Digest

This episode of Growl Classics features a conversation between Adam Crowler and comedian Matt Walsh, discussing a wide range of topics. They begin by reflecting on the generational gap in pop culture knowledge, with Adam expressing frustration over younger generations' unfamiliarity with iconic figures like Christian Slater and Bruce Springsteen. The conversation then delves into the evolution of porn and how cultural references have shifted over time, with Adam highlighting the impact of the internet on accessibility and the diminishing shared experiences of a single, dominant pornographic film. Adam expresses his frustration with the lack of financial compensation for Harry Reams, the star of "Deep Throat," despite the film's immense popularity. He argues that those who contribute to popular culture, even in unconventional ways, deserve fair recognition and compensation. The conversation then shifts to Adam's experience on "Dancing with the Stars," where he recounts his time on the show, his dance partners, and the unique experience of receiving the encore dance despite being eliminated. Adam and Matt discuss the "fake out" technique used on "American Idol" to create suspense during eliminations, critiquing the show's manipulation of emotions and suggesting alternative approaches to delivering bad news. They then transition into taking phone calls from listeners, discussing topics such as the astronaut stereotype, the nature of cheating and second wives, and the challenges of independent filmmaking. Matt Walsh shares his experiences with the post-production process of his film "The Hammer," describing the frustrations and demoralization of navigating the independent film world, from securing funding to getting accepted into film festivals. He also discusses the financial success of "The Hammer" and its positive reception from viewers, expressing his frustration with the film's four-and-a-half-star rating on Amazon, arguing that the breakdown of reviews suggests it should be a five-star film. The conversation continues with discussions about the phenomenon of "haters" and how they can influence online ratings, the Sundance Film Festival's rejection of "The Hammer," and the harsh realities of Hollywood. Matt Walsh shares his experiences with Hollywood studios and their lack of transparency regarding DVD sales, criticizing the industry's culture of deception and the difficulty for creators to get accurate information about their projects' performance. The episode concludes with Adam Crowler introducing a clip from a previous episode featuring John Holberg's impression of him. They discuss the difficulty of doing accurate impressions and the unique challenges of imitating Corolla's own style.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Growl Classics Podcast

This episode introduces the Growl Classics podcast, a collection of best moments and fan-selected clips from the Adam Crowler Show. It encourages listeners to subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel.

00:00:36

Matt Walsh on the Adam Crowler Show

Matt Walsh, a comedian known for his roles in comedies like "The Hangover" and "Old School," joins the Adam Crowler Show. They discuss his career, movie ratings, and the changing landscape of entertainment.

00:01:00

The Disconnect Between Generations and the Evolution of Porn

Adam and Matt discuss the generational gap in pop culture knowledge, citing examples of young people unfamiliar with iconic figures like Christian Slater and Bruce Springsteen. They reflect on how shared cultural experiences have changed with the rise of personalized media consumption. They also delve into the evolution of porn and how cultural references have shifted over time. They discuss the impact of the internet on accessibility and the diminishing shared experiences of a single, dominant pornographic film.

00:16:41

The Exploitation of Harry Reams in "Deep Throat" and Adam's Experience on "Dancing with the Stars"

Adam expresses his frustration with the lack of financial compensation for Harry Reams, the star of "Deep Throat," despite the film's immense popularity. He argues that those who contribute to popular culture, even in unconventional ways, deserve fair recognition and compensation. Adam shares his experience on "Dancing with the Stars," recounting his time on the show, his dance partners, and the unique experience of receiving the encore dance despite being eliminated.

00:25:01

"American Idol" and Matt Walsh's New Show "The Players"

Adam and Matt discuss the "fake out" technique used on "American Idol" to create suspense during eliminations. They critique the show's manipulation of emotions and suggest alternative approaches to delivering bad news. Adam promotes Matt Walsh's new show "The Players," premiering on Spike TV. They transition into taking phone calls from listeners.

00:28:21

The Astronaut Stereotype and Samoans vs. Astronauts: A Sense of Humor Debate

Adam and Matt discuss the common stereotype of astronauts as arrogant and out of touch with social norms. They share anecdotes about their experiences with astronauts, including a negative encounter with Buzz Aldrin. They engage in a humorous debate about which group has a better sense of humor: Samoans or astronauts. They ultimately conclude that Samoans are funnier, while astronauts are often perceived as serious and lacking in humor.

