Chris Fleming Returns Again
Chris Fleming Returns AgainDigest
The podcast begins with casual banter about studio improvements and personal anecdotes, including discussions about Mel Robbins and podcast scams. The hosts then delve into various personal stories, touching on stand-up comedy, roast battles, fashion, and travel experiences in Europe. They share humorous tales about tour guides, high school encounters, and reflections on Netflix shows and streaming services. The conversation shifts to home renovation woes, pest control issues, and frustrating road trip experiences. Later, they discuss landlord disputes, celebrity ambitions, the philosophy of Marquis de Sade, and the nature of performance art, including clowning. Personal reflections on age, career choices, and social interactions are shared, alongside discussions about cults and future anxieties. The episode concludes with a trivia game where one host attempts to answer questions about pop culture and history, followed by a brief mention of UGG products.
Outlines
Studio Setup and Early Banter
The podcast kicks off with lighthearted chat about gaining weight in Italy and pizza toppings, followed by compliments on the improved studio setup.
Podcast Scams and Mel Robbins
A discussion arises about a perceived resemblance to Mel Robbins, leading to a conversation about podcast scams and absurd unsolicited invitations.
Studio Progress and Podcast Aspirations
The hosts reflect on the studio's transformation and ponder why one of them doesn't have a podcast yet, humorously attributing it to divine timing.
Quirky Podcast Concepts and Comedy
A unique podcast idea involving egg chairs is brainstormed, and the energetic, physical nature of stand-up comedy is discussed, along with comedian popularity and roast battle concepts.
Fashion, Brands, and Studio Furnishings
Observations on fashion, including Ugg boots and a yellow jacket, lead to a discussion about the brand Ugg and the studio's furniture, sponsored by Room & Board.
European Travel Adventures and Language
The hosts share travel stories from Dublin, Amsterdam, and Spain, including anecdotes about a tour guide's unique cadence and a brief mention of the Catalan language.
Memorable Tour Guides and Awkward Lessons
A detailed account of a repetitive Amsterdam tour guide is shared, followed by a humorous story from high school French class involving an exchange student offering unconventional "lessons."
Media Consumption and Streaming Services
The conversation touches on the production quality of Netflix shows and the increasing costs and strategies of various streaming platforms.
Revisiting Past Stories and Social Cues
The hosts revisit the exchange student story, debating intentions, and reflect on personal difficulties in recognizing social cues and flirting.
Rom-Com Ideas and Home Renovation Woes
A hypothetical rom-com scenario is imagined, followed by complaints about Airbnb security deposits and a story about a one-eyed tile man leading to discussions on home renovation challenges.
House Problems and Neighborly Advice
Ongoing house issues, including woodpecker damage and potential wildlife encounters, are discussed, along with advice from a libertarian neighbor on pest prevention.
Pest Infestations and Road Trip Annoyances
A neighbor's warning about raccoon protection leads to an infestation, emphasizing the urgency of pest control. A road trip is recounted with annoyances over podcast listening choices.
Road Trip Mishaps and Unexpected Conversations
A long road trip includes a detour for donuts, a critique of their ingredients, and a van totaling incident. The complexity of the conversation and landlord disputes leading to bizarre calls are also mentioned.
Unique Characters and Celebrity Ambitions
The polyamorous one-eyed tile guy is discussed further, alongside speculation about Matthew McConaughey's presidential ambitions.
Marquis de Sade and Extreme Experiences
The concept of Marquis de Sade is introduced as an analogy for excess, leading to a discussion about extreme experiences and historical context.
The Presidency and Performance Art
The idea of celebrities seeking the presidency is framed as the ultimate achievement. A unique one-person show involving intense screaming is described.
Clowning, Failure, and Nudity
The hosts explore the concept of clowning, its connection to comfort with failure, and the tendency for unnecessary nudity in performances.
Comedy Performances and Afterparty Misses
An unexpected audience reaction during a comedy set and a missed opportunity to attend an afterparty are shared.
Strange Fan Encounters and Driving Quirks
A peculiar stage door encounter and discussions about car troubles, including driving on the wrong side of the road, are recounted.
