Digest

This episode of the Cruel Classics podcast features a wide range of topics, starting with an interview with legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Coppola discusses his career, including his experiences making "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," and his latest film, "Tetro." He shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of filmmaking, his personal life, and his views on the current state of Hollywood. The episode then shifts to a humorous rant by Adam Carolla about Southwest Airlines' decision to replace peanuts with pretzels, arguing that the mini pretzels are a significant drop-off in quality and satisfaction. He encourages listeners to tweet their own examples of "drop-offs" from large to small versions of snacks. The conversation then delves into the increasing prevalence of peanut allergies and its impact on air travel. Carolla expresses frustration with the oversensitivity and political correctness surrounding the issue, predicting that peanuts will eventually be banned altogether on flights. The episode also features a discussion about Sasha Gray's retirement from the adult film industry, the Cherpumple dessert, and the royal wedding themed treats from Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins. The podcast then transitions to a conversation with Marina Orlova, a Russian woman who moved to America at a young age. She shares her experiences growing up in a closed city in Russia, her decision to move to America, and her initial experiences as a nanny. The conversation delves into the speaker's perspective on Russian women's sensuality and how it might be influenced by their culture and upbringing. She discusses the impact of World War II on Russian women and their strong sense of nurturing and maturity. The speaker also compares divorce rates in Russia and the United States, highlighting the perceived ease of divorce in America. She expresses her observation that American women have been "ruined" by empowerment messages, leading to a decline in traditional values. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of setting boundaries in the entertainment industry, the challenges of navigating the television industry, and the negative impact of focus groups on the creative process.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction to Cruel Classics Podcast and Francis Ford Coppola Interview

This chapter introduces the Cruel Classics podcast, a spin-off of The Adam Carolla Show, featuring highlights and best moments from the show's 15-year run. It encourages listeners to subscribe for bonus content and to visit the YouTube channel for clips. It also features an interview with legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, discussing his career, including his experiences making The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and his latest film, Tetro. He shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of filmmaking, his personal life, and his views on the current state of Hollywood.

00:53:07

Southwest Airlines Snack Game and Peanut Allergy Concerns

This chapter features a humorous rant by Adam Carolla about Southwest Airlines' decision to replace peanuts with pretzels, arguing that the mini pretzels are a significant drop-off in quality and satisfaction. He encourages listeners to tweet their own examples of "drop-offs" from large to small versions of snacks. The conversation then delves into the increasing prevalence of peanut allergies and its impact on air travel. Carolla expresses frustration with the oversensitivity and political correctness surrounding the issue, predicting that peanuts will eventually be banned altogether on flights.

01:15:13

Sasha Gray's Retirement, Cherpumple, and Royal Wedding Treats

The chapter discusses Sasha Gray's retirement from the adult film industry. The speaker shares Gray's statement about her decision and reflects on the changing perception of porn stars over time. It also introduces the Cherpumple, a dessert consisting of three layers of cake with a pie baked into each layer. The speaker discusses the Cherpumple's popularity and its potential as a Southwest Airlines snack alternative to peanuts. The chapter also discusses Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins's royal wedding themed treats. The speaker criticizes the donut's appearance and expresses skepticism about the ice cream cake's connection to Prince William's love of chocolate.

02:00:27

Rooster Quakes, Horror in College, and Extended Warranties

The podcast begins with a humorous question about the time a rooster quakes. This sets a lighthearted tone for the conversation. The conversation shifts to a discussion about the speaker's experiences in college, specifically their involvement in horror-related activities. Adam Carolla discusses his aversion to extended warranties and shares a humorous anecdote about his experience on Dancing with the Stars, where he felt the production's comedic bits were inferior to his own.

02:38:12

Dancing with the Stars Rehearsal Practices and Adam Carolla's Frustration with Notes

Adam Carolla criticizes the lack of realistic rehearsal practices on Dancing with the Stars, arguing that dancers should practice with costumes and props to better prepare for the live show. Adam Carolla expresses his frustration with receiving notes from producers and other individuals he deems unfunny, highlighting his desire for trust and recognition of his comedic abilities.

