12-Oct-23
This podcast features comedian, actor, author, and musician Reggie Watts, discussing his life, career, and unique perspective on a variety of topics. The conversation touches on aspects of creativity, mental health, drug use, social interactions, music, and even car culture. Underlying themes explore the power of introspection, the pursuit of authenticity, and the importance of finding joy in the face of life’s complexities.
- Kratom and its Effects:
- Reggie shares his personal experience with Kratom, highlighting its effects on anxiety and energy levels.
- He compares Kratom to Kava, emphasizing the different vibes and potential for grooviness they offer.
- Reggie acknowledges the potential for negative side effects, suggesting responsible dosage and individual tolerance.
- He talks about using Kratom as a social tool, helping him manage social engagements and large crowds.
- The Power of Ketamine:
- Reggie discusses his experiences with ketamine, particularly its impact on communication and self-observation.
- He describes how ketamine can remove the editing aspect of thought, leading to more fluid and clearer communication.
- Reggie shares a story about using ketamine to help a friend overcome performance anxiety.
- He expresses interest in further research on ketamine’s effects on the brain, particularly in the context of improvisation.
- Dissociatives and the “Robitussin” Era:
- Reggie connects his experiences with ketamine to his youth, comparing it to the dissociative effects of dextromethorphin in Robitussin.
- He highlights the historical use of ketamine as an animal tranquilizer and anesthetic, as well as its application in emergency medical situations.
- Reggie delves into the historical use of ketamine in Vietnam, where it was used to alleviate pain and dissociate patients from their injuries.
- He discusses the evolving understanding of ketamine’s molecular structure and its relationship to PCP.
- The Impact of Social Media and Citizen Journalism:
- Reggie discusses the good and bad aspects of increased video documentation and the proliferation of cell phone footage.
- He acknowledges the benefits of citizen journalism, particularly in highlighting the realities of war and conflict.
- He also addresses the potential for desensitization and fetishization of violence due to exposure to graphic footage.
- Reggie reflects on the shift in public awareness of war, comparing the limitations of media coverage during Desert Storm to the raw footage available today from Ukraine and Palestine.
- Capitalism and Conflict:
- Reggie offers a broad perspective on the role of capitalism in driving conflict, suggesting that the system’s focus on wealth accumulation can lead to inequity and animosity.
- He connects this to personal conflicts, highlighting the role of scarcity and possession in fueling arguments and disagreements.
- Reggie discusses the potential for AI to play a role in government decision-making, potentially reducing bias and fostering more rational solutions.
- He emphasizes the need for humility and collaboration in addressing complex social and economic issues.
- The Problem of Student Loan Debt:
- Reggie discusses the debilitating effects of student loan debt on young people, particularly its impact on career choices and potential.
- He advocates for solutions like Bernie Sanders’ proposal to tax stock market speculation to fund education and healthcare.
- He argues that investing in education and alleviating student debt can create a more solution-oriented society.
- Reggie highlights the waste of human potential caused by individuals being forced into survival mode due to excessive debt.
- The Importance of Community and Opportunity:
- Reggie advocates for a more inclusive and supportive society, addressing the systemic issues that lead to poverty, crime, and social unrest.
- He argues that providing opportunities from the beginning can help reduce the number of “losers” and unleash untapped potential.
- He discusses the impact of trauma, particularly during fetal development, on an individual’s predisposition to violence and struggle.
- Reggie proposes a shift in thinking about public resources, suggesting that investing in communities can be as profitable as military interventions.
- Navigating Fear-Based Projections:
- Reggie talks about the challenges of navigating fear-based projections, particularly when it comes to perceptions of different cities and communities.
- He emphasizes that no place is perfect and encourages people to experience places firsthand instead of relying on stereotypes.
- He discusses the reality of increasing violence in Los Angeles, but also highlights the potential for positive change through community engagement and reevaluating approaches to policing.
- Reggie reflects on his own experiences with fear-based projections, recognizing the need for a more nuanced and empathetic approach.
- The Power of Conversation and Empathy:
- Reggie emphasizes the importance of genuine conversation, recognizing the power of listening and understanding different perspectives, even when they differ from your own.
