Mike Birbiglia + Michael Biehn (Carolla Classics)
Digest
This episode of "Cruel Classic Center Coast Superfay on Giovanni" features a compilation of highlights from the past 15 years of the "Cruel Classic" podcast. The episode begins with an interview with comedian Mike Birbiglia, where he discusses his career, his one-man show, and his new book "Sleepwalk with Me." Birbiglia also shares personal anecdotes about his sleep apnea and REM behavior disorder, including a story about jumping out of a hotel window while sleepwalking. The episode then transitions to an interview with Dr. Drew Pinsky, who is recovering from a serious illness. Adam Corolla interviews Dr. Drew at his home, discussing his recent illness, his experience on "Celebrity Rehab," and the importance of addressing mental health issues. The episode concludes with an interview with filmmaker Michael Bean, who discusses his new movie "The Divide," a post-apocalyptic thriller about seven people trapped in a bunker after a nuclear holocaust. Bean also shares his experiences directing his low-budget film "The Victim" and his passion for filmmaking. Throughout the episode, Adam Corolla and his guests engage in humorous banter, share personal stories, and discuss a wide range of topics, including the blue-collar hierarchy, the "dude like mentality" of cops, and the importance of parental responsibility in preventing violence.
Outlines
Introduction and Podcast Overview
The podcast introduces itself as "Cruel Classic Center Coast Superfay on Giovanni," a show that plays the best moments and highlights from the past 15 years of the "Cruel Classic" podcast. It also mentions companion podcasts and a YouTube channel.
Mike Birbiglia: A One-on-One Interview
Adam Corolla interviews comedian and author Mike Birbiglia, discussing his career, his one-man show, and his new book "Sleepwalk with Me."
Gas Station Food and the Mystery of its Appeal
Adam and Mike discuss the strange phenomenon of people eating at gas stations, despite the availability of better food options nearby. They explore the reasons behind this, including convenience, habit, and a perceived sense of value.
Mike Birbiglia's Sleep Apnea and REM Behavior Disorder
Mike discusses his sleep apnea and REM behavior disorder, explaining the symptoms and the potential dangers of the latter. He shares a personal anecdote about jumping out of a hotel window while sleepwalking.
The Mystery of "Joey Bag of Donuts"
Mike recounts a story about a nickname he received while working as a busboy, "Joey Bag of Donuts," and the fear he had of meeting the real person with that nickname.
Blue Collar Hierarchy and Intimidation
Adam and Mike discuss the hierarchy and intimidation that often exists in blue-collar workplaces, using examples from Mike's experience as a construction worker.
Comedy as a Sacred Order
The conversation starts with a discussion about comedy and how it's similar to a gang initiation. The speaker compares the experience of moving to New York and going to comedy clubs to the feeling of being hazed by experienced comedians.
Bedside Interview with Dr. Drew
Adam Crowell interviews Dr. Drew Pinsky, who is recovering from a serious illness. The interview takes place at Dr. Drew's home, and Adam makes light of Dr. Drew's 80s-style house.
Dr. Drew's Illness and Celebrity Rehab
Adam and Dr. Drew discuss Dr. Drew's recent illness, which he contracted while on a second honeymoon in the Caribbean. Dr. Drew explains that he was initially misdiagnosed with a tropical disease, but it turned out to be prostate cancer.
Celebrity Rehab and One-Uppers
Adam and Dr. Drew discuss the show "Celebrity Rehab" and the tendency of people to one-up each other, especially when it comes to personal tragedies. Adam shares a story about a woman on the show who was trying to honor the memory of her fiancé who died on 9/11.
God Shots and Closure
Adam and Dr. Drew discuss the concept of "God shots" in the recovery community, which are unexpected events that happen when someone is open to them. Adam shares a story about a woman on "Celebrity Rehab" who was trying to find closure for her fiancé's death.
The Makeup Lady and Her Dog
Adam shares a story about the makeup lady on "Love Line" who always brought her dog to work. Adam found it strange that she would apply makeup to celebrities while holding her dog in one hand.
