B&T Extra: Jeff Foxworthy

Summary

Summary of "B&T Extra: Jeff Foxworthy" – The BOB & TOM Show Free Podcast

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Podcast: The BOB & TOM Show | Cumulus Podcast Network
Episode: B&T Extra: Jeff Foxworthy

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Introduction

In this special episode of B&T Extra, hosts Christopher and Ken Tarmac welcome renowned comedian Jeff Foxworthy for an engaging and insightful conversation. Stripping away the usual humor and banter, this episode delves deep into Jeff's personal experiences, comedic journey, and the philosophies that have shaped his illustrious career.

Jeff Foxworthy's Personal Life and Iconic Mustache

[07:10] Jeff shares a humorous yet revealing story about his iconic mustache:

"I actually started it the summer between my junior and senior year of high school and had it continuously. When COVID hit and I wasn't working, I quietly shaved it off without telling my wife. Ten minutes later, she noticed and asked me to grow it back. Since the 11th grade, I've only shaved my lip once."

This anecdote not only highlights Jeff's signature look but also underscores the deep connection and understanding he shares with his wife.

Thoughtful Gift-Giving: A Lesson in Preparation

[08:32] Discussing the challenges of purchasing gifts, Jeff offers practical advice:

"I have five gifts for my wife and a card already signed and sealed. To other guys, don’t wait until the last minute. When you see something your wife would like, buy it and keep it in a drawer. This way, when occasions like birthdays or anniversaries come up, you have meaningful gifts ready instead of defaulting to last-minute, uninspired options."

Jeff emphasizes the importance of foresight and preparation in maintaining meaningful relationships, drawing from his personal success in this area.

Building a Memorable Collection: Baseballs and Memorabilia

[10:04] Jeff proudly describes his unique collection:

"I have baseballs signed by legends like Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Johnny Carson, Richard Pryor, and George Garland. It's an eclectic mix that reflects my diverse interests, from comedy to sports. Additionally, I have a hobby of collecting arrowheads and Native American artifacts, which adds another layer to my collection."

His collection serves as a testament to his appreciation for both comedy and history, illustrating how personal interests can intersect in meaningful ways.

The Art of Comedy: Inspirations and Beginnings

[15:01] Reflecting on his comedic roots, Jeff discusses his early influences:

"I was always drawn to stand-up. My uncle, who had special needs, loved comedy and introduced me to legends like Cosby, Flip Wilson, George Carlin, and Richard Pryor. I would memorize their routines and perform them at school, never realizing that this hobby could turn into a career."

Jeff credits his family and formative experiences for igniting his passion for comedy, highlighting the importance of mentorship and inspiration in creative pursuits.

Crafting Comedy: The Writing Process

[12:38] Jeff delves into his creative process:

"I often think of material in the shower or in the shower. I have pads and pens by my bed and bathroom counter to jot down ideas immediately. Meeting Bruce Springsteen reinforced the value of capturing ideas as they come, regardless of where you are."

His disciplined approach to writing and his emphasis on capturing fleeting ideas underscore the importance of consistency and preparedness in the creative process.

Breaking into the Spotlight: The First Redneck Joke

[19:13] Recounting his breakthrough moment, Jeff shares how his signature "redneck" humor was born:

"After a show in Livonia, Michigan, people started associating me with being a 'redneck from Georgia.' My first redneck joke was, 'if your family tree does not fork,' which resonated with the audience and became a staple of my act. Little did I know it would define my comedic identity."

This pivotal moment illustrates how audience feedback can shape an artist's persona and comedic style, leading to lasting success.

Legacy and Advice for Aspiring Comedians

[17:15] Jeff offers heartfelt advice to up-and-coming comedians:

"Comedy is a special gift, and it's something you're born with. Surround yourself with other comedians and immerse yourself in the craft. Unlike other professions where you attend school, comedy is learned through experience and mentorship."

His insights highlight the unique nature of comedy as an art form and the importance of community and dedication in honing one's craft.

