The BOB & TOM Show Extra: Interview with Comedian Roy Wood Jr.
Episode Date: December 3, 2025
Featured Guest: Roy Wood Jr.
Main Theme: Exploring Roy Wood Jr.’s new memoir “The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir”, his upbringing, relationship with his father, comedic journey, and more.
Episode Overview
This special “Bob & Tom Extra” features comedian Roy Wood Jr. in a candid and humorous discussion centered on his new memoir, The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir. The conversation covers Roy’s unique family background, relationship with his parents, his father’s influence as a broadcaster and community figure, his approach to comedy, and colorful stories both from the book and behind the scenes of his career.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Roy Wood Jr.’s New Memoir
- Book Details: The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir. Roy both wrote and narrates the audiobook.
- Notable Insight: The memoir is centered not just on fatherhood, but on formative moments with his mother, and the patchwork of life lessons from both parents and other “fathers” throughout his life.
- Language: Roy notes the inclusion of swearing for realism when quoting others, but keeps his on-stage style mostly clean (09:18).
“If I was quoting someone and something that they would have actually said, then we’re gonna let the cuss word fly... just to add a little bit of flavor to the book.”
— Roy Wood Jr. [09:18]
2. Influence of Roy’s Father and Mother
- Father’s Background: Veteran broadcaster, deeply involved in the civil rights movement, and a “serious guy, tight with a dollar” (06:16).
- Accent and Speaking Voice: As a child of a broadcaster and college educator, Roy was made to practice clear diction and enunciation, which has shaped his stage and broadcast voice.
"My dad would force me to re-pronounce words. My mother's a college educator. My father is a journalist who must always enunciate every word and use every muscle in your throat.”
— Roy Wood Jr. [04:33]
- Loss of Humor: Roy reflects that his father, exposed to decades of struggle and coverage of difficult events, lost the ability to laugh and found little joy in entertainment.
“My dad did nothing but watch the news. And Jeopardy. That’s it. There was no chuckles. Not never… I just think somewhere in there, you just lose your ability to laugh.”
— Roy Wood Jr. [07:24]
3. Unique Childhood Experiences
- Living Arrangements: Frequently shuttled between parents, often accompanying his dad on radio gigs and lectures (05:32).
- TV and Music Restrictions: At his father’s house, Roy was only allowed to watch news; pop culture was off-limits unless his father was away.
"I’m five years old watching Larry King Live. Okay, cool. I go back to school the next day… did you know Mikhail Gorbachev be tripping?"
— Roy Wood Jr. [14:31]
- Unusual Family Dynamics: Roy’s father was 63 years old when Roy was born; his mom was 30 or 31. Roy was the ninth of 11 children, but mostly an only child at home, with siblings “like weird sitcom neighbors” (16:57).
4. Comedy and Personal Growth
- Comedy Career: Roy used family stories and experiences as inspiration but didn’t get to perform in front of his father, who passed when Roy was 16 (08:25).
- Forgiveness and Fatherhood: The book covers learning not to be resentful about what he lacked as a child, but instead being present as a father himself.
“To be a really good father, part of you has to let go of what you did not get as a father. You can’t be resentful for what your parents lacked and also be present at the same time for your kids.”
— Roy Wood Jr. [16:00]
5. Notable Anecdotes and Humor
- Dunk Tank Fundraisers: His father scolded him for participating in a dunk tank for a soccer fundraiser, seeing it as undignified (08:36).
- Mr. Pibb Voiceovers: Roy is the voice for Mr. Pibb commercials but never received any actual Mr. Pibb as payment.
“They don’t give you Mr. Pibb… I guess they figured we gave you money, go buy it.”
— Roy Wood Jr. [11:11]
- Lemon in Mr. Pibb: Shout-out to a woman named Gloria who showed him this “pro tip”—enhancing his love for the drink [11:18].
- Pipe Game Story: Roy jokes about how his father's many romantic relationships led to women showing up to say goodbye—humorously attributing it to “pipe game.” The hosts riff on this line in a memorable, lighthearted exchange (17:15–18:11).
“As a man, we all want to have a pipe game that’s so good that your girls from the past come to say goodbye…”
— Roy Wood Jr. [17:45]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|------------------|-------------------| | 04:33 | Roy Wood Jr. | “My dad would force me to re-pronounce words... every muscle in your throat.” | | 07:24 | Roy Wood Jr. | “My dad did nothing but watch the news. And Jeopardy... you just lose your ability to laugh.” | | 09:18 | Roy Wood Jr. | “If I was quoting someone ... then we’re gonna let the cuss word fly.” | | 11:11 | Roy Wood Jr. | “They don’t give you Mr. Pibb ... go buy it.” | | 14:31 | Roy Wood Jr. | “Five years old watching Larry King Live... did you know Mikhail Gorbachev be tripping?” | | 16:00 | Roy Wood Jr. | “To be a really good father, part of you has to let go of what you did not get as a father...” | | 17:45 | Roy Wood Jr. | “We all want to have a pipe game that’s so good that your girls from the past come to say goodbye...” | | 18:08 | Bob Kevoian | “How dare you say pipe game on this show?” |
Additional Highlights
- MLB Awards Hosting: Roy is set to co-host the MLB Awards with Mookie Betts (11:49).
- Stephen A. Smith Review: Roy’s memoir features a blurb from sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, which Roy finds especially meaningful given Smith’s selectivity with books (12:25).
- Early Entrepreneurship: Roy shares a story from the book about raking leaves for extra cash (15:33).
- Musical Upbringing: Exposed primarily to jazz, 70’s soul, and adult contemporary music; only discovered hip-hop through friends and after getting a Walkman (14:53).
Segment Timestamps
- 03:01 – Roy Wood Jr. joins; discussion of memoir and audiobook
- 04:33 – Articulating words, voice training & avoiding a Southern accent
- 06:16 – Father’s background, seriousness, Civil Rights history
- 07:24 – Father’s lack of humor and ‘Soul Train’ story
- 09:18 – On using profanity in his writing versus stage
- 11:07 – Mr. Pibb commercial voiceover story
- 11:49 – MLB Awards hosting gig announcement
- 12:25 – Stephen A. Smith’s endorsement
- 13:58 – Childhood TV restrictions, becoming a Cubs fan
- 14:53 – Musical influences and eventual exposure to hip-hop
- 15:33 – Raking leaves entrepreneurship story
- 16:00 – Forgiveness and learning from other “fathers”
- 17:12 – Sibling dynamics and “pipe game” humor
- 18:08 – “Pipe game” joke and comic riffing to episode’s close
Tone and Style
The episode strikes a blend of heartfelt, introspective storytelling with classic Bob & Tom Show banter and quick-witted humor. Roy Wood Jr. matches the hosts’ playful energy, delivering both laughs and sincere moments.
For Listeners
This episode offers more than just comedic anecdotes; it’s a deep dive into the layers behind Roy Wood Jr.’s comedy, his unique upbringing, and the family stories that shaped him. It’s the perfect listen for anyone interested in the intersection of humor, history, and personal growth.