← Straight Shooter with Stephen A.
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- [00:00]
Geico Advertiser
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- [00:11]
Greg Rosenthal
Good about my coverage.
- [00:12]
Geico Advertiser
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- [00:30]
Daniel Jeremiah
What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [01:04]
Jim Gaffigan
Now, I understand some people are against the appetite suppressants. You know, that's cheating. It's cheating. I'm not playing Major League Baseball. I'm just a fat guy trying to not die.
- [01:17]
Stephen A. Smith
There you have it. He is my next guest. He's a three time Emmy award winner, an eight time Grammy nominated comedian, actor, writer and producer, and a two time New York Times bestselling author. He is out with his 11th standup comedy special called the Skinny on Hulu. Please welcome to the Stephen A. Smith show, the very funny Jim Gaffigan. What's going on, Jim? How are you, man? How's everything?
- [01:43]
Jim Gaffigan
Good. I'm good. Thanks for having me, man.
- [01:45]
Stephen A. Smith
Please, the pleasure is all mine. I have to tell you something right now. I mean, I've watched you and I know how funny you are, but you took it to another level when you were imitating the Vice President, the Democratic nominee for Vice President, United States, Tim Walsh. What was that like for you? What has that done for your career in your estimation?
- [02:04]
Jim Gaffigan
Wow. So it was. I don't know what it's. You know, SNL is hard to kind of calculate what it does for your career really. So it's like has it. You know, it's just the awareness that is so enormous, like when you're on snl. It's not just people watching it, it's the clips. And so it was kind of the fact that everyone saw that I was playing Tim Walls, that was the most wild thing. But I don't know if it contributed to ticket sales or, you know, my IMDb number. I don't know. I don't think it affected any of that.
- [02:48]
Stephen A. Smith
I guess what I'm asking is when they first. When it was announced that Tim Walsh was going to be the vice. The Democratic nominee for vice president, United States, does a place like Saturday Night Live come to you? Do you and your agent go to them and you say, hey, look at me, I look just like the guy. I look a little bit like the guy. I could pull this off. How does that work exactly?
- [03:07]
Jim Gaffigan
Yeah, well, it's all kind of Lorne Michaels, right? And SNL has this tradition of you don't really campaign for things. It's. You let the process play out. And I was aware of that. So I was very kind of hands off. And, you know, obviously I wanted to do it, but I knew that, you know, me posting impressions of myself doing Tim Walls wouldn't move the needle and might annoy some of the people trying to make the decision. So. But it was weird because I, you know, there is. My manager and my agent were pitching me and there came a time when I was in the uk, I was working on a movie, and I got a call at 11:00, you know, England time. And they're like, hey, so we've been telling the SNL people that you've been sending us funny videos of you doing an impression of Tim Walls. And I hadn't. And I was like, well, that's, that's an interesting approach, I guess. And they're like, yeah, and now SNL is asking for those videos, so if you could pull some of those together. And I was like, you mean now? And they're like, yeah, now. So I just essentially went back to my hotel and kept changing my code. You know, my Tim Walls impression is essentially me pretending to be my brother, you know, my brother Mitch, because I'm a Midwestern guy. My, my brother Mitch, like Governor Walls, is a very sincere and energetic and sentimental guy. So I was just kind of doing my brother Mitch.
- [04:47]
Stephen A. Smith
Well, you did a great job, no question about that. And I gotta ask you about this. You had a tongue in cheek segment on CBS this Morning recently that seemed to be about the election, but then ultimately it was about the jets losing season. Okay, first of all, are you a Jets fan. And secondly, how are you feeling about them damn Jets? Especially since you talked about them at CBS this Morning?
- [05:09]
Jim Gaffigan
Yeah, well, you know, I taped these CBS Sunday Morning things and, you know, I taped that a couple weeks ago where it was, it was more insightful, it was more raw. The reality of the jets with this, you know, compiled team that should really be unstoppable. The reality of them not making the playoffs now, it's like a foregone conclusion, but it was pretty raw a couple weeks ago. But, you know, some of it is. I don't have control when they air it. And I just thought it was interesting, the contrast of the kind of, you know, people processing the election and people processing the reality that the jets weren't getting in and. Yeah, no, it is, but it's. I've lived in New York for 35 years. I, you know, I am also a Colts fan. I grew up a Bears and what was then called the Redskins. You know, I. But like the jets, it is, it's a really brutal existence, rooting for the jets because every at the beginning of the season, there are so many elements where it might work out and then there's a cruel ending. Right. And so it seems a little sadomasochistic, really. Being a Jets fan, do you find.
