Ep. 135: “I’ll Give You a Lesson” (Ft. Sam Adams)

Sam Adams is a stand-up comedian, sports writer, broadcaster, and one of the best storytellers to have graced our studios. He is the first guest to pair his smoked wings with white cheddar Cheez-its, a true delicacy in his eyes. That’s legendary, if you ask me. 

If you have the chance to see him perform, do not miss it! You can find tour dates and follow his social media pages on his website — SamAdamsDoesComedy.com

We hear how Sam Adams made his break into sports writing in Denver while he was clerking at an insurance office. He got his first assignment at a high school basketball game when he was 26 years old, but before long found himself in the bosses' office assured he was there to pick up a press pass he called directly to the Nuggets’ media team to request. Luckily, he didn’t lose his job after his first published story, and instead left his bosses’ office with a stern scolding and a purchased ticket (but sadly, no press pass) to see Dr. J on his only stop in Denver on his farewell year in Denver to take on the Nuggets.

A well traveled man, Sam grew up in Cleveland. He tells us stories about regional wrestling when he was young and one trip to Atlanta where he saw his grandmother in a whole new element — purse clutched, yelling at large men in the ring, ready to throw her grandbabies if it came to that. We talk about Denver Nuggets lore, the legend of the namesake behind Chopper circle, and hear all about the competitive nature of the Broncos beat writers. Sam was locked in a heated battle with Adam Schefter during his time with the Rocky Mountain News, while Adam was rising through the ranks at the Denver Post. 

Finally, Sam shares the full story of the time he met Bill Cosby in Colorado Springs. Somehow, he knew the Chargers would beat the Broncos and heeding Mr. Cosby’s advice, Sam headed to the Springs to watch Bill perform and intended to interview him for a story about Philadelphia sports — I won’t spoil the rest, but you will not want to miss this story.

I want to thank Sam from the bottom of my heart for coming on my show, sharing himself & his life with my audience, and for setting a quality example for a young comic like myself on how to treat other people, regardless of their “standing” in the world. I sincerely hope I get the chance to have Sam back, because I know we’ve only scratched the surface of his unlimited rolodex of stories. 

 

FO & BW