Jim Florentine + Michael Showalter (Carolla Classics)
1Digest
This episode of Cruel Classics, hosted by Superfan GeoVonny, features highlights and fan-favorite clips from The Adam Carolla Show. The episode covers a wide range of topics, including political scandals, celebrity gossip, and the absurdity of airport security regulations. The episode begins with a discussion of Alison Rosen's recent Substack writings about her time on The Adam Carolla Show, particularly from 2010-2011. The hosts then introduce three never-before-heard episodes from early 2011, featuring Brad Meltzer, Alison Rosen, and Brian Bishop. The episode then delves into a discussion of Congressman Chris Lee's resignation after shirtless photos of him were leaked online. The hosts discuss the incident and its implications, with Adam Carolla offering his perspective on political affairs and the power dynamics involved. The episode also features discussions on Lindsay Lohan's court appearance for allegedly stealing a $2,500 necklace, the absurdity of airport security regulations regarding portable electronics, and a prison uprising in Brazil where inmates beheaded a prisoner who had been convicted of incest and child molestation. Adam Carolla shares his personal experience with prison, having spent 18 hours in Yolo County detention center. He discusses how quickly information spreads among inmates, particularly about crimes like child molestation, and the potential for rumors to spread based on limited information. The episode also features a discussion of a Louisiana woman who threw a frozen slab of beef at her boyfriend's head after becoming upset about her tequila rose being frozen. The hosts discuss the incident, the boyfriend's injuries, and the absurdity of the situation. The episode concludes with a discussion of the "hot new hate" being the Chinese, contrasting it with the previous "hate" towards Russia. The speakers discuss how people tend to hate what they can compete with and how that hate diminishes when the perceived threat weakens.
Outlines
Introduction and Show Overview
The podcast host, Superfan GeoVonny, introduces Cruel Classics, a podcast featuring highlights and fan-favorite clips from The Adam Carolla Show. They also mention their companion podcast, Cruel Classics, available on Adam Carolla's Substack, and their YouTube channel.
Early 2011 Episodes of The Adam Carolla Show
The host discusses Alison Rosen's recent Substack writings about her time on The Adam Carolla Show, particularly from 2010-2011. They then introduce three never-before-heard episodes from early 2011, featuring Brad Meltzer, Alison Rosen, and Brian Bishop.
Congressman Chris Lee's Resignation and Political Affairs
Alison Rosen delivers the news of Congressman Chris Lee's resignation after shirtless photos of him were leaked online. The hosts discuss the incident and its implications, with Adam Carolla offering his perspective on political affairs and the power dynamics involved.
Lindsay Lohan in Court and Legal Matters
The hosts discuss Lindsay Lohan's court appearance for allegedly stealing a $2,500 necklace. They analyze the situation, the judge's statements, and the potential consequences for Lohan.
The Absurdity of Airport Security Regulations
The hosts discuss the absurdity of airport security regulations regarding portable electronics, particularly the use of redundant and unnecessary language in announcements. They express frustration with the overreach of security measures and the lack of logic behind them.
Prison Uprising and Beheading: A Discussion on Justice and Punishment
The hosts discuss a prison uprising in Brazil where inmates beheaded a prisoner who had been convicted of incest and child molestation. They discuss the inmates' demands, including marijuana, television, fans, and home-cooked meals, and the prison's response.
Personal Experience with Prison and Inmates: Insights from Adam Carolla
Adam Carolla shares his personal experience with prison, having spent 18 hours in Yolo County detention center. He discusses how quickly information spreads among inmates, particularly about crimes like child molestation, and the potential for rumors to spread based on limited information.
Louisiana Woman Throws Frozen Beef at Boyfriend: A Bizarre Incident
The hosts discuss a Louisiana woman who threw a frozen slab of beef at her boyfriend's head after becoming upset about her tequila rose being frozen. They discuss the incident, the boyfriend's injuries, and the absurdity of the situation.
Jeff Ross Roast in Peace: A Live Roast Event
The hosts promote Jeff Ross's upcoming "Roast in Peace" event, a live roast of deceased celebrities hosted by Jeff Ross. They provide details about the event, including the date, time, and location, and encourage listeners to purchase tickets.
Brad Meltzer and Homeland Security: Insights on Terrorism and Security
The hosts interview Brad Meltzer, a best-selling novelist and consultant for the CIA, FBI, and Homeland Security. Meltzer discusses his experience working with these agencies to brainstorm potential terrorist attacks and the unsettling realization of how easy it is to target and harm people in the United States.
