Ep: 268 - Bert Kreischer

Summary of Ep: 268 - Bert Kreischer

by Sam Morril and Mark Normand

1h 43m•January 26, 2026
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Overview of Ep: 268 - Bert Kreischer

Sam Morril and Mark Normand host comedian Bert Kreischer for a long, wide-ranging conversation that mixes humor, tour life anecdotes, industry commentary and a major personal health scare. Much of the episode centers on Bert’s recent diagnosis and recovery from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms, how that changed his touring and drinking, and the ripple effects on his work (specials, TV show, touring). Interspersed are classic Bert stories (slash interview, Fully Loaded tour, expensive gift-giving), comedian culture takes, and practical health tips for travelers.

Episode details

  • Hosts: Sam Morril, Mark Normand
  • Guest: Bert Kreischer
  • Key promo items mentioned: Bert’s Netflix special (Free Bert / Free Burt references), upcoming taping at Tampa Theater, multiple tour dates (Beacon Theatre, Wang, Daytona/Daytona 500 party).
  • Tone: conversational, comedic, candid — mixes jokes with serious medical details.

Key topics covered

  • Bert’s health scare: leg pain, ER visit, ultrasound, diagnosis of blood clot behind the knee and clots in lungs (DVT → pulmonary embolism), CT scan experience.
  • Treatment and lifestyle impact: blood thinners (initially heavy, then a maintenance dose), sobriety (no alcohol for months), restrictions (no edibles/cannabis), follow-up plans and recovery progress.
  • Travel and DVT prevention: flying frequency, passing out on a plane, risk factors, compression socks, getting up frequently, hydration.
  • Weight and medications: Bert’s use of a GLP-1–type medication (referred to as Manjaro / Ozempic-like), appetite suppression, weight loss, side effects (nausea, food aversions).
  • Comedy craft and business: storytelling vs. crowd work, saturation of specials, rehearsal and perfecting jokes, pitching and developing a serialized TV show (aiming for story-arc style like Slow Horses / Black Doves).
  • Career anecdotes: how Bert created his own opportunities (Fully Loaded), the “machine” persona, meeting/working with other comics and celebrities (e.g., Slash, Tom Segura, Dave Chappelle), tour memories.
  • Casting/TV production: casting choices, “offer-only” actors, working with wife Leanne on a semi-autobiographical series, intent to create a bingeable story-arc season.
  • Industry trends and cultural rants: climate/documentary reactions, comedy leanings (crowd work/political grift), Ozempic and weight-loss culture.

Main takeaways

  • Medical / travel safety
    • Blood clots can occur even in otherwise active people after prolonged immobility (e.g., flights). Symptoms can migrate and be confusing — prompt evaluation matters.
    • Practical prevention tips Bert mentions: compression socks, frequent walking/stretching on flights, staying hydrated, limiting prolonged immobility.
    • If suspected, get medical attention immediately (ultrasound, CT to check for pulmonary embolism). Blood thinners are a common treatment and may require months of therapy or longer follow-up with specialists.
  • Personal & professional
    • Bert has substantially adjusted his lifestyle for recovery (reduced alcohol, medication, diet changes and workouts), but plans to return to performing and touring — he performs sober.
    • He’s reframing his next special and TV projects to be story-driven and distinctive amid the glut of stand-up specials.
    • Creators can build their own opportunities (Bert’s Fully Loaded example): don’t rely solely on gatekeepers.
  • Comedy craft
    • Preparation matters: rehearsed, well-honed material is still valuable compared to on-the-spot crowd work or rushed specials.
    • Bert aims for a serialized, binge-friendly storytelling format in his scripted series — first episode should hook viewers to watch the full arc.

Notable quotes & humorous highlights

  • On performing sober: “When I’m on stage, I’m sober. I perform sober. I drink at the end.”
  • On health priorities: “You don’t want to die from an easy joke.”
  • On transformations: “Get fucking ripped and shredded. Be a fucking rock star.” — (Dave Chappelle’s encouraging take, quoted)
  • On pitching the show: “I want the first episode—by the last words out of my mouth—you say ‘I’m watching the whole fucking series.’”
  • Memorable Bert moments: vivid CT-scan anecdote (iodine injection symptoms and panic), the “machine” persona stories (13-year-old kid asking him to take his shirt off), and the Slash interview recollection.

Practical recommendations (from discussion)

  • If you fly often: consider compression socks, hydrate well, avoid prolonged immobility, and stand/walk every 30 minutes on long flights.
  • If you experience persistent or migrating leg pain, swelling, or unexplained shortness of breath after travel: seek urgent medical evaluation (DVT/PE can be life-threatening).
  • For performers/creators: rehearse and refine material before filming specials; consider serialized storytelling to increase viewer retention in a crowded market.

Action items for listeners

  • Health: If you travel frequently, buy compression socks and set a timer to move every 30–60 minutes on long flights. Know the signs of DVT/PE and seek care early.
  • Creators: Evaluate whether your material needs more stage time to sharpen before recording a special; consider story arcs for TV/comedy projects to increase bingeability.
  • Fans: check out Bert’s new/available content (Netflix special referenced) and upcoming live dates (Tampa taping, Beacon shows, Daytona event) if you want to see him live.

Final notes

This episode blends heartfelt, practical medical detail with the jokey, anecdotal tone fans expect from Bert. It’s useful both for comedy insiders (discussion of specials, pitching and casting) and general listeners (plainspoken lessons about DVT risk and prevention). The conversation shifts quickly between laughs and serious moments, giving a clear view of how a health scare has affected a touring comedian’s routine, work and worldview.