00:33:20

The Justification for Hating Astronauts and The "Astronauts Kids" Podcast Idea

Adam and Matt continue their discussion about astronauts, arguing that their lack of humor and tendency to prioritize their careers over family make them deserving of criticism. They suggest that astronauts' children might have a different perspective on their fathers' heroism. Adam proposes a podcast idea centered around interviewing the children of astronauts, politicians, and other prominent figures. He believes that these children would offer unique and often critical perspectives on their parents' public personas.

00:35:16

Matt Walsh's Preference for Improv and Tyler Perry's "Can't Beat Lazy" Movie Title

A listener asks Matt Walsh about his preference for live improv performance versus scripted work. Matt expresses his enjoyment of the spontaneity of improv but also acknowledges the satisfaction of polishing and editing scripted work. Adam shares his idea for a Tyler Perry movie title: "Can't Beat Lazy." He critiques the formulaic nature of Perry's films and suggests that the title reflects his working process.

00:36:59

The Jimmy Kimmel Road Movie Pitch and The Ivan Reitman Road Movie Rejection

Adam pitches a road movie idea to Matt Walsh, starring Jimmy Kimmel and based on their shared experience of being fired over the same girl. He believes their chemistry would be ideal for the project. Adam reveals that he pitched the Jimmy Kimmel road movie idea to Ivan Reitman eight years ago, but it was rejected. He compares the experience to pitching a shammy idea to someone who is already developing their own shammy product.

00:38:57

The Challenges of Independent Filmmaking and The "Hammer" Movie's Success and Amazon Ratings

A listener asks Matt Walsh about his experiences with the post-production process of his film "The Hammer." Matt describes the frustrations and demoralization of navigating the independent film world, from securing funding to getting accepted into film festivals. Matt discusses the financial success of "The Hammer" and its positive reception from viewers. He expresses his frustration with the film's four-and-a-half-star rating on Amazon, arguing that the breakdown of reviews suggests it should be a five-star film.

00:47:10

The "Haters" and the Difficulty of Achieving Five Stars and The Sundance Rejection and the "Half a Fag"

Adam and Matt discuss the phenomenon of "haters" and how they can influence online ratings. They argue that it's nearly impossible to achieve a five-star rating on Amazon, even for films that are well-received. Matt shares his experience of being rejected from the Sundance Film Festival, claiming that the festival director was prejudiced against him. He criticizes the hypocrisy of those who preach tolerance while exhibiting discriminatory behavior.

00:49:08

Sundance Rejection and Comedy's Place and UCB's Indie Movie Release

Matt Walsh discusses his experience with Sundance Film Festival, where his comedy film was rejected. He believes the rejection was personal and criticizes the festival's focus on serious, heavy topics, arguing that comedies are often overlooked. Matt Walsh announces the upcoming release of "Wild Girls Gone," an indie movie made by the UCB theater group. He discusses the challenges of releasing a movie independently and the potential for success in a niche market.

00:53:49

The Harsh Realities of Hollywood and Buck Henry and "Coming to America" Lawsuit

Matt Walsh shares his experiences with Hollywood studios and their lack of transparency regarding DVD sales. He criticizes the industry's culture of deception and the difficulty for creators to get accurate information about their projects' performance. Matt Walsh discusses a lawsuit filed by Buck Henry against Eddie Murphy over the film "Coming to America." He questions the details of the lawsuit and the potential for Henry to have received compensation for his alleged contribution to the film.

01:00:19

The North Hollywood Bank Robbery and Wrongful Death Suit and Matt Walsh's Social Media and Merchandise

Matt Walsh discusses a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the LAPD by the mother of one of the perpetrators involved in the North Hollywood bank robbery. He explores the ethical complexities of the case, questioning the role of law enforcement in the aftermath of a violent crime. Matt Walsh provides his social media handles and information about his merchandise, including a double box DVD set of his early work with the UCB theater group.

