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 on Roseanne

20:55 - Magic Castle Hollywood / Tom's first apartment in Van Nuys / Living in Los Angeles

22:45 - Burning the boats / Tom's Hollywood experience / All-in on the dream / Ottumwa, Iowa

24:21 - Tom's quick career trajectory

24:38 - Setting up addiction issues long before Hollywood / "Queen of Meth" - Tom's sister, Lori Arnold / Underage drinking / Drinking versus drugs / Stoners versus rednecks / Fights

27:06 - First cocaine use in Minneapolis / Rock venue First Avenue / Purple Rain / Escalating coke use

27:47 - Blow in Hollywood / Roseanne cautions Tom / More about Lori Arnold / "I want everything" / The meth business

30:57 - Roseanne instrumental in getting Tom into proper rehab / Hiding addiction / Benedict Canyon / Moment of clarity / Public perception and the gossip mill / Learning to love yourself / Marrying Roseanne

35:30 - 19 years of sobriety / 2008 motorcycle accident and pain medication / sobriety reset 

37:10 - The value of 12-Step Meetings / Recovery community in Hollywood

39:25 - "In recovery" versus "recovered"

40:27 - Tom's fitness journey / Mini-stroke in 2022 / Stroke protocal UCLA Medical Center / Weight loss coach Charles D'Angelo / True Lies weight / Losing 80 pounds / Night eating

47:35 - Benzos and third stint in rehab / Chris Cornell / Matthew Perry 

50:47 - Future plans for Tom Arnold / Thoughts on upcoming 65th birthday / Single parenthood and life with his son and daughter / Living in the moment

52:57 - Tom, Arnold - Arnold, Tom

53:28 - Parting shots