- [06:29]
Stephen A. Smith
Yourself in a situation as, as a comedian, as somebody that's paid to make people laugh and being quite successful at it, I might add. Do you find yourself in a situation looking at certain things, let's say, for example, let's use the New York jets, for example, comedic material. Would a team like that provide it for you? Or are there some teams that you just. They're so sad. They're so pathetic. I'm struggling, I'm struggling on figuring out how to laugh at them.
- [06:57]
Jim Gaffigan
Yeah, I, well, yeah, it's just, I mean, well, what you do is kind of find some of that too. Right, right. It's. Some of it is like the tragedy of the Panthers is almost. It's so heavy. Right. And versus like some of the, the drama of the Cowboys or even the Browns is, Is more palpable. Right. It's more interesting from a storyline standpoint, but I don't know, you know, like, it's. With sports, I mean, I love it. I'm. I'm not nearly as important, formed or up to date on some of the knowledge of it, particularly compared to even some of my brothers. So it's. I definitely, you know, I would, I wouldn't necessarily include it in my stand up act because it's also it's, it's, it's not evergreen. So it's kind of like if I'm writing jokes about, you know, and then there's also kind of. People are very protective. So, like, we might be able to laugh about the jets, but there are some people. It's a very raw emotion where I wouldn't want to make them feel bad.
- [08:05]
Stephen A. Smith
Well, I mean, I have to admit to you, I have to confess, I totally agree with you, except for when it comes to Cowboy fans. Have no sympathy for them whatsoever. I love seeing them misery, I love seeing them miserable, I love seeing them crying and stuff like that. But it has gotten to a point where I look at Cowboy fans and I'm like, damn, y'all are taking all the fun out of this because y'all ain't even competitive. You're not in the playoff picture. I like them to sit up there and rise and tease their fan base before they come crash it down. And they've taken that joy away from me, Jim. How can I get that back? Can you give me some advice on how I control Cowboy fans moving forward? Could you do that?
- [08:39]
Jim Gaffigan
Well, it's. Yeah. No, I mean, I, it's just. Well, some of it is also the Cowboys are kind of like. They're like the good looking people in high school, so, like, their downfall is a little bit more enjoyed. You know, I'm in the, you know, I've lived in New York for 35 years. It's how people feel about the Yankees, right? So when the Yankees don't make it, you know, if you're, you know, a Mariners fan, it's a little bit, you know, the Yankees losing is in some ways a, a victory for you. So it's like, I don't know, people. Sports are weird, right? I mean, it's just. And then, you know, it just. It's just one of those things where we, we go into it just to. And we end up feeling these raw emotions. It's like, all right, I'm just gonna ruin my Sunday. Or like, you know, just rooting for a team, you're inevitably going to be disappointed. You got to shake it off.
- [09:35]
Stephen A. Smith
You know, FOX NFL Sunday, I didn't forget about this either. I remember on FOX NFL Sunday, they had a series of hilarious segments of you as a therapist consulting. And I wrote the teams down here consulting the Saints, the Raiders, the Bears and Jets fans on being playoff delusional. I don't think anybody will accuse the jets fans are being playoff delusional because that ship is sailed. Nobody's going to accuse the Raiders of that. Saints and the Bears, maybe. What are your thoughts about that?
- [10:03]
Jim Gaffigan
Well, the idea of that actually came from a friend of mine, Matt Owens, who is, he's from New Orleans and he is a huge Saints fan. And so the Saints winning the first two games and by, you know, 98 points. That's an actual crazy quote of him, you know what he would say. And so that kind of inspired some of it. And then also, you know, the Bears, it's just that division's just too hard, you know, and so but like, even when they were, you know, really doing well, that the Bears, I was like, they're, they're. It's just not likely. It's just too hard of a division, man.
- [10:47]
Stephen A. Smith
Listen, I got to transition to you and what's going on with hulu? You've done 10 stand up comedy specials. I believe your 11th is coming up on Hulu and it's called the Skinny. I'm told it was inspired by you losing 50 pounds. 50 pounds using a weight loss drug. Manjaro. Is that true?
