On this episode of Arroyo Grande, Raymond Arroyo sits down with comedian, author, and podcasting trailblazer Adam Carolla for a revealing and often hilarious conversation about resilience, friendship, and forging your own path.
Carolla opens up about overcoming neglectful parents and a chaotic childhood that left him unable to read or write by middle school. With grit, self-teaching, and help from a disciplined step-grandfather, he carved out a groundbreaking career in radio, television, and podcasting.
He also reflects on his decades-long friendship with Jimmy Kimmel—and how they’ve stayed close despite their stark political differences. From early days on Loveline to modern-day fatherhood and cultural commentary, Carolla shares what he's learned, what he values, and why authenticity still matters most.
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Watch previous episodes of Arroyo Grande here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLut5g2U9HpBQHVmd5zqk_2m5pyN3H5uOw
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0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Culture Counter: An AI Affair to Remember
2:50 - Telegram Founder’s Offspring Problem
4:21 - Nick Cannon vs. Naming all 12 of his Children
6:16 - Adam Carolla Interview
6:45 - How is Podcasting Different
9:01 - Hippie Parents & Alternative Schooling
12:02 - Adam’s Grandfather
14:16 - Meeting Jimmy Kimmel
16:42 - Getting on Radio for the first time
18:52 - Dr. Drew & Loveline
24:20 - Adam’s Dad
28:40 - Adam & Jimmy’s enduring friendship
30:40 - Shifts in the Political Scene
31:44 - Los Angeles, Gavin Newsom & Karen Bass
34:08 - Sending your kids to college
35:47 - How Parenthood changed Adam’s Comedy
40:24 - Arroyo Grande Questionnaire