Fred Armisen | The Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan | FULL EPISODE 29

Neal Brennan interviews Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia, Documentary Now) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
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Fred's Blocks:
00:00 Intro
22:41 Relationships
26:50 Bands
42:35 Heights
49:59 Theater / Long Written Passages
57:08 Venues with the word comedy
1:05:05 Availability of Breakfast
1:12:55 Writing a full length movie
1:15:38 Closeness to other people
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nealbrennan.com for tickets to Neal's tour Brand New Neal
Watch Neal Brennan: Blocks on Netflix: www.netflix.com/title/81036234
Theme music by Electric Guest (unreleased).
Edited by Will Hagle
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Sponsors:
bluechew.com code NEAL for your first month free
GameTime App Code: BLOCKS for $20 off your first purchase

[@dano6306]

Fred is probably the only human with a resting “I’m about to do a bit” face… I can’t possibly take him seriously. If he was rescuing me from a car fire I’d keep waiting for the punchline. What a magnificent man.

[@Lu_Cidtrip]

Fred Armisen is one of my favorite people ever. He is a comedic genius. I LOVE YOU, FRED! thanks for being you

[@tonymarselle8812]

Yeah, what he did to Portland was top notch. It wasn’t a wonderful city that no one new about at all. And now it has definitely not been over run by crazy investors raising the prices and thousands of homeless junkies coming here to “retire” . Not his fault at all.

[@FPSJeremy]

1:09:32 "I'll drink coffee but, only if it's going to make me late for you." Proof Neal's brain is ALWAYS looking for the call back on a good bit. Fucking love it, dude.

[@ElonsDiamondMine]

Love that Fred didn't even catch it!

[@alvarezdalvarez5027]

Fred is mentally the healthiest guest that's been on this podcast

[@bizniskitty5138]

I sometimes feel disappointed when the guest doesn't have real blocks, but I'm very happy that Fred is doing great!

[@donniemoder1466]

Fred????? He is a mystery.

[@SEAsiaTraveler]

He totally deflected talking about his long history of problems with women. What did he do to succeed with Natasha Lyonne? Can he stop gaslighting/inflicting huge pain in future relationships?

[@theglowcloud2215]

@@SEAsiaTraveler why the fuck do you have this level of intimate knowledge regarding a celebrity's love life?

[@tonymarselle8812]

His eyes are vacant. This man is evil

[@evenleven]

Fred is a fascinating man. Comedically very unafraid.

[@tonymarselle8812]

Overrated unfunny hack is what you meant?

[@peachmelba1000]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite podcasts. Helps my neuroticism for real.

[@smileysspeakeasy]

I think about bands a lot, I’m hungry in the morning! Man this episode went deep😂

[@alanbevington4875]

Great interview! Hey, you should do one where you talk to him about his blocks!

[@tonymarselle8812]

You should interview one of his exes. They all say the same thing. He is a sociopath that cheats on all of them and tells them in a cold and horrible way to fuck off.

[@cloverg7]

obviously he admitted he wasn’t good at relationships, despite the pain he may have caused at least he is honest, self aware and getting better

[@publius9350]

​@@cloverg7so . . . a block?

[@mitmon_8538]

"Mi scusi, mi scusi." Euro Trip was my first intro to Fred Armisen. So hilarious! Then he popped up on Ron Burgundy with "yazz flute." These lines run through my head all the time. Edit: his last block of closeness to other people makes his character in Euro Trip even funnier now. That was the bit. Genius.

[@chrisray1567]

Holy shit, I didn’t realize the “mi scusi” guy was Fred Armisen! Chris didn’t know! Mind blown. I gotta rewatch Euro Trip again. Such a classic.

[@Neenerella333]

He's also the only one in the SNL Italian talk show sketch who is actually speaking Italian 😅

[@15jchilders]

My personal favorite is Fred's cameo on Barry. The character is so perfect for the balance of funny and seriousness.

[@brittanie777]

Fred CAN do drama. He was in that Amazon show “Forever” that had drama, and he was great

[@fancypants90210]

One of my dreams in this life is to see Fred Armisen walking around somewhere on a crowded street and yell "Cacao"!

[@JonathanHassingerChannel]

“You do the BLOCKS podcast. Jail.”

