Podcast Summary: "It's A Long Way To The Top If You Want To Rock And Roll"
Podcast: Joy, a Podcast
Host: Craig Ferguson
Date: January 6, 2026
Episode: 122
Episode Overview
In this solo episode, Craig Ferguson explores the evolving nature of joy in his personal life and invites the audience into a wide-ranging, free-flowing meditation on cultural tastes, controversy (particularly about bagpipes and rock music), creativity, and the importance of finding respite from a relentlessly tumultuous world. This episode is less structured than usual, serving as both a check-in for the host’s own mental well-being and a gentle urging for listeners to find their own moments of peace and joy—be it through walking, art, or simply tuning out the noise.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bagpipes, Rock Music, and Listener Backlash
- Craig opens by addressing controversy from the previous episode, admitting his error in doubting the compatibility of bagpipes and rock music, particularly in relation to AC/DC’s "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)."
- Quote: “There was an outpouring of rage is what I'm going to say. People were aghast at my illiteracy when it came to AC DC's 'Long Way to the Top’...” (02:10)
- He praises artists like "Ali the Piper" for blending bagpipes with rock and appreciates the passionate responses from fans.
- Correction & Growth: “I completely retract that doubt. I have been proved wrong. The wave of derision from the Internet in this case, warranted. I spoke lazily and out of not preparing.” (09:40)
2. On Taste, Tribalism, and Not Fitting In
- Craig riffs on how some things, like certain TV shows or bands (e.g., Journey, "Emily in Paris"), simply aren’t for him, warning against tribalist mindsets around taste.
- He humorously critiques "Emily in Paris" without ever having watched it, noting that his wife's treadmill viewing habits are likely more about distraction than content.
- Quote: “I've never seen Emily in Paris, but I instinctively know. I will hate that show… Not to say it's a bad show, although I suspect that it is. However, I've never seen it, so I'm not qualified to make a judgment.” (03:18)
- References a subway conversation with Robert Smigel, implying mutual disinterest in "Emily in Paris."
- Discusses his lifelong sense of not quite fitting in with groups or clubs, paraphrasing Groucho Marx: “I would never join a club that would have me as a member.” (07:03)
- Emphasizes that it’s fine, even good, for things not to be made for everyone.
3. Creativity & "French Horn Novels"
- Compares the process of writing his first novel, Between the Bridge and the River (2006), to "throwing every instrument into a song"—or a French horn in rock, referencing Tears for Fears’ "Sowing the Seeds of Love."
- Shares updates on writing a new book set in the same world, a process he finds slow but rewarding.
- Quote: “I'm about 140, 150 pages into writing the sequel... It’s another French horn novel.” (13:13)
- Cites Peter Cook’s joke about writing books, “Whenever anyone said to Peter, ‘I'm writing a book,’ Peter would always say, ‘Neither am I.’” (15:12)
4. Enjoying “Dull” Books & Joy in Simplicity
- Craig is currently reading a Ken Follett novel about Stonehenge, describing it as “kind of dull” but finding the dullness itself oddly pleasant.
- Quote: “I'm reading this Ken Follett book. It's kind of dull and yet I'm enjoying it. What is that? Is that good writing? Maybe it's good writing. I don't know what it is...” (18:28)
- Connects the experience of reading slow, quiet books to moments of calm in otherwise chaotic times.
5. On Avoiding Current Affairs & Focusing on Joy
- Explicitly discusses his decision not to talk about politics or current events on the podcast or in his stand-up:
- Quote: “A few years ago, I decided not to do any politics in the standup show...because I find myself getting exasperated talking about things... I felt like it would be nice to create an environment... where you could take a break.” (25:15)
- Notes the evolution of the podcast from guest-driven to more introspective, conversational solo episodes.
- He enjoys the direct connection with his audience and the mental health benefit of ‘talking into the ether.’