02:45:28

Lieutenant Lenn's Comedy Bit and Adam Carolla's Conflict with Dancing with the Stars Producers

Adam Carolla plays a clip of a comedic bit from Dancing with the Stars featuring Lieutenant Lenn, a guest who delivers a humorous military-themed speech to the dancers. Adam Carolla recounts a disagreement with Dancing with the Stars producers over a comedy bit, ultimately deciding to walk away from the project due to their lack of comedic understanding.

02:51:19

Audiobook Negotiations with Random House and Adam Carolla's Independent Audiobook

Adam Carolla details his negotiations with Random House regarding a second audiobook, highlighting their unwillingness to share profits fairly and ultimately leading to a stalemate. Adam Carolla announces his decision to produce his own audiobook, independent of Random House, due to their lack of cooperation and his desire for creative control.

03:02:47

Spring Fever and Marina Orlova's Journey to America

Adam Carolla discusses the origin of the term "spring fever" and compares the comedic quality of Marina Orlova's videos to the production of Dancing with the Stars. Marina Orlova shares her experience coming to America as a nanny, highlighting the cultural exchange program and her initial salary.

03:06:15

A Russian Woman's Journey to America and Russian Sensuality and Cultural Differences

This chapter introduces the speaker, a Russian woman who moved to America at a young age. She shares her experiences growing up in a closed city in Russia, her decision to move to America, and her initial experiences as a nanny. The conversation delves into the speaker's perspective on Russian women's sensuality and how it might be influenced by their culture and upbringing. She discusses the impact of World War II on Russian women and their strong sense of nurturing and maturity.

03:12:39

Divorce Rates and Cultural Norms and Dating in Los Angeles and Celebrity Encounters

The speaker compares divorce rates in Russia and the United States, highlighting the perceived ease of divorce in America. She expresses her observation that American women have been "ruined" by empowerment messages, leading to a decline in traditional values. The speaker discusses her dating life in Los Angeles, revealing that she receives numerous proposals from men. She shares her experiences with celebrities, including Justin Timberlake and David Spade, and her preference for men with a sense of humor and passion.

03:18:32

Anastasia Date and Romance Tours and Empowerment and its Consequences

The speaker explains the concept of Anastasia Date, a dating website that connects American men with Russian women. She discusses the romance tours offered by the website, which allow men to travel to Russia and meet potential partners in person. The speaker continues her critique of American women's empowerment, arguing that it has led to negative consequences, such as high unemployment and low education levels. She believes that women should embrace traditional values and contribute to society.

03:21:48

Russian Women and Their Place in Society and Meeting People in America

The speaker discusses the competitive nature of Russian society, where women are expected to be attractive and well-dressed. She shares her observations about the way Russian women present themselves, even for everyday activities. The speaker contrasts the ease of meeting people in Russia with the challenges of meeting people in America, where everyone drives and social interaction is limited. She discusses the role of the internet in modern dating and her own experiences with online proposals.

03:23:39

Work Ethic and Dating Priorities and Attraction and Moral Boundaries

The speaker defends her busy schedule and lack of time for dating, emphasizing her work ethic and dedication to her business. She expresses her belief that if she were interested in someone, she would make time for them. The speaker discusses her views on dating older men and her experience with the father of the autistic child she cared for. She emphasizes her strong moral compass and her commitment to not breaking up families.

03:27:11

Becoming a Mother and the Nanny Exchange Program and Global Competition and the "Mail-Order Bride" Concept

The speaker shares her experience as a nanny and how it felt like having her own baby at a young age. She discusses the nanny exchange program and the challenges of obtaining a visa to work in America. The speaker argues that dating should be open to a global competition, challenging the traditional notion of marrying someone from one's local community. She compares the Anastasia Date concept to historical instances of American men marrying foreign women.

03:30:13

Building a YouTube Empire and The Nanny Exchange Program and its Impact

The speaker explains how she built her successful YouTube channel, "Hot for Words," and her decision to create her own content rather than relying on traditional Hollywood producers. She discusses her entrepreneurial spirit and the power of online platforms. The speaker discusses the nanny exchange program and its potential for sending a negative message about American culture abroad. She shares her experience with the program and the importance of presenting a realistic image of nannies.

03:33:31

The Next Internet Star and Beauty and Self-Awareness

The speaker reveals her plans to launch a new TV show called "Next Internet Star," which aims to showcase the talent of aspiring YouTubers. She discusses her connections within the YouTube community and her collaborative approach to content creation. The speaker addresses her physical appearance and her self-perception. She acknowledges her good genetics and healthy lifestyle, but claims to be unaware of her own attractiveness.

