])
• Carrot Top reflects on fans arriving with low expectations and leaving delighted, highlighting the joy of winning over skeptics.
• Mutual admiration and a playful, friendly sign-off.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You’re in my thoughts every…Every night you’re in the show.” (Carrot Top, [03:37])
• “I don’t write songs for people who don’t like Coldplay. I write songs for people who like Coldplay.” (Craig Ferguson quoting Chris Martin, [17:18])
• “That show was insanely energetic and very, very, very funny. Is it still as physical as it was?” (Craig Ferguson, [06:12])
• “Everyone’s human, you know, so [criticism] would bother me. Unless…it was my mom would say, ‘Consider the source.’” (Carrot Top, [15:35])
• “The people that come to the show love the show. I have fans that love me and the people that don’t love me don’t come to the shows.” (Carrot Top, [16:18])
• “I kind of go the Bill Maher kind of…People ask him, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ He says, ‘Absolutely nothing. I’m smart.’” (Carrot Top, [26:44])
• “You have to see this guy live. You are one of the best live comics…the live shows I have ever seen and will ever see. I challenge anyone to go to your show and not laugh.” (Craig Ferguson, [55:57])

Timestamps for Important Topics

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------|--------------| | Reunion stories & Vegas tales | 02:05–05:21 | | Vegas show evolution & audience dynamics | 06:11–08:23 | | Vegas as a changing city | 08:23–10:42 | | Carrot Top on privacy and life off-stage | 12:01–14:25 | | Handling criticism and “prop comic” stigma | 15:35–17:47 | | Stand-up ambitions beyond prop comedy | 18:53–19:20 | | Don Rickles/Mike Tyson/Hulk Hogan stories | 19:20–25:22 | | Comedy hecklers and show “cleanliness” | 25:22–41:38 | | Fitness & aging in the spotlight | 38:56–41:15 | | The joy of not following the script of life | 26:24–28:54 | | Vegas stand-up scene past and present | 49:44–51:24 | | Craig’s live show endorsement | 55:57–56:37 |

Tone & Style

• Warm, playful, and confessional throughout.
• Deep mutual respect—frequent goofy asides, self-deprecating humor, and side stories that meander in delightful ways.
• The conversation is full of laughter, encouragement, and honest reflections about career, fame, and simply finding joy in the act of doing what you love.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the mechanics of showbiz joy, the realities of maintaining a long-running act in Vegas, and the bonds that form between true comedy survivors. Even for those who’ve never appreciated prop comedy, Carrot Top and Craig Ferguson prove that genuine passion, craft, and humility are the secret ingredients to lasting joy—on and off the stage.