Podcast Summary: The Wayback #55 | Adam Carolla

Released on January 16, 2025

In The Wayback #55, host Ryan Sickler sits down with comedian and radio personality Adam Carolla for a nostalgic and candid conversation that delves into Adam’s early life, his first vehicles, high school experiences, and memorable adventures at the Mulholland Club. The episode is filled with laughter, heartfelt reflections, and amusing anecdotes that offer listeners a glimpse into Adam's formative years.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Adam Carolla opens up about his upbringing in North Hollywood, shedding light on the financial constraints his family faced.

Adam Carolla [05:17]: "The cars my parents drove were if you go out to a decent steak dinner, the price of the steak dinner is the price of the car that we drove when I was a kid."

His parents' divorce when he was around eight years old significantly impacted his childhood, limiting his family's ability to take vacations beyond local camping trips.

First Vehicles: Motorcycles and Pickup Trucks

Adam reminisces about his first mode of transportation—a modest Honda 404 motorcycle—which he rode after high school.

Adam Carolla [05:46]: "I rode a motorcycle, a Honda 404 motorcycle for a while that was out of high school. It had four super small cylinders because without getting too techno, but Harley. So like a thousand CCs with two cylinders. This is 400 CC's with four cylinders."

He discusses the challenges of riding a motorcycle, especially navigating the practicalities of carrying his carpenter’s tools.

Adam Carolla [06:47]: "I would hook it up and then I would sling it over my neck and then I would drive into work on my motorcycle with my bags hanging around my neck."

Transitioning to his first truck, Adam shares his frugal approach to purchasing vehicles.

Adam Carolla [08:25]: "I ended up just buying an old... of me standing in my bathrobe with my 4 in front of my old apartment with a 404 next to me."

High School Years and Football

Attending North Hollywood High, Adam highlights the diversity of his school and his involvement in football.

Adam Carolla [12:14]: "North Hollywood High was pretty diverse. It had some kids who were well off, Jewish kids who lived up in Laurel Canyon... and then there were the Mexican kids who lived in the valley deeper."

He recalls the camaraderie and the undefeated season his team experienced, despite ultimately losing the championship.

Adam Carolla [13:18]: "That was the only game we lost that year. We had an undefeated season. Go to the championship. Lose the championship."

The conversation touches on notable teammates, including NFL quarterback Eric Kramer, adding a layer of humor and pride to Adam’s high school memories.

Adventures at the Mulholland Club

One of the most engaging segments revolves around Adam and his friends' escapades at the Mulholland Club—a secluded venue perched atop Mulholland Drive.

Adam Carolla [16:33]: "We would climb up the back cliff, jump the fence, and then have access to the pool in the Jacuzzi."

He vividly describes their antics, including skinny dipping, jumping off rooftops into pools, and the ingenious methods they used to access the club without authorization.

Adam Carolla [21:32]: "Multiples of us would stack lawn furniture on top of each other... to get onto the roof and jump into the pool."

A particularly humorous and harrowing story involves his friend Rudy, who became paralyzed after a failed jump, leading to their desperate attempts to assist him.

Adam Carolla [24:50]: "In the middle of my speech, my friend Todd just went sailing past me... And then when he went, Ray went next, and they all just went, 'Fuck it,' and they all started launching themselves off the thing. But not Rudy."

The recounting of these events not only entertains but also highlights the bond and recklessness of youth.

Rebuilding the Family Home

Towards the end of the episode, Adam discusses his venture into television with the "Adam Carolla Project," where he undertook the task of rebuilding his family home.

Adam Carolla [31:37]: "I bought that house and I rebuilt that house for a TV show I did called the Adam Carolla Project."

He shares insights into the challenges faced during the renovation, including dealing with extreme temperatures and the absence of amenities like air conditioning.

Adam Carolla [32:00]: "In the valley. And it was real brutal. So what I would do is I would wake up in the middle of the night and I would hop the fence in the backyard and lower myself into the neighbor's pool."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Adam Carolla provides a humorous and honest portrayal of his younger years, marked by ingenuity, camaraderie, and the quintessential struggles of growing up. His stories about the Mulholland Club, in particular, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the adventurous spirit of his youth.

Adam Carolla [36:21]: "I'm doing a dry bar special... You go to AdamCarolla.com everything's there and most of it's free."

The episode wraps up with Adam promoting his latest projects, leaving listeners both entertained and eager for more insights into his life.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Carolla [05:17]: "The cars my parents drove were if you go out to a decent steak dinner, the price of the steak dinner is the price of the car that we drove when I was a kid."

• Adam Carolla [16:33]: "We would climb up the back cliff, jump the fence, and then have access to the pool in the Jacuzzi."

• Adam Carolla [24:50]: "In the middle of my speech, my friend Todd just went sailing past me... And then when he went, Ray went next, and they all just went, 'Fuck it,' and they all started launching themselves off the thing. But not Rudy."

• Adam Carolla [36:21]: "I'm doing a dry bar special... You go to AdamCarolla.com everything's there and most of it's free."

Conclusion

"The Wayback #55 | Adam Carolla" offers a rich tapestry of memories and experiences from Adam Carolla's early life, presented with his characteristic humor and candidness. Through discussions of his first vehicles, high school football, and wild adventures at the Mulholland Club, Adam provides listeners with an engaging and insightful look into the moments that shaped him.