Episode 83 - "Keeping It Real with Tom Arnold"

On January 25, actor, writer and comedian Tom Arnold kicks of the 17th installment of the Addiction and Recovery Lecture Series at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway, South Carolina - just up the road from Myrtle Beach. 

The series will run on consecutive Thursdays through February 15,

If you are a certain age like we are, you’ll remember Tom from his work on the long-running ABC sitcom Roseanne – or that he was once married to the show’s star, Roseanne Barr. And who can forget him opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in True Lies – or the hilarious restroom scene in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

But he cut his teeth on standup, which he still performs, and has appeared in scores of films and television shows over more than three decades. He’s also a single parent of a son and daughter.

Tom is also in recovery – and has been very open about his experience with addiction, relapse, child sexual abuse and a series of health scares over the years.  But he’s arguably in the best shape of his life now.

In 2008, HGTC physics professor Casey King founded and launched Addiction and Recovery Lecture Series – a popular event that has included a growing “Who’s Who” of featured celebrity speakers – from actors to rock stars to medical professionals and many more.

The series also features presentations and panels including college students, recovery advocates and spokespersons from local recovery groups, rounding out an event that shines as a beacon of hope for those still struggling with addiction and a lamp on the path of those on their recovery journeys.

A big thank you to Casey for putting us in touch with Tom. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - "Rise Above It" By Chris Yale 

4:49 - Greetings and about the song

5:44 - About the Addiction and Recovery Lecture Series at Horry-Georgetown Technical College

6:29 - About Tom Arnold

7:43 - Welcome, Tom / Myrtle Beach / Planet Hollywood Myrtle Beach / Casey King

8:50 - Tom's plans for Myrtle Beach presentation / Keeping track of time / Gig at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel / Improv Hollywood gig / Watching other comics / Recovery comedy

11:12 - Tom in FUBAR as Norm Carlson / True Lies / Bone marrow story / University of Iowa / Sperm donation letdown / The corkscrew

17:05 - Moving to L.A. in 1988 / Minneapolis Comedy Competition / Comedy clubs in Minneapolis / Everclear Punch / Comedy Cabaret and other gigs / Meeting Roseanne Barr in Minneapolis in 1983 / Williams Pub

19:37 - More about early relationship with Roseanne / Roseanne HBO Special 1987 / Writing, acting and producing o