01:03:10

John Holberg's Adam Corolla Impression and John Holberg's Dad's Career

Adam Corolla introduces a clip from a previous episode featuring John Holberg's impression of him. He discusses the difficulty of doing accurate impressions and the unique challenges of imitating his own style. John Holberg shares details about his father's career as a stadium builder. He recounts a humorous anecdote about his father's involvement in the construction of West Virginia Mountaineer Stadium.

01:07:23

John Holberg's Adam Corolla Impression (Part 2) and GoToMyPC Sponsorship and Shots

John Holberg performs his impression of Adam Corolla, which is praised by the other guests. They discuss the difficulty of capturing Corolla's unique cadence and delivery. Adam Corolla promotes GoToMyPC, a remote access software, and the group enjoys a round of shots. They discuss the challenges of working remotely and the importance of having access to office computers while on the go.

01:15:16

Sink Peeing on Planes and The Difficulty of Adam Corolla Impressions

Adam Corolla discusses the phenomenon of people peeing in the sink on airplanes, sharing his own experience of doing so on Jay Leno's private jet. He explains the challenges of using the bathroom in first class and the potential for encountering urine on the floor. Adam Corolla discusses the difficulty of doing accurate impressions of him, arguing that most people only capture certain aspects of his style. He believes that a perfect impression is nearly impossible to achieve.

01:19:52

Pain and Gain Movie Review and Indie Film Funding and Adam Corolla's Book and Toilet Seat Analogy

Adam Corolla discusses the movie "Pain and Gain" and his upcoming indie film project. He talks about the challenges of funding independent films and the potential for success through platforms like Indiegogo. Adam Corolla discusses the paperback release of his book "Not Taco Bell Material" and the controversy surrounding a joke about Jesus gouging the elderly. He uses the analogy of toilet seats versus toilet paper to illustrate the difference between long-lasting purchases and disposable items.

01:28:13

The Lazy Employee and the Locked Stage Door and The Nutrient Analogy and the Locked Stage Door (Part 2)

Adam Corolla recounts an experience with a lazy employee at a theater where he was performing. He criticizes the employee's lack of initiative and the growing apathy he sees in younger generations. Adam Corolla continues his rant about the lazy employee, using the analogy of "nutrients" to describe the perceived apathy and lack of ambition in younger generations. He criticizes the employee's inability to find the stage despite its obvious location.

01:34:20

Audible.com Sponsorship and Audiobook Experiences and Nervousness About Publishing and Family Reactions

Adam Corolla promotes Audible.com, an audiobook platform, and discusses his experiences recording audiobooks. He shares his preference for recording in his own studio and criticizes the awkwardness of recording in a professional studio with strangers. Adam Corolla discusses his nervousness about publishing his books and the potential reactions from his family. He reveals that his mother has not read either of his books and that he prefers to keep his family members in the dark about his work.

01:40:30

Mike August's Business Acumen and Locked Stage Door (Part 3) and Mike August's Cell Phone Etiquette

Adam Corolla discusses his ongoing frustrations with Mike August, his business manager, who he believes lacks understanding of human nature and the importance of customer service. He recounts multiple instances where August failed to address a locked stage door, despite being informed of the issue. Adam Corolla criticizes Mike August's cell phone etiquette, specifically his tendency to talk on the phone in windy conditions, making it difficult to hear him. He recounts an anecdote where August claimed to be in his car while still experiencing wind noise.

01:45:54

Olga's Birthday and Employee Appreciation and A Car for Olga

Adam Corolla discusses his wife's Guatemalan nanny, Olga, and her birthday. He expresses his appreciation for her work and his desire to give her a gift. Adam recounts a conversation with Olga, his employee, about her car. He realizes he has no memory of buying her the car, despite her insistence that he did. He attributes this to his tendency to block out positive experiences.

01:52:12

Indiegogo and the Hammer and Indiegogo with Brad Wyman

Adam discusses his experience trying to get his movie "The Hammer" made through traditional Hollywood channels. He encountered resistance and ultimately decided to fund the film himself through Indiegogo. Adam interviews Brad Wyman, a film guru at Indiegogo, about the platform's features and benefits. They discuss crowdfunding strategies, including setting goals, engaging fans, and building trust.