[@mzansin5]

🤣

[@freedom8288]

Perfect reference. Thank you.

[@gjVAallday]

You don’t do the BLOCKS podcast? Believe it or not, straight to jail.

[@H3H3HEE]

Is it me or does he seem like something pretending to be human

[@flashaxel]

Gold

[@LimitsGK]

The editors are killing it this week, as always.

[@tyson211]

I’m so excited, Fred always gives interesting interviews. He’s such a pleasant person that listening to him always puts me in a good mood.

[@patton303]

Tig Notaro was once my band manager in Denver back in the 90’s. She was a great band manager and by far the funniest person I ever knew. When she told me around 1998-ish that she was starting to do standup comedy, it made perfect sense. So she quit the music business.

[@infinitehush]

"you thought that *part* of it would be video" is so good. It seems like Fred's reaction to something being really funny is a brief acknowledging pause.

[@jeremiahmacclure]

I feel like this episode was more about Neal's blocks. Fred is great.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

For some reason I love people who take a weird route into comedy. Billy Connolly was the banjo player in a band, Phil Hartman used to design rock band album covers so I've always loved Fred

[@sharonshade4437]

I love the way comedians take mundane things like going to a CVS hysterically funny! 😂

[@KittiyKyat]

So so happy to see Fred in new interviews lately. I smiled through the whole episode.

[@femalehuman7074]

I legit about s*** myself laughing when Brennan said "The Cramps are going to Tulum."

[@rogersockwell]

I think the sheer number of ads during the podcast are actually a ploy to get at my own blocks around interruptions, delayed gratification, staying calm. Nice work, Neal...

[@frankwebster9110]

I finally broke down and got YT premium because of how many ads YT will force into podcasts etc. Somebody told me to try an ad blocker but, im too old to mess with that stuff. I stopped watching television about 20 years ago because of ads. I f**kin absolutely hate them.

[@kellietaylor9913]

From Webster too frank

[@TheAmazingSpaghetti]

Fred is top notch, one of the best ever.

[@sandrafry8268]

The fact Neal said as an adult we just sleep it off. I feel heard af.

[@justinclayton42]

Starting at 1:00:23: this bit is fascinating to me - two incredible artists with very very different brains, which leads to different approaches to how they construct their art. And that they can’t even conceive of how the other could do it any other way

[@jacquigonzalez5447]

The breakfast sketch: It doesn't matter what Fred is doing. He combo of silly and sexy makes him the most watchably entertaining human ever. I wish we were friends.

[@tanas9022]

I loved this one! You two have a great understanding of each other's humor.

[@esthertrueblood1925]

During Covid I watched everything I could find of Fred and everything he has been apart of, it really got me through! Loved him for years and LOVED watching everything he was associated with Thanks Fred ❤

[@nicklachen5060]

it took me an hour before I realized that Fred is playing this podcast as a skit

[@dm0016]

This was the best episode ever!! Fred is so great! Would love to see him in more things definitely movies

[@eweisenfeld3070]

I would LOVE to move to England. I love it there so much - the hiking, the vibe. etc.

[@heatherhellickson9166]

Love the show, watch regularly!! Worried about you Neal, take care, we need you ❤!!

[@lille-mary1517]

Great conversation to get to listen to. Thank you for another great (not too hysterical, not too loud, not scattered) pod with a comedian.

[@TOJralpheal]

Love Fred!!! So glad you did this!!

[@Ujabzaktok]

Love you Neal! This has been such a good episode so far.

[@MrFedX]

Such a good episode! I could listen to this for hours

[@floretionguru2977]

It's interesting that he mentioned he learned that sketches don't have to have punchlines. That was one of the big ideas Monty Python brought to TV.

[@gentlesoft6627]

Fred Armisen, breakfast enthusiast. Now that is a food show I would actually watch

[@billymurphy4800]

My appartment is full of marble columns thanks to this man. Thank you so much, they really work !

[@NotPorn]

2 Brilliant comedians! Really fascinating to watch.

[@janaadams7958]

Really enjoyed this episode. I totally understand Fred saying he is happiest in life right now (Sans marriage and the airplane boarding process 😜etc). I enjoy having peace at home, spending fun times with good friends, and exploring hobbies…..and definitely good comedy and music! I’ve had relationships and maybe I’ll have another one someday but I am the most content I’ve ever been. Enjoy your life Fred!