Life Garrett and the Paraplegic
Adam and Dr. Drew discuss Life Garrett, a former rock star who was sued by his friend after he caused a car accident that left his friend paraplegic. Adam shares a story about how Life Garrett's friend was angry with him for stopping talking to him after the lawsuit.
Celebrity Rehab Cast Updates
Adam and Dr. Drew discuss the current state of some of the cast members from "Celebrity Rehab." They talk about Life Garrett, who is still struggling with addiction, and Jason, who is allegedly forbidding Adam from talking about his current state.
The Problem with Show Business
Adam and Dr. Drew discuss the difficulty of moving on from a career in show business. They compare it to sports, where athletes are forced to retire and find new careers.
Clint Howard and Modern Family
Adam and Dr. Drew discuss the career of Clint Howard, who has transitioned from acting to directing. They also talk about Julie Bowen, who was on "Love Line" and "Happy Gilmore."
A Costly Dinner and Lynette's Unexpected Intervention
Adam recounts a dinner with his wife and friend Daniel, where the bill reached $400. Lynette, Adam's wife, unexpectedly intervened, refusing to split the bill and insisting Adam pay the entire amount. Adam explains his financial situation and Lynette's past behavior, highlighting her tendency to make impulsive decisions.
Lynette's Past Behavior and the "Don't Have a Job" Speech
Adam shares a past incident where Lynette refused to pay a security guard hired for one of his shows, despite the fact that the company was covering the cost. This incident led to Adam giving Lynette his "Don't Have a Job" speech, which he has given her on multiple occasions.
Lynette's Unpredictable Nature and the "We Don't Have Money" Reminder
Adam clarifies that Lynette's outburst at the restaurant was completely out of character and he has no idea what prompted it. He emphasizes that they are not financially well-off and Lynette should be mindful of their spending.
The Dustbuster Gift and the "Even" Argument
Adam mentions that Lynette brought up a dustbuster he had gifted her for Christmas, suggesting they were "even" in terms of their spending. Adam uses this as an opportunity to reiterate their financial situation and the need for responsible spending.
A Cop Car Follows Adam Home and the "Booze, Man" Defense
Adam describes being followed by a cop car after leaving the restaurant. He explains that he had consumed two cocktails and finished Lynette's drink, but argues that he was not intoxicated due to the slow pace of consumption over several hours.
The "Technical Drink" Dilemma and the Cop's Hand Cup Test
Adam contemplates the legal definition of "having a drink" and the potential consequences of a breathalyzer test. He describes his anxiety about the cop's potential hand cup test and his attempt to discreetly drink water while being followed.
The Dealer Plate and the Cop's Recognition
Adam reveals that the cop pulled him over because his car had a dealer plate instead of a regular license plate. The cop recognized Adam and mentioned his wife being a fan of his podcast.
The "Bobo for a Sob" Story and the Mexican Barber Shop Encounter
Adam shares a humorous story about his Mexican barber, Oscar, who struggled to pronounce the word "Volvo" and instead said "bobo for a sob." He then recounts a similar encounter at the barber shop where another customer mentioned his wife being a fan of his podcast.
The Cop's Unexpected Leniency and the "Best Friend, Worst Enemy" Observation
Adam describes the cop's unexpected leniency in letting him go despite the license plate issue. He reflects on the unpredictable nature of cops and how their behavior can be influenced by personal connections or admiration.
The "Dude Like Mentality" and the Cop's Acknowledgement of Adam's Criticism
Adam discusses the "dude like mentality" of cops and how they often react to criticism by acknowledging it while simultaneously distancing themselves from the group being criticized. He believes this is a unique dynamic between men.
Adam's Illness and the Antibiotics Dilemma
Adam updates listeners on his illness, explaining that he is on antibiotics but still awaiting a firm diagnosis. He expresses concern for people in developing countries who may not have access to healthcare and could suffer longer from similar illnesses.
The Systemic Nature of Adam's Illness and the Comparison to Food Poisoning
Adam clarifies that his illness was not food poisoning, as it was too systemic and began quickly. He discusses the different types of food poisoning and their typical onset times.
