Adam Carolla at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show runs February 8-17 at McCormick Place on Chicago's lake shore. I will be "On the Beat" as always, but for now I am recalling some fun times over the years at the Chicago Auto Show.

Last year, one of my highlights was meeting and interviewing Adam Carolla. That interview can be found at On the Beat with Adam Carolla. As a longtime fan of Adam, this was a big thrill. As a reporter, this was a pretty big name to add to my resume.

We talked about his love of cars (especially interesting given we were at the Chicago Auto Show), his podcasting, his first pitch and much more. Adam was really open and funny throughout, but I think he really got into the discussion of his first pitch. He definitely did not do a "Baba Booey" and he explained his process.

Adam is an immensely successful podcaster. He has also worked as a radio host, an actor, a television host, an author and more. I loved his work with Jimmy Kimmel on Loveline.

Adam loves owning and working on cars, but he also loves racing them. He is proud of winning a couple big races.

I appreciate Adam's time and consideration in talking to me. I thank the fine folks of the Chicago Auto Show in facilitating this interview and giving me access all throughout the show.

Go to ChicagoAutoShow.com for all of the info. Also check Chicago Auto Show on Facebook to get more frequent updates. Also go to AdamCarolla.com for more info on him and his podcast.

Adam Carolla and me in Chicago, IL February 2019.

On the Beat With Adam Carolla at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show

Thursday was Media Preview Day at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. It gives the media a chance to roam the show floor without the usual crowds. I always love this day, but this one got even better when I received an invitation to interview Adam Carolla, who was appearing courtesy of Castrol EDGE.

A noted car enthusiast, owner and racer, Carolla is one of the stars appearing in Castrol EDGE's Live on the Edge film series. The promotional campaign and video series features various celebrities seeking exhilarating activities. Carolla's video shows him in an Audi R8 V10 Quattro on a rain-soaked track. It's a cool video and after talking to Carolla and feeling his passion, it took on an even bigger meaning.

I have been a fan of Adam for years. Having enjoyed his work on Loveline, The Man Show, The Adam Carolla podcast, his appearances on Howard Stern and more, I was really excited about talking to Adam. I have done more than 1,000 interviews, but I actually found myself nervous about this one the night before.

I admit at times I can be a fanboy, but I make no apologies. I think that is one of my strengths in fact. I am not jaded. This is all fun for me and I want it to be fun for the interview subject and the viewer.

The media reps handling this were extremely professional in their communications. I arrived at 2:15 (always early) and they greeted me, telling me Adam was on his way. Adam showed up shortly after and we sat down for the interview.

I knew Adam was there to promote Castrol and I started the interview with that. Get done with business first.

Knowing Adam owns more than 20 race cars, I then asked him about the favorite car he owns and his dream car to own. We moved on to his favorite getaway spot and an ideal destination spot. I asked him about his World Record setting podcast.

I finished by asking him about throwing out the first pitch at a ball game. That might sound like an odd question, but Adam was a pretty good ball player in his youth. He is also friends with Jimmy Kimmel and the folks at the Howard Stern Show. Stern's producer Gary Dell'Abate famously threw a terrible first pitch, which has become comedic fodder for the show. I wanted to hear what Adam had to say about his approach to tossing the pitch. To his credit, Adam gave a very good answer.

I could have talked to Adam for much longer, but there were plenty of others waiting for their time, so I thanked Adam and ended the interview. Adam was very friendly and cool on and off camera. It was a great experience.

I really appreciate Adam for his time and consideration. I thank the Chicago Auto Show for the hospitality and facilitating the interview. I thank Castrol for bringing in Adam. Lastly, I thank the media reps at the Chicago Auto Show for all they did.

The Chicago Auto Show runs through Monday, February 18. There is plenty of fun still to be had and I will be back there several times. My coverage also appears on Global Traveler at Adam Carolla at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show and on the Patch at Adam Carolla and the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.