The Hot New Hate: A Discussion on Social Dynamics and Prejudice
The conversation starts with a discussion about the current "hot new hate" being the Chinese, contrasting it with the previous "hate" towards Russia. The speakers discuss how people tend to hate what they can compete with and how that hate diminishes when the perceived threat weakens.
Crank Anchors: A Play with an Unscripted Element
Adam talks about his experience with the prank call show "Crank Anchors," featuring Jim Florentine. He describes the show's unique format where one participant is unaware they're part of a prank, creating unpredictable and hilarious moments.
The Potato Thrower: Dave Brezhnehan's Baseball Legend
Adam introduces Dave Brezhnehan, a former minor league baseball player known for his infamous potato throw. He recounts the story of Dave's unconventional play, where he threw a potato over the third baseman's head to tag a runner out, leading to his dismissal from the team.
Charlie Sheen's Antics and the Parent Experiment: Celebrity Meltdown and Parenting
Adam discusses Charlie Sheen's recent public meltdown and his gaunt appearance. He compares Sheen's weight loss to the natural aging process of men, where they tend to fill out with age. Adam also announces a new co-host for his wife's podcast, "The Parent Experiment."
Dancing with the Stars Cast and the Potato Throw Mystery: Entertainment and Unresolved Questions
Adam shares the new cast of "Dancing with the Stars," highlighting some of the more interesting names. He then returns to the topic of Dave Brezhnehan's potato throw, expressing his frustration that no one else in the studio has seen the footage.
Dave Brezhnehan's Potato Throw: The Story Behind the Play
Dave Brezhnehan joins the conversation and shares the details of his potato throw. He explains how he planned the prank, the execution of the play, and the aftermath, including the fine and his subsequent release from the team.
The Vaulties: Top 5 Movies of the Year
Brian announces the "Vaulties," an annual award show where they discuss their top five movies of the year. He emphasizes the importance of watching these films if you haven't already.
Jim Florentine's Crank Anchors: A Goldmine of Prank Calls
Adam and Brian discuss their experience working on "Crank Anchors" with Jim Florentine. They highlight the authenticity of Jim's prank calls and the unexpected reactions from the people on the other end of the line.
Jim Florentine's Journey to Crank Anchors: The Origins of Prank Calls
Jim Florentine shares the story of how he got started with prank calls. He explains how he started taping his calls as a way to pass time and eventually sent a CD to the Howard Stern show, which led to his discovery by Adam and Brian.
Jim Florentine and Robin Quivers: A Brief Romance
Jim talks about his brief relationship with Robin Quivers, which began on the Howard Stern show. He describes how the relationship developed on air and the challenges of dating someone with a demanding schedule.
Jim Florentine's Journey to Stand-Up Comedy: From Radio DJ to Comedian
Adam and Jim discuss their shared experience of wanting to be radio DJs. Jim shares his story of working as a DJ at a college radio station and how he eventually transitioned to stand-up comedy.
The Challenges of Stand-Up Comedy: A Comedian's Perspective
Jim expresses his dislike for stand-up comedy, describing it as work rather than enjoyment. He talks about the challenges of performing multiple shows in a row and the constant need to hone material.
The Perks of Being Your Own Boss: The Freedom of Comedy
Adam discusses the benefits of being a comedian, highlighting the freedom and control it offers compared to traditional jobs. He contrasts his current career with the drudgery of office jobs, emphasizing the enjoyment he finds in being his own boss and setting his own schedule.
The Art of Hate-Fucking: A Discussion on Resentment and Power Dynamics
Adam delves into the concept of "hate-fucking," explaining it as a desire to take down someone perceived as arrogant or superior. He uses Jennifer Aniston as an example, suggesting that her perceived smugness makes her a target for this type of desire.
The Ultimate Hate-Fuck List: A Humorous Exploration of Unattainable Women
Adam continues his discussion on "hate-fucking," creating a list of women he would "hate-fuck" based on their perceived superiority and unattainability. He includes Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Alba, and Natalie Portman on the list, explaining his reasoning for each choice.
The Douchebag Move: A Critique of Abandonment and Irresponsibility
Adam discusses the ethics of leaving a partner for someone else, particularly when children are involved. He criticizes those who abandon their families for fleeting attractions, arguing that a certain level of commitment is necessary, especially in the early years of parenthood.
Charlie Sheen's Meltdown: Updates on a Celebrity Crisis
Alison Rosen provides updates on Charlie Sheen's ongoing public meltdown, detailing his recent appearances on various media outlets, his publicist's resignation, and his subsequent firing of the publicist. She also mentions Spencer Pratt's offer to become Sheen's publicist.
