Logo
    Search podcasts and episodes

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Business Growth with Squarespace Insights and Home Project Assistance from FergusonSquarespace Insights offers valuable analytics for business growth while Ferguson provides expert assistance for home projects

      Both Squarespace and Ferguson offer valuable tools and expertise for businesses and home projects respectively. For those using Squarespace, Insights analytics can help grow your business by identifying top keywords, popular products, and effective marketing channels. Meanwhile, Ferguson's team of experts can assist with product selection, order facilitation, and delivery coordination for homebuilders, remodelers, designers, and homeowners. Rodney Dangerfield, a comedian discussed in the podcast episode, was known for his "no respect" shtick, which unfortunately was not far from reality in his personal life. This episode was recorded live at the LA Podcast Festival, and listeners are encouraged to check out Squarespace for a free trial and use the offer code STUFF for a 10% discount. Ferguson can be accessed at Ferguson.com/build.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's personal struggles fueled his comedic careerDespite his jester persona, Rodney Dangerfield faced significant personal challenges, including abandonment by his father and neglect by his mother, which fueled his comedy and contributed to his authentic performances.

      Rodney Dangerfield, despite his public persona as a jokester, faced significant challenges and hardships in his personal life. Born to a vaudevillian father who abandoned him and a depressed, neglectful mother, Rodney was largely left to raise himself from a young age. He spoke openly about the emotional and physical pain he endured, which fueled his comedic career. A notable example is the story of him being stopped on the way to perform at his own club, Danger Fields, and being asked for an autograph and some butter. This incident, and others like it, demonstrate the respect he earned from his peers in the comedy world, despite his public image as a "comedian's comedian." Additionally, Rodney's childhood experiences left him feeling unloved and unsupported, leading him to take on jobs like delivering groceries to his classmates and even writing about his experiences as a "male prostitute" in his autobiography. These challenges contributed to his inner pain and the authenticity of his comedic performances.

    • From Pain to Comedy: Rodney Dangerfield's JourneyRodney Dangerfield transformed his painful experiences into a successful comedy career by writing jokes at a young age, performing at Catskills resorts, and selling jokes to established comedians. His unique perspective and talent for comedy helped him overcome adversity and leave a lasting impact on audiences.

      Rodney Dangerfield turned his painful experiences into a successful comedy career. He began writing jokes at a young age and sold them to established comedians. With a duffle bag full of thousands of jokes, he could tell over 300 in a single hour-long set. He got his big break at age 19, working for 12 bucks a week at a Catskills resort. Simultaneously, he worked as a singing waiter at the Polish Falcons nightclub. Despite the hardships, Rodney's ability to transform pain into humor made him a comic genius. His jokes, while funny on the surface, often held deeper sadness. For instance, his joke about his mom never breastfeeding him, while amusing, held a sad undertone when considering the pain behind it. Ultimately, Rodney's unique perspective and talent for comedy helped him overcome adversity and leave a lasting impact on audiences.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's two attempts at comedyRodney Dangerfield's second attempt at comedy, fueled by desperation and the development of a unique character, ultimately led to his success. He adopted the name 'Rodney Dangerfield' which was not originally his.

      Comedian Rodney Dangerfield's career was marked by two attempts – the first at a younger age when he struggled to find his comedic identity, and the second when he was older and more desperate, which led to the development of his iconic persona. In his early years, Dangerfield was a competitive diver who married a jazz singer and moved to New Jersey. He quit comedy at age 28 and didn't perform again until age 41. When he returned to comedy, he had a new approach – adopting a character and persona that resonated with audiences. This period saw the rise of character comedians like Andrew Dice Clay, Ronnie Dangerfield, and Emo Phillips. Dangerfield legally changed his name to Jack Roy and performed under that name for a while before adopting the stage name Rodney Dangerfield, which had been used by a Jack Benny character. The unexpected twist in his story is that the name Rodney Dangerfield was not originally his, but borrowed from another comedian. This second attempt at comedy, fueled by desperation and the development of a unique character, ultimately led to his success.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's Unconventional Origins and Career BreakthroughRodney Dangerfield overcame unexpected challenges, including the origin of his stage name and personal struggles, to establish a successful comedy career and open his own club for balance.

