Digest

This podcast episode features a conversation between Mark Marin and Greg Fitzsimmons, two comedians with a long-standing friendship and shared history in the Boston comedy scene. They reminisce about their early days in the industry, the intense competition, and the unique nature of Boston comedy. They also discuss their personal journeys, including their struggles with addiction, the influence of their families, and the importance of finding their voices. The conversation touches on various themes, including the power of laughter, the challenges of navigating the comedy world, the importance of resilience, and the enduring power of human connection.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Boston Comedy Scene and Beyond

Mark Marin and Greg Fitzsimmons discuss their shared history in Boston comedy, including their early days in the industry, the intense competition, and the unique nature of Boston comedy. They reminisce about specific venues, bookers, and fellow comics, sharing humorous anecdotes and insights into the challenges and rewards of starting out in the industry.

00:00:36

The Power of Laughter and Finding Your Voice

Mark reflects on the importance of laughter and the joy he finds in being surrounded by funny people. He shares anecdotes about attending Dana Gould's birthday party, which was filled with comedic geniuses, and how he's learning to appreciate the humor of others even when it surpasses his own. Mark and Greg discuss their contrasting experiences with education and how it shaped their comedic voices. Mark, who grew up in a tough neighborhood, found rebellion and authenticity in comedy, while Greg, with a more privileged background, gravitated towards a more polished and intellectual style.

00:12:20

The Golden Age of Comedy and the Harsh Realities

Mark and Greg reminisce about the golden age of comedy in Boston, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and the shared experiences that bonded them together. They discuss the lack of social media, the prevalence of softball games, and the free-flowing booze, creating a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. They also discuss the harsh realities of the comedy scene, including the constant pressure to perform, the lack of support from management, and the competitive nature of the industry. They share anecdotes about their experiences with Robin Horton, a notorious comedy club owner, and the challenges of navigating the audition process.

00:28:11

Sobriety, Family, and the Legacy of Laughter

Mark discusses his journey to sobriety, highlighting the influence of his father's alcoholism and his own struggles with addiction. He shares his experiences with jail time, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of his journals in helping him stay on track. He also discusses his father's career as a radio personality in New York, highlighting his influence on his own creative aspirations and his understanding of the fickle nature of the entertainment industry. He shares anecdotes about his father's work, his struggles with addiction, and the lessons he learned from observing his career.

00:35:38

The Fear of Failure and the Importance of Perspective

Mark reflects on his 35-year career in comedy, acknowledging his ongoing fear of failure and his unhealthy relationship with money. He discusses the importance of resilience, the role of writing in his career, and his decision to never say no to an opportunity. He discusses his perspective on material possessions and the contrast between his own frugal lifestyle and the extravagant spending habits of some of his fellow comics. He shares his thoughts on the importance of financial responsibility, the joy of driving a Prius, and the absurdity of leasing expensive cars.

00:42:29

Depression, Connection, and the Art of the Intro

Mark discusses his struggles with depression and the importance of human connection in helping him manage his mental health. He acknowledges his tendency towards both depression and anger, and how he's learned to navigate these emotions through his work and his relationships. Mark and Greg discuss the challenges of introducing the next act in a comedy show, highlighting the delicate balance between being informative and engaging without being overly personal or offensive. They share anecdotes about their own experiences with intros, both good and bad, and the importance of finding a balance between humor and respect.

00:47:00

Self-Reflection, Resentment, and the Roots of Anger

Mark discusses the importance of self-reflection and the challenges of overcoming resentment in the comedy world. He acknowledges his tendency to compare himself to other comics and the need to manage his insecurities, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between competition and collaboration. Mark discusses the roots of his anger, attributing it to his relationship with his father and his own insecurities. He shares a memorable incident where he lunged at Greg in a bar, acknowledging his past struggles with managing his emotions and the importance of forgiveness.

