EP 237: Guilford Adams

This episode is one of those rare conversations that really sticks with you. Guilford Adams is a professional clown — yes, an actual clown — but also an actor, performer, and now the director of American Clown, a powerful new documentary exploring the strange, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking story of clown culture in America. We talk honestly about how clowns went from beloved icons like Bozo and Ronald McDonald to being feared or laughed at (not in a good way). But it’s more than just nostalgia — it’s about how a whole generation forgot an art form, and what that says about where we are culturally. Guilford shares his journey from college diver to Hollywood actor to full-time clown, what it’s like performing for kids in hospitals and birthday parties, and how he made a film that features people like John C. Reilly, Steve-O, and David Arquette — all to shine a light on a misunderstood profession. This conversation hits on a lot: performance, identity, comedy, fatherhood, resilience, and why it’s important to protect the part of ourselves that still believes in joy. If you’re someone who loves stories about people doing what they love (even when the world stops paying attention), or if you’ve ever wondered what happened to the clowns of your childhood — you’ll want to hear this. 🎬 American Clown premieres June 23 in Hollywood. Follow @americanclownmovie for more. 📌 Listen now — and maybe reconsider what you think you know about clowns. Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center & Landscaping Services, Ionic Development, The V-Spot, & Mutant Brewing.