- He critiques the tendency to form ideological camps and the limitations of online discourse.
- Reggie advocates for a 10% rule, leaving room for the possibility of being wrong or misunderstanding a situation.
- He highlights the importance of seeking understanding rather than winning arguments and shares a personal story about a successful conversation with someone holding opposing views.
- Art as a Unifier:
- Reggie sees art as a universal language, bridging gaps and connecting people through shared experiences and emotions.
- He sees art as a reflection of our innate human qualities of curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Reggie acknowledges that art can be particularly powerful when it touches upon core human experiences, like vulnerability and struggle.
- He suggests that art can be a tool for healing and finding meaning in challenging times.
- The Importance of Controlled Adversity:
- Reggie emphasizes the value of controlled adversity, highlighting how challenging oneself physically and mentally can lead to personal growth and a more balanced perspective.
- He talks about the importance of regular exercise and its impact on his mood and ability to interact with others.
- Reggie acknowledges that his own need for physical challenge is partly genetic, but emphasizes the importance of finding solutions and building resilience.
- He compares controlled adversity to training with weights, suggesting that it helps build strength and prepares individuals for life’s challenges.
- The Challenges of Success and Maintaining Connection:
- Reggie discusses the potential for success to lead to detachment from everyday people and experiences, expressing his desire to maintain connection and avoid elitism.
- He shares his strategies for staying grounded, like spending time in DIY spaces and interacting with people outside of his usual circles.
- Reggie talks about the challenges of dealing with people who want something from him, particularly those seeking connections for social or financial gain.
- He shares his experiences with being approached by “grifters” and the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining his own authenticity.
- The Art of Social Interaction:
- Reggie shares his observations of social interactions, particularly those involving high-profile individuals and those navigating the complexities of fame.
- He discusses strategies for navigating social situations, like Owen Wilson’s approach to positive energy and efficient exits.
- Reggie emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding when interacting with people, particularly those who may be on the autism spectrum or have difficulty communicating.
- He highlights the importance of recognizing the sovereign being in every individual and creating space for meaningful connection.
- The Power of Improvisation and Finding Center:
- Reggie connects the experience of improvisation to the state of flow induced by ketamine, emphasizing the ability to observe and navigate thoughts and emotions with greater clarity.
- He shares a personal story about successfully navigating a livestream while under the influence of ketamine, demonstrating his ability to maintain a sense of normalcy.
- He discusses the importance of finding center in challenging situations, using the analogy of weighted vests in training.
- Reggie connects the idea of finding center to the concept of “practice normalcy,” suggesting that it can help navigate difficult emotions and maintain a sense of self.
- Psychedelics and Altered States:
- Reggie reflects on the power of psychedelics to provide new perspectives and open up possibilities for healing and growth.
- He highlights the potential for psychedelics to be used in therapeutic settings, particularly for addressing mental health issues like PTSD.
- Reggie discusses the evolving understanding of psychedelics and the growing acceptance of their therapeutic potential, particularly within the military and veteran communities.
- He emphasizes the need for responsible use and a nuanced understanding of psychedelics, recognizing that they are not appropriate for everyone.
- The Mystery of UFOs and UAPs:
- Reggie discusses his personal experiences with UFO sightings, sharing a specific story about seeing three glowing spheres in Montana.
- He acknowledges the growing body of evidence and government interest in UAPs, but also expresses skepticism and a lack of definitive answers.
- Reggie explores various theories about UAPs, including potential technological advancements, interdimensional phenomena, and the possibility of simulation glitches.
- He highlights the importance of maintaining a critical and open-minded perspective while acknowledging the mysteries surrounding UAPs.
- Car Culture and the Future of Automobiles:
- Reggie shares his passion for cars, particularly Porsches, and his experiences on a recent track day.
- He discusses the performance and handling differences between various Porsches, including the GT3 RS, 4 GT, and Taycan Turbo S.
- Reggie explores the evolving landscape of electric vehicles and the growing competition between companies like Lucid Motors, Tesla, and Rivian.
- He expresses excitement for the future of electric vehicles and the potential for innovation in design, performance, and sustainability.
