Robert Smigel | Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan

[@joecrowaz]

This is the greatest podcast.... FOR ME TO POOP ON!!

[@jimmyblood3416]

I keed! I keed!

[@quietzone1313]

This is the podcast I’ve been waiting for. Smigel is the most under-the-radar, underrated comic in the last 50 years.

[@mattmays9063]

You're not wrong! :)

[@TeddScheckler]

Yeah, if he could only get a gig at a hugely famous and popular tv show. Oh well…

[@ScarletBrotherhood]

Indeed. He's not a face. But boy that hand. Up there with Kermit & Grover.

[@jnnx]

Your MOTHER is the most under-the-radar, underrated comic in the last 50 years, TREBEK!

[@BildinARD]

You left your comment in here FOR ME TO POOP ON!

[@TokenKnoll]

Thank you for someone finally bringing an OG of comedy in the late 90’s and 2000’s. He is an amazing writer and performer. It’s criminal he’s not being given more love.

[@pygmalionga529]

This man is full of love.

[@jonceramic]

Genuinely the best one I've seen so far. Grew up watching the Smigel era SNL and the early Conan and now understanding who this person who made me laugh week after week was and the kind of human he is... hot damn. Even watching Hotel T with my early teen kids. Thank you Smigel.

[@spidrawebster]

Man, I wish it had gone for at least another hour. I think Smigel's humility keeps us from getting a good in-depth look at him. And unlike a number of people in show business, he really is worth the look because it's clear he's a caring well-rounded human being who wants to do good in the world and also be one of the funniest fuckers ever.

[@jesseharradine9861]

The clip edits on this pod are spectacular. Adds so much. Props to the editor or whoever does it

[@drinkmorecocacola]

A gardener does it.

[@Nevernowaynope]

Smigel, you are a King of Kings. Your love for your family is so powerful, it actually supercedes your AMAZING resume, which is rarified air. Respect and Thanks.

[@benleach5534]

There was a period where I got really ill in my teens in the late 1990s/early 2000s, and laughter truly was the best medicine. And I didn't realize at first that everything that made me laugh the hardest - Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, TV Funhouse, Clutch Cargo segments on Conan - were all emerging from the same person. Then I started looking up everything he had worked on, and he's probably responsible for the greatest quantity of laughter over the course of my lifetime. I've been loving this podcast so an episode like this is a dream come true!

[@quietzone1313]

@@benleach5534 When our dog had to be put to sleep a couple of years ago, the only thing that could take the heaviness out of the house was Triumph. We watched Triumph on a nonstop loop for a few days. I tweeted this to Smigel at the time, thanking him for his humor during a difficult moment, and he responded so graciously. What a guy.

[@sarahtiferet9025]

When I saw Smigel was on this show I've rarely clicked on a link so fast !!! What a relief to find out the man who gives me those deep belly laughs and is hysterical, brilliant and a mensch ( I'm a Special Education Teacher ) I'm inspired

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

Finally someone who not just knows how to be funny, but also is funny

[@ReginaCioffi]

My only child is a bit younger that Robert’s son. Similarly affected. Had some of the same therapists. I have never met him, but my admiration for his family is endless.

[@hesimplywillnotdie]

"Which button do you press to have your mom come pick you up?" from the Star Wars premiere still makes me laugh

[@grahamrushall6044]

Love these guys. Smigel is such a good dude. Need more people like him in the world.

[@patrickharrison4763]

Hard to make Neal genuinely laugh and he nails numerous times in the first minute. Legendary

[@thedarkenergist]

Love me some Smigel. I try very hard to pull some nuggets out of every episode because they're there. "Your life is not always for yourself" is so simple and beautiful, and something it's taken me nearly 3 decades to realize. Thanks for another good one, Neal.

[@pendragon6207]

Having kids tend to drive that point home rather quickly, from my experience ^^ But it's definitely one of those that usually requires time to mature and sink in.

[@thedarkenergist]

@@pendragon6207 Yeah, having my first son a few months ago definitely helped it click for me.

[@ryanh572]

smigel is just a good dude. the emotion when he speaks of his kids is wonderful to see. also responsible for much laughter between sips of mt dew and mouthfuls of doritos when i was a child. long live Smigel

[@Sugarbear3000]

I love when Neal was asking about balancing ethics with ambition and whether or not that is "solvable". Smigel saying.. I'm not sure about solvable but I think it's human, and we can forgive ourselves. Sometimes everything isn't a problem to be fixed. We'll get there slowly.. or we won't. But forgiveness is crucial.

[@mrb6309]

Now I know why I've had an affinity to Smigel's material; the dude is a real human being. Please have him on more. Wow I loved this episode. More!!! More people like Smigel.

[@sarahtiferet9025]

One of my VERY FAVORITE Comedians and to know he's such a soulful , kind, smart human being . Love him

[@jjmini]

Love Smigel so much. Thank you for another great episode Neal

[@PaperHamburgers]

Robert Smigel had a hand in everything I loved when I was growing up and now I feel so lucky my children get to experience his genuinely hilarious children’s movies. Kids need great writers too thank you so much! Many a night my sanity was preserved by a great family movie night with hotel Transylvania.

