24-Mar-23
Joe Rogan sits down with comedian Andrew Schulz for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on everything from ancient civilizations and the Mongol Empire to the modern day comedy scene and the pitfalls of social media. Schulz’s insightful perspective and Rogan’s probing questions spark engaging discussions about power dynamics, cultural shifts, and the importance of authenticity in both life and comedy.
1. The Mongol Empire’s Dominance and its Demise:
Rogan and Schulz delve into the historical dominance of the Mongol Empire, exploring Genghis Khan’s strategic genius and ruthless tactics.
They examine the role of technology, particularly the recurve bow, in their military success and discuss the empire’s eventual downfall.
The conversation draws parallels to the current state of America’s perceived military dominance, highlighting the cyclical nature of power.
Schulz raises concerns about the potential for a slow, strategic dismantling of America’s power by adversaries like China.
2. The Rise and Influence of Social Media:
Rogan and Schulz discuss the meteoric rise of TikTok, questioning the platform’s data collection practices and its potential influence on young users.
They engage in a debate about whether TikTok’s data gathering is significantly different from other American social media platforms.
The conversation extends to the broader implications of social media, exploring how it shapes cultural trends and alters the way we consume information.
Schulz suggests that the success of TikTok could be attributed to America’s complacency, highlighting the need for innovation in social media.
3. The Impact of Cold War Fear Mongering:
Schulz recounts the widespread fear of nuclear war with the Soviet Union in the 1980s, attributing it to fear mongering by media outlets.
He describes how the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall brought a sense of relief and relaxation to society.
The conversation examines how cultural shifts and anxieties influence the way we perceive and respond to global events.
Schulz reflects on the cultural apathy that emerged in the 1990s, a period he characterizes as a time of decline in American car manufacturing and design.
4. The Correlation between Psychedelics and Cultural Shifts:
Schulz proposes an intriguing theory linking the decline of American car design to the 1970s prohibition of psychedelics.
He suggests that the removal of the gold standard from the US dollar in the 1970s further contributed to a period of instability and uncertainty.
Rogan and Schulz explore the potential for conspiratorial interpretations of these events, considering the impact of US economic policies on global power dynamics.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of history and economics, acknowledging the limitations of their expertise.
5. The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Limitations of Our Technology:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the Great Pyramids of Giza and the challenges of explaining their construction with conventional technology.
They speculate on the possibility of ancient civilizations possessing technologies beyond our current understanding.
Schulz compares the difficulty of describing modern technology like WiFi to ancient civilizations to the challenges of understanding AI.
The conversation highlights the importance of embracing imagination and considering alternative explanations for historical mysteries.
6. The Legacy of Hedy Lamar and the Evolution of Technology:
The podcast touches on Hedy Lamar’s invention of frequency hopping technology, a precursor to modern wireless communications.
Schulz and Rogan discuss how Lamar’s contributions were often overlooked due to her fame as an actress.
The conversation highlights the impact of individuals on technological advancement and the importance of recognizing contributions beyond conventional scientific fields.
Schulz reflects on the rapid pace of technological change, comparing the evolution of the internet to the industrial revolution.
7. The Shifting Standards of Comedy and the Importance of Authenticity:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the evolution of stand-up comedy, tracing its roots back to Lenny Bruce and his groundbreaking work.
Schulz reflects on the importance of having a comedic North Star, a personal standard of excellence to guide one’s artistic vision.
The conversation emphasizes the danger of succumbing to the demands of the audience, particularly when it comes to comedic material.
Schulz stresses the importance of staying true to one’s voice and embracing authenticity in comedy, citing Patrice O’Neal as an example.
8. The Writing Process and the Search for Authenticity:
Schulz shares his writing process, emphasizing the importance of introspection and finding the core feeling behind a joke.
He describes his reliance on talking through ideas, engaging in conversations, and riffing on stage to cultivate comedic material.
Schulz contrasts his approach to writing with the more formulaic approach of late-night comedy writers, emphasizing the importance of passion and genuine connection.
The conversation highlights the different strategies and mindsets employed by comedians in developing their material.
9. The Power of the “Flow State” and the Pursuit of Creativity:
Schulz describes his experience entering a “flow state” while running, a mental state that allows for heightened creativity and introspection.
He compares this state to the experiences of elite athletes, suggesting that it can be accessed through a combination of physical exertion and mental focus.
Schulz acknowledges the challenges of consistently accessing this state but emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that foster creativity.
The conversation explores the relationship between physical activity, mental discipline, and the creative process.
10. The Role of Ego in Creativity and the Pursuit of Excellence:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the paradoxical nature of ego in the pursuit of excellence.
They acknowledge that ego can drive ambition and creativity but also hinder progress and lead to self-sabotage.
Schulz advocates for replacing ego with willpower and resilience, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the task at hand.
The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness and the need to manage ego in order to achieve one’s full potential.
11. The Disparity of Wealth and the Illusion of Success:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the societal pressures to accumulate wealth and the illusion that material possessions equate to happiness.
Schulz questions the value of excessive wealth, arguing that it often leads to isolation and a distorted perception of reality.
They reflect on the dangers of allowing wealth to dictate one’s priorities and the importance of finding fulfillment in experiences and relationships.
