#2377 - Carrot Top
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, comedian Scott "Carrot Top" Thompson shares insights from his career journey, discussing how his innovative prop comedy approach led to quick success while also drawing criticism from other comedians. The conversation between Rogan and Thompson explores the relationship between success and criticism in comedy, with particular focus on Thompson's experiences as a Las Vegas headliner.
The pair also examines how comedy has adapted to technological and cultural changes over time. Thompson describes adjusting his act to match evolving audience sensibilities, while sharing stories from his career, including memorable encounters with celebrities on The Tonight Show. The discussion touches on how new platforms like podcasts and social media have created different opportunities for comedians to reach audiences.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 10, 2025 episode of the The Joe Rogan Experience
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1-Page Summary
Carrot Top's Career and Challenges as a Comedian
In this conversation between Joe Rogan and Scott "Carrot Top" Thompson, they explore Thompson's unique journey in comedy and the evolution of the entertainment industry. Thompson reveals that his success came relatively quickly due to his innovative prop comedy approach, which proved particularly effective on television. However, as Rogan notes, this success also drew criticism from fellow comedians who viewed his props as mere gimmicks.
Despite facing ongoing skepticism and backhanded compliments, Thompson has maintained a successful career, particularly as a headliner in Las Vegas. Rogan suggests that much of the criticism stems from jealousy over Thompson's success rather than legitimate concerns about his comedic style.
Tech, Culture Evolution, and Comedy Impact
Rogan and Thompson discuss how comedy has transformed with technological advancement and shifting cultural norms. They reflect on the transition from the limited communication options of the 1980s to today's world of instant connectivity. The conversation touches on how certain jokes, particularly those referencing older technology like pagers or ice trays, have lost relevance in modern comedy.
The pair also explores how changing societal norms have impacted comedy. Thompson shares his experience of adapting his act to match evolving audience sensibilities, while Rogan discusses how animated shows can push boundaries through unrealistic depictions that might otherwise be considered offensive.
Anecdotes and Experiences From Their Comedy Careers
Thompson shares several memorable stories from his career, including encounters with celebrities like Prince and Dick Cheney on The Tonight Show. He recalls how Prince once mistook him for service staff, and describes navigating increased security measures during Dick Cheney's appearance on the show.
The conversation concludes with a discussion of how new platforms are reshaping comedy. Rogan highlights how podcasts and social media have created fresh opportunities for comedians to reach audiences, citing examples like William Montgomery's success on "Kill Tony" and the subsequent boost to his social media following.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Carrot Top faced criticisms from some fellow comedians who viewed his prop comedy as gimmicky rather than traditional stand-up. These criticisms often came across as backhanded compliments, implying that his success was more about his props than his comedic talent. Despite this skepticism, Carrot Top has maintained a successful career, particularly as a headliner in Las Vegas.
- Carrot Top's prop comedy approach involves using various props, gadgets, and visual aids to enhance his comedic routines. He incorporates these props creatively to add humor and surprise elements to his performances. Carrot Top's use of props sets him apart from traditional stand-up comedians and has been a significant factor in his success. His innovative and energetic prop-based humor has resonated with audiences, contributing to his rise as a prominent figure in comedy.
- Changing societal norms impact comedy by influencing what is considered acceptable or offensive in humor. Comedians often adjust their material to align with evolving audience sensibilities. This adaptation reflects a broader cultural shift towards more inclusive and sensitive comedic content. Comedy that once relied on stereotypes or controversial topics may face backlash in today's more socially aware climate.
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Carrot Top's Career and Challenges as a Comedian
Joe Rogan and Carrot Top, also known as Scott Thompson, discuss the trajectory of Carrot Top’s career, his unique contribution to comedy through prop comedy, and the challenges and criticisms he faced along the way.
Carrot Top's Success Despite Criticism From Other Comedians
Carrot Top's Prop Comedy Led To Success but Drew Criticism As Undeserved
Scott Thompson, known to audiences as Carrot Top, mentions that his success "came quicker than maybe most" because his act was the right one at the right time, especially for television due to its visually engaging nature. His dominating presence in the market has been such that "no young comics coming up" are trying their hand at prop comedy, as noted by Joe Rogan, who also observes the infrequent appearances of other prop comics in the industry. Despite drawing attention on popular television shows like Jay Leno's, where people would question Carrot Top's recurring guest appearances, Carrot Top has experienced a significant share of success.