[@Usualeclectic]

Hearing Fred shoutout Tim Lowdecker made me sooo happy ❤they are hilarious together!!

[@nelson-haha89]

I identified with everything Neal said about breakfast/mornings. Breakfast food is excellent, but I don't even want to see it until like 11 am at the earliest.

[@catherinereynolds9644]

Fabulous conversation☮️💜🍿🍿✨

[@leekyoverhere]

Stumbled upon Portlandia back in its Netflix days and fell in love. Fred is one of the funniest people on the planet I think. Great interview

[@benjaminreichman1]

Tim Heidecker reference 4:11

[@kurtie6794]

Thank you - I saw the clip on Office Hours Live and wanted to find it but didn’t have the time to sit through the whole interview (might go back and watch later thou)

[@weirdloverwilde]

1:06:45 omg I burst out laughing THIS IS ME! I can’t order skip the dishes or door dash anymore 😭😭😭

[@MyAngrySanta]

Getting an ad for the Epoch Times offering a free magazine describing what Jan 6 was really about was the bow tying this whole thing together. Chefs kiss.

[@jennyjenilton]

Oh my goodness I love this man so much.. ❤

[@ConsciousConversations]

Love love love Fred!! Love this episode.

[@eriksoderberg4828]

Fantastic. Thank you.

[@JohnAquariusPodcast]

When fred came out in diapers in broad city i instantly became a fan and followed him to Portlandia. 🎶 The Dream of the 90's is Alive in Portland 🎶

[@AurelianLure]

The 1890s

[@bisqueknife]

This was quite funny. Great work team, we all helped with this one!

[@wanderingfool27]

Love Fred, great epp!

[@ADHDMartialArtsFiend-vw3fj]

Fred is the Johnny Depp of comedy sketches. He gets into the characters on another level

[@jonf2188]

i love fred. He is the best human

[@TheFartofGod]

N: "is it the best block in the history of blocks podcast..?" F: "Nnnnn-yes." 😂😂😂😂 that one got me

[@hugh_jasso]

Underrated Legend!!

[@iamtherapy2493]

Ooog this is going to be good...i love fred!

[@surfgator8294]

Love you both!

[@here7036]

That "you have to" Fred dropped was just mana from the heavens

[@KimKim-wu6xj]

Fred is my favorite!

[@tolasiwisa4322]

Great and funny interview! The CVS but 😂. The fear of heights is definitely a block 😩

[@TexRobNC]

This should be called Levels, because the audio level is all over the place from episode to episode

[@DaveyBooms]

The editor had fun. Thanks, so did I!

[@jjjjokok7132]

Love it 👌🏽

[@dubsbridge]

I really really really miss How Neal Feel. I feel robbed of the gift that is Bianca… BUT, this is great Neal, and you’re still The Man. Thank you.

[@susans654]

Neal: You started SNL in your late 30s? Fred: Uh, I was 34. Neal: Yeah, so late... Umm, I thought late 30s was 37-39 lol

[@laurieclark1156]

The theme song is a banger

[@MsWing-ij9nb]

Neal, mornings are my blocks, too 😅 no morning meetings for me, nope. Late morning writing ✍️ i can do...but only after I have had my tea and brekkie

[@KorbenDenver]

I love that you just pulled Frank Black out of the ether. Very nice!

[@Neenerella333]

That stopped me in my tracks too. I did not think Neal knew who Black Francis was.

[@zharriott2010]

Thanks for doing this Podcast Neal. It's become part of the weekly rotation. Is there any chance of Dave and/or Donnell on here?

[@Chillllllbruh]

I think we all know this whole podcast was made just to have Dave as the last guest.

[@Ottophil]

@@Chillllllbruhneal is the funny one

[@k.c.simonsen2]

@@Chillllllbruh yeah if he's not then what're we doin here

[@MARLEN446]

Donnell would be bomb on here

[@KatyWithAWhyyy]

I thought it was a hilarious and maybe accidental gag to have Dave....Letterman as the first guest. I def expected Chappelle to be the first.

