Digest

This episode of the Adam Corolla Show features a lively discussion about food, society, and the changing world. Adam, along with Chef Andrew Grool, delve into the intricacies of taco preferences, the impact of food trends, and the challenges of running a restaurant in California. They critique the overcomplication of food preparation, the rising costs of ingredients, and the influence of government regulations. The conversation then shifts to a broader societal commentary, with Adam and Shantae Wains exploring the impact of social media, the erosion of freedoms, and the dangers of distracted driving. They discuss the importance of questioning authority, the need for personal responsibility, and the unintended consequences of government policies. Throughout the episode, Adam and his guests share personal anecdotes, humorous observations, and insightful perspectives on a wide range of topics, offering a unique blend of entertainment and social commentary.

Outlines

00:00:00

Food, Society, and the Changing World

Adam Corolla, Chef Andrew Grool, and comedian Shantae Wains discuss food trends, restaurant experiences, government overreach, and the changing dynamics of society.

00:01:52

Taco Talk and Garlic Paste

Adam and Andrew discuss the merits of corn tortillas over flour tortillas for tacos, delve into the topic of garlic paste, and share their preferences for homemade versions.

00:06:53

Food Trends and Pizza Preferences

Adam and Andrew discuss food trends, lamenting the prevalence of sundried tomatoes on pizza and debating the best pizza toppings. Adam criticizes the use of thick crusts and the addition of sugar to pizza by chain restaurants.

00:10:52

Taco Debates and Restaurant Experiences

Adam and Andrew continue their taco discussion, with Andrew sharing his experience of guests arguing about taco preferences at his restaurant. They agree that corn tortillas enhance the flavor of tacos, while flour tortillas serve as a mere vessel for the ingredients.

00:13:06

Hiring Strategies and Food Network's Influence

Andrew shares his hiring strategy, emphasizing the importance of hiring inexperienced individuals who are willing to learn. He criticizes the Food Network for overcomplicating cooking and promoting fusion cuisine, advocating for a simpler approach to food preparation.

00:14:45

Airline Food and California Cuisine

Adam expresses his frustration with the overly creative and often unappealing food served in airline first class. He criticizes the use of unconventional ingredients and flavors, arguing that airlines should focus on serving classic dishes that people enjoy. He blames California cuisine for the trend of adding unnecessary ingredients to dishes.

00:19:08

Pepperoni Pizza and Expensive Food

Adam discusses the trend of quadruple pepperoni pizzas with ranch dressing, finding it excessive and salty. He criticizes the practice of adding expensive ingredients to otherwise simple dishes, such as diamonds in martinis and gold leaf on cheesesteaks, arguing that it doesn't enhance the quality of the food.

00:21:56

Fish and Salad Preferences

Adam and Andrew discuss the best fish to buy and prepare, with Andrew recommending yellowtail or mahi-mahi for their sustainability and flavor. They agree that overcomplicating fish preparation is unnecessary, advocating for a simple lemon and butter approach. Adam also expresses his dislike for cherry tomatoes and the trend of using miniature tomatoes in salads.

00:28:15

Vegetable Preferences and Restaurant Practices

Adam shares his preference for fully cooked vegetables over poached ones, arguing that the latter are often undercooked and lack flavor. He blames restaurant workers for skipping the final cooking step, resulting in partially cooked vegetables. He also criticizes the trend of poaching salmon and vegetables, advocating for a more traditional approach to cooking.

00:35:24

Steakhouse Sides and Devil Eggs

Adam and Andrew discuss steakhouse sides, with Adam advising against cream corn and cream spinach, finding them unappealing and often overcooked. They agree that baked potatoes and roasted potatoes are better options, with the latter often infused with beef fat from the steak. Adam expresses his love for devil eggs and argues that they should be served as a starter to provide protein before the main course.

00:41:41

Beets and Plantains

Adam and Andrew discuss their shared love for beets and plantains, finding them divisive among people. They agree that large, boiled beets are the best, and Andrew shares a trick for making a beet syrup to enhance their flavor.

00:45:17

Steakhouse Starters and Cobb Salad

Adam and Andrew continue their discussion on steakhouse starters, advising against starting with bread and emphasizing the importance of protein. They recommend devil eggs, cheese and meat platters, and Cobb salads as good options. Adam criticizes the trend of serving salads with minimal ingredients, advocating for a more generous approach.

00:47:49

Restaurant Costs and California Regulations

Adam and Andrew discuss the rising costs of running a restaurant in California, with Andrew highlighting the significant increase in meat prices over the past three years. They attribute the rising costs to a combination of crime, regulations, and taxes. Andrew criticizes California's labor laws and the state's overall business environment.

00:55:10

Government Spending and Unintended Consequences

Adam and Andrew discuss the impact of government spending and regulations on businesses and individuals. Adam criticizes the government's tendency to overspend and make decisions with unintended consequences. He argues that the government's involvement in healthcare, education, and food safety has often led to negative outcomes.

01:00:13

Project 2025 and Government Overreach

Adam and Andrew discuss Project 2025, a conspiracy theory that claims the government is planning to implement a totalitarian regime. They criticize the tendency of people to believe misinformation spread by media outlets and social media. They also discuss the overreach of government agencies like the CDC and the board of education, arguing that these institutions have often failed to protect the public.

01:09:29

Shantae Wains Interview

Adam introduces his guest, comedian Shantae Wains, who discusses his family's fame and his own career in comedy. He mentions his film \"Advanced Chemistry\" and upcoming live dates.