Carrot Top's Challenges In Maintaining His Prop Comedy Career and Reputation
Carrot Top Faced Comedians Resentful of His Success, Viewing His Props As Gimmicks, Leading To Criticism
Joe Rogan reflects upon the puzzling disdain some comedians have for Carrot Top, suggesting that much of the criticism is likely rooted in jealousy due to Carrot Top's success. Rogan finds such attitudes petty compared to larger world problems and suggests Carrot Top has endured more criticism than warranted. Despite the challenges, Carrot Top admits to still encountering skepticism and backhanded compliments about his style of humor, as exemplified by underhanded comments he hears, such as someone on a plane telling him, "I don't care what everyb ...
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Carrot Top's Career and Challenges as a Comedian
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Prop comedy is a style of comedy where performers use physical objects or props to enhance their jokes and routines. It adds a visual element to the humor, making it more engaging for the audience. Prop comedy can range from simple props to elaborate setups, and it requires creativity and timing to effectively incorporate props into comedic performances. This style of comedy has been popularized by comedians like Carrot Top, who have achieved success by mastering the art of prop comedy and creating a unique niche within the comedy industry.
- Joe Rogan is a well-known stand-up comedian, podcast host, and UFC commentator. He is respected in the comedy world for his candid and insightful views on various aspects of the industry. Rogan's perspective on Carrot Top's career sheds light on the challenges faced by comedians in the industry and the dynamics of success and criticism in the comedy scene. His observations provide valuable insights into the unique position and experiences of Carrot Top as a prop comic in the comedy landscape.
- Carrot Top faced criticism from some comedians who viewed his prop comedy as gimmicky and not true stand-up comedy. Some comedians were resentful of his success, leading to jealousy and disdain towards Carrot Top within the comedy community. Despite his achievements, Carrot Top encountered skepticism and backhanded compliments about his comedic style from peers in the industry.
- Carrot Top, known for his prop comedy, faced criticism from fellow comedians despite his success. His unique act gained popularity on television shows like Jay Leno' ...
Counterarguments
- While Carrot Top's prop comedy was visually engaging, some might argue that the quick success could also be attributed to his unique branding and marketing, not just the nature of his act.
- The assertion that Carrot Top's dominance has deterred young comics from prop comedy could be countered by suggesting that trends in comedy evolve, and prop comedy may not resonate with current cultural tastes or comedic styles.
- The criticism of Carrot Top's use of props might not solely stem from viewing them as gimmicks but also from a purist perspective that values stand-up comedy that focuses on storytelling and wit without additional props.
- The idea that disdain for Carrot Top is rooted in jealousy could be challenged by suggesting that some comedians genuinely believe in different comedic values and that their criticism is based on artistic differences rather than envy.
- Joe Rogan's opinion that Carrot Top has endured more criticism than warranted is subjective, and others might argue that public figures, especially in entertainment, are subject to varying levels of scrutiny as part of their career.
- Skepticism and backhanded compliments might not always be ill-intentioned; they could reflect a broader range of pub ...
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Tech, Culture Evolution, and Comedy Impact
Joe Rogan and Scott Thompson explore how comedy has been transformed over the decades due to technology and changing societal norms, reflecting on their experiences and observations in the space of humor, censorship, and societal expectations.
Technological and Cultural Changes Transforming Comedy Over Decades
In recollection of the past, Rogan and Thompson hark back to the 1980s when personal communication outside of direct interaction was nearly non-existent. They compare the previously limited platforms—before answering machines—to today's world of instant connectivity. Rogan discusses how comedy was once constrained by television language restrictions enforced by advertising contracts and FCC regulations. However, with the advent of cable TV, like Sam Kinison's HBO special, comedians found an avenue to express themselves uncensored.
The transition from an era of limited home entertainment options, where renting VHS tapes was a novelty, to the digital age is highlighted. Rogan underscores the profound technological transformation, nostalgically recalling a time when possessing a walkie-talkie was awe-inspiring.
Rogan and Thompson also touch on how jokes that once related to the technology of their time, such as pagers, have lost relevancy in modern-day comedy. They use examples like ice tray jokes that resonate because many in the audience may not be familiar with them, and reflections on obsolete texting methods on early mobile phones to illustrate the evolution of humor in tech.
Physical Gags Once Dominated; Modern Comedians Push Boundaries
Discussing the impact of realism on comedy, Rogan notes how exaggerated violence in animated shows like "Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner" or "South Park" is found acceptable due to its unreal nature. He suggests that using unrealistic depictions permits more expansive creativity in comedy without offending viewers, acting as a "cheat code."
Impact Of Changing Societal Norms On Comedy
In an era where word usage in comedy is heavily scrutinized and certain jokes that were once standard might now be considered inappropriate, Rogan implies that restricting language can lead to a less nuanced lexicon. Situations ...