Neighborhood Driving and Dance Injuries
Casual neighborhood driving habits are discussed, followed by a story about a knee injury sustained during Irish step dancing and the recovery process.
Shared Injuries and Physical Comedy
A shared experience of knee surgery in high school leads to a discussion about different paths to recovery. Playful physical interactions and boundary testing are also mentioned.
Football Injury and Career Shifts
A detailed account of a football knee injury, surgery, and the subsequent decision to pursue other interests like student council is shared.
Panel Discussions and Declining Invitations
An anecdote about a memorable encounter with Miss Pat during a panel discussion leads to a conversation about the challenges of panels and the importance of declining invitations.
Award Show Absurdity and Selective Commitments
A humorous discussion about an invitation to the bizarre "Sticky Awards" highlights the unappealing nature of some event invitations, and a "no" first approach to commitments is described.
Strategic Podcast Appearances and Their Toll
The hosts discuss their selective approach to podcast appearances, prioritizing friends' shows or promotional needs, and the negative impact of appearing on the "wrong" podcasts.
Personalities, Workouts, and Activewear
A question about Chris's unique personality is posed, followed by a discussion on the motivational power of new workout gear and the affordability of Fabletics activewear.
Personal Finance and Healthy Snacks
Rocket Money is introduced as a tool to simplify personal finance by managing subscriptions and bills. True Fru is promoted as a delicious and healthy fruit snack option.
Self-Preservation and Simplicity
The importance of self-preservation and downtime is discussed, with a strong aversion to packed schedules and a desire for a simpler existence, likened to the "dust bowl era."
Makeshift Tools and Fascination with Cheating
The "Bendel," a makeshift tool, is described. A fascination with cheating, particularly its fictional portrayal, is expressed.
Identifying Cheaters and Dining Preferences
Humorous observations are made about identifying potential cheaters by their fashion choices, and airport bars and restaurant preferences are briefly discussed.
Boba Consumption and Coping Mechanisms
Concerns are raised about excessive boba consumption, and personal "crutches" or coping mechanisms, like specific drinks, are discussed.
Coffee Culture and Travel Frustrations
An argument for American exceptionalism in coffee culture is made, contrasting it with European coffee, and travel frustrations related to coffee availability are shared.
Secret Stashes and Corporate Organizing
A story about finding a secret vanilla latte supply leads to a discussion about "company men" and grassroots organizing, using SNL videos as an example.
Coffee Complaints and Fragile Egos
Frustration over bad coffee leads to a story about a boss smuggling records. The concept of a "private stash" and the experience of being disliked are discussed.
The Kink of Being Talked About
The speakers discuss how one of them can make controversial statements without repercussions, exploring the idea that people enjoy being talked about, even negatively.
Music Inclusions and Political Views
A musician friend includes one speaker in a song with their name low in the mix. A discussion about Catholic upbringing and political views influenced by progressive friends follows.
Social Media Influence and Historical Ignorance
A Midwestern lady's reaction to upsetting news and the influence of social media are discussed. One speaker admits to being politically ignorant and unable to grasp historical causality.
Missed Concerts and Laundromat Dreams
The speaker laments repeatedly missing concerts of their favorite band, The Chicks, and expresses a desire for a closet dry cleaner, inspired by a laundromat.
Hotel Closets and Pool Preferences
The experience of staying in a hotel with a large walk-in closet leads to feelings of not belonging. The underutilization of hotel pools is contrasted with shallow rooftop pools.
Swimming Desires and Viral Fame
A strong desire for swimming and racing in large bodies of water is expressed. The way children talk to the speaker is compared to comments received when going viral.
Hot Tubs, Maintenance, and Horse Analogies
The conversation shifts to hot tubs, the risk of folliculitis, and maintenance challenges. The difficulty of caring for a hot tub is compared to owning a horse.
Horse Lifespans and Age Reflections
A brief discussion about horse lifespans leads to humorous age guesses and one speaker relating to the idea of being a "40-year-old horse."
