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

In This Episode

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.

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VIDEOS

They are called “floaters” and are designed to keep a logo or design upright while the wheel rotates.pic.twitter.com/cyBfWTpFx0

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) July 8, 2025

Donald Trump has celebrated more International trophies than Arsenalpic.twitter.com/hlMYuwYDTz

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) July 13, 2025

Monday morning over six months after the fire and zero work. No trucks no crews no materials pic.twitter.com/BlUrhsFT26

— Adam Carolla (@adamcarolla) July 14, 2025

People in the West are constantly bombarded with the idea that women need to be “empowered” to take on men’s jobs.
But then i see this….

If you can’t take the heat ,get out of the kitchen…..

(Female Police Officer assaulted and nose broken in Manchester Airport) pic.twitter.com/Jeu9N4Rt7p

— Richard (@ricwe123) July 11, 2025