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Tech, Culture Evolution, and Comedy Impact
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- FCC regulations and television language restrictions are rules set by the Federal Communications Commission in the United States to govern the content broadcasted on TV and radio. These regulations aim to ensure that programming is suitable for the general public, particularly during daytime hours when children may be watching. They cover areas like profanity, nudity, and other content deemed inappropriate for certain audiences. Violating these regulations can lead to fines or other penalties for broadcasters.
- Sam Kinison's HBO special was a stand-up comedy performance by the comedian Sam Kinison that aired on the cable television network HBO. HBO, known for its uncensored content compared to traditional network television, provided a platform for comedians like Kinison to express themselves without the constraints of broadcast TV regulations. This special allowed Kinison to showcase his raw and unfiltered comedic style to a wider audience, contributing to his rise in popularity within the comedy scene during that time.
- A "cheat code" in comedy is a technique or approach that allows comedians to achieve certain effects or outcomes more easily or effectively. It can involve using exaggerated or unrealistic elements to enhance humor without facing the same constraints as more realistic portrayals. This term is borrowed from video games, where cheat codes provide players with advantages like unlimited lives or special powers to progress through the game more smoothly. In comedy, a "cheat code" can help comedians push boundaries or create humor that might otherwise be cha ...
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Anecdotes and Experiences From Their Comedy Careers
Joe Rogan and Scott Thompson, also known as Carrot Top, dive into a wealth of stories from their time in the comedy industry, touching on everything from high-profile performances to the way new platforms are changing the landscape of comedy.
Carrot Top's High-Profile Appearances & Interactions: The Tonight Show, Prince, Dick Cheney Incidents
Carrot Top Shares Anecdotes From the Tonight Show: Interactions With Jay Leno, Prince, and Dick Cheney
Scott Thompson, widely recognized as Carrot Top, looks back on his numerous appearances on The Tonight Show, including the unique experience of taking the stage soon after Jay Leno replaced Johnny Carson. He humorously recalls being part of the first Tonight Show bookers' event at Bud Friedman's improv, where despite a great performance, he was told by Jim McCauley that he wouldn’t be booked on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson due to Carson’s dislike for variety acts.
One time on the Tonight Show, while preparing in the hallway, he encountered Prince, leading to a comedic mix-up where Prince mistook Carrot Top for someone who could fetch his tea. Despite trying to be helpful, Carrot Top learned that Prince doesn't drink tea. Later, when Leno typically invited guests out for a closing, Prince opted not to participate.
Recounting another moment of intersection with celebrities, Carrot Top shares how he prepared Dick Cheney-related props for his Tonight Show appearance, which coincided with the politician’s guest slot that day. He faced heightened security because of Cheney's presence, which introduced unexpected challenges during rehearsals for his segment. Carrot Top was also taken off guard when a gay piggy bank joke he made offended Liz Cheney, leading to her needing to be escorted out of the studio.
He also shares experiences surrounding the creative restrictions he faced on set. For instance, he devised a bit featuring a presidential seal podium and a true/false buzzer to imitate Bill Clinton for the Tonight Show. The skit included a punchline with Monica Lewinsky’s head popping up, which had to be adjusted at the last minute to comply with standards and practices, showcasing Carrot Top's ability to adapt quickly to network constraints.
In a different incident, Carrot Top recalls getting banned from Fox due to an on-air stunt involving Taco Bell during the Billboard Music Awards while doing a routine with Chris Rock. Extended last minute, his improv inadvertently crossed the line for the event's sponsor.
Evolving Comedy: New Platforms and Formats
The conversation transitions to the evolution of comedy, where new platforms and audience behaviors present both opportunities and challenges.
Podcast and Social Media Growth: Opportunities and Challenges For Comedians
Joe Rogan discusses how the growth of podcasts and social media has changed the come ...
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Anecdotes and Experiences From Their Comedy Careers
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Bud Friedman's improv was a reference to The Improv, a famous comedy club chain founded by Budd Friedman. The Improv is known for launching the careers of many stand-up comedians and being a popular venue for comedy performances. Budd Friedman played a significant role in shaping the stand-up comedy scene in the United States through his clubs.
- Jim McCauley was a significant figure in the comedy industry, specifically known for his role as a booker for The Tonight Show. He played a part in determining which comedians would appear on the show during Johnny Carson's tenure. McCauley's decisions had a direct impact on the careers of many comedians seeking exposure on the popular late-night program.
- Elizabeth "Liz" Cheney is an American attorney and for ...
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