Conclusion

Jeff Foxworthy's conversation on B&T Extra provides a comprehensive look into the life and mind of one of America's beloved comedians. From personal anecdotes and career milestones to heartfelt advice, Jeff's stories and insights offer valuable lessons in creativity, preparation, and the enduring power of humor. This episode is a must-listen for fans and aspiring comedians alike, showcasing the blend of wit, wisdom, and warmth that Jeff Foxworthy is celebrated for.

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Notable Quotes:

• Jeff Foxworthy [07:10]: "Since the 11th grade, I've only shaved my lip once."
• Jeff Foxworthy [08:32]: "When you see something your wife would like, buy it and keep it in a drawer."
• Jeff Foxworthy [10:08]: "I have baseballs signed by legends... It's an eclectic mix that reflects my diverse interests."
• Jeff Foxworthy [12:38]: "I have pads and pens by my bed and bathroom counter to jot down ideas immediately."
• Jeff Foxworthy [19:13]: "My first redneck joke was, 'if your family tree does not fork,' which became a staple of my act."
• Jeff Foxworthy [17:15]: "Comedy is a special gift, and it's something you're born with."

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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Jeff Foxworthy's appearance on B&T Extra, highlighting his personal stories, professional journey, and the philosophies that drive his comedic genius. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this episode offers valuable insights into the life of a comedy legend.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Christopher]

Welcome back. It's another Bob and Tom extra. This is Christopher. Not only is the Bob and Tom show live every weekday morning, but every afternoon we'll give you a little extra. In case you missed anything on the big show today, Jeff Foxworthy. He's coming up in just a minute.

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[Comedian]

The parking lot. When suddenly I see some lady in another car heading straight for me she's talking on her cell phone she doesn't know I'm there I swerve to keep from getting hit and I can't help but swear get off your cell phone Put your hands at 10 and 2 or I'm gonna cram that cell phone up the bo of you There's a pistol in my glove box I'm about to lock and load so get off your cell phone or get off the road I'm sitting in a quiet bar drinking a glass of beer Some jerk gets on his cell phone and everyone can hear so I go a movie to get away from everything Just when the movie's getting good I hear a cell phone ring get off your cell phone take that call another time or I'm gonna stick that cell phone up where the sun don't shine. This movie's got a soundtrack I'd really like to hear. So put down your cell phone or I your rear.

[Ken Tarmac]

Hey, guy, it's Ken Tarmac, and we just landed. Yeah, atl. You got a side? Well, it's a good time for me. Mike, about the mission statement. I know, but if you're five yards from the casket, you still have time. Listen, I already got a phone call. Get to him at. Hey, sugar, we just landed. Yeah, I got him on the other line. He said the body looks natural. Can't even tell there was a fire.

[Comedian]

Get off your cell phone. Wait until we're off the plane or when I'm done that cell phone, you'll never sit the same. They're gonna hear you screaming way up here in first class while I take your cell phone and shove it off your ass. Hello? Hey, baby. No, I'm not doing anything. Oh, I love the sound of your voice. I'm never too busy to.

[Christopher]

Now some more Bob and Tom.

[Ken Tarmac]

You want it, you need it, you can't live without it.

[Christopher]

This is Bob and Tom Extra.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

And.

[Co-host]

Getting kind of Christmassy around here. I like it. I didn't realize we wanted a gift.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Giving a 90s sitcom.

[Ken Tarmac]

It's a very Full House Christmas.

[Co-host]

We have. I think we have our guest joining us. We're going to talk with. Oh, we got a. We got the visual and everything. It's comedian Jeff Foxworthy. Hey, Jeff. I didn't realize you were going to be in the big screen.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

I. Well, they. I do what they tell me to do except call in for my interview on Tuesday. I come in here. I come in here doing the walk of shame this morning.

