The Tobolowsky Files Ep. 99 - My Possible Future (Season Finale)
Summary
Stephen Tobolowsky discusses filming his 2021 movie Stay at Home during pandemic protocols, describing the isolation of acting opposite a green screen. He then shares a detailed story from his youth about working at a family clothing store in Dallas, where he bonded with a quirky, elderly employee named Sam. The episode also touches on his early experiences with money, buying his first guitar, and investing in the stock market.
Topics discussed
Intro: Hop Wilson and the Red Lily Club
Stephen Tobolowsky introduction and Dr. Divine
Filming challenges during the pandemic
Reflections on 2020 and the podcast's role
Season finale announcement and listener feedback
Gratitude to listeners and email responses
Movies as templates for observing the future
Influence of It's a Wonderful Life
Accidental goals and life's echoes
Childhood miser habits and the mailbox bank
Tooth fairy money and growing desires
Getting a job at E.M. Cannes Clothing
Alphabetizing flyers and watching TV
The warehouse job offer and heat
Childhood illness and Crohn's diagnosis
Finding strength in physical labor
Working with Barry and tagging clothes
Meeting Sam Schaefer and the concept of loyalty
Sam's background and the Yiddish insult
Lunch at the Blue Front and Sam's suit
Sam's WWI story and Italian women
Buying a guitar and investing lessons
First stock purchase and warehouse games
The tagging machine accident
Consequences of the price tag error
Reflections on firing and future dreams
Moving to LA and early acting struggles
Meeting Cecil and Broadway finances
Investing in the Arrow Gold Mine
The cost of chasing dreams
The letter: We Struck Gold
Celebrating and planning with Cecil
The reality check: $2,500 profit
Selling the first stock and lessons learned
Family dinner and the meaning of the song
Conclusion of My Possible Future
Future plans for the podcast and YouTube
Sponsor thanks and closing thoughts
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