Turning Thirty and Life's Pressures
The significance of turning thirty is discussed, with one speaker describing it as the best year of their life, a moment of release from the pressures of their twenties.
Past Stardom and Relaxing into Thirties
A speaker recalls being briefly famous at parties for making people laugh, emphasizing a past of constant movement. The speakers acknowledge a sense of relaxation in their thirties.
Prince's Birthday and Symbol
A misunderstanding about birthdays leads to a discussion about Prince not counting his birthday and the evolution of his symbol and religious beliefs.
Prince Pelted with Bottles and Gender Presentation
The incident where Prince was pelted with bottles is discussed, along with speculation that it was due to his perceived "gay" presentation, leading to a discussion on gender presentation.
Approaching 39 and Unfulfilled Ambition
A speaker anticipates a phase of "gender freaking" in their 40s. They reflect on approaching 39 with peace, having previously fretted about age and accomplishments, and reveal a past ambition for global superstardom.
Public Recognition and Indirect Compliments
The speaker discusses being recognized in public, often by wives, leading to glaring husbands. They find it insulting when people express admiration indirectly.
Memory Wiping and Posture Improvement
The speaker compares their desire to forget interactions to memory-wiping devices to avoid becoming a "monster." A humorous observation about fan attention improving posture is made.
Cults and Future Visions
The speakers discuss the likelihood of falling prey to a cult, with one believing they would start one in Portugal. Two potential future scenarios are presented: being canceled or giving bath bomb reviews from jail.
Sexual Cults and State Enemies
Speculation about a cult started in Portugal, focusing on sexual freedom and communal living, is discussed. One speaker feels they are on a list of "state enemies."
Women, Community, and Power Dynamics
A debate on whether women truly understand community or if it's driven by power, contrasting it with men's ego-driven approach, is presented.
Cult Roles and Mercy Killings
The difficult role of the "Maid of Honor" in a cult is discussed, leading to the idea of executions. A dark anecdote about parents considering mercy killing is shared.
Failed Brand Deals and Political Talk
The idea of being "cuckoo's nest"-ed is brought up. A lucrative brand deal fell through because the speaker talked about politics, leading to consideration of suing for breach of contract.
Unseen Online Presence and Embarrassing Jokes
The speakers discuss the uncertainty of what people see online, especially with content shared without their direct involvement. One speaker admits to blacking out and finding their own jokes embarrassing.
The Key to Happiness and Imagining Roles
The speakers agree that loving oneself and enjoying one's own company is the key to happiness. A speaker imagines themselves as the older couple from "The Notebook."
Acting Careers and Cute Couples
Discussion about James Garner's acting career and his role in "Maverick" is followed by a mention of "Lois and Clark" as a cute couple.
Style and Stage Persona
The speaker contemplates adopting the persona of a "shirt and tie guy." Style is defined by the joy one feels about clothing, regardless of the specific items worn.
Stage Responsibility and Willie Loman
The speaker reflects on wearing suits during theater tours, feeling a responsibility to the audience. A picture of the speaker backstage resembling Willie Loman is described.
Play Reading and Brain Types
The speaker reads plays because they are faster than books, describing it as a "cheat." A comparison between having a "civics brain" and a "play reading brain" is made.
Performing Together and Stage Chemistry
The idea of performing the play "Burn This" together is discussed, with specific roles envisioned. The speakers acknowledge good chemistry on stage and the challenge of finding a female co-star.
AI, Exquisite Houses, and Catfishing
The movie "Ex Machina" is discussed, focusing on the AI character and the house. The idea of catfishing with Waymo and psycho builders is explored.
Hollywood Actor's AI Girlfriend and Celebrity Insanity
The surprising news of a famous Hollywood actor having an AI girlfriend is revealed. The speakers express a desire for celebrities to be more insane.
Public Beef and Heated Rivalries
The speakers crave public drama and heated rivalries, citing Jordan First Man's feud as an example. The show "The Heated Rivalry" is analyzed for its time jumps and slow burn romance.