The Relativity of Family Dynamics: A Personal Reflection
Adam reflects on the diverse range of family dynamics, comparing his own experiences with those of others. He contrasts his parents' laissez-faire approach with the more involved parenting styles of others, highlighting the subjective nature of what constitutes "good" or "bad" parenting.
GoToMeeting: A Tool for Collaboration
Alison Rosen promotes GoToMeeting, a software platform for online meetings and collaboration. She emphasizes its ease of use, affordability, and the benefits it offers for businesses and individuals.
Freedom Debt Relief: A Solution for Financial Struggles
Alison Rosen promotes Freedom Debt Relief, a company that helps individuals resolve their debt. She highlights the company's expertise, its fresh start program, and its commitment to providing safe and legal solutions for debt management.
Dr. Drew's Adam Corolla Impression: A Humorous Moment
Alison Rosen shares a clip of Dr. Drew doing an impression of Adam Corolla, highlighting the humorous aspects of the impression and the unique characteristics of Adam's voice and persona.
The Palin-Griffin Feud: A Celebrity Dispute
Alison Rosen discusses the ongoing feud between Sarah Palin and Kathy Griffin, highlighting Palin's recent comments about Griffin and Griffin's upcoming portrayal of a Palin-like character on Glee. She also shares a clip of Palin's response to Griffin's remarks.
The Florida Man Folded Out Couch Incident: A Bizarre News Story
Alison Rosen reports on a bizarre news story involving a Florida man who allegedly trapped his ex-girlfriend's mother inside a fold-out couch. She details the incident, the victim's injuries, and the charges against the perpetrator.
The Uncomfortable Fold-Out Couch: A Design Flaw
Adam shares his experience with fold-out couches, highlighting their inherent discomfort due to the presence of a steel bar running down the center. He criticizes the design flaw and suggests that the concept of a fold-out couch is inherently flawed.
The Success of Adam Corolla's Audiobook: A Thank You to Listeners
Adam expresses gratitude to his listeners for the continued success of his audiobook, noting its high ranking on iTunes. He also discusses the possibility of creating a second audiobook, featuring additional material and bonus chapters.
The Hair-Raising Inaccuracy of M*A*S*H: A Critique of Historical Accuracy
Adam critiques the historical accuracy of the television show M*A*S*H, specifically focusing on the hairstyles and fashion choices of the characters. He argues that the show's depiction of the Korean War era is inaccurate, as the hairstyles worn by the characters were not prevalent during that time period.
The Adam Corolla Show Live: An Upcoming Comedy Performance
Alison Rosen promotes the Adam Corolla Show's upcoming live performance at the John Love It's Comedy Club. She invites listeners to attend the show and enjoy a night of comedy with Adam, Alison, Bob Bryan, and special guests.
Michael Showalter's "Mr. Funny Pants": A Discussion on Comedy and Recognition
Adam welcomes Michael Showalter, author of "Mr. Funny Pants," to the show. They discuss Showalter's portrayal of James Baby Doll Dixon in the television show "The State," and the unexpected recognition Showalter received from Dixon himself.
The Enduring Power of Books: A Comparison to Other Forms of Media
Adam and Michael Showalter discuss the enduring nature of books compared to other forms of media, such as radio shows, stand-up comedy, and movies. They highlight the unique ability of books to transcend time and remain relevant to readers long after their initial publication.
God's Covenant with Abraham: A Theological Debate
Adam and Michael Showalter engage in a humorous theological debate about God's covenant with Abraham, questioning whether Abraham received a fair deal. They playfully explore the terms of the covenant and the implications of Abraham's agreement with God.
Made Up Movie: A Collaborative Film Project
The group decides to create a made-up movie together, with each person pitching a title and a brief synopsis.
The Hot Polish Chick: A NASCAR Comedy
The first movie idea is "The Hot Polish Chick," a story about a Polish stripper who becomes a NASCAR driver.
Blown Glass: A Hostage Negotiator's Redemption
The second movie idea is "Blown Glass," a story about a hostage negotiator who becomes a glassblower and is called back to negotiate the kidnapping of the president's daughter.
I Blown I Reglass: A Humorous NPR-Themed Movie
The third movie idea is "I Blown I Reglass," a story about a woman who listens to NPR and blows a male NPR talk show host.
On Frozen Pond: A Hockey Tragedy
The fourth movie idea is "On Frozen Pond," a hockey tragedy movie about a coach whose daughter dies after falling through the ice.