[Co-host]

It's okay. It's all right.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

You're lucky that we're having you back on. You guys have always been so wonderful to me, but I've hit that age. I. I'm still pretty good, but don't knock me off my mark. And that morning began with my youngest daughter calling me, going, I have no idea where my babysitter is. She was supposed to be here 15 minutes ago. I've got to take the oldest one to school, and I need you to babysit the youngest one. And so when you hop up in the bed with your hair on fire and. And then a little while later, I get a text. Did you miss an interview? Oh, no.

[Co-host]

It's okay. It's all right.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Yes. So I'll come wash your car. Cut your Grass, Whatever.

[Co-host]

It's all right.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Have you ever been out to Vegas during Christmas time, though? It's just bizarre.

[Co-host]

No.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Nothing to me says Happy Birthday, Jesus. Like watching granny on a Rascal scooter, smoke a cigarette and play three slot machines. Better way to celebrate the birth of our Lord. I don't know what it is.

[Co-host]

Oh. I were speaking with comedian Jeff Foxworthy. I've asked you this before, but I'm trying. I couldn't remember the answer. Have you had the mustache since the day you got out of high school?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

I actually started it the summer between my junior and senior year of high school and had it continuously. And then when Covid hit, you know, all of a sudden I wasn't working and I thought, God, my wife and I have been married for 35 years. She's never seen me without it. I'm obviously not working for months. How long does it take to grow it back? And so I quietly went in, cut it off, shaved it, and didn't say anything and walked back out. And she didn't even notice at first. And about 10 minutes later, she looked at me and she goes, oh, wow. Grow it back. Since the 11th grade, I have. I have shaved my lip one time.

[Co-host]

Wow. Wow. Do you have any photos of that?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

I do.

[Co-host]

You don't have to get it right now, but if you do, I'd kind of like to see it. That's interesting. I know that Bob has had his since the day he graduated from high school. It's never been gone.

[Bumble Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

As far as I know.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

But not one time.

[Co-host]

No. And he even has a birthday for it. June something. When he graduated from high school. Yep. Wow. Now, we've been talking about purchasing gifts and how difficult it is, and this is a yes or no question. Do you have a gift for your wife already?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

I have five gifts for my wife and a card already signed and sealed. And I'm. I'm not bragging. I just did really well this year. I've been ready for like three weeks.

[Co-host]

Wow.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Yes. And here's what I would say to guys is because nobody and I used to bit about this, I was like, nobody, no man ever thinks, you know, we're always the one that's in CVS at 9 o'clock on Christmas Eve going, hey, Bob, you think my old lady likes some vitamins? But what I used to do was when I was on the road constantly, if I ever saw something and I thought, oh, my wife would like this, I would buy it. Then, even if it was February, February. And I put it In a drawer. And so that way, if a birthday or an anniversary or Christmas came up and you needed something, you weren't just going out and buying vitamins or a bathrobe. You. You had something there that you knew she would like.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

And so I had the drawer forever, but it's kind of depleted now. But you're prepared, and you kind of get to the age where, I don't know about you, there's nothing I want. And so, you know, when my kids say, dad, what do you want? I'm like, nothing. Look at the shelf behind me. I don't need one more thing in life. I've got too much crap. Now.

[Co-host]

What is on those shelves? What is that stuff?

[Progressive Ad Voice]

Baseballs.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

A lot of scientific. Yeah.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Okay, so you like this chick. So for years, if I was doing the Tonight show or if I was hosting an award show, I just throw baseballs in a backpack and I take baseballs with me. If I was doing the Grand Old Opera, I'd throw a baseball in a pack and I would get whoever it was to sign a baseball. That's a great idea. Like, there's a section over here that's only comedians, and it's got, like, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Johnny Carson, Richard Pryor, oh, my God, George Garland, all on baseballs. And then if you go over to that side, it might be NFL play. Like, I asked Johnny United sign a baseball. It's like, you know, I played football. I just get everybody on a baseball and. Oh, that's so it's kind of eclectic and weird, you know, but that's fantastic.