Russian Accents and Dark Emotions
The speakers discuss Russian accents in a show and the perceived roles of characters. The actor playing the Russian character is revealed to have been a clown in LA.
Morning Pages and Weight Loss Observations
The experience of doing "morning pages" is discussed, with one speaker finding value in participation. A mention of Jonah Hill's significant weight loss is made.
Noticing Weight Loss and Aging Noses
The speakers discuss noticing when people get smaller, pondering if it's due to drugs or aging. A humorous discussion about noses growing with age is linked to European travel.
Travel Fatigue and Irish Embarrassment
One speaker states they can no longer go to England due to too many visits. A trip to Dublin where Irish people seemed embarrassed about their heritage is recounted.
Castle New Year's and Flight Illness
The speaker mentions celebrating New Year's at a castle in Ireland and their recent return from a trip. Extreme fatigue and illness after a long flight are discussed.
Humiliating Jet Lag and Flight Attendant Relationships
The speakers find it "humiliating" to experience significant jet lag between New York and Los Angeles. The speaker describes varied relationships with flight attendants.
Financial Ruin by DoorDash and Bolognese Weakness
The speaker admits to being financially impacted by DoorDash, ordering comfort foods. An intense weakness for Bolognese sauce is expressed.
Bad Spanish and European Inspiration
The speaker recounts a negative experience trying to speak Spanish in Spain. They reflect on a multi-city European trip, finding inspiration and enjoying the experience.
European Hookups and Need for Alone Time
The speaker invited three men they hooked up with in Europe to their birthday party. They express a need for alone time after a long conversation.
Forgotten Games and Trivia Introduction
The speakers realize they forgot about a game due to their conversation. The "True or False" game is introduced, with one speaker admitting past failures.
Naughty Crowds and Summer Tour Plans
The speakers recall a live show where the audience tried to give the guest answers. The speaker announces a potential summer tour and encourages ticket purchases.
Daily Swimming on Tour and Game Statements
The speaker explains their desire for a summer tour is to incorporate daily swimming. The first few statements of the "True or False" game are presented.
Game Statements: Tommy Lee Jones, Iron Giant, Sweden
Statements about Tommy Lee Jones, "The Iron Giant," and reptiles in Sweden are discussed, with Chris answering and the correct answers being revealed.
Game Statements: The Departed, Neil Armstrong, Lance Armstrong
Statements regarding "The Departed" winning Best Picture, Neil Armstrong drinking Pepsi on the moon, and Lance Armstrong's nickname are presented and answered.
Game Statements: Presidents in Antarctica, Squirrel Mating
Statements about US presidents visiting Antarctica and squirrels mating for life are discussed, with Chris guessing and the correct answers provided.
Game Statements: Burger King vs. Wendy's, Earth's Rotation
Statements comparing the founding dates of Burger King and Wendy's, and Earth's gradual rotation slowdown, are presented and answered.
Game Statements: Skidmore College, Last Comic Standing
Statements about Skidmore College's motto and the number of seasons "Last Comic Standing" ran are discussed.
Game Statements: Tom Brady, Aretha Franklin, Anteaters
Statements about Tom Brady's birthplace, Aretha Franklin's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and anteaters being extinct are presented and answered.
Game Score and Band Teacher's Deal
Chris's score in the trivia game is revealed as low, leading to discussions about academic grading. A story about his band teacher offering a deal involving an unlimited drum solo is shared.
Guest Farewell and UGG Plug
The host thanks Chris for being on the show. Chris encourages listeners to keep listening to Caleb and to get UGG stuff because it's soft.
Keywords
Mel Robbins
American motivational speaker, author, and television personality known for the "5 Second Rule."
Catalan language
Romance language spoken primarily in Catalonia, Spain, and Andorra.
Marquis de Sade
18th-century French nobleman and writer known for his libertine philosophy and writings exploring extreme pleasure and violence.
Polyamory
The practice of having multiple intimate relationships simultaneously with the consent of all involved.
Comedy Special
A recorded live performance by a comedian, often broadcast as a television special or streaming event.
