Stephen Kalinich on Meeting Charles Manson and Writing Songs with the Beach Boys

14 snips

Jul 15, 2025

Guest

Stephen Kalinich

Guest

Elisha Krauss

Elisha Krauss, a commentator known for her sharp insights, joins poet and songwriter Stephen Kalinich, who collaborated with the Beach Boys and delves into the enigmatic Laurel Canyon music scene. They share fascinating stories about Stephen's eerie encounter with Charles Manson and the vibrant artistic community of the '60s. The duo reflects on the significance of lyrics in music, with Adam expressing his love for impactful songwriting while critiquing less profound tunes. The conversation artfully intertwines nostalgia, music, and social commentary.

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ANECDOTE

Adam Hates Two-Wheel Riders

Adam Carolla expressed frustration with cyclists, motorcyclists, and scooter riders on Pacific Coast Highway.
He likened all two-wheel vehicles as annoying due to noise and disruption.

ANECDOTE

Adam's Canadian Customs Story

Adam Carolla shared a story about being detained in Canadian customs when pitching The Man Show.
Despite saying he was there for pleasure, customs questioned his packed business itinerary extensively.

ANECDOTE

Dually Trucks Get a Pass

Adam and Elisha discuss large pickup trucks like duallys which have dual rear wheels.
Adam defends duallys as practical for work and off-roading despite his dislike of unnecessary vehicles.

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Adam opens the show with his thoughts on the media outrage surrounding immigration agents operating in L.A.'s MacArthur Park. He reflects on a past trip to Canada with Jimmy Kimmel to pitch The Man Show, then pivots to a viral post he made on X showcasing the lack of progress in Malibu's fire cleanup. Adam shares his growing annoyance with certain groups of people on Pacific Coast Highway, lists the types of vehicles that irritate him most, and reminisces about his unicycling days. He also explains the difference between spinning rims and floating rims.

In the news, Elisha Krauss joins Adam to discuss a variety of headlines, including Trump joking about signing an executive order to officially rename soccer “football” in the U.S. They also react to reports that dozens of NYPD recruits are being forced to resign due to mental health and background check failures. Plus, a beat-up Hermès Birkin bag once owned by Jane Birkin just became the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction—fetching a whopping $10 million despite its rough condition.

Later in the show, legendary poet and songwriter Stephen Kalinich joins Adam in the studio to talk about working with Brian and Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys, and what the Laurel Canyon music scene was really like in the '60s and '70s. Stephen shares his chilling story of meeting Charles Manson, and Adam talks about his love for songs with great lyrics—and his distaste for the ones without. They wrap with a philosophical discussion on golf and poetry, and Stephen reflects on the many incredible musicians and writers he’s met throughout his storied career.

Get it on.

FOR MORE WITH STEPHEN KALINICH:

NEW ALBUM: “I Love My Life” Available ow

INSTA: @stephenjkalinich

FOR MORE WITH ELISHA KRAUSS:

INSTAGRAM: @elishakrauss

WEBSITE: elishakrauss.com

JOURNAL: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/elisha-krauss/

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