- The Myth of the Hollow Moon:
- Reggie delves into the conspiracy theory surrounding the moon being hollow, discussing scientific explanations for lunar reverberations and the history of the “Hollow Moon” theory.
- He explores the potential for scientific misinterpretations and the allure of fantastical theories, acknowledging the fun of exploring the unknown.
- Reggie highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need to distinguish between legitimate scientific evidence and speculative hypotheses.
- He emphasizes that even seemingly outlandish theories can spark curiosity and contribute to a wider understanding of the universe.
- The Importance of Perspective and the Magic of Earth:
- Reggie emphasizes the importance of perspective, highlighting how experiencing life from different vantage points can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation.
- He discusses the profound impact of seeing Earth from space, particularly as it relates to environmental consciousness.
- Reggie explores the complexities of human consciousness, highlighting the inherent contradiction of being both observer and observed.
- He encourages listeners to embrace the “magic” of our existence on this unique and vibrant planet.
- The Importance of Physical Well-being and the Pursuit of Fitness:
- Reggie discusses his journey toward a healthier lifestyle, including his adoption of the keto diet and his focus on functional fitness.
- He shares his experiences with different approaches to fitness, from high-intensity training to more sustainable methods like walking and dancing.
- Reggie discusses the importance of finding a fitness routine that fits your individual needs and goals, emphasizing the value of having a trainer for guidance and support.
- He acknowledges the challenges of navigating food cravings and the importance of finding a balance between indulgence and healthy choices.
- The Importance of Open-Mindedness and Challenging Dogma:
- Reggie expresses frustration with the lack of open-mindedness surrounding psychedelics and the tendency to demonize substances without personal experience or understanding.
- He emphasizes the importance of challenging dogma and questioning authority, particularly when it comes to regulations on substances that have been used for thousands of years.
- Reggie advocates for responsible use and individual choice, suggesting that regulating substances without proper understanding or experience can be harmful and counterproductive.
- He encourages listeners to be skeptical of those who preach about health and well-being without demonstrating those principles in their own lives.
- The Importance of Community and Support:
- Reggie discusses the importance of community and support in navigating life’s challenges, particularly in the context of addiction and mental health.
- He shares his experiences with finding support from friends and colleagues, and the importance of creating a safe space for open conversation and understanding.
- Reggie advocates for increased access to psychedelic therapy, recognizing its potential for healing and personal growth.
- He highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, particularly when it comes to dealing with those struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
- The Power of Creativity and Building the Perfect Comedy Club:
- Reggie discusses his experience designing and building the Mothership, an independent comedy club in Austin, Texas.
- He emphasizes that his goal was to create a space that was supportive of the art form, not primarily a money-making venture.
- Reggie highlights the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both performers and audiences.
- He shares his approach to club design, emphasizing the need for excellent sight lines, comfortable seating, and a strong support system for up-and-coming comedians.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “Kratum is a weird one. Yeah, cuz it’s kind of an opiate, right? It uses the as far as I understand it uses the opioid Receptor, but it’s not technically an opiate.” – Reggie’s humorous and candid approach to discussing his experience with Kratom.
- “Isn’t that interesting that there’s actual things that can make you a better conversationalist? There’s things that you can take where you’ll be better, talking to people, you’ll say different things than you would without those things.” – A thought-provoking comment on the potential for substances to influence social interactions.
- “I’m not really political in the sense that I don’t have a party. I’m pretty independent. I’m just like I want to choose people that are Humble enough they have enough humility to work with anybody that wants to solve a problem that they’re wanting to solve and to create solutions for the most amount of people possible.” – Reggie’s perspective on political engagement and the importance of finding common ground.
- “I try very hard to not be connected to my ideas. That these are just ideas that I, as an individual, as a separate being, a conscious being, am engaging with these ideas. But I don’t claim them as my own to the point where I’m married to them and I fight for them.” – Reggie’s emphasis on intellectual humility and openness to different viewpoints.
- “You don’t get to choose your family. You don’t get to choose your neighborhood. You don’t get to choose how they, what trauma they faced in their life. You don’t get to choose what happened to your mother while she was, while you were in her womb that contributes to the way you think and behave.” – A powerful reflection on the complexities of human experience and the role of environment and genetics.