[Co-host]

That's great.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

And then I have. One of my hobbies is looking for arrowheads and Native American artifacts. So I got, like, some of those on the shelf.

[Co-host]

Are you still bow hunting?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

I am, I am. I actually got a really good deer three or four days ago. My goal is I want to be able, at the age of 70, to still climb 25ft up in a tree and shoot a pope and young, like, record book deer at the age of 70 with a bow and arrow. So I'm 66 now, so I got it. I did it the other day, but I gotta keep.

[Co-host]

All right. Did you ever go turkey hunting?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

All turkeys look alike to me. I do it, but it. It doesn't get my blood pumping the same as.

[Co-host]

What do you mean?

[Ken Tarmac]

It's like a personal thing to hunt.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

You need to.

[Ken Tarmac]

You need one certain turkey.

[Co-host]

What the.

[Ken Tarmac]

Oh, there's that bald son of a man.

[Co-host]

Go ahead.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Have one thing that just turns their Crank, you know, whether it's duck hunting or turkey hunting or whatever. So I just, I just like chasing things with a, with a stick and a string. And actually a lot of times I don't even take the arrows. I just have so many girls that it's just real quiet up in a tree.

[Co-host]

Yeah, yeah, there you go.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Yeah, I bet. So, yeah.

[Co-host]

Do you ever think of a. When you're out there, do you ever think of a really great idea for a comedy piece and then when you get back you've forgotten it?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

That sounds like every day of my life. No, in fact, I tell people because I, I really feel like I remember when I was starting out in comedy and the people that helped me. So I really feel like a sense of mentorship when it comes to stand up. And that's the number one thing that, that I will tell young comics. I'm like, you, you, you have an idea. I said, I don't care if you have to pull in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot, pull over, write it down, put it now, put it in notes on your phone. You know, my whole life is note cards and a pen. But because you swear you're going to remember it. And for some reason I think of most of my material after I turn off the light but before I go to sleep. And so I have a pad next to the bed with a pen on top of it. And I've learned to write in the dark enough to at least be able to read it. And I have a pad on my bathroom counter. I bet I think of 70% of things I do in the shower. And so I've learned to get. And actually it was one time I was fortunate enough to meet Bruce Springsteen after one of his shows. And that's what I wanted asked him about was writing. And I said, okay, I've got two questions. I said, one, how can a 20 year old write lyrics like young girls sitting on the hood of a Dodge, drinking warm beer in the soft summer rain? I said, nobody 20 should be able to write that sentence. And he was like, yeah, you know, I just, I want to write stuff. I wasn't going to be embarrassed singing 30 years down the road. I'm like, okay, mission accomplished on that.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

And I, I said, when do you write the most? And he was like, oh, no, I think of most lyrics in the shower. So what is it about the shower? Because I've spent 40 years coming out of the shower looking at my wife going, is this funny? And she goes, yeah, there's something about the Shower that. Freeze your.

[Co-host]

It's warm. You're in there by yourself. Just thinking when you were coming up, was it as a kid, you're the right age. You probably had vinyl. So was there a particular vinyl album that you played over and over and over and over?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

There was a lot of them in.

[Co-host]

The world of comedy, particularly.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Yeah. I was always drawn to stand up. Now I had an. An uncle that was kind of special needs that loved comedy. And so he would buy them and he got me buying and I would save my allowance and we had a collection of comedy records. And you can't say his name now, but Cosby. I think I had every album Cosby ever did, which is very interesting because obviously what Bill did in his life away from the stage was terrible. But you can't even talk about Cosby being a stand up anymore. And Cosby was one of the greatest standups that ever lived.

[Co-host]

Yeah. Why is There Air was one of the great records of all time.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Great record. Yeah. And which I don't understand that because we still play Michael Jackson songs every day on the radio, you know, but. But we. But so it was Cosby, it was Newhart, it was Flip Wilson. And then as I got more into teenage years and got headphones, it was Carlin and Pryor and. But I. I would like. As a kid, I would buy those records and I'd memorize them. I'd play them over and over and over and memorize them. And then I would go to school and just do them and make everybody laugh. But it never occurred to me this was something I could do for a living. I grew up in my blue collar town. You went to work doing something hard.

