The BOB & TOM Show Free Podcast

B&T Extra: Actor Comedian Billy Gardell

Date: December 10, 2025
Guest: Billy Gardell
Host: Christopher (& various Bob & Tom Show team members)

Episode Overview

This episode features actor and comedian Billy Gardell, best known for "Mike & Molly" and "Bob Hearts Abishola." The conversation is a candid, heartfelt, and often hilarious look at Billy’s new comedy tour, the challenges of modern life (especially for younger generations), his love of classic TV, personal reflections on health and family, and memorable Thanksgiving traditions. The tone is warm, nostalgic, and peppered with sharp comedic observations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Billy’s “Less is More” Tour and Philosophy

Timestamps: 07:09–08:39

• Billy introduces his new comedy tour, aptly named the Less is More Tour, as a nod to both his weight loss journey and his belief in slowing down in our hyper-connected world.
  • "It kind of plays in two ways. One, obviously, my weight loss transformation... but it also has to do with the fact we need to slow down." – Billy Gardell (07:26)
• He reflects on the pressure today’s youth face, especially under the weight of technology and social media:
  • "I root for these kids. I don't rip on them... They need to know there's an adult rooting for them." – Billy Gardell (08:08)
• Shares a generational perspective on overprotecting children and the societal shift from Gen X’s feral childhoods to today’s more sheltered kids.
  • "We raised a generation of house cats because we were feral and no one was watching us." – Billy Gardell (09:49)

2. The Lost Magic of Shared Experiences

Timestamps: 10:39–12:13

• Billy laments how technology disrupts communal moments, particularly at concerts and movies.
  • "No one’s looking at your phone... Shut up. Just enjoy the show. Let’s be here together, man." – Billy Gardell (10:51)
• He describes live standup and music as “the last two vestiges” of true collective experience.
  • "They're really our last two vestiges, because the movies are dead." – Billy Gardell (11:10)
• Proposes a tongue-in-cheek solution to generational discord: give Gen Xers the malls back, complete with arcades, record stores, and Orange Julius.
  • "Give us the malls back... make Macy’s an urgent care. You'll never hear from us." – Billy Gardell (11:55)

3. Health Scares: Comedy on the Road and Getting Older

Timestamps: 12:28–13:49

• Billy recounts a recent health scare where he ignored signs of illness while touring (ended up with pneumonia and his heart in AFib).
  • "What I don't suggest: doing five shows with pneumonia and then going to a Steelers game." – Billy Gardell (12:52)
• Relates to having to monitor his health with an Apple Watch, despite being “an analog guy.”
  • "I hate that I'm an analog guy. The way [my wife] tricked me into it: 'You could put Snoopy on the front. You like Snoopy.'" – Billy Gardell (13:25)

4. Family, Thanksgiving, and Letting in New Faces

Timestamps: 13:49–19:40

• Billy talks excitedly about having his son’s girlfriend over for Thanksgiving:
  • "We really like her, but I told her we all got to play our best part so she doesn't think we're crazy... We gotta ease her in." – Billy Gardell (13:56)
• Shares advice about group family photos with new significant others: always snap a shot with and without the new arrival, “just in case.”
• Longs for the days of mixtapes:
  • "The mixtape was a true sign of love. It told stories. It painted pictures." – Billy Gardell (15:27)
• On having his own “playroom” for records after 25 years of marriage:
  • "If you've been a decent husband, they give you a playroom for all your stuff." – Billy Gardell (15:44)
• “I'm not going into the future with everybody. Good luck with the robots! I ain't going.” (15:57)

5. Reflecting on a TV Classic: "Mike & Molly"

Timestamps: 16:04–17:59

• Billy still adores "Mike & Molly"; the cast has regular lunches:
  • "We get together for lunch once a month... The conversation’s gone from 'what’s next' to 'what hurts on you.'" – Billy Gardell (16:31)
• He disagrees with actors who won’t watch their own work:
  • "It always baffles me... Why exactly did you get involved? I don't understand. So I...I'm a fan of the show." – Billy Gardell (17:15)
• Shares a backstage anecdote about a famous bottled water scene:
  • "She goes, 'I want to struggle with it on camera and spill it all over myself.' And it just became a great scene." – Billy Gardell (17:59)

6. Thanksgiving Traditions & Hosting Duties

Timestamps: 18:21–19:40

• Billy cooks two smoked turkeys for a Thanksgiving gathering of 20-25 people, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and a “family you make.”
  • "I love Thanksgiving because it’s the holiday of gratitude... We take in a few strays..." – Billy Gardell (18:36)
• Humorous long-running family routine: his wife asking every single year if the turkey is cooked.
  • "For 23 years...my wife will go, 'Is that cooked?'...It took me about 22 years to not bite and just go, yeah." – Billy Gardell (19:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Generational Gaps:
  "We raised a generation of house cats because we were feral and no one was watching us." – Billy Gardell (09:49)
• On Technology at Live Events:
  "No one's looking at your phone. No one's watching that. Shut up. Just enjoy the show." – Billy Gardell (10:51)
• On Thanksgiving Hosting Success:
  "No one has ever gotten sick in my house after eating. Oh, good. But every time...my wife will go, 'Is that cooked?'" – Billy Gardell (18:40–19:24)
• On Keeping It Real:
  "I'm not going into the future with everybody. Good luck with the robots! I ain't going." – Billy Gardell (15:57)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Comedy Tour & Modern Life Reflections: 07:09–12:13
• Health & Aging Realities: 12:28–13:49
• Thanksgiving and Family Antics: 13:49–19:40
• "Mike & Molly" Memories: 16:04–17:59

Closing

The episode blends real-life wisdom with sharp humor. Billy Gardell offers not just laughs, but earnest hope for young people, warm nostalgia for shared experiences, and a sincere love for family traditions—delivered in his signature grounded, quick-witted style.

For a heartfelt and hilarious peek into Billy’s world, don’t miss this episode.