03:39:36

The NBC Pilot Experience and The Tyranny of the Focus Group

The speaker discusses her experience with NBC and the challenges of navigating the television industry. She expresses her frustration with the focus group system and the lack of appreciation for genuine comedic talent. The speaker delves into the negative impact of focus groups on the creative process, arguing that they prioritize warm and fuzzy content over genuine humor. She criticizes the reliance on focus group data and the fear of executives to make bold creative decisions.

03:48:22

The Culture of Silence in Hollywood and The Fraudulent Nature of Hollywood Executives

The speaker compares the culture of silence in Hollywood to a dysfunctional relationship, where executives and their underlings are afraid to express their true opinions. She uses the analogy of a man with an Asian wife who is afraid to speak up. The speaker argues that many Hollywood executives are comedic frauds who lack the talent and experience to make informed creative decisions. She criticizes their reliance on focus groups and their fear of being exposed as incompetent.

03:53:03

International News with Alison Rosen and Celebrating Evil and the Death Penalty

This chapter features Alison Rosen, who delivers a brief news segment, covering topics such as the release of Osama bin Laden's death photo and the controversy surrounding Richard Sherman's comments on celebrating death. The conversation starts with a discussion about celebrating the death of evil people. The speakers argue that it's a common theme in movies and that it's natural to feel a sense of satisfaction when evil is defeated. They then delve into the topic of the death penalty, with one speaker expressing skepticism about the government's involvement in the 9/11 attacks.

03:59:30

Demolition and the 9/11 Conspiracy and The Teacher's Beard and a Silent Protest

The conversation shifts to the topic of demolition, with the speakers discussing the complexity and time-consuming nature of controlled demolitions. They use this to argue against the possibility of the 9/11 attacks being an inside job, highlighting the logistical challenges of such an operation. The speakers discuss a teacher who refused to shave his beard until Osama bin Laden was proven dead. They find humor in the situation, comparing it to a silent protest and highlighting the absurdity of the teacher's dedication.

04:01:31

Wiping Your Ass and the Feeling of Freedom and Pegasus Poop and the Jet Stream

The conversation takes a humorous turn as the speakers discuss the act of wiping one's ass and how it relates to the teacher's beard. They compare the experience to riding a bike, arguing that one never forgets how to do either. The conversation delves into a hypothetical scenario involving a Pegasus and its droppings. The speakers discuss the potential for Pegasus poop to travel long distances via the jet stream, leading to a humorous debate about the responsibility of Pegasus owners.

04:05:58

The Death of Evil and a Hypothetical Scenario and Ron Jeremy's Weight Gain and Porn

The conversation returns to the topic of celebrating the death of evil people. The speakers engage in a thought experiment, imagining a scenario where they could snap their fingers and kill all future murderers before they commit their crimes. The conversation shifts to the topic of Ron Jeremy's weight gain and how it relates to the porn industry. The speakers discuss the potential for weight gain in a profession that requires constant nudity and physical activity, leading to a humorous debate about the reasons behind Ron Jeremy's weight gain.

04:12:47

The Novelty of Ron Jeremy's Weight Gain and The News with Alison Rosen

The speakers continue their discussion about Ron Jeremy's weight gain, highlighting the novelty factor of seeing a porn star gain weight while still performing on camera. They suggest that a time-lapse video of Ron Jeremy's weight gain would be a YouTube sensation. The conversation concludes with a brief segment featuring Alison Rosen, who expresses surprise at the podcast's focus on her. The segment ends with a commercial break and a transition to the next guest, Matt Walsh.

04:16:15

Matt Walsh and the Grotto and Hygiene and the Trail of a Hamburger

The conversation shifts to Matt Walsh, a guest on the show. The speakers discuss Matt's experiences at the Playboy Mansion, particularly the grotto, and his nonchalant attitude towards potential health risks. Matt Walsh continues to share his perspective on hygiene, arguing that it's impossible to avoid all germs and that it's better to simply embrace the inevitable. He uses the example of a hamburger and its journey from farm to table to illustrate his point.

