Some things and people are worth waiting and bending for. Only once before in 3 1/2 yrs have we changed the time of the Live Broadcast. The first for Norman Lear. No explanation needed. The second, today with Tommy Chong. No explanation needed. Wow. Just wow. After a lifetime of adoration for his art and the funny, my affection and respect were amplified a gazillionfold by the grace of the man himself upon first meeting in the parking lot of a Chinese Restaurant a few weeks ago. He agreed without hesitation to this, came through, and will forever be cherished. Tommy was warm, generous, intelligent, spiritual, fascinating and so fun. Looking into his eyeballs for two and a half hours was a trip I may never return from.

We talked at great length about Tommy's very humble beginnings, his mother's illness leading him and his siblings to a year plus in a children's home. Returning to his own with nary electricity, let alone a telephone, or a toy. They made their own. Thus, the imagination.

From his early career as a guitarist, getting signed by Berry Gordy, discovering the Jackson 5, following them on the bill, writing a hit, having it covered by the Supremes, owning a club, seeing The Committee and redirecting his own to Improv... how Cheech and Chong began. Tommy takes us through those very early daze, to Dave's not here, Up in Smoke, to today, and the film they're developing currently.

We talked about getting erroneously busted, copping a plea, and doing the time because it was something he was meant to do. Being of service, the I Ching, finding God, asking the universe, redirecting thought, seeing things through, and getting them done. We talked pot, of course... an afterthought actually. My addiction, his choice. He gifted me with sealed Tommy Chong Cannabis, which I shared with young Hayden. Mine shall remain unopened.

Being a son, a brother, a bandmate, a comedy partner, a director, a writer, a father, and a husband. And is he that. He and Shelby have been together for 50 years, which seems insane as she looks 35. Truly. Gorgeous creature. Tommy is not only a grandfather, he's a great grandfather, thanks to Rae Dawn's son.

This was one of the most relaxed, chill conversations I've had, let alone on camera. Loved every damn second, and Tommy, without hesitation, agreed to come back to the living room for Women Who Write. I believe him. I adore him.

Catch a taste. He's a contact high.

Tommy Chong Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

Wed, 3/4/20, ***** 1ish pm PT, 4ish pm ET *****

With Hayden George

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