Podcast Title: Joy
Host: Craig Ferguson
Guest: Tom Brokaw
Episode Release Date: June 3, 2025
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Joy, host Craig Ferguson engages in an enlightening conversation with renowned journalist Tom Brokaw. The discussion delves into topics such as faith, sobriety, personal transformations, and the sources of joy in their lives.

Exploring Faith and the Greek Orthodox Church

Timestamp: 04:05 – 09:08

Craig initiates the conversation by sharing his recent fascination with pre-Roman Church Christianity and the Greek Orthodox Church. This curiosity stems from his personal journey toward sobriety and understanding deeper spiritual connections.

• Craig Ferguson [04:05]:
  "I have become fascinated recently with pre Roman Church Christianity... I'm reading everything I can about it."

Tom elaborates on the distinctions between the Greek Orthodox Church and Catholicism, emphasizing the absence of a central pope in Orthodoxy and the different focus on the Resurrection over the Crucifixion.

• Tom Brokaw [06:27]:
  "In Greek Orthodoxy, priests can marry and have children. This is important, especially when discussing marriage from personal experience."

He also touches upon the cultural and historical aspects, such as the impact of the Ottoman Empire on religious practices and identities.

Personal Journeys and Sobriety

Timestamp: 15:34 – 19:06

The discussion transitions to sobriety, with Craig sharing his 31-year journey of staying sober. He recounts the story of Roland Hazzard, whose struggle with alcoholism and subsequent treatment by Carl Jung inspired the foundations of Alcoholics Anonymous.

• Craig Ferguson [17:00]:
  "Roland Hazard was a drunk from a rich family... Carl Jung said, I think you're gonna die."

Tom reflects on the miraculous transformations he has witnessed in those overcoming addiction, attributing significant changes to profound psychological and spiritual experiences.

• Tom Brokaw [16:31]:
  "It's like one day you're this, and the next day you're somebody completely different."

Family Heritage and Immigrant Experiences

Timestamp: 24:02 – 31:54

Tom shares the poignant history of his family's immigrant background, detailing his father's experiences in Bulgaria and the hardships faced during and after the war. This segment highlights the resilience and sacrifices made by immigrant families to build a new life in the United States.

• Tom Brokaw [25:12]:
  "They were Christians... they were told that they had to change their religion, convert to Islam... and change their names."

He recounts the tragic loss of his father's firstborn son, Emile, and the subsequent struggles the family faced, emphasizing the deep emotional scars left by these events.

Hobbies, Creativity, and Sources of Joy

Timestamp: 53:05 – 71:22

The conversation shifts to personal hobbies and creative outlets that bring joy to both Craig and Tom. Tom discusses his passion for watercolor painting and songwriting, illustrating how these activities provide a fulfilling escape and a way to express himself creatively.

• Tom Brokaw [65:21]:
  "Watercolor painting gives me so much joy... It allows me to express myself in a creative way."

Craig shares his love for stand-up comedy and flying, detailing his journey to overcome fear of flying by learning to pilot his own plane. He recounts a memorable flying lesson with actor Kurt Russell, which significantly reduced his anxiety about flying.

• Craig Ferguson [45:00]:
  "After about seven hours of flying instruction, Kurt said, 'Land the plane.' I was terrified, but I did it."

Reflections on Change and Modern Life

Timestamp: 34:24 – 42:35

Both hosts reflect on the evolution of Los Angeles and Hollywood, noting how technological advancements and population growth have transformed the city. They discuss the loss of the "Hollywood mystique" and the increasing challenges that come with a bustling metropolis.

• Tom Brokaw [38:04]:
  "I think LA is like 20 million. That's like bigger than some countries."

They also touch upon the importance of maintaining personal connections and the impact of digital media on human interactions, expressing a preference for analog experiences like vinyl records and handwritten notes.

• Craig Ferguson [56:07]:
  "I listen to my music on vinyl now... I love the crackle and smell of it."

Embracing Joy through Continuous Creation

Timestamp: 66:04 – 71:22

In the closing segments, Tom emphasizes the significance of continuous creation and pursuing passions despite fears and past setbacks. He encourages embracing new challenges as sources of joy and personal growth.

• Tom Brokaw [67:13]:
  "It's never too late. You just gotta keep creating and keep doing it."

Craig echoes this sentiment, sharing his own experiences with stand-up comedy and how overcoming fears has led to new avenues of joy and fulfillment.

• Craig Ferguson [69:00]:
  "Stand-up comedy was like an instrument for me... it's what I love to do."

Notable Quotes

• Craig Ferguson [15:38]:
  "I got sober when I was 29. It's one of the reasons why I became fascinated with religion, because the longer I'm sober, the more I think that's kind of a miracle."

• Tom Brokaw [16:31]:
  "I have seen people transform their lives, and it's because of that, it's like one day you're this, and the next day you're somebody completely different."

• Craig Ferguson [39:07]:
  "I always believed in the myth of Hollywood until I started doing the late night show."

• Tom Brokaw [52:47]:
  "I really feel like being outside is heaven for me. It's almost like a meditation."

Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode, Craig Ferguson and Tom Brokaw explore the multifaceted nature of joy, intertwining personal narratives with broader reflections on faith, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. Their candid dialogue offers listeners insights into overcoming adversity, embracing creativity, and finding joy amidst life's challenges.

Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and may not fully align with the intended guest or episode details. For the most accurate information, please refer to the official podcast episode.