The Shooting of a Congresswoman and the Brady Bill
Adam and his guest discuss the shooting of a Congresswoman and the potential long-term effects of her brain injury. They briefly mention the Brady Bill, a gun control law, and its connection to the shooting.
Adam's Death Threats and the "Freedom Doors" Story
Adam reveals that he has received death threats from a man who is now out of prison. He shares a story about his unlocked French doors and how he uses red paint to mark them as locked, as a way to ensure they are actually locked.
The Small Claims Lawsuit and the Psychotic Delusions
Adam recounts a bizarre small claims lawsuit filed against him by a man who claimed Adam had implanted devices in his teeth to control his thoughts. Adam describes his initial disbelief and the subsequent investigation that revealed the man's psychotic delusions.
The Importance of Parental Involvement in Mental Health
Adam argues that parents should be held accountable for their children's actions, particularly in cases of mental illness. He believes that parents should be prosecuted for manslaughter if their child commits a violent act due to untreated mental illness.
The Role of Parents as the Last Line of Defense
Adam emphasizes the importance of parents as the last line of defense against mental illness. He criticizes the media's focus on gun control and police response in mass shootings, arguing that the focus should be on parental responsibility and mental health treatment.
The Taboo of Mental Health and the Britney Spears Conservatorship
Adam criticizes society's reluctance to discuss mental health issues. He points to the Britney Spears conservatorship as an example of how parental intervention can save lives, but how this story is rarely discussed.
The Importance of Causational Medical Analysis in Violence
Adam argues that the focus on video games and political rhetoric as causes of violence is misguided. He emphasizes the need for a causational medical analysis, focusing on mental health as a primary factor.
The Proposal of Manslaughter Charges for Parents
Adam proposes that parents should be charged with manslaughter if their child commits a violent act due to untreated mental illness. He believes this would encourage parents to take responsibility for their children's mental health.
The Importance of Parental Responsibility in Society
Adam reiterates his belief that parents are the most important factor in preventing violence and societal dysfunction. He argues that government intervention and other measures are not enough to address these issues.
The Cycle of Screwed Up Kids and the Importance of Real TV
Adam discusses the cycle of "screwed up kids having screwed up kids" and the need for societal change. He also reflects on his early prediction of the rise of "real TV" and how it has become a dominant force in entertainment.
ProFlowers Sponsorship and Valentine's Day
Adam plugs ProFlowers, a sponsor of the show, offering a special deal on sweetheart tulips for Valentine's Day. He emphasizes the affordability of the offer and encourages listeners to take advantage of it.
Dr. Drew's Finale and Upcoming HLN Show
Adam promotes Dr. Drew's upcoming finale of his show and his new daily show on HLN. He reiterates his belief in the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need for societal change.
O'Reilly Auto Parts Advertisement
This segment is an advertisement for O'Reilly Auto Parts, highlighting their wide selection of parts and accessories, free battery testing, and helpful staff.
Michael Bean's New Movie: The Divide
Michael Bean discusses his new movie "The Divide," a post-apocalyptic thriller about seven people trapped in a bunker after a nuclear holocaust. He praises the ensemble cast and the intense, psychologically brutal story.
Michael Bean's Passion for Filmmaking
Michael Bean reflects on his passion for filmmaking, emphasizing his dedication to creating authentic and impactful stories. He shares his experiences with continuity and his early days in Hollywood.
Directing "The Victim"
Michael Bean details his experience directing his low-budget film "The Victim," highlighting the challenges of working with limited resources and a tight schedule. He emphasizes the importance of making creative decisions and trusting his instincts.
The Exploitation Movie Genre
Michael Bean explains his approach to making "The Victim" as an exploitation movie, focusing on elements like sex, violence, and dark humor. He emphasizes that the film is meant to be entertaining and not taken seriously.
"The Victim" Screenings and Release
Michael Bean announces upcoming screenings of "The Victim" in Kansas City and Los Angeles, highlighting the film's unique style and his confidence in its success.
Michael Bean's Future Plans
Michael Bean discusses his future plans, emphasizing his desire to continue making films and proving his ability to create successful projects with limited budgets.