[@billbatten5183]

Neal's mornings are the same as mine....no food, the urge to go bak to bed for the first few hours after waking, general slow walking it until I've had enough time, space and coffee to get on with the day. So there's that

[@gentlesoft6627]

When you get mugged there's a couple moves you could do

[@GodsNode]

I love this and Fred. 0 blocks but still lmao

[@teejuschrist]

Heidecker would be an awesome guest on the show

[@XtraContent]

Natasha was the one to ask about Fred’s blocks

[@TheCoz27]

i had no idea how incredibly funny and talented fred was until portlandia

[@tonymarselle8812]

You are everything wrong with this world. He took a beautiful and unique place and mocked it. Creating a false narrative about Portland that has led to prices skyrocketing to the point that it unaffordable. The homeless boom started immediately after this show. Losers from all over started coming here by the thousands to “retire” Fred did this. We protested when the show started. Literally saying this would happen. But we were called hippies and freaks by Hollywood and exploited by this rapist.

[@KatherineGrace75]

The impromptu room service bit was LOL

[@demitasse22]

Yeah! You did indeed call out Tig as top 3 with a bit. I’m gonna rewatch the tig one now. First 5 minutes was A++++++

[@brookygamesvr]

SF Golden Gate Bridge is like a high rise without the windows to keep you inside. It’s a great bike ride though.

[@mistercrinkles]

Love that Fred gave praise to Tim Heidecker

[@carianoff]

This was exhausting riffing, it needed a laugh track. And a few actual Blocks. Also a guest who actually wants to open up and get vulnerable.

[@justnski]

I'm so on the same page: love anything from the UK and miss Canadian drug stores when I travel.

[@ryanthomas5507]

Fred rules!

[@Ghoulwood]

great vid kids!

[@k.c.simonsen2]

Editing a bleep over Neal's age was so funny.

[@user-mo9st2xv2u]

I'm chasing a woman I've known for 12 yrs, she's been in a open relationship with someone I introduced her to 11 yrs ago, I've been a terrible co parenting relationship with a pill junkie for the last 7 yrs. I'm getting beat up by all of it...I'm stuck.

[@Burn594]

What's the name of the song at the end of the show? I like!

[@ReginaCioffi]

Is Rick Glassman in our future?

[@jackdaw99]

Oh damn please let this be the case

[@christophernaze]

I'm just like Fred. Terrified of heights, love to fly.

[@johanvoellner1849]

this guy interviewing is all over the place, very fragmented and anxious mind.

[@danroberts6732]

7th or 8th comment here?! 🤔 🎉 🥂 😂 Either way, thanks for this (and your other) shit Neal. Insightful and thought provoking guests. Keep it up. Love from London ✌️

[@KatyWithAWhyyy]

"Availability of breakfast"...really?? Neal I was counting on you to call bs on most of these. Fred is smart and understood the assignment he just wasn't comfy sharing. THAT'S the block.

[@charlesnelthorpe9252]

yeah, that's the joke. this isn't rocket surgery its pretty obvious stuff.

[@jthompson5341]

Fred Armisen and I, have something in common. BANDS!

[@jonm.3133]

This was the best episode ever. Huge fan of both men. When they riff off of each other, there's nothing funnier. I didn't get the bleeping of the age, though. Neal is 49 and Seth Meyers is 49. Fred guessed Neal and Seth were the same age, and Neal said "No." What am I missing?

[@gilharris6900]

one of neal's blocks ✌️

[@jonm.3133]

@@gilharris6900 Yes! You cracked the code!

[@elconquistador364]

So,he's a woman?

[@Cool_Deena]

Thought Fred would get into some big juicy blocks but didn’t work out that way. Still a cool guy and good guest.

[@k.c.simonsen2]

It's really funny that Fred is making the rounds on a bunch of podcasts to promote ...nothing.

[@susans654]

I cracked up when he was promoting his show "Forever" on talk shows because he said he couldn't really tell anyone about it because it would give away the whole show. He wasn't wrong. But it was pretty funny when he was asked about it and he'd say I can't tell you but I really hope everyone will watch it.

[@rettahbful]

The Europe cvs riff is hysterical.

[@hbrien]

Just one more!!!!!!