02:13:59

Indiegogo and the Future of Filmmaking and Baldy Wood Movie Review: 42

Adam and Brad discuss the potential for Indiegogo to revolutionize filmmaking by giving creators more control and allowing fans to be more involved in the process. They envision a future where fans can contribute to projects in meaningful ways, beyond simply buying tickets or DVDs. Brian Helgeland, a film critic, reviews the movie "42," a biopic about Jackie Robinson. He criticizes the film's pandering and insulting portrayal of Robinson, and compares it to the early work of Tyler Perry.

02:38:39

Anne Frank and the Person Who Dropped the Dime and Owning People

Adam expresses his anger towards the person who betrayed Anne Frank and her family, arguing that they are more culpable than the Nazis themselves. He believes that this person deserves to be punished for their actions. Adam discusses the concept of owning people, both literally and figuratively. He explores the ethical implications of such ownership and how it might affect the relationship between owner and owned.

02:44:55

Kobe Bryant's Injury and the End of an Era and Birth and Death: Jenna Bush Hager and Jonathan Winters

Adam discusses Kobe Bryant's Achilles injury and its potential impact on his career. He believes that Bryant's intensity and dedication to the game make it unlikely that he will continue playing at a high level after such a serious injury. Adam shares news of Jenna Bush Hager's new baby girl, Mila Margaret, and the death of comedian Jonathan Winters. He reflects on Winters' legacy as an improvisational comedian and his impact on the comedy world.

02:50:06

Mad Mad Mad Mad World

Adam praises the classic comedy film "Mad Mad Mad Mad World," highlighting its enduring quality and impressive cast. He compares it to his own upcoming film, "Road Hard," which he plans to fund through Indiegogo.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the Growl Classics podcast and how can I listen to it?

  Growl Classics is a podcast featuring best moments and fan-selected clips from the Adam Crowler Show. You can subscribe to the podcast on your preferred podcast platform.

• What are some of Matt Walsh's most notable roles in film and television?

  Matt Walsh is known for his roles in comedies like "The Hangover," "Old School," and "Role Models." He is also a member of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) and has guest-hosted episodes of "Love Line."

• Why do Adam and Matt believe that astronauts are often perceived as lacking in humor?

  Adam and Matt argue that astronauts are often seen as serious and out of touch with social norms, lacking the ability to laugh at themselves or engage in lighthearted banter. They believe that astronauts' experiences in space might make them feel superior or detached from everyday life.

• What is the "Astronauts Kids" podcast idea and why is it compelling?

  Adam proposes a podcast idea centered around interviewing the children of astronauts, politicians, and other prominent figures. He believes that these children would offer unique and often critical perspectives on their parents' public personas, revealing the human side of these figures and challenging their idealized images.

• What are some of the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, according to Matt Walsh?

  Matt Walsh describes the frustrations of navigating the independent film world, from securing funding to getting accepted into film festivals. He highlights the difficulty of gaining recognition and distribution for independent films, even those that are well-received by audiences.

• Why does Adam believe that "The Hammer" should have received a five-star rating on Amazon?

  Adam argues that the breakdown of reviews on Amazon suggests that "The Hammer" should be a five-star film. He believes that the film's high percentage of five-star reviews outweighs the lower ratings, and that the system should be more nuanced in its rating calculations.

• What is Adam's criticism of the Sundance Film Festival director's decision to reject "The Hammer"?

  Adam criticizes the Sundance Film Festival director for rejecting "The Hammer," claiming that the director was prejudiced against him. He highlights the hypocrisy of those who preach tolerance while exhibiting discriminatory behavior, particularly in the context of film festivals that are supposed to be inclusive and open-minded.

• What are some of the challenges Matt Walsh faced when releasing his indie movie "Wild Girls Gone"?

  Matt Walsh faced challenges with independent film distribution, including finding an audience and generating revenue. He also expressed concerns about the lack of transparency from studios regarding DVD sales.

• What is the significance of the lawsuit filed by Buck Henry against Eddie Murphy over "Coming to America"?

  The lawsuit highlights the potential for disputes over creative contributions in Hollywood, where creators may not always receive proper recognition or compensation for their work.

Show Notes