# 720 - Johnny Knoxville Pitched Jackass to Me Before It Existed

Jun 23, 20261h 38m

Summary

In this episode of Bertcast, host Bert Kreischer welcomes legendary stunt performer Johnny Knoxville for a conversation that serves as a long-overdue reunion between two old friends. The discussion travels back to 1997, long before Jackass became a cultural phenomenon, when the two first met on an ESPN tour bus. Kreischer vividly recalls how Knoxville pitched the initial concept for Jackass to him in a kitchen, a memory that highlights their long-standing connection. The conversation explores the evolution of the Jackass franchise, moving from the early days of pitching the show to networks to the camaraderie and physical toll that defined their production. Knoxville shares insights into the creative process behind the stunts, noting the meticulous planning done by Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze while acknowledging the genuine danger and exhaustion the performers faced. They also touch upon the transition from being everyday people to achieving sudden, massive fame, reflecting on how that shift felt at the time. With a blend of humor and reflection, the two discuss their careers, personal growth, and the unique, impulsive nature that drove their work.

Updated Jul 7, 2026

Arts & Entertainment Comedy Society & Culture Film & Television Celebrity Interviews Stand-up Comedy Pop Culture Personal Growth

Topics

Future Projects and Career Reflections

About This Episode

Johnny Knoxville comes by the studio and it’s a full-circle episode for me. We talk about meeting for the first time in 1997 before either one of us was famous. How we both ended up on the cover of Rolling Stone, the birth of Jackass, getting wrecked by bulls, the chemistry of the cast that made pain funny, Ryan Dunn, Theo Von, being dads, what we can expect from the last Jackass movie and what comes next.FollowJohnny: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyknoxville Sponsors: Fabletics - Shop now at https://Fabletics.com/bertcast to get 70-80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. BlueChew - Right now, when you buy two months of BlueChew Gold, you get the third for FREE with promo code BERTCAST. Ethos - Get your free quote at https://ethos.com/BERT Ultra - Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code BERTCAST at https://takeultra.com! #ultrapouches SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a video https://bit.ly/3DC1ICg Stream FREE BERT on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81696123 PERMISSION TO PARTY WORLD TOUR is on sale now: http://www.bertbertbert.com/tour Subscribe to Berty Boy Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@BertyBoyClips For all things BERTY BOY PRODUCTIONS: https://bertyboyproductions.com For MERCH: https://store.bertbertbert.com/ Follow Me! Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/BertKreischer Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/bertkreischer YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/user/Akreischer TikTok: http://www.TikTok.com/@bertkreischer Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bertkreischer X: http://www.Twitter.com/bertkreischer Text Me: https://my.community.com/bertkreischer#JohnnyKnoxville #Jackass #JackassBestAndLast #Bertcast #ComedyPodcast #RyanDunn #TheRock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to Bertcast in Podtastic

For listeners, not advertisers

More Episodes

Something’s Burning: David Wain + Ken Marino on The State, Wet Hot + Sri Lankan Lobster | S7 E8

Jun 30, 20261h 36m

Summary

In this episode of Bertcast, host Bert Kreischer sits down with David Wain and Ken Marino to discuss their long-standing creative partnership, their roots in the legendary comedy troupe The State, and their latest cinematic project. The trio dives deep into the evolution of their comedy, reflecting on how their shared history and personal sense of humor have driven them to produce work that defies commercial trends. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the craft of filmmaking and the specific challenges of maintaining a unique comedic tone. Wain and Marino share insights into their collaborative process, emphasizing the importance of writing scripts that amuse them first, rather than chasing mass appeal. They discuss the nuances of directing, the balance between scripted dialogue and improvisation, and the joy of casting performers who genuinely connect with their vision. The group also explores the lasting impact of their earlier work and how it continues to shape the comedic sensibilities of fans today. The episode offers a candid look at the creative journey, the satisfaction of making layered comedy, and the excitement surrounding their latest theatrical release.

Related Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know

iHeartPodcasts

The Daily

The New York Times

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

DOAC

The Joe Rogan Experience

Joe Rogan

The Rest Is Politics

Goalhanger

99% Invisible

Roman Mars

All podcast names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Podcasts listed on Podtastic are publicly available shows distributed via RSS. Podtastic does not endorse nor is endorsed by any podcast or podcast creator listed in this directory.