04:19:25

Purile and the Magic Eye and The Future and Retinal Scans

The conversation turns to the topic of hand soap dispensers, specifically the "magic eye" type. Matt Walsh expresses his dislike for these dispensers, arguing that they're too high-tech and create unnecessary complications. He prefers the traditional method of serving oneself soap. The speakers discuss the future and how technology has not advanced as much as they expected. They lament the lack of progress in transportation and argue that cars have not undergone a significant revolution in recent years.

04:24:02

Cars and the Toyota Minivan and The Hangover and Ken Jeong's Junk

The conversation continues with a discussion about cars and their evolution. Matt Walsh argues that modern cars, despite their technological advancements, are still fundamentally similar to cars from the past. He uses the example of a Toyota minivan outperforming a Ferrari on a race track to illustrate his point. The conversation shifts to the movie "The Hangover" and Matt Walsh's role in it. The speakers discuss Ken Jeong's memorable scene where he exposes himself, highlighting the comedic impact of the moment and Ken Jeong's willingness to push boundaries.

04:27:58

Full Frontal Nudity and the Importance of Fluffers and Ken Jeong's Life Story and the Duke Trajectory

Matt Walsh discusses his experience with full frontal nudity in film, emphasizing the importance of having a "fluffer" and other measures to ensure a comfortable and professional experience. He also shares his admiration for Ken Jeong's willingness to go full nude in "The Hangover." The speakers discuss Ken Jeong's life story, highlighting his impressive career trajectory from doctor to comedian. They find humor in the contrast between Ken Jeong's medical background and his comedic persona.

04:29:34

The Importance of Boundaries and the "Big Zit" Analogy and High Road Film Festival and Larping

Matt Walsh discusses the importance of setting boundaries in the entertainment industry, using the analogy of having a big zit on your back and being asked to take your shirt off. He argues that actors should be able to decline requests that make them uncomfortable. The conversation shifts to Matt Walsh's film "High Road," which is set to premiere at the Seattle Film Festival. The speakers discuss the film's production process, including the use of improvisation and the involvement of a documentary-style director of photography.

04:33:00

The Upright Citizens Brigade and Who's on First and Andy Dick's Arrest and the "Patrick Dempsey is Gay" Analogy

The conversation returns to the topic of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) and Matt Walsh's upcoming appearance on Doug's podcast. The speakers discuss the comedic nature of the UCB and the classic "Who's on First" routine, with Matt Walsh expressing his dislike for the bit. The conversation shifts to Andy Dick's recent arrest for disorderly conduct. The speakers discuss Andy Dick's history of substance abuse and his tendency to act out in public. They express sympathy for Andy Dick's struggles and offer advice on how to manage his behavior.

04:39:35

Grizzly Man and the Phone Call Dilemma and The Phone Ring and the Sweet Spot of Life

The conversation takes a humorous turn as the speakers discuss the documentary "Grizzly Man" and its connection to Andy Dick. They then delve into the topic of phone calls and how people's behavior changes when they're intoxicated or high. The speakers discuss the significance of a phone ringing and how it can reflect a person's current state of life. They argue that a person who answers the phone without hesitation is truly free, while someone who hesitates or avoids the phone may be dealing with difficult relationships or personal struggles.

04:41:43

The "Donnie" Phone Call and the Art of Waterboarding and Training Your Wife and the Double Lap

The conversation shifts to a humorous anecdote about a phone call with a friend named Donnie. The speakers discuss the frustrating experience of being asked the same question repeatedly and how it can feel like a form of waterboarding. The conversation turns to the topic of training one's wife. The speakers discuss a technique for training a wife to be more responsive and less repetitive in her communication. They use a humorous scenario involving a dog named Molly to illustrate the technique.

04:47:04

Pet Peeves and the Trader Joe's Story and The Cell Phone and the "Are You There?\" Question

The speakers discuss the pet peeves of wives, particularly the tendency to repeat stories or provide unnecessary details. They use a humorous anecdote about a Trader Joe's encounter to illustrate this point. The conversation shifts to the topic of cell phone conversations and the frustrating experience of being asked "Are you there?" after a long rant. The speakers discuss the awkwardness of this situation and how it can feel insulting.

04:49:04

Improvisation and the "Hi" Routine and The "Oh My God" Phenomenon

The conversation concludes with a discussion about improvisation and the importance of being able to adapt to unexpected situations. The speakers suggest that the "Hi" routine, a common practice in Japan, could be a helpful way to avoid awkward silences in conversations. This chapter explores the common female reaction of saying "Oh my God" in response to a story, often before the story is fully told. The speakers discuss the timing of this reaction and how it can be perceived as a way to avoid fully engaging with the story.