Pest Control
Methods used to manage or eliminate organisms considered pests, such as insects, rodents, or birds.
Road Trip
A journey undertaken by vehicle, often for leisure, involving travel over long distances.
Activewear
Clothing designed for athletic or exercise activities, emphasizing comfort, flexibility, and performance.
Personal Finance App
A digital tool that helps individuals manage their money, track spending, budget, and monitor bills.
Fruit Snacks
Confections made with fruit ingredients, often marketed as a convenient and healthier snack option.
Company Man
An individual excessively loyal and subservient to their employer, often prioritizing company interests above personal values.
Grassroots Organizing
A social or political movement that originates at the local level, involving ordinary citizens rather than established leaders.
Fragile Ego
A personality trait characterized by extreme sensitivity to criticism or perceived slights, leading to defensive reactions.
Catholic Church
The largest Christian church, headed by the Pope, with a hierarchical structure and emphasis on sacraments and tradition.
Social Media Influence
The impact of social media platforms on individuals' opinions, behaviors, and purchasing decisions.
The Chicks
An American country music band known for their blend of country, bluegrass, and rock music.
Hot Tub Folliculitis
A skin infection caused by bacteria commonly found in improperly maintained hot tubs.
Cults
Groups or movements with distinct beliefs and practices, often characterized by charismatic leadership and control over members.
AI Girlfriend
A virtual companion, often an artificial intelligence program, designed to simulate a romantic or intimate relationship.
Slow Burn Romance
A romantic narrative where the development of a relationship is gradual, with intimacy building over time.
True or False Game
A game format where participants determine the veracity of given statements, testing general knowledge.
Tommy Lee Jones
American actor known for roles in "The Fugitive" and "Men in Black," often playing stoic characters.
The Iron Giant
A 1999 animated science fiction film about a boy and a robot, acclaimed for its story and themes.
Reptiles in Sweden
Trivia point concerning the presence or absence of reptile species within Sweden's ecosystem.
The Departed
A 2006 crime thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Neil Armstrong
The first human to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Lance Armstrong
Former professional cyclist stripped of his Tour de France titles due to doping violations.
US Presidents and Antarctica
Historical engagement of US presidents with the continent of Antarctica, focusing on presidential visits.
Squirrel Mating Habits
Describes the reproductive behavior of squirrels, specifically whether they form lifelong pair bonds.
Burger King vs. Wendy's
Comparison of the founding dates of two major fast-food chains to determine which is older.
Q&A
What was the initial topic of conversation at the beginning of the podcast?
The podcast started with lighthearted banter about gaining weight during a trip to Italy, discussing specific foods like Bolognese and Quattro Formaggi pizzas, setting a casual and humorous tone.
Who is Mel Robbins and what is her connection to the podcast discussion?
Mel Robbins is an American motivational speaker and author. The hosts discussed a perceived resemblance to her and joked about unsolicited invitations to appear on her podcast, linking it to podcast scams.
What unique podcast concept did the hosts imagine?
They envisioned a podcast featuring distinctive egg chairs held up by chains, catering to a specific demographic, creating a quirky and memorable image for a potential show.
What was the experience of attending the one-person show in Europe?
The show involved an hour of intense, guttural screaming with only a brief pause for the performer to drink milk. The audience's reaction, including laughter, surprisingly elicited a slight laugh from the performer.
What is Fabletics and what is its appeal?
Fabletics is a brand offering affordable, high-quality activewear. Its appeal lies in its VIP membership, which provides significant savings on stylish and comfortable workout gear, making premium activewear more accessible.
How does Rocket Money help users manage their finances?
Rocket Money is a personal finance app that simplifies financial management by finding and canceling unwanted subscriptions, monitoring spending, helping lower bills, and ultimately assisting users in growing their savings.
What is True Fru and why is it recommended?
True Fru is a brand of fruit snacks made with real fruit and chocolate or yogurt. They are recommended as a delicious, convenient, and healthier treat option, perfect for everyday snacking or as a dessert alternative.
What is the significance of the "Bendel" mentioned in the podcast?