The conversation highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of success and the pursuit of true happiness.
12. The Addiction Crisis and the Importance of Empathy:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the challenges of addiction and the societal tendency to blame individuals rather than addressing the underlying causes.
Schulz reflects on the difficulty of understanding addiction from a perspective of non-experience, acknowledging the powerful grip that substances can hold.
They discuss the complexities of addiction, acknowledging both personal responsibility and the role of biological and environmental factors.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion when addressing addiction and the need for systemic changes to support those struggling with substance abuse.
13. The Ethics of Consumerism and the Exploitation of Labor:
Schulz and Rogan delve into the ethical implications of consumerism, particularly in relation to the exploitation of labor in the manufacturing of electronic devices.
Schulz expresses his desire for ethically sourced products and fair wages for workers, acknowledging the challenges of achieving this in a globalized economy.
The conversation highlights the disconnect between consumer demand and the realities of production, exposing the exploitation that often occurs behind the scenes.
Schulz proposes the creation of a company that prioritizes ethical practices and transparent sourcing, advocating for a more conscious and responsible approach to consumption.
14. The Power of Community and the Need for Standards:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the importance of community and shared standards in maintaining the quality and integrity of comedy.
Schulz emphasizes the role of mentors and peers in setting a high bar for comedic excellence and the need to push back against mediocrity.
The conversation highlights the importance of supporting and nurturing talent while holding each other accountable to maintain a high level of craft.
Schulz stresses the dangers of succumbing to trends and the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision.
15. The Role of Humor in Challenging Norms:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the power of humor to challenge societal norms and expose hypocrisy.
Schulz reflects on the importance of pushing boundaries and making people uncomfortable, acknowledging the risks of satire and the potential for backlash.
The conversation highlights the role of comedy as a vehicle for social commentary and the importance of using humor to spark dialogue and critical thinking.
Schulz emphasizes the need to be mindful of the impact of jokes and the importance of using humor responsibly.
16. The Search for Meaning and the Role of Religion:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the human search for meaning and the role of religion in providing structure and guidance.
Schulz suggests that religion serves as a form of comfort and stability, particularly in times of uncertainty.
They explore the evolution of religious beliefs, arguing that each new religion often emerged as a reaction to the limitations of previous ones.
The conversation highlights the enduring human need for belief systems and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life.
17. The Benefits of Discomfort and the Importance of Resilience:
Schulz advocates for the practice of cold plunges, arguing that they challenge the ego and foster resilience.
He suggests that discomfort can build mental strength and enhance one’s ability to overcome challenges.
The conversation highlights the importance of seeking out experiences that push us beyond our comfort zones and the need to cultivate resilience in a world filled with adversity.
Schulz emphasizes the importance of challenging ourselves mentally and physically to enhance our capacity for growth and transformation.
18. The Role of Cataclysmic Events in Shaping Culture:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the potential impact of cataclysmic events on human civilization, particularly the theories of Randall Carlson and Graham Hancock.
They explore the idea that past cataclysms may have wiped out advanced civilizations, leading to periods of barbarism and rebuilding.
The conversation explores the cyclical nature of history and the possibility that we are not the first civilization to have experienced profound societal shifts.
Schulz and Rogan acknowledge the lack of definitive evidence for these theories but encourage an open-minded approach to understanding the past.
19. The Legacy of Miyamoto Musashi and the Power of Mastery:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the life and philosophy of Miyamoto Musashi, a renowned Japanese swordsman and author of the book “The Book of Five Rings.”
They explore Musashi’s pursuit of mastery and his belief in the importance of well-roundedness, both in combat and in life.
The conversation highlights the parallels between Musashi’s philosophy and the modern pursuit of excellence in martial arts and other disciplines.
Schulz and Rogan discuss the importance of constant learning and the need to challenge ourselves to reach our full potential.
20. The Power of Willpower and the Quest for Excellence:
Schulz and Rogan discuss the importance of willpower in achieving greatness, particularly in the realm of combat sports.
They examine the remarkable career of Jon Jones, a mixed martial artist widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Schulz and Rogan reflect on Jones’s unique talent and the dedication required to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
The conversation highlights the role of genetics, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence in achieving extraordinary results.
5 Memorable Quotes:
“You need a little bit of bravado to say the things that you wanna say.” – Schulz highlights the importance of confidence and self-belief in challenging societal norms through comedy.
“If you’re really good at something, your ego inflates, and you think it’s about you.” – Schulz cautions against the dangers of ego and the need for humility in the pursuit of excellence.
“I don’t think I’ve created any comedy. I think it’s there, and I just kinda like, this is stupid, but, like, you know, like what is it? The constellations. It’s like the stars are there, but somebody looked at them and they’re like, oh, that kinda looks at a belt.” – Schulz describes the process of finding comedic material as a process of connecting existing ideas and observations.
“I think it’s very important to have an almost like religious arrogance about a version of comedy that you love.” – Schulz advocates for having a clear vision and a strong belief in one’s artistic vision, even if it differs from mainstream trends.
“It’s gonna be 34 degrees to the end of time. How long can you hang out in there? You don’t win.” – Schulz emphasizes the humility and resilience required to overcome challenges, using the example of cold plunges.