      Rodney Dangerfield's comedy career took an unexpected turn when he discovered the origin of his stage name, which was inspired by Jack Benny's character decades earlier. Despite initial confusion, the two comedians later reconciled and became friends. Rodney Dangerfield's big break came in 1967 when he was booked on Ed Sullivan's show as a placeholder and impressed the audience and host, leading to numerous late-night appearances. Despite his controversial humor and heavy marijuana use, he gained the support of influential comedians and tastemakers. Facing the risk of neglecting his own children, he made a bold decision to open his own comedy club in New York City with borrowed money, allowing him to balance his career and family life. This determination and unique approach to balancing personal and professional commitments set him apart in the comedy world.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's Risky Ventures: Comedy Club and MoviesRodney Dangerfield's courage to start his own comedy club and later pursue acting against odds led to his success and the launch of many famous comedians' careers.

      Rodney Dangerfield, despite facing financial struggles and skepticism from others, took a huge risk by starting his own comedy club, Dangerfield's, in New York City in 1975. This decision paid off as the club became successful and launched the careers of many famous comedians, including Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Jim Carrey, and Jeff Foxworthy. Later in his career, Dangerfield decided to try his hand at making movies, but found it to be a challenging experience as he was used to performing live in front of audiences. Despite this, he persevered and eventually found success with the movie "Catty Shack," thanks to the guidance of director Harold Ramis. In summary, Rodney Dangerfield's courage to take risks and support upcoming talent, both in comedy and film, led to his enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.

    • Dangerfield's on-stage neatness contrasted with his disdain for fashion in real lifeRodney Dangerfield's unique comedic persona was built on the contrast between his off-stage discomfort with neatness and fashion and his on-stage appearance as a well-dressed, polished comedian, contributing to his enduring appeal and success in comedy.

      Rodney Dangerfield's comedic persona was shaped by his discomfort with neatness and fashion, which contrasted with his on-stage appearance as a dapper, well-put-together comedian. This dichotomy, showcased in his famous red tie and black suit, became a defining aspect of his act. In real life, Dangerfield expressed his disdain for clothes and fashion, but for his performances, he adopted a more polished look to connect with audiences. This paradoxical persona contributed to his enduring appeal and success in comedy. Additionally, the discussion touched on Dangerfield's impact on films like Caddyshack and his appearance in the Academy Awards. The podcast recommendation, "The Message," was also mentioned, focusing on a team trying to decode a message from outer space.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's unconventional career path from vaudeville to filmRodney Dangerfield's career took off later in life, starting as a vaudevillian, transitioning into film, and becoming a legitimate movie star with 'Easy Money' and 'Back to School'.

      Rodney Dangerfield's unconventional career path, which included starting as a vaudevillian and transitioning into film, led him to write and star in the movie "Easy Money" in 1983. The film, which was critically acclaimed despite its unconventional structure, showcased Dangerfield's comedic talents and allowed him to play against type as an Italian-American drunk pothead, baby photographer. Despite the movie's slow start, it gained momentum and became a commercial success, making Dangerfield a legitimate movie star. In 1986, he returned to his roots and went back to school in the hit movie "Back to School," which was inspired by his own life and experiences. Dangerfield's career took off later in life, and he became a favorite comic among college students in the 1970s, even hosting Saturday Night Live at the age of 59. Despite his edgy and hilarious stand-up comedy, his movies, such as "Back to School," showcased a different side of his talents and solidified his place in Hollywood.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's Self-Deprecating HumorRodney Dangerfield's comedy was rooted in self-deprecation and bizarre humor, making him a beloved figure in stand-up and acting with his unique delivery and famous lines like 'I get no respect'.