- On audience connection: “I'm not for everybody, but for the people I am for. I'm really for them.” (33:12)
6. Wellbeing Practices: Walking & Ambient Music
- Shares a personal wellbeing routine of daily long walks while listening to Brian Eno and other ambient music, emphasizing the benefits for both physical and mental health.
- Quote: “I'm really into it. And here it is. It's very controversial. I walk all the time... It's very helpful to walk. Because I suppose humans are designed to walk, aren't they?” (36:45)
- Suggests that, whatever one’s circumstances, making time for small moments away from the chaos is vital.
7. Game Shows, New Projects & Pleasure Over Strife
- Announces he’ll be hosting "Scrabble" (premiering Jan. 22) and reflects on why he loves game shows:
- Quote: “I love doing game shows. And I will tell you for why, because...you don't have to deal with all the, whatever the hell is going on in the world, you know? For a minute, you can take a break.” (47:14)
- Shouts out to TV shows he loves—Landman and The Cleaner—and discusses his pleasure in being a fan rather than feeling competitive as he did in his youth.
8. Closing Reflections & The Theme of the Episode
- Reiterates the importance of intentionally creating breathing space from endless media and dramatic events.
- “That's the theme...if there's any New Year's resolution this year...try and maintain some kind of mental health equilibrium. There's a lot which is difficult when it seems like...everything seems like it's very dramatic...But even when stuff is very dramatic, you got to take a break.” (57:02)
- Ends with a playful recap of his key lessons for the new year:
- Bagpipes are good in rock (sometimes).
- French horns can work if used right.
- Some books are boring but enjoyable.
- “It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On audience backlash and correction:
“There was an outpouring of rage...People were aghast at my illiteracy when it came to AC DC's 'Long Way to the Top’...I completely retract that doubt. I have been proved wrong.” (02:10, 09:40) — Craig
On comedy and culture wars:
“Being qualified to make a judgment doesn't fucking matter, does it?” (04:12) — Craig
On taste and social groups:
“I would never join a club that would have me as a member.” (07:03) — Paraphrasing Groucho Marx
On progress, creativity, and returning to old projects:
“It's another French horn novel.” (13:13) — Craig
On reading dull books with enjoyment:
“It's kind of dull and yet I'm enjoying it. What is that? Is that good writing? Maybe it's good writing. I don't know what it is...” (18:28) — Craig
On the podcast’s true purpose:
“I'm not for everybody, but for the people I am for. I'm really for them.” (33:12) — Craig
On walking as therapy:
“I walk and walk and walk and walk. And after a few miles...I find it's very helpful, very helpful to walk.” (36:45) — Craig
On taking breaks from the chaos:
“I think to be able to take a breather and go, all right, well, let's talk about something else for a minute, that I feel that's also healthy. And that's, that's behind my doing this podcast.” (52:14) — Craig
Final thought:
“It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.” (59:10) — Craig
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:32 – 09:40: Bagpipes, “Emily in Paris,” and Robert Smigel anecdote
- 09:41 – 15:12: On taste, tribalism, and Groucho Marx
- 15:13 – 21:00: Writing, “French horn” novels, and Peter Cook on book-writing
- 21:01 – 24:27: Ken Follett’s Stonehenge, reading “dull” books
- 24:28 – 33:12: Avoiding politics, the podcast’s evolution, “not for everybody”
- 33:13 – 39:21: Walking and ambient music as mental health saviors
- 39:22 – 47:14: TV shows enjoyed, Scrabble, and joy in being a fan
- 47:15 – 59:10: The importance of taking a break, New Year’s resolutions, and summarizing lessons
Summary
This episode showcases Craig Ferguson’s distinctive blend of humor, candor, and philosophical wandering. If you’re seeking a podcast that gives you permission to lay down the burdens of the modern world, take a walk, and take pleasure in the eccentricities of art and life—this is what “Joy, a Podcast” delivers, especially in this personal, contemplative episode. It’s a reminder that “you can’t live in hyperbole all the time,” and sometimes, the best way to nurture joy is to tune out the headlines, walk, read a mildly boring book, or simply listen to bagpipes.