JRE #2097 – Jeff Dye

This podcast features Jeff Dye, a stand-up comic, actor, and broadcast personality. He talks about his experiences in comedy and his friendship podcast. The conversation also delves into topics related to personal growth, the entertainment industry, and the complexities of human nature.

• Stand-Up Comedy and the Comedy Store: Jeff Dye shares his experiences performing at the Comedy Store, a renowned comedy club in Los Angeles. He describes the nerves he felt performing there, the pressure of the audience, and the high standards associated with the venue. Dye also discusses the comedy store as a sacred space in the world of stand-up, a place where legends like Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison honed their craft.
• The Power of Stage Time and Finding Your Voice: The conversation explores the importance of continuous stage time for honing one’s comedic skills. Dye highlights the early days of stand-up, where comics are constantly learning and refining their material. He also shares the common experience of new comics gravitating towards edgy or dirty humor, seeking a strong reaction to avoid bombing.
• The Importance of Originality in Comedy: The podcast dives into the importance of originality in stand-up. Dye emphasizes the need to develop a unique comedic voice, one that can’t be easily categorized or imitated. He uses Casey Rocket as an example of a comedian who is carving out his own distinct style.
• The Challenge of Performing in Different Venues: Jeff Dye discusses the varying dynamics of different comedy venues. He talks about the differences between performing at the Comedy Store and at bar shows in Manhattan Beach, highlighting the need to adapt one’s material to different audiences.
• The Impact of COVID-19 on the Comedy Industry: The conversation explores the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entertainment industry, particularly for stand-up comics. Dye discusses the rise of online comedy performances on platforms like Zoom, the challenges of adapting to a virtual audience, and the sense of isolation experienced by many comedians during lockdowns.
• The Power of Belief and Manifestation: Jeff Dye delves into the concept of belief and manifestation, suggesting that having a strong belief in oneself and one’s goals can have a positive impact on achieving success. He also acknowledges the role of luck and fortune in one’s journey but highlights the importance of putting in the effort and having a belief in one’s abilities.
• The Allure and Danger of Psychedelic Experiences: The podcast touches on the allure and danger of psychedelic experiences. Jeff Dye shares his own experiences with mushrooms, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive and safe environment when experimenting with such substances. He also acknowledges the potential for negative reactions, including psychotic episodes, and stresses the importance of responsible use.
• The Complexities of Social Issues and Gender Identity: The conversation touches upon sensitive topics such as gender identity, trans athletes in sports, and the complexities of social issues. Jeff Dye shares his perspective on the debate surrounding transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, highlighting his concerns about fairness and the potential for exploitation.
• The Prevalence of Violence and the Human Reward System: Jeff Dye delves into the prevalence of violence in society, from the dangers of sucker punches to the brutal reality of drone strikes. He connects the human instinct for competition and dominance to our primal roots in warfare, suggesting that our reward system is still wired to seek victory and validation.
• The Role of the Media and Misinformation: Jeff Dye discusses the role of the media and misinformation in shaping public perception. He criticizes the media’s portrayal of political figures like Donald Trump, suggesting that they often focus on personality traits rather than policy. He also expresses frustration with the spread of misinformation, particularly regarding the Hunter Biden laptop story and the Russia collusion narrative.
• The Weight of Political Decisions: The conversation touches on the weight of political decisions, particularly those made by presidents, acknowledging the heavy burden of responsibility they carry. Jeff Dye speculates on the emotional toll that might be experienced by a president who has made decisions with potentially devastating consequences, like the decision to invade Iraq.
• The Reality of Drone Strikes and the Psychological Impact on Operators: Jeff Dye shares a personal anecdote about encountering a military guy who showed him footage of a drone strike he had carried out. This leads to a discussion about the psychological impact of drone warfare, particularly for the operators who are distanced from the immediate consequences of their actions.
• The Perils of the Dark Web and the Prevalence of Violence: Jeff Dye explores the hidden world of the dark web and the availability of graphic and disturbing content. He expresses his disbelief at the ease with which such content can be accessed and the desensitization it can lead to, even among individuals who may not actively seek it out.
• The Importance of Perspective and the Need for Action: Jeff Dye concludes by emphasizing the importance of perspective during times of crisis or conflict. He draws a comparison to cleaning one’s bathroom while one’s house is on fire, suggesting that we need to prioritize the bigger picture and focus on addressing the most pressing issues rather than getting bogged down in minor details.
• The Threat of Asteroids and the Limits of Human Control: The podcast concludes with a discussion about the existential threat of asteroids, a reminder that even with our advanced technology, we are ultimately subject to the forces of nature. Dye emphasizes the limits of human control and the potential for catastrophic events beyond our comprehension.
• The Mystery of Bigfoot and the Power of Belief: Jeff Dye reveals his fascination with Bigfoot, a topic that has long been debated and investigated. He acknowledges the lack of definitive proof but remains open to the possibility of its existence. He also highlights the power of belief in shaping our perceptions of reality.
• The Role of Gambling and Addiction: The conversation delves into the topic of gambling, highlighting both its allure and its dangers. Jeff Dye discusses the thrill of having a stake in a game and the potential for addiction. He also shares his own experiences with gambling, acknowledging the importance of being responsible and knowing one’s limits.
• The Importance of Connection and Genuine Gifts: Jeff Dye shares a heartwarming anecdote about gifting cigars and cutters to Terry Bradshaw. He emphasizes the importance of genuine gestures and showing appreciation for others, particularly those who have made a significant impact on one’s life.
• The Quirks of Travel and the TSA: The podcast concludes with a discussion about the quirks of travel and the TSA, specifically the rules surrounding lighters and the absurdity of some security measures. Dye expresses his frustration with the overreach of security protocols and the inconvenience they can cause.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “The real thing for me was when Mitzi passed me. I was like, oh my God, I think I’m a real comedian. Yeah. I’m a real professional.” – Jeff Dye’s defining moment of feeling like a legitimate comedian.
• “You don’t really necessarily want that. You really want the actual laughs and like everybody to hear everything you’re saying clearly.” – Dye emphasizes the importance of good acoustics for comedy.
• “You know, we’re super educated now. We have amazing access to information. This is not 1930. This is not a confusing time. This is a time where we know exactly what things do.” – Jeff Dye highlights the absurdity of clinging to outdated beliefs in a modern age.
• “Dude, in the courtroom, there’s no bigger privilege than being a woman. And by the way, no one gives a fuck if your wife beats you up at all.” – Dye challenges double standards in the legal system.
• “I think the aliens would realize, oh, their human reward system got hijacked for something that doesn’t even matter. Right. I play pool, right? I love pool. And when I play it, it’s like, if you watch it, it’s like, why do you give a fuck if the ball goes in the hole? It’s so stupid.” – Dye playfully explores the absurdity of our obsession with competition.