[@Soberdrummer321]

Fucking love Smigel, thank you for having him on, never knew that about his son

[@christinakoch5697]

He is a phenomenal talent! Triumph the Insult Comic Dog makes my heart smile. Smigel deserves his flowers, and I am glad to be living at the same time as this guy!

[@Don-OLDandJDareWEIRD]

Yes! Tv funhouse is the all time best content

[@DailySource]

The ex presidents cartoons were amongst the funniest stuff of the last 40 years. The ambiguously gay duo was also funny.

[@delataylor]

It's funny hearing the voice behind Triumph being the most lovely human.

[@drinkmorecocacola]

It’s funny that the only funny thing we could find is what this guys comment was about. Using the hashtag comedy is a leap

[@ken-e-ken]

Not only is Smigel a great comic writer and performer…he’s an amazing human being. In the back half of this interview he talks about balancing his professional ambition with his love for his family. The way he talks about loving his kids and wife so deeply is very touching.

[@jackdaw99]

Finally, the GOAT. Bow to Smigel 👑

[@chipperwhale]

Smigel is a genuinely funny and kind human being. Just hearing his voice makes me happy. Thank you for this interview. Wish he was my dad.

[@DailySource]

So true he is very kind. That’s likely why he dislikes Trump so much because Trump is the polar opposite. His multiple lengthy takedowns of Trump this year have been hilarious.

[@pendragon6207]

Robert Smigel is an international treasure, protect that man at all costs.

[@katielizsmith]

Re: Shatner after going to space - I thought the EXACT same thing!! So happy to hear someone (who is smarter than I am) say it too ;)

[@TwoWrights]

I’d love to see Downey on Blocks.

[@jenm4937]

Wow, really great episode. Don’t know what to expect going in but this was just lovely. Very glad I watched.👍🏽

[@fmsolee]

I love Brennan. When he sees someone like smigel describe pure bliss, his reaction of not having ever felt it, is very sweet. It's very Brennan.

[@haze1123]

Smigel is one of my heroes. 👍👍👍

[@AaronBowley]

i've always wanted to know more about smigel! so glad you had him on!

[@cammoon1]

One of, if not the best episode you’ve done. Always really liked Smigel but have a whole new appreciation for him as a person. Loved this.

[@poxx3916]

We need more people like Robert in comedy. Tons of talent with no ego problem. What a good Dude

[@timmalone1534]

One of the best Blocks so far along with Judd Appatow. Legends of comedy but genuinely wonderful guys

[@Fryether]

As a father of a nonverbal autistic son, it was nice to hear about one of your comedy idols struggling with the same things you are struggling with. I wonder if Robert ever bonded with Sylvester Stallone at all over having a high needs autistic son as Sylvester does too.

[@Plasticjesus504]

"We value success disproportionately." That one hit pretty hard and it is very fucking perverse.

[@canna-comedyculture5790]

TV Funhouse was the best. I always loved the mouth cut out bits on Conan, too. Didn't know that was him. He sounds like one of the healthiest people you have had on your show.

[@yeosucarly]

Thanks to KZbin I get to hear Robert Smigel talk long form and I listen to every single one that's available.

[@AnnabelleLeeTx]

I'm watching this again right after seeing it. So full of great stories and insights. Thanks for this show and thank you Robert Smigel

[@akivafox3588]

One thing he gets that not a lot of people in entertainment do: achievements are dessert, but relationships are the meal.

[@gmartin167]

Startin' to realize Neal's recall of sketches is damn near Rain Man level. Very impressive!

[@toastedjoe1013]

Chappelle did say that Neal made him go to K-Mart for underwear.

[@billowandbethany]

Smigel is one of the funniest people ever to do it. Awesome he got into such high profile gigs, given how gleefully subversive his work is. His snl material, particularly Saturday TV Funhouse, was revelatory for me in the late 90’s. I was always blown away by the hilarity/audacity (Jokamel, Conspiracy Theory Rock, Fun with Real Audio, etc). Was also watching Space Ghost Coast 2 Coast at the time, but I feel like Smigel’s cartoons kinda presaged a lot of the later adult swim stuff. Also Wonder Showzen abit.

[@alistercaddy1208]

Watching this guy speak with so much genuine humanity and good humor makes me really appreciate how great Bert Kreischer is...for me to poop on!

[@OFR]

How can you not love this man?

[@Adriana-eu6ty]

Wow, Robert has a beautiful soul ❤

[@mikesanborn4541]

What a genuine and kind person.

[@TrylleBanjo]

Robert Smigel is one of the GOATs. Horns up!

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

Smigels father is the Beatles of cosmetic dentistry. No joke. Oppenheimer of cosmetic dentistry. Dude changed so many smiles and mouths.

[@christophercomrie8187]

I don’t want to know what my world be like without Robert Smigel.

[@SuburanRosa]

TV Funhouse 🥰 I would stay up til the end of the show for those skits. I had no idea he did so much.