Michael Bean's Advice and Humor
Michael Bean offers advice to listeners, suggesting they connect with Chris Titus and consider a Michael Bean workout cassette. He engages in humorous banter with Adam Corolla, discussing their shared experiences and perspectives.
The Hypothetical Road Trip Game
Adam Corolla and Michael Bean play a hypothetical road trip game, where they choose who they would rather drive cross country with from a list of quirky characters. They discuss their preferences and engage in humorous banter.
Hypothetical Question: Sex with the Most Hideous Person
The podcast discusses a hypothetical question: would you rather have sex with the most hideous person you work with and nobody knows, or never have sex with them but everyone thinks you did? The hosts explore the implications of this scenario, considering the social consequences and personal preferences.
Amazon Sponsorship and Movie Promotion
The hosts promote their movies and discuss their sponsorship with Amazon. They encourage listeners to purchase their movies on Amazon and use their provided link for credit.
Cologuard Test Advertisement
This segment is an advertisement for the Cologuard Test, a home-based colon cancer screening test. The ad highlights the benefits of the test, including its non-invasive nature, ease of use, and coverage by insurance.
Keywords
REM Behavior Disorder
A sleep disorder characterized by acting out dreams, often violently, due to a dopamine deficiency that prevents the body from becoming paralyzed during sleep.
Sleep Apnea
A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often caused by obesity and leading to snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Gas Station Food
Food served at gas stations, often perceived as cheap and convenient, despite being of lower quality than readily available alternatives.
Blue Collar Hierarchy
The social structure and power dynamics within blue-collar workplaces, often characterized by a strict hierarchy and intimidation of new workers.
Practical Joke
A humorous act intended to trick or surprise someone, often crossing the line into being cruel or insensitive.
Leptospirosis
A bacterial infection spread through contact with the urine of infected animals, often rats. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and vomiting.
God Shot
An unexpected event that happens when someone is open to them, often in the context of recovery. It can be a sign of progress or a moment of grace.
One-Upper
A person who tries to outdo others by sharing a more dramatic or impressive story. This can be seen as insensitive or attention-seeking.
Q&A
What is REM behavior disorder and how does it affect Mike Birbiglia?
REM behavior disorder is a sleep disorder where the body doesn't become paralyzed during sleep, leading to acting out dreams. Mike has this disorder and has experienced dangerous incidents, including jumping out of a hotel window while sleepwalking.
Why do people eat at gas stations when better food options are available nearby?
People eat at gas stations for various reasons, including convenience, habit, and a perceived sense of value. They may feel rushed, have a routine, or believe they are getting a good deal, even if the food quality is lower.
What is the blue-collar hierarchy like and how does it affect new workers?
Blue-collar workplaces often have a strict hierarchy where experienced workers intimidate and lord over new workers. This can involve practical jokes, testing, and a general sense of superiority.
What is Leptospirosis and how did Dr. Drew contract it?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with the urine of infected animals, often rats. Dr. Drew contracted it while on a second honeymoon in the Caribbean, likely from contact with contaminated water or soil.
What is a "God shot" in the recovery community?
A "God shot" is an unexpected event that happens when someone is open to them, often in the context of recovery. It can be a sign of progress or a moment of grace.
What is the problem with show business that makes it difficult for people to move on from their careers?
The problem with show business is that there is always the possibility of a comeback, which can prevent people from finding new careers or moving on from their past.
What is the current state of Life Garrett and Jason, two cast members from "Celebrity Rehab"?
Life Garrett is still struggling with addiction, while Jason is allegedly forbidding Adam from talking about his current state.
What is the difference between addiction and recovery?
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Recovery is the process of overcoming addiction or other challenges. It often involves therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes.
What is Adam's main argument regarding parental responsibility in cases of mental illness?
Adam believes that parents should be held accountable for their children's actions, particularly in cases of violence stemming from untreated mental illness. He proposes that parents should be charged with manslaughter if their child commits a violent act due to their failure to seek treatment.
Show Notes
#2 ACS #483 (feat. Dr Drew) (2011)
#3 ACS #537 (feat. Michael Biehn, Alison Rosen and Bryan Bishop) (2011)
Hosted by Superfan Giovanni
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