- [11:05]
Jim Gaffigan
Yeah, yeah. I mean, well, it's also the skinny of like kind of the. My take on what it's like being a parent of teenager. I mean, that's what it's so fun about. Stand up is it just. It's kind of this chronicling of your. What's recently happened in your life. And so I did, you know, like a lot of people, I went on these appetite suppressants and it worked, you know, like it's, I mean, but it's not like earth shattering. I just now I just eat like a normal pig as opposed to like an out of control glutton, you know, so it's. Now I'll just have one box of Triscuits instead of three. You know what I mean? It's. But you know, I, you know, I eat like I'm an offensive lineman, you know, I mean, but on Manjaro, I eat like, you know, maybe I'm a quarterback.
- [11:55]
Stephen A. Smith
So. So you don't change your taste buds, don't necessarily change the things that you once liked, you don't stop liking. You just don't eat as much excess as you used to. Is that what you're saying?
- [12:05]
Jim Gaffigan
Yeah, that, that notion of, well, they have some kind of peanut butter chocolate cake on the dessert menu. I have to try it. Then I'm like, all right. You know, when I'm on an appetite suppressor, I'm like, I don't need that. So it's like I'm normal I'm like a human.
- [12:23]
Stephen A. Smith
And you talked about being a dad to teenagers. Well, guess what? You're talking to somebody that's got two of them. I mean, I mean, we, we could share stories all day long. Let me see if there's anything that we got in common with one another. What's one of the things that you're going to. Well, you're going to illuminate with your stand up comedic special. I mean, when you're talking about your teenage children, what are you going to say?
- [12:42]
Jim Gaffigan
You know, I mean, I don't even. This, the material just is nonstop when you're the parent of a teenager, right? It's. And I essentially have. Well, I have three teenagers and one 12 year old and a 20 year old. So I'm, I'm essentially living in a mental ward, right? And they are just. It's just chaos. You know, it's like, this isn't even in the special. But like, you know, I'm essentially, I'm like a repo man for Verizon. All I'm doing is just trying to get phones and take them and then I return them. It's just bananas. But like anyone who has a teenager, it's just, they kind of look like they've just walked away from a car accident. You know, they're just always kind of, you know, a little shaken up. Everything a parent of a teenager says kind of sounds like a lie. They're like, we're great. Things are great. You know, like they're in a hostage video. The kids are treating us well. You know, it's just, it's insane. But we signed up for this, right?
- [13:48]
Stephen A. Smith
But I don't know if we did, Jim. I mean, listen, man, you know, as a dad, just sitting up there, you go like this, going to have beautiful kids and they're going to grow up and they're going to be teenagers. They're going to love you so much, they're going to worship the ground that you walk on. They're going to listen. I mean, none of it, none of it's true. Now maybe it's going to be true, damn it. But when they're teenagers, you're the worst person in the world. You don't know anything. You need to listen to them because they're always right. You're just a parent. You're never wrong. And your only purpose in life is to provide them with their wants and needs. And damn it, you're going to do it because it's your responsibility. They didn't ask to be here you brought them here. That's what I got at home. Is that similar to you?
- [14:32]
Jim Gaffigan
Absolutely. I mean, I talk about it's, it's even made more cruel because when, you know, you have this sweet 12 year old and then boom, they become Satan, you know, you can literally witness the curiosity and wonder transform into poor judgment. Right. And body odor. It's. I mean, you love them, but like there's, you know, there's a reason why alcohol exists. Right. And that's because of teenagers.
- [15:04]
Stephen A. Smith
Because they soothe, they soothe the emotions and everything like that. And I remember you got something here. Your father, Tom. Bourbon. I want you to talk about that. I mean, how much of an inspiration were your kids to that?
- [15:17]
Jim Gaffigan
Absolutely. I mean, that's, you know, like the bourbon thing is really. And I, you know, I know I'm considered a celebrity, but it's not really. Some of it is just like a hobby that I wanted to undertake. And I've gotten into bourbon since the pandemic. But yeah, I mean, it was during the pandemic, my wife and I would have the occasional bourbon every night. And it really kind of helped us kind of get through it. And you know, it's weird cause my 20 year old, she was like, you never even drank for 15 years. And I was like, I never really did. And so Valentine bourbon, that's just like a fun project. Because anyone gets into bourbon, you know, you just want to craft and come up with your own story. Cause there's just so much history and story behind bourbon. So it's just so fun.