[Co-host]

Yeah. You mentioned Flip Wilson. He always kind of gets forgotten. He was brilliant.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

I just thought there was a time there where the Flip Wilson show was Must watch tv, you know, Geraldine.

[Co-host]

Yeah. I don't know how he got passed over. Yeah. That doesn't make sense to me. Was there any. Are there any early Southern comedians that influenced you?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

My granddad had two. Jerry Clower.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

And so I would go over to my granddad's house. I'm very close with my grandparents and. And listen to Clower and, you know, got a. What a sweet man. What. What a nice guy. But like I said, it never dawned on me. I just. That this was a career option which is like I do a podcast on our show called A Comic Mind. And kind of the reason I wanted to do it was to kind of show people that might think this is what they could do. For a living. Okay, you're not crazy. And this is how comics think, and this is how you do it. And you know it's funny because there. If you want to be an actor, you go to acting school. If you want to be a musician, you go to music school. There's no comedy school. The way you learn to be a comic is hang out around comedy and comedians. That's how you learn to be a comic. And I do believe it is a special gift, and I, like, treasure it. I feel like I won the lottery because it was the gift that I got because I don't know why I could do it, but I think you're born with it.

[Co-host]

Did you ever listen to any of the song comedy guys like Alan Sherman and hello Mutter, hello Fada and all that?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Golly, I can't. I haven't thought of that in 40 years.

[Ken Tarmac]

Most people have.

[Co-host]

Most people have.

[Ken Tarmac]

It's one of Tom's favorites. He mentions it almost daily.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Here I am, Cam Granada.

[Co-host]

It was great. Well, real quick, you do a lot more than the. The famous redneck setup. Do you remember the first one of those that you did? Was it something you just did on stage, or had you been planning it for a long time?

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Well, I had found because I was always wearing jeans, wearing boots, I drove a truck. I'm driving all over the country doing clubs, But I found that they were always kidding me. And so I was playing in a place in Livonia, Michigan, a little comedy club. And after the show, it was November, and I said, dang it, I should be sitting in a tree in the morning, and they're laughing at me, and they're going, foxworthy. You're nothing but an old redneck from Georgia. And the club we were playing in was attached to a bowling alley that had valet parking. If you don't think you have rednecks in Michigan, go look out the window. People are valet parking at the bowling house.

[Co-host]

Oh, that's classic.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

And I remember walking back to the hotel, and I didn't think it was going to be a hook or a book or calendars or anything. I'm just trying to write stand up. And I thought, all right, how. How would you know if you were reading? The first one I wrote was, if your mother keeps a spit cup on the ironing board. And I think the second one was, if your family tree does not fork.

[Co-host]

That'S great.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

And I wrote, I had them on, like, a yellow sheet of notebook paper. And years later, my wife found that in a drawer, that sheet of paper. And she framed it and she put it next to the front door of the house. It's this faded, stained yellow piece of notebook paper. And I'm like, why did you frame that? And she goes, it paid for the house.

[Co-host]

She was probably looking for those presents you've been hiding in the drawers all these years, Jeff Foxwood.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Always a great place.

[Christopher]

That's it for another Bob and Tom show. Extra. Catch us on itunes, Google play and stitcher for Bob and Tom. Extra. This is Christopher. Take care, everybody.

[Announcer]

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[Music Journalist]

Almost everyone is teaming up on Drake. It's like Drake versus the world.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

Yeah.

[Music Journalist]

You first met Prince. You were driving for him before you were drumming for him.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

That's correct.

[Comedian]

Stevie Wonder.

[Co-host]

You kind of have to understand how Stevie begin. White radio.

[Jeff Foxworthy]

That's where the money was.

[Co-host]

That's what still is.

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