00:52:47

The Call of Home, Family, and the Legacy of Laughter

Mark discusses his experiences traveling to Ireland, highlighting the sense of belonging he feels and the contrast between the Irish people he encountered there and the Boston Irish he initially feared. He reflects on the impact of oppression on the Irish community and the importance of celebrating their heritage. Mark shares his memories of marching in the St. Patrick's Day parade with his grandfather and the importance of family in his life. He discusses the legacy of his grandfather's laugh and the joy he finds in connecting with his Irish relatives, highlighting the enduring power of family and tradition.

00:57:07

Greg Fitzsimmons: Family, Comedy, and Mental Health

Greg discusses his family, including his mother's happy life after his father's death, his father's dementia, and his children's lives. He reflects on the importance of family and breaking the cycle of abuse and mental illness. Greg talks about his wife's role in his comedy and how he respects her by not denigrating her in his act. He discusses the importance of honesty and rawness in Jewish culture and how his wife embraces his humor. Greg shares his daily routine for maintaining mental health, including therapy, medication, meditation, exercise, and a conscious effort to avoid carbs. He discusses his experience with 12-step programs and his preference for therapy.

01:09:41

Comedy, Observation, and Kindred Spirits

Greg reflects on his long career in comedy and how he's developed an observational approach to the craft. He discusses the importance of finding comedians who can deliver the goods and how the comedy landscape has changed over time. Greg shares a heartwarming story about his friendship with Kevin Meaney, from their early days at a country club to their close bond later in life. He recounts his experience at Meaney's funeral and how it led to a brief relapse. Greg discusses his experience with edibles during the pandemic and how he eventually realized he was using them to cope with anxiety and laziness. He argues against the romanticization of weed and shares a humorous anecdote about his aunt's observation of his weed-induced state. Greg discusses his new special "You Know Me" and how his style of comedy resonates with a specific audience. He reflects on the jokes that didn't land as well, particularly those involving his sexuality and gun control. Marc Maron reflects on Greg's unique laughter and how it resonates with him. He discusses the challenges and complexities of having a close friendship with someone who is also a kindred spirit.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the dynamic between Mark Marin and Greg Fitzsimmons?

  Mark and Greg have a long-standing friendship that is characterized by a humorous intensity. Their conversations often involve a playful back-and-forth, with both men willing to push each other's buttons and challenge each other's perspectives.

• How does Mark Marin view the role of laughter in his life?

  Mark Marin believes that laughter is essential to his well-being and that being surrounded by funny people brings him great joy. He values the power of humor to connect people and to provide a sense of relief in difficult times.

• What are some of the challenges of starting out in the comedy world?

  Starting out in comedy can be a challenging experience, with intense competition, the pressure to deliver strong sets, and the need to develop a thick skin. Comics often face financial struggles, long hours, and the constant uncertainty of whether they will succeed.

• How has Mark Marin's relationship with his father influenced his own life and career?

  Mark Marin's father was a radio personality who struggled with alcoholism. This experience has shaped Mark's own understanding of addiction, the importance of self-awareness, and the need to find a balance between creative ambition and personal well-being.

• What are some of the key takeaways from Mark Marin's conversation with Greg Fitzsimmons?

  Mark and Greg's conversation highlights the importance of camaraderie, resilience, and self-reflection in the comedy world. They share their experiences with the challenges and rewards of the industry, the importance of finding your voice, and the enduring power of laughter and human connection.

• How has Greg broken the cycle of abuse and mental illness in his family?

  Greg has broken the cycle by being conscious of his own mental health struggles and making a conscious effort to raise his children differently. He has shown them that it's okay to cry, deal with depression, and not stigmatize mental illness.

• How does Greg's wife feel about his comedy?

  Greg's wife is very thick-skinned and comes from a culture that values honesty and rawness. She doesn't take his jokes personally and only watches him perform once a year.

• What is Greg's daily routine for maintaining mental health?

  Greg's routine includes therapy, medication, meditation, exercise, and a conscious effort to avoid carbs. He believes in taking responsibility for his mental health and actively working to manage his struggles.

• What is Greg's perspective on the comedy landscape and how it has changed over time?

  Greg believes that the comedy landscape has changed significantly, with less spontaneity and more predictability. He misses the days when comedians would lose their shit and create truly unexpected moments.

Show Notes