- [16:10]
Stephen A. Smith
By the way, when you and your wife was drinking the bourbon that night, did you find a private place to do it where the kids wouldn't bother you or couldn't find you or anything? Or would they constantly interrupt just because they could?
- [16:23]
Jim Gaffigan
Yeah, I mean, I think they constantly. And that's the thing. It's like when people have younger kids, those younger kids will eventually go to sleep. But when they're teenagers, they sleep during the day. They essentially are owls. Right. So then they're awake all night, so you have no privacy. And so that's where, you know, you gotta break out, you know, a cocktail. And some of it is just, it's like, it's, you know, you're struggling to like, you know, this life partner who's, you know, going through hell herself. It's just nice that you can share and kind of regroup. I'm an advocate for everyone to become an alcoholic. I don't know if that's a politically correct thing.
- [17:06]
Stephen A. Smith
It's Not. But who cares? Who cares? I was almost suggesting you should give it to your teenage kids. Maybe that'll make them go to sleep. That's what I was gonna suggest, but I don't want to do that. But listen, I got to ask you about Jerry Seinfeld, and you hitting up. Y'all are set to hit the road in 2025. Talk about that a little bit. How did that materialize and what your expectations?
- [17:24]
Jim Gaffigan
Yeah, I met Jerry when he had me as a guest on his show Comedians and Cars, getting coffee. And we are very like minded in our pursuit of stand up. We really love the. The mechanics and the nuts and bolts and just nerding out and talking about structure and philosophy surrounding it. So this tour, which is amazing, and we've done it, you know, I think we did like six cities before, and we're doing 10 cities this time. Some of it is great for the audience, but it's also selfishly, I get to just hang out with a friend and talk comedy, you know, because that's what happens with comedians. The more successful you get, the less you get to hang out with some of your friends. So when you can do a dual headline set with Seinfeld, it's great.
- [18:21]
Stephen A. Smith
How's he feeling about comedy these days? And how are you feeling about comedy? In light of how times have changed and a heightened level of sensitivity this society seems to have adopted to the point where I imagine it's far more difficult now for comedians than it was in the past, and in my estimation, far more difficult for comedians than it should be. Damn it. You're supposed to make us laugh. So what if it's at other people's expense from time to time? That happens all the time. It's always happened in my estimation. How are you guys feeling about the comedic world and the comedic industry at this particular moment in time?
- [18:55]
Jim Gaffigan
You know, I can't speak for Jerry, but I could, I would say that, you know, for me it's, you know, each comedian has their own point of view, which. And. And that point of view is, you know, unique to each comedian. So, like, some people pedal in kind of irreverence. Some people, you know, it's just like you have some buddies that, that, you know, that will pick on you. That's how they show affection and as. But like some comedians, I don't really kind of like, I enjoy some, you know, roast comedy, but it's not really my type of. It's not in my wheelhouse. I mean, I've done it occasionally, but I'm much more of. I don't particularly like topical stuff. I'm much more of, you know, and I'm not, you know, like, there is always some surprise in all comedy, but I'm not all about the shock. I have friends that are really good at it. But. And you know, I tried to do that when I first started stand up. But you know, with stand up, you have to kind of be authentic to who you are as a comedian. In the end, I'm just a guy from a small town in Indiana, so if I tried to, you know, curse like I'm from Brooklyn or South Philly, it would just be inauthentic.
- [20:19]
Stephen A. Smith
Listen, man, all the best to you. You were absolutely hilarious. I loved watching you on Saturday Night Live. I'm looking forward to seeing seeing you with Seinfeld. I'm definitely going to take my eyes on the Skinny tonight. I'm going to watch that tonight. I can't thank you enough.
- [20:37]
Daniel Jeremiah
What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [21:08]
Greg Rosenthal
What's up, everyone? Julie swearbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.
- [21:13]
Jim Gaffigan
We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.
- [21:16]
Greg Rosenthal
The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.
- [21:19]
Jim Gaffigan
Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?
- [21:24]
Greg Rosenthal
Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.
- [21:28]
Jim Gaffigan
Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.
- [21:33]
Greg Rosenthal
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.