      Rodney Dangerfield's comedy was rooted in self-deprecation and bizarre humor. He was known for his jokes about himself and his family, often playing the role of the loser. His humor was not mean-spirited, but rather reflected his own perceived inadequacies. One of his most famous jokes was "I tell you, my wife can't cook at all. How can toast have bones?" He also had a unique style of delivery and was known for his classic line, "I get no respect." In the 1980s, he transitioned from stand-up comedy to acting and even appeared in Miller Lite beer commercials. His self-deprecating humor continued to shine through in his acting roles and in his personal life. Rodney Dangerfield's comedy left a lasting impact on audiences and continues to be celebrated today.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's Diverse CareerRodney Dangerfield was more than just a comedian, he rapped, wrote books, produced and wrote movies, had a live Broadway show, and received critical acclaim for a controversial role in Natural Born Killers.

      Rodney Dangerfield, despite his comedic persona of being misunderstood and undervalued, had a diverse and impressive career that extended beyond his stand-up comedy and film roles. He rapped, wrote books, produced and wrote movies, and even had a live Broadway show. His impact on pop culture was significant, with his catchphrase "I don't get no respect" becoming a common expression. However, one of his most notable roles was in Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers, where he played a disturbing and controversial character. Despite the controversial role, Rodney Dangerfield received critical acclaim for his performance, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His legacy continues to influence various industries, from entertainment to business.

    • Ensuring respect for underappreciated items and experiencesParents can provide a safe social media environment for kids with Zigazoo and individuals can express creativity with Squarespace's Fluid Engine, while Rodney Dangerfield's legacy continues to bring laughter despite disrespect.

      Both Rodney Dangerfield and certain underappreciated items, like guitar preamps and precious metals, have faced a lack of respect despite their merits. However, there are solutions to this issue. For instance, parents can ensure their kids have a safe and fun social media experience with Zigazoo, where they can interact with verified peers and create content without the negative elements of commenting or text messaging. Additionally, individuals can unlock their creativity and design unbreakable websites with Squarespace's Fluid Engine. As for Rodney Dangerfield, despite facing disrespect throughout his career and even in death, he continued to make people laugh and left a lasting impact on entertainment.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's Longing for Love and RespectRodney Dangerfield's life was marked by emotional neglect and a longing for love and respect, but he continued to work hard and strive for success, both in his career and personal life.

      Rodney Dangerfield's life was marked by a lack of love and respect, both from his family and the world, but he continued to work hard and strive for success. Despite a rough childhood where he was emotionally neglected and longed for his mother's love, he still tried to be a good kid and support her. Even in his final interview, he defended her. Rodney's desire for respect was evident in his career, where he worked tirelessly to make it in comedy, and in his personal life, where he found love with a woman who truly cared for him. Tragically, Rodney came close to dying on his own terms during a surgery, but instead, he suffered a heart attack and passed away. Despite the misinformation spread about his involvement in "The Scout," Rodney's legacy continues to be celebrated by those who knew him and loved him, including Jim Carrey, Chris Rock, and Michael Bolton, who served as pallbearers at his funeral.

    • Rodney Dangerfield's Unrecognized Talent and His Own PlatformRodney Dangerfield faced rejection from the Academy, motivating him to create his own platform for fans, but later declined their invitation. He formed a lifelong bond with Michael Bolton and had a unique comedy style owning accusations of stealing jokes.

      Rodney Dangerfield, despite his immense talent and popularity, faced rejection from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. This experience motivated him to build his own entertainment website in 1995 as a platform for his fans to express their frustration with the Academy. Eventually, the Academy extended an invitation to him, but he declined. Rodney Dangerfield's friendship with Michael Bolton began when they met on the set of a television show, leading to a lifelong bond. Bolton was too emotional to perform at Dangerfield's funeral due to their close relationship. The discussion also touched upon Roddy McDowell's letter to Dangerfield regarding his Academy rejection and Dangerfield's unique approach to comedy, which involved owning the accusation of stealing jokes. The podcast ended on a light note, expressing gratitude for the LA Podcast Festival and looking forward to future events.