[@WelfareChrist]

Jack handy is one of those writers whose jokes not only really spoke to me as a child but still hold up today as an adult - very rare in the joke writing world

[@cdawg_sf]

The ability to say: “creatively it was the happiest time of my life” is something you can’t put a price on. As fans, we got to enjoy the laughs.

[@kuukeli]

great one

[@steveflor9942]

Since you ask, Triumph.... If I could get it up, I would lean on it! 😁

[@iamflipachip]

43:21 Pretty sure that's Laurie Metcalfe not Lori Jo Hoekstra.

[@larscholagh4558]

Thank you Robert for representing fathers like us here today. And thank you for the hours of laughter!

[@alsguitars5127]

Damn you Neal for saying “Doooole”. I had to look those up again and now I’ll be saying it for a week straight. Smigel is hilarious.

[@YouArentAlone8]

This is going to be one of the best ones yet🤣🙏

[@archangel1of7]

I learn something valuable every single episode of this podcast. Thank you

[@rizwanomar6602]

I always understood 'who' Smigel was. His genius was always apparent. But for some reason, he always came across as arrogant in the interviews he did. I was grossly mistaken. I did not see the humility and grace. I've been a fan since 1993, and at age 47, I have finally fallen in love with Robert Smigel. Thanks Neal Brennan.

[@BrianVarvaro]

Having been born in 1988, my childhood is full of TV and movie memories that, in hindsight, were created by Neal and Robert. It's awesome to see them together. Also, at 43:22 - that's Norm with Laurie Metcalf (from Roseanne and the Norm Show), not his assistant Laurie Jo

[@Rhinosaurjr]

I’ve liked a lot of these podcasts, I’m going to keep watching!

[@MarkHatlestad]

Such a great interview

[@SolidTryThough]

Top comedy writer over the last 100 years. No question.

[@_not_person_]

Absolutely beautiful

[@qjc1142pigs]

It was a Laurie in the picture who worked with norm, it was just Laurie Metcalf. Felt like mentioning this for posterity. Great interview as always!

[@maryparkis6991]

I think his humility is the secret to his longevity. The fact that Lorne Michaels trusted Smigel to “surprise him” say everything. Just one of the all-time funniest dudes.

[@johnnyw525]

Loved this. Not necessarily a fan of all of his work, but it's so nice to hear someone talk about how we have lost sight of people being there for each for the sake of it... Not for the likes. For the video. For the social media of it all.

[@dspiffy]

There's a case to be made that Smigel is the greatest comedy writer of all time

[@ingridnilsen9126]

very excited to watch this

[@tcamillesmith]

What a wonderful, grounded person. :)

[@andygonsalves2000]

Fantastic interview! DOLE!

[@maroosk]

Stop making me bawl my eyes out in happiness! Lollll , very awesome feeling, thank you.

[@user-xe7um4pv8i]

This was great. Would love to see an episode with Mike Judge.

[@briangrant2426]

Love your podcast Neal! Great episode!

[@olivergutierrez4055]

Great episode. Amazing. Message . I love his work on the daily show and on Conan happy to see Smigel mention Mr.Met. Go Mets !

[@leroygrande8620]

This is THE BEST thank you Neil!

[@N3XUSP0LARIS]

The Jack and Triumph show looks AMAZING! Why haven't i ever heard of it?

[@Truth8Hurts]

This is a wonderful Podcast. Smigel is so interesting. Here is this really thoughtful man talking about his joys and hardships as a father and then his character Comic the insult Dog who is just brutal with his comments.

[@erictheded]

Smigel is one of the best creative minds in a long time.

[@carahowell4260]

Great guest!!!! ❤❤❤

[@bplus2932]

haven't clicked a link fast enough.

[@patrickblakethesaint]

Right? Same here! ❤

[@JulieGraceImmink]

Great episode

[@Sangria]

Great episode. Smigel's a good dude and a great father

[@graphicvisions]

That first 2 minutes was amazing😂

[@Football__Junkie]

The writing team of Downey, Smigel, and Jack Handey were the pinnacle of sketch comedy. The fake commercials and Deep Thoughts were my favorite.

[@rebeccao8895]

I adore Smigel!

[@meandave]

Great episode. Love Smigel the brilliant comedic mind, love Smigel the human being even more. And Triumph is the best...for me to yada yada.

[@Sugarbear3000]

Some real gems. Definitely relate to.. I've never been good at compartmentalizing the hyper vigilant stuff.

[@josephballerini3730]

What a great guy. Very gracious and didn't get his plugs in till the very end so I'm going to make it a point to check his stuff out. Didn't touch upon his father, a very consequential man in the world of dentistry. The father of cosmetic dentistry in many ways.

[@timothysampson9496]

“Which one of these buttons do you press to get your mom to come pick you up?” Was a line from that Triumph sketch that made me lose it.

[@jtolech]

I have to constantly take breaks from this podcast, so that I can rewatch all the skits that they are referencing. I should finish the interview by tomorrow afternoon.

[@josef2012]

Great guy with a big heart 🙏💗

[@TheCompleteJeff]

Triumph triumphs with his first joke!

[@BIGHOMIEBUBBA]

Triumph used to make me and my dad laugh so hard back in the day