The Bendel is described as a makeshift tool made from a cloth tied around a stick, used during hard times, drawing a humorous comparison to Donald Duck's struggles when facing difficulties.
What is the hosts' perspective on cheating?
While not personally engaging in cheating, the hosts express a fascination with it, particularly its fictional portrayal, and humorously speculate that individuals who cheat might be experiencing a "hot time" due to the thrill.
What is the main concern raised about one of the hosts' habits?
A significant concern is raised about one host's excessive boba consumption, with worries about dependency and the potential consequences if access to boba were ever restricted.
What is the significance of the "company man" concept discussed in the podcast?
The "company man" is presented as someone blindly loyal to their employer, potentially engaging in actions like informing on others, highlighting a critique of corporate culture and conformity.
How does the speaker describe their political understanding?
The speaker admits to being "politically very, very stupid" and unable to grasp historical causality, relying on progressive friends for political guidance.
What is the speaker's favorite band, and what is their experience with seeing them live?
The speaker's favorite band is The Chicks, but they have repeatedly missed opportunities to see them live due to scheduling conflicts, expressing frustration over this.
What is the main concern regarding hot tubs?
The main concern is hot tub folliculitis, a bacterial infection that can occur if the tub isn't properly maintained. Neglect can lead to mold issues.
What is the speaker's vision for their future if they were to start a cult?
The speaker envisions starting a cult on a farm in Portugal, characterized by sexual freedom and communal living, though they acknowledge it might turn into a power-driven cult.
What are the two potential future scenarios the speaker envisions for themselves?
The speaker foresees either being canceled for dead-naming and giving bath bomb reviews from low-security jail, or finding themselves in a "misery situation."
Why did a brand deal fall through for the speaker?
The brand deal fell through because the company discovered the speaker talks about politics, which was against their brand image.
What is the speaker's strategy for dealing with public recognition and interactions?
The speaker tries to forget interactions after they happen, like having their memory wiped in "Men in Black," to avoid becoming a "monster."
What is the speaker's ideal scenario for touring?
The speaker wants to tour in the summer to enjoy warm weather, swim daily before shows, and have a more enjoyable experience overall.
What is the speaker's relationship with Bolognese sauce?
The speaker is "powerless" before Bolognese sauce, admitting to gaining weight specifically from eating it during a trip to Italy.
What is the premise of the game played in this segment?
The game involves Chris answering 15 true or false statements. If he gets 10 or more correct, he wins $50. It tests his general knowledge and quick decision-making.
Which statement about Neil Armstrong is false?
The statement that Neil Armstrong drank Pepsi on the surface of the moon is false. He did not consume Pepsi during the Apollo 11 mission.
What is the correct answer regarding reptiles in Sweden?
The statement "There are no reptiles in Sweden" is false. Sweden does have native reptile species, contrary to the trivia presented.
Who was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Contrary to the statement, Aretha Franklin was not the first woman inducted. Nina Simone holds that distinction.
What was Chris's score in the true or false game?
Chris scored 60%, getting 9 out of 15 statements correct. This score was considered low, leading to discussions about academic consequences.
What unique deal did Chris's band teacher offer him?
Chris's band teacher offered to let him out of "directed study" if he drummed in the jazz band, allowing him an unlimited drum solo at the concert.
Show Notes
Welcome! This week’s guest is the hilarious Chris Fleming! Chris and Caleb talk hot tubs, boba tea, European vehicle design, a certain French teacher, clowns, and so much more! Chris has a brand new special out February on HBO Max called Chris Fleming Live at The Palace! Check it out!
Join our Substack for ad free full episodes, early access to merch, our community chat, and more! https://calebsaysthings.substack.com/
Follow Chris! @chrisflemingfleming
Follow the show! @sooootruepod
Follow Caleb! @calebsaysthings
Produced by Chance Nichols @chanceisloud
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So True with Caleb Hearon is edited and engineered by Nicole Lyons. Our social media manager is Virginia Muller. All episodes are filmed in The So Trudio at Legitimate Business World Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
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