Podcast Title: You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
Host: Pete Holmes
Guest: Rob Riggle
Release Date: November 13, 2024

1. Introduction and Background

The episode kicks off with Pete Holmes introducing Rob Riggle, highlighting his multifaceted career as a comedian, actor, and former Marine. Rob mentions his appearances on "The Daily Show," "Step Brothers," and "The Other Guys," emphasizing his comedic talent and dedication to his craft.

"I am also on tour. The Feeling Tour... we are going to be filming those shows."
— [00:15] Rob Riggle

2. Military Experiences

Rob shares an intriguing story from his time in the Marines during a deployment in Kosovo. He narrates the challenges of maintaining discipline among media personnel accompanying the convoy. The strict regulations around noise and lighting are discussed, highlighting the tension between military protocol and the behavior of the media team.

"One of the reasons they updated it, because the old one used to gunk up a little bit more."
— [02:08] Rob Riggle

3. UFO Encounters

Rob recounts a mysterious event during his deployment where he and a cameraman witnessed an unexplained light display along the ridgeline. Despite their skepticism, the spectacle left a lasting impression, blending military duty with the unknown.

"All of a sudden, the whole ridge line lights up, but in blue and red and white lights like I've never seen before."
— [32:03] Rob Riggle

He also shares an anecdote from his time as a pilot, observing a P40 aircraft that defied his expectations by not following standard communication protocols, adding to his collection of unexplained experiences.

"It's the ufo, man. I go, what? That's not a ufo."
— [34:11] Rob Riggle

4. Aging and Self-Care

The conversation shifts to the realities of aging, with both Pete and Rob reflecting on how their bodies and routines have changed over time. They discuss the importance of morning routines, including practices like cold plunges, meditation, and disciplined habits to maintain physical and mental health.

"If you can laugh about it later, you probably could laugh about it now."
— [25:25] Rob Riggle

Rob details his structured morning routine, balancing physical discomfort with mental resilience, and emphasizes the role of discipline in overcoming challenges.

"Nobody wants to get in that cold water."
— [74:01] Rob Riggle

5. Personal Struggles and Therapy

Rob opens up about his recent divorce, describing it as a deeply painful and ongoing process. He delves into the emotional turmoil and the necessity of personal growth through self-reflection and therapy. The importance of having supportive friends and professional help is underscored as he navigates this challenging period.

"I'm wounded deeper than I've ever been wounded before. And I'm incredibly, I wrestle with so many emotions on a daily basis now."
— [22:06] Rob Riggle

6. Comedy and Performances

Rob and Pete discuss the intricacies of stand-up comedy, drawing parallels between his military experiences and the performative aspects of comedy. They explore the vulnerability involved in standing on stage and the adrenaline rush similar to high-stakes situations.

"Just if you're going to do military things, yes, there's a lot of discomfort. That means a lot of..."
— [76:28] Rob Riggle

Rob shares his admiration for improvisational comedy, particularly his experience while filming "Step Brothers," where much of the humor was derived from spontaneous interactions and genuine reactions.

"Step Brothers to me was this wonderful moment of improv... a little improvising and..."
— [114:17] Rob Riggle

7. Reflections on Life and Relationships

The dialogue turns introspective as Rob reflects on the lessons learned from his father, affectionately nicknamed "Smiling Bob." He emphasizes the power of a genuine smile and positive interactions in building meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

"Start every interaction... put a smile on your face and your interaction will go infinitely better."
— [82:53] Rob Riggle

They also touch upon the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the entertainment industry, advocating for honesty and self-improvement while navigating societal pressures and personal aspirations.

"I'm going to try. I'm really going to step forward with my best self."
— [88:29] Rob Riggle

8. Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Rob and Pete engage in lighthearted banter, reflecting on their shared experiences and the importance of discipline, resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook despite life's adversities.

"Keep it crispy."
— [124:35] Rob Riggle

Key Takeaways

• Balancing Disciplines: Rob's journey from Marine to comedian illustrates the importance of discipline and resilience in both military and creative fields.

• Embracing Vulnerability: The episode highlights how embracing vulnerability on stage parallels the openness required in personal growth and healing.

• Positive Interactions: Lessons from Rob's father emphasize the significance of genuine smiles and positive interactions in building strong relationships.

• Navigating Adversity: Rob's candid discussion about his divorce underscores the necessity of self-reflection, therapy, and supportive relationships in overcoming personal challenges.

Notable Quotes

• "I think everything I do need purpose to have a fulfilled life."
  — [14:06] Rob Riggle

• "Fear is the enemy."
  — [42:58] Rob Riggle

• "Worry is praying to the devil."
  — [53:05] Rob Riggle

• "Do not worry. Do not be afraid."
  — [53:28] Rob Riggle

• "That's the essence of it, because fear is the enemy."
  — [53:05] Rob Riggle

This episode offers a deep dive into Rob Riggle's multifaceted life, blending humor with profound reflections on personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of navigating both military and entertainment landscapes.