JRE #2118 – The Black Keys

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features a conversation with Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, the dynamic duo behind The Black Keys. The podcast delves into their musical journey, their new album “Ohio Players”, and a wide array of topics, some of which are provocative, controversial, and even viral in nature. Beyond music, the episode explores themes of personal experiences, cultural shifts, and the ever-present allure of conspiracy theories. Here’s a deeper look into the major topics covered and their significance:

The Black Keys’ New Album “Ohio Players”

• The album is a collaborative effort, showcasing a unique blend of genres and influences.
• Collaborations with artists like Noel Gallagher, Lil Noid, and Juicy J bring fresh perspectives and unexpected sounds to the album.
• Auerbach and Carney emphasize the importance of maintaining a fun and spontaneous creative process, rejecting the pressure to constantly evolve their sound.
• The album is a departure from their earlier work, demonstrating a willingness to experiment and embrace new artistic directions.

Gun Laws and the Second Amendment

• Rogan expresses his frustration with what he perceives as “dumb laws” regarding gun control.
• He contrasts the legalization of marijuana in multiple states with the continued restrictions on gun ownership, highlighting the perceived inconsistencies in government regulations.
• The conversation touches on the constitutional right to bear arms, sparking a debate about the balance between individual rights and public safety.
• Auerbach’s personal experience with firearms, including a potentially dangerous incident at a shooting range, adds a layer of nuance to the conversation, showcasing the importance of proper education and responsible gun ownership.

The Unibomber and the Dark Side of Intelligence

• Rogan shares a story about a friend who makes T-shirts featuring the Unibomber’s image, sparking a discussion about the unsettling nature of the Unibomber’s story.
• The conversation delves into the Unibomber’s childhood, including a severe illness that prevented him from being touched for months, potentially contributing to his later social isolation and anti-technology views.
• The Unibomber’s participation in LSD experiments at Harvard, which aimed to study the effects of humiliation, raises ethical concerns and questions about the potential consequences of such research.
• The episode highlights the dark side of intelligence, suggesting that exceptional cognitive abilities can be channeled into destructive and harmful behaviors.

The CIA and Mind Control

• Rogan explores the theories surrounding the CIA’s alleged involvement in manipulating individuals, including Charles Manson and potentially other controversial figures.
• The conversation revolves around the book “Chaos” by Tom O’Neill, which details the author’s 20-year investigation into the Manson murders and the potential role of the CIA in manipulating Manson and his followers.
• The episode explores the potential for mind control through drugs and psychological manipulation, prompting viewers to consider the ethical implications of such practices.
• Rogan’s mention of Charles Manson’s music and the fact that Guns N’ Roses covered one of his songs adds a unique layer to the discussion, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of human behavior.

The Allure of Conspiracy Theories

• The conversation delves into numerous conspiracy theories, ranging from the alleged use of drug cocktails by political figures to the existence of secret government projects.
• Rogan’s fascination with the topic is evident, as he engages in discussions about the potential for mind control, alien life, and the possibility that events like 9/11 may have been orchestrated.
• The episode explores the psychology behind conspiracy theories, highlighting the human desire for meaning and the appeal of hidden explanations for complex events.
• The episode raises questions about the role of misinformation and the dangers of unchecked belief systems, reminding viewers to critically evaluate information and be wary of unsubstantiated claims.

The Power and Danger of Drugs

• Rogan’s personal experiences with psychedelics, as well as the use of drugs by individuals like Charles Manson, Brian Wilson, and the Unibomber, spark a discussion about the potential benefits and risks of psychoactive substances.
• The conversation touches on the legal status of drugs and the potential consequences of legalization, prompting viewers to consider the ethical and social implications of drug policy.
• The episode explores the use of drugs by political figures, including the alleged use of methamphetamine by JFK, raising questions about the influence of substances on decision-making and public perception.
• Rogan’s humorous yet insightful commentary on drugs, including his recommendations for a “JFK cocktail” and his descriptions of various psychedelic experiences, adds a layer of lightheartedness to the conversation, reminding viewers of the complex relationship between drugs and human experience.

The Importance of Community and Shared Experiences

• The episode emphasizes the power of community, particularly within the music and comedy industries, showcasing the support and inspiration that comes from shared experiences and connections.
• Rogan’s admiration for The Black Keys and their musical journey reflects the sense of wonder and excitement that comes from witnessing artists create something unique and meaningful.
• The conversation about comedy clubs like Kill Tony in Austin and the sense of camaraderie among comedians underscores the importance of shared passions and a supportive environment for artistic expression.
• Rogan’s appreciation for musicians and comedians as “magic makers” highlights the transformative power of art and its ability to connect people through shared emotions and experiences.

The Evolving Nature of Technology

• The conversation explores the rapid advancements in technology, from the ubiquity of smartphones to the development of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
• Rogan raises concerns about the potential downsides of AI, particularly in the realm of weapon systems and the potential for manipulation.
• The episode delves into the history of technological advancements, from the era of floppy disks to the rise of drones and hypersonic missiles, highlighting the ever-changing landscape of human ingenuity.
• Rogan’s contemplation of the future of technology, including the possibility of traveling through dimensions and the implications of AI for human society, encourages viewers to consider the ethical and social implications of these breakthroughs.

The Unpredictability of Human Behavior

• The episode highlights the unpredictable nature of human behavior, from the bizarre actions of individuals like the Unibomber and Charles Manson to the seemingly inexplicable decisions of billionaires and politicians.
• Rogan’s discussions about conspiracy theories and the potential for manipulation serve as reminders that human motivation and actions can be complex and often difficult to understand.
• The episode explores the power of personal experiences and the influence of childhood traumas, drug use, and social pressures on shaping individual choices and actions.
• Rogan’s anecdotes about encountering famous people, including Norm Macdonald, Sean Penn, and Melanie Griffith, showcase the unexpected and often humorous interactions that can occur in real life.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “You can’t just blame someone for taking something illegally with your drug when it probably specifically says, don’t do that.” – Rogan’s response to the idea of suing a pharmaceutical company for adverse reactions from mixing a drug with an illegal substance.
• “There’s gotta be some sort of code that you can put in. So they can’t… They can’t do the process.” – Rogan’s speculation on the potential for discovering loopholes in the simulation theory.
• “I’ve been into it since I was a little kid but you know, that one time, right after we were on the show the first time I met Tom DeLong. And from Blake 182, he came to one of our shows in Denver. He was so cool.” – Rogan’s recollection of a conversation with Tom DeLong, which sparked an existential crisis.
• “I want him on BPC157 and I want him on opamoralin. Let me write that down. I want him on everything.” – Rogan’s humorous yet insightful recommendation for a “Biden cocktail” of supplements and peptides.
• “The fact that even after being a movie star, he’s still willing to go to bowl, launch him through the air, blindfolded.” – Rogan’s description of Johnny Knoxville’s willingness to continue pushing boundaries.