COMEDY LEGEND TOMMY CHONG GETS INTO THE WEEDS
Watch Tommy Chong Part One on The Best of ITW Podcast
Tommy Chong [Best of ITW Podcast Recap]
This week’s edition of The Best of ITW Podcast focuses on the first part of our two part interview with film, comedy, and cannabis icon, Tommy Chong. In this episode Tommy discusses his humble beginnings as a struggling musician, his rise to Motown and how he transitioned from musician to comedian. He also discusses his first time meeting Cheech Marin and shares the details of his first experience with cannabis.
ITW Podcast hosts Efrem Schulz, Ben Rispin and Bubba Nicholson Recap of meeting Tommy Chong
LISTEN TO TOMMY CHONG ON THE BEST OF ITW HERE:
Tommy Chong: Weed Christ
By Ben Rispin
It’s not every day you get to work with a legend. It’s certainly rare to work with a legend more than once. My first time being in the presence of Tommy Chong was at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
I was working for a black market dispensary called MMJ Canada doing PR and events for Cannabis advocate Clint Younge. I got the promoter to sneak our logo onto the poster in exchange for helping sell tickets to our audience with companion giveaways. I can’t imagine there were very many black market dispensaries who could have pulled that off at the time and I’m sure the University wouldn't be thrilled if they ever found out.
Regardless, the event was a success and during the Q&A with students and the public alike, a student asked what Tommy’s favourite thing about cannabis was. Tommy’s response, “You don't have to do it” which is interesting considering Tommy’s views on freedom. Not just because he was incarcerated at one point (which we cover in part two), but as someone who has constantly challenged the status quo of the law and decades of social norms.
What Tommy was saying is the best thing about weed is that no one is forcing you to smoke weed. An example of his polite disdain for conformity can be identified at the beginning of the interview when he suggests being on a film is similar to being incarcerated. In his mind a comedic parable due to demanding schedules in both prison and on set. However, Tommy has a way of criticizing any situation with great humility and never seems to complain. He truly finds joy and comedy in every sentence he speaks.
After the University event, we visited with Tommy and his son and business partner Paris Chong backstage. Tommy spoke with my colleague Clint’s wife who was struggling with cancer on the phone for more than an hour. This is where we developed a rapport with Paris who was originally invited to guest on the show as well.
Paris ultimately passed but confirmed Tommy. However, we’d still love to have Paris on the show and learn what it was like growing up as the child of an Icon.
Tommy’s gentle spirit and generosity allowed us to warm right up and made for one of the best conversations of our lives. A true saint, a true martyr, a true creator, a true icon, and to many, the one true Weed Christ.
ABOUT THE ITW PODCAST
ITW is an hour-long podcast known for its conversational flow and intriguing quests. ITW host’s include musician and advocate Ben Rispin (MJR Label Genetics, Rules, Saint Alvia Cartel), musician and entrepreneur, Efrem Martinez-Shulz (Death By Stereo, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Programme Skate & Sound), and Canadian cannabis industry-expert Bubba Nicholson (Grey Beard Cannabis).
YOU MIGHT ENJOY
Every episode finds hosts discussing the state of the cannabis marketplace and its various nuances while guests from across the entertainment and cannabis landscapes share how they “got Into the Weeds”
Find ITW: Get Into The Weeds on Twitter and Instagram @getintotheweeds
You can find Efrem Martinez Shulz on Instagram at @efbystereo
You can find Bubba Nicholson on Instagram @bubbanicholson
You can find Ben Rispin on Instagram @benrispin
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