    • Sharing Personal Stories and Connecting with the AudienceSpeakers encourage audience engagement through social media and share humorous anecdotes while discussing topics like mental health, unique pet behaviors, online safety for kids, and upcoming holidays.

      The speakers on this podcast encourage their audience to connect with them through various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and their website, StuffYouShouldKnow.com. They also shared some humorous anecdotes and jokes throughout the conversation. One speaker mentioned his experience with mental health and seeking a second opinion from a psychiatrist. Another spoke about his dog's unique behavior and love for bones. Another topic discussed was the importance of online safety for kids, with a mention of the social media platform Zigazoo, which is designed for kids and features moderated content and built-in privacy protections. The speakers also promoted the upcoming arrival of Easter and the convenience of free in-store pickup at CVS for Easter basket essentials. Overall, the conversation was light-hearted and entertaining, with a focus on connecting with the audience and sharing interesting stories.

    Recent Episodes from Stuff You Should Know

    Selects: How Vomit Phobia Works

    Selects: How Vomit Phobia Works

    No one - no one - likes to vomit, but there are some people who would prefer to die rather than vomit, people who spend their days worrying they will vomit at any moment and become so obsessed they curtail their lives to prevent it from happening. Learn all about it with Josh and Chuck in this classic episode.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enMay 25, 2024

    Short Stuff: Hobo Signs

    Short Stuff: Hobo Signs

    By definition hobos are people who travel from town to town taking odd jobs as they go. But some towns are friendlier than others, and hobos developed a system of symbols they left one another to know what to expect from a town.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enMay 22, 2024

    The Silurian Hypothesis

    The Silurian Hypothesis

    The idea that we aren’t the first advanced civilization to live on Earth sounds like a fringe theory, but it raises a good question: How can we be so sure that a civilization didn’t arise and die on Earth so long ago that any trace of it has been erased?

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enMay 16, 2024

    Related Episodes

    Spotlight: How Biden’s Regulatory Blunders Are Crushing American Ingenuity

    Spotlight: How Biden’s Regulatory Blunders Are Crushing American Ingenuity

    Administration regulators have tightened water-use rules, pushed for energy-efficiency standards and its war on fossil fuels continues. All these unnecessary rules from Washington are making life less pleasant, more irritating and more expensive! Steve Forbes on how Biden's regulatory blunders are crushing American ingenuity and on why government interference is only making things worse.

    Steve Forbes shares his What’s Ahead Spotlights each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Success Leaves Clues: Ep145 with guest Jared Kahn, Co-Founder and CEO at TechEasy

    Success Leaves Clues: Ep145 with guest Jared Kahn, Co-Founder and CEO at TechEasy

    Passionate, results-oriented entrepreneur and executive Jared Kahn—Co-Founder and CEO at TechEasy—has a proven track record in developing and executing corporate strategy, change management, operational excellence and stimulating efficiency, and growth. Jared is a problem-solver by nature with multi-dimensional expertise across organizational strategy, marketing, sales effectiveness, operational efficiency, financial planning and P&L ownership and is known for his ability to connect with team members and leaders of all levels.


    His company TechEasy provides nationwide, on-demand, expert tech and IT support, including computer repair, WiFi Services, smart home installations, TV mountings, and more. Brands like Apple, Google, and Amazon, as well as millions of customers, trust TechEasy to keep them up and running across all their devices.


    Jared explains how he is able to strike a balance between leveraging technology for efficiency while maintaining an ever-important human touch throughout the customer journey as well as how entrepreneurs can apply this approach to their own businesses. He also discusses how he has approached brand partnerships, and the lessons he's learned about building strong collaborations and strategic alliances that have contributed to TechEasy's growth and success.


    Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group