04:51:10

The "Three-Way" of Emotion and The Sociopathic Nature of "Hi"

The conversation shifts to a humorous anecdote about a woman's reaction to being late for work. The speakers discuss how her emotional response, described as a "three-way," is excessive and doesn't align with the situation. The speakers delve into the social implications of saying "Hi" and how it can be used as a way to avoid genuine interaction. They compare this behavior to sociopaths who feign understanding human interaction.

04:51:52

The "Oh My God" Personality and The Power of the Mustache

The conversation turns to the exaggerated personality of a talk show host, characterized by her frequent use of "Oh my God" and her overly expressive facial features. The speakers compare her to Julia Roberts and discuss how her persona is a heightened reality. The speakers discuss the importance of a gimmick, using David Letterman's mustache as an example. They argue that a unique feature can be a defining characteristic and contribute to a person's success.

04:53:13

The "Oh My God" Reaction to Soccer and Distractions at Work

The speakers use the example of a soccer game to illustrate the "Oh my God" reaction. They discuss how the reaction can be amplified when the stakes are higher. The conversation shifts to the topic of workplace distractions, specifically the lack of "Hi" or "Yes" greetings and the presence of useless meetings.

04:53:50

Citrix: Work from Home Solution and Mother's Day Gift Ideas

This chapter features an advertisement for Citrix, a software that allows users to access their office computers remotely. The ad highlights the benefits of working from home and the convenience of Citrix. The speakers discuss Mother's Day gift ideas, with one suggesting "buffing her out" as a way to show appreciation. The conversation explores the meaning of this phrase and alternative gift ideas.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the challenges and rewards of filmmaking, according to Francis Ford Coppola?

  Coppola highlights the financial risks and artistic pressures involved in filmmaking, particularly when pursuing personal projects. He also emphasizes the importance of passion and the joy of learning and growing as a filmmaker.

• How did Francis Ford Coppola's experience making Apocalypse Now influence his approach to filmmaking?

  Coppola's experience with Apocalypse Now, a film that went significantly over budget and schedule, taught him the importance of careful planning and the need to be prepared for unexpected challenges. It also reinforced his commitment to making personal films that reflect his own vision.

• What are Francis Ford Coppola's thoughts on the current state of Hollywood?

  Coppola expresses concern about the dominance of superhero films and the lack of artistic freedom for filmmakers. He believes that the industry has become too focused on generating profits and less concerned with creating meaningful and original content.

• What is Francis Ford Coppola's advice for aspiring filmmakers?

  Coppola encourages aspiring filmmakers to follow their passion and to be persistent in pursuing their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of learning from their experiences and to never stop seeking new challenges and opportunities.

• What are some of the key takeaways from Adam Carolla's rant about Southwest Airlines' snack game?

  Carolla's rant highlights the importance of customer satisfaction and the need for airlines to provide quality snacks that meet the expectations of their passengers. He also satirizes the increasing prevalence of peanut allergies and the impact of political correctness on everyday life.

• Why does the speaker believe that peanut allergy concerns on airplanes are overblown?

  The speaker argues that the presence of peanuts on a previous flight doesn't pose a significant risk to someone with a peanut allergy on a subsequent flight, as the planes are constantly in use and the peanuts are not a primary source of contamination.

• What is the speaker's opinion on Sasha Gray's retirement from porn?

  The speaker acknowledges that Gray's retirement is a significant event for her fans, but also reflects on the changing perception of porn stars over time, suggesting that the younger generation may not be as interested in watching them as previous generations.

• What is the Cherpumple and why is it relevant to the discussion about peanut allergies on airplanes?

  The Cherpumple is a dessert consisting of three layers of cake with a pie baked into each layer. The speaker suggests that it could be a more appealing and less controversial snack option for Southwest Airlines than peanuts, which have become a source of controversy due to peanut allergy concerns.

• What is the speaker's opinion on the royal wedding themed treats from Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins?

  The speaker criticizes the donut's appearance, finding it unappealing, and expresses skepticism about the ice cream cake's connection to Prince William's love of chocolate, suggesting that it's simply a marketing ploy to capitalize on the royal wedding.

Show Notes