01:10:27

Talk Shows and Tom Brady

Adam and Shantae discuss the fleeting nature of talk shows, with Adam comparing it to Tom Brady's unsuccessful transition to a broadcasting career. They agree that people who are successful in one field don't always translate well to other areas.

01:13:15

Growing Up Famous and the Kardashians

Shantae discusses his experience growing up in a famous family, highlighting the perks and drawbacks of being in the public eye. He compares his family to the Kardashians, noting that they both achieved fame without possessing any particular talent.

01:16:47

Incarceration and the Menendez Brothers

Adam and Shantae discuss their views on incarceration, with Adam arguing that people who commit random acts of violence should be incarcerated. They debate the case of the Menendez brothers, with Adam expressing his belief that they should be released from prison.

01:20:11

Parenting and Unintended Consequences

Adam discusses his relationship with his parents and the importance of good parenting. He acknowledges that his parents were not perfect but emphasizes that good parenting is crucial for a child's development. He also reflects on the unintended consequences of government policies, arguing that they often fail to address the root causes of societal problems.

01:20:50

The Risks of Talking About Your Parents

This segment discusses the risks of talking about your parents, especially in the age of social media. The speaker argues that even accurate statements can be perceived as \"talking shit\" and could have serious consequences.

01:23:31

The Fear of Adults in the Past

The speaker reminisces about the fear of adults in the past, particularly other people's parents. He describes how adults held a sense of dominion over children and how this instilled a sense of respect and boundaries.

01:26:01

The Lack of Fear and Boundaries in Today's Society

The speaker contrasts the fear of adults in the past with the lack of fear and boundaries in today's society. He attributes this shift to factors like social media and a changing understanding of what constitutes abuse.

01:32:51

A Dubious Legacy of Being Hit by Other People's Parents

The speaker shares a humorous anecdote about how he has been hit by more people's parents than his own. He argues that this is a testament to the lack of discipline and boundaries in today's society.

01:33:54

Road Rage and the Unnecessary Energy of Anger

The speaker discusses the phenomenon of road rage and how people seem to have an excessive amount of anger towards strangers. He shares a personal experience of being flipped off by a truck driver for no apparent reason.

01:36:51

The Root of Road Rage and Unresolved Past Issues

The speaker speculates on the root of road rage, suggesting that it often stems from unresolved past issues. He believes that people are often carrying around anger and frustration that they project onto others.

01:39:29

The Dangers of Distracted Driving and Self-Driving Cars

The speaker discusses the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the use of phones while driving. He also expresses concerns about the reliability and safety of self-driving cars, citing examples of accidents and malfunctions.

01:43:35

The Gradual Erosion of Freedoms and the \"Boiling Frog\" Effect

The speaker discusses the gradual erosion of freedoms through seemingly innocuous government policies and technological advancements. He uses the analogy of the \"boiling frog\" to illustrate how people can become accustomed to gradual changes that ultimately lead to a loss of liberty.

01:53:26

The Criminal Element in the Automotive Industry

The speaker expresses his disdain for the automotive industry, particularly tow truck drivers and body shops. He believes that these industries are rife with dishonesty and corruption.

01:56:01

The Importance of Options and Questioning Authority

The speaker emphasizes the importance of having options and questioning authority. He shares anecdotes about how he has challenged valet parking attendants and parking lot operators to save money.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are Adam Corolla's thoughts on flour tortillas for tacos?

  Adam strongly dislikes flour tortillas for tacos, comparing them to American cheese and arguing that they don't enhance the flavor of the ingredients. He prefers corn tortillas for their taste and texture.

• What is Andrew Grool's hiring strategy for his restaurants?

  Andrew prefers to hire individuals with no prior restaurant experience, as he believes it's easier to teach new habits than to break bad ones. He emphasizes the importance of finding employees who are willing to learn and adapt.

• What are Adam Corolla's concerns about airline food?

  Adam criticizes the overly creative and often unappealing food served in airline first class. He believes that airlines should focus on serving classic dishes that people enjoy rather than trying to be too innovative.

• What are the main factors contributing to the rising costs of running a restaurant in California?

  Andrew attributes the rising costs to a combination of crime, regulations, and taxes. He specifically criticizes California's labor laws and the state's overall business environment.

• What is Adam Corolla's view on the role of government in society?

  Adam advocates for a smaller, less intrusive government. He criticizes the government's tendency to overspend and make decisions with unintended consequences. He believes that the government's involvement in various aspects of life has often led to negative outcomes.

• How has social media changed the way we interact with our parents?

  Social media has created new avenues for sharing information about our parents, potentially leading to negative consequences even if the information is accurate. It has also contributed to a shift in how we perceive and define abuse.

• Why do you think people experience road rage so often?

  The speaker believes that road rage often stems from unresolved past issues and anger that people carry around. It's not always about the other person, but rather a projection of their own internal struggles.

• What are your concerns about self-driving cars?

  The speaker is concerned about the reliability and safety of self-driving cars, citing examples of accidents and malfunctions. He believes that the technology is not yet mature enough for widespread adoption.

• How does the \"boiling frog\" effect relate to the erosion of freedoms?

  The speaker uses the \"boiling frog\" effect to illustrate how gradual changes, such as government policies or technological advancements, can lead to significant consequences without being noticed. This can result in a loss of freedoms without people realizing it.

Show Notes