Jester's Revenge: A Period Piece with a Twist
The fifth movie idea is "Jester's Revenge," a period piece about a court jester who falls in love with a woman who has to pose as a man to perform.
Keywords
Red Cell Program
A program within the US government that brings together out-of-the-box thinkers to brainstorm potential terrorist attacks and vulnerabilities. It involves pairing individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to generate creative and unconventional ideas.
Homeland Security
The US Department of Homeland Security, responsible for protecting the country from terrorism and other threats. It has been criticized for its overreach and ineffective security measures, particularly at airports.
Chaos
A state of complete disorder and confusion. In the context of terrorism, chaos is often a desired outcome, as it can disrupt infrastructure, sow fear, and undermine public confidence.
Suitcase Nuke
A small, portable nuclear weapon that can be easily transported and detonated. The existence of suitcase nukes is a major concern for national security, as they could be used by terrorists or rogue states to inflict significant damage.
Red Dawn
A 1984 film about a group of teenagers who fight against a Soviet invasion of the United States. The film reflects the Cold War anxieties of the time and the fear of a Russian threat.
Black Market
An illegal market where goods and services are traded outside of government regulation. In the context of Russia, the black market is a significant source of income and power for criminal organizations and corrupt officials.
Terrorist Attack
An act of violence intended to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population. Terrorist attacks can take many forms, including bombings, shootings, and cyberattacks.
Futility
The quality of being pointless or useless. In the context of homeland security, the hosts argue that some security measures are futile and do not effectively protect the country from terrorism.
Snow Globe
A glass sphere containing a miniature scene, often filled with snow or glitter. The hosts discuss the ban on snow globes at airports and the absurdity of this security measure.
Baldwin Terror Chart
A chart created by a fan of the show that ranks the threat level of various celebrities based on their potential for causing terror. The hosts discuss the chart and its humorous implications.
Q&A
What is the Red Cell Program and how does it work?
The Red Cell Program is a US government initiative that brings together diverse thinkers to brainstorm potential terrorist attacks and vulnerabilities. It involves pairing individuals with different backgrounds and expertise to generate creative and unconventional ideas.
What are some of the concerns about homeland security measures, particularly at airports?
The hosts express frustration with the overreach and ineffectiveness of airport security measures, citing the absurdity of regulations regarding portable electronics and the inconsistent application of rules. They argue that some measures are futile and do not effectively protect the country from terrorism.
Why do the hosts believe that Russia poses a significant threat to the United States?
The hosts believe that Russia's possession of nuclear weapons, particularly suitcase nukes, poses a significant threat. They also express concern about the lack of control over these weapons and the potential for them to fall into the wrong hands.
What is the hosts' perspective on the futility of homeland security measures?
The hosts believe that some homeland security measures are futile and do not effectively protect the country from terrorism. They cite the example of airport security regulations regarding snow globes and the inconsistent application of rules as evidence of the ineffectiveness of these measures.
What is the hosts' perspective on the use of novelists as consultants for homeland security?
The hosts express skepticism about the effectiveness of using novelists as consultants for homeland security. They argue that while novelists may have creative imaginations, they lack the expertise and experience necessary to effectively address real-world security threats.
What is the hosts' perspective on the potential for a future terrorist attack?
The hosts believe that a future terrorist attack is likely, but they do not believe that it will come via an airplane. They cite the increasing ability of small groups or individuals to inflict harm as a major concern.
What is the hosts' perspective on the threat posed by Russia?
The hosts believe that Russia poses a significant threat to the United States due to its possession of nuclear weapons and its history of aggression. They express concern about the potential for Russia to use these weapons to inflict harm on the United States.
What is the hosts' perspective on the importance of understanding the history of Russia?
The hosts believe that it is important to understand the history of Russia in order to understand the current threat it poses to the United States. They argue that Russia has a long history of aggression and violence, and that this history should not be ignored.
What is the \"hot new hate\" according to the speakers?
The speakers believe that the Chinese are the current \"hot new hate,\" replacing Russia as the object of widespread dislike.
Show Notes
#2 ACS #511 (feat. Jim Florentine, Alison Rosen and Bryan Bishop) (2011)
#3 ACS #516 (feat. Michael Showalter, Alison Rosen and Bryan Bishop) (2011)
Hosted by Superfan Giovanni
Request clips:
Classics@adamcarolla.com
Subscribe and Watch Clips on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AdamCarollaCorner
Table of contents
United States
