JRE #1915 – Brian Simpson

This podcast features stand-up comedian Brian Simpson, host of the podcast “BS with Brian Simpson,” in conversation with Joe Rogan. Their wide-ranging discussion touches upon a diverse array of topics, from disability and athletic achievement to the intricacies of comedy and the dark side of technology. Underlying themes explore the nature of success, the importance of persistence and self-awareness, and the inherent complexities of human nature.

Here are some of the podcast’s key topics:

Disability and Athletic Achievement

1. Zion Clark’s Inspirational Story: The discussion kicks off with Zion Clark, a wrestler and MMA fighter born without legs. Rogan and Simpson marvel at Clark’s incredible physical abilities, highlighting his unwavering determination and the sheer courage it takes to pursue such a demanding career. They ponder the complexities of competition and whether Clark’s disability presents an advantage or disadvantage.
2. The Adaptability of the Human Body: Rogan and Simpson explore the concept of untapped human potential, drawing parallels between Clark’s unique abilities and the woman who excels at using her feet for tasks typically done with hands. They speculate on whether such dexterity is a skill we all possess but rarely develop due to our reliance on other body parts.
3. Necessity as a Motivator: The discussion emphasizes the power of necessity in driving human ingenuity and adaptation. Rogan and Simpson agree that those who face significant challenges are often pushed to develop remarkable skills and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
4. The Importance of Experience: Rogan and Simpson delve into the concept of “experience” as a crucial factor in success, particularly in physically demanding pursuits. They acknowledge that while Clark may not have legs, his experience and expertise in using his arms for movement are invaluable in wrestling and MMA.

Comedy and the Pursuit of Success

1. The Value of Persistence in Comedy: Simpson shares his early experiences in comedy, emphasizing the importance of relentless practice and the realization that success comes from persistent effort. He acknowledges that the “just keep doing it” mantra, while initially frustrating, is ultimately the key to improvement.
2. The “Bulking Phase” of Comedy Writing: Simpson discusses his writing process, comparing it to the “bulking phase” of bodybuilding. He embraces the initial stage of generating ideas, even if they seem rough or unrefined, as essential for developing a strong set.
3. The Importance of Feedback and Self-Awareness: Simpson stresses the need for self-critique and the willingness to embrace constructive feedback. He recounts a story about watching his old stand-up footage and being horrified by the realization of how much he has improved. He underscores the importance of using feedback to refine your craft and become a better comedian.
4. The Difference Between Open Mics and Paid Gigs: Simpson highlights the stark difference between performing at open mic nights and paid gigs, noting that the quality of comedy drastically shifts. He acknowledges the value of open mic nights as a learning experience but emphasizes the importance of working with professional comedians to elevate one’s skills.
5. Learning from the Best: Simpson shares his experiences performing after legendary comedians like Richard Pryor and Martin Lawrence, acknowledging the immense pressure and the valuable lessons he learned from witnessing their brilliance. He emphasizes the importance of exposure to top-tier talent as a catalyst for growth.
6. The Importance of “Cutting the Fat”: Simpson discusses the need to trim excess material and streamline jokes to make them more impactful. He encourages comedians to view their writing with a critical eye, eliminating anything that isn’t essential to the humor.
7. The Importance of Finding Your Path: Rogan and Simpson agree that comedy is a unique and personal journey, with no one-size-fits-all approach. They emphasize the importance of finding your individual voice and style.
8. The Power of Mentorship: Simpson underscores the importance of having mentors who provide honest and constructive feedback. He acknowledges that while it’s important to trust your own instincts, listening to those who have experience is crucial for growth.

Technology, Inequality, and the Future of Humanity

1. The Dark Side of Technology: Rogan and Simpson discuss the ethical implications of technology, particularly the human cost of cobalt mining for smartphones. They highlight the exploitation of workers in the Congo, including children, and the devastating health consequences of their labor.
2. The “Steps to Atrocity” Analogy: Simpson introduces a thought-provoking analogy about the human tendency to distance ourselves from atrocities as long as they don’t directly affect us. He questions our willingness to consume products made through exploitation and the disconnect between our online activism and our everyday choices.
3. The Impact of Social Media on Emotions: The discussion touches on the potential impact of social media on mental health and emotional well-being. Rogan and Simpson acknowledge that constant online engagement can be emotionally draining, even for those who are intellectually strong.
4. The Rise of CRISPR Technology: Rogan and Simpson explore the potential of CRISPR technology for gene editing and its implications for the future of humanity. They speculate on the possibilities of enhancing human capabilities and the potential ethical dilemmas that may arise.
5. Elon Musk’s Polarizing Nature: Rogan and Simpson discuss Elon Musk’s public persona and his controversial tweets. They acknowledge the difficulty of maintaining neutrality when someone is so polarizing and suggest that engaging with his critics calmly and respectfully can be more effective than taking sides.
6. Lex Fridman’s Unique Perspective: Rogan and Simpson praise Lex Fridman, a renowned podcaster and AI expert, for his thoughtful and insightful approach to interviewing, particularly with individuals like Kanye West. They admire Fridman’s ability to engage in open-minded conversations and treat guests with respect and kindness.
7. The Future of Work and Automation: The discussion touches upon the potential impact of automation on future careers and the need to adapt to changing job markets. They recognize the importance of continuous learning and developing skills that are relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
8. The “Rich Tax” of Technology: Rogan and Simpson discuss the practice of charging consumers for features that are standard in other vehicles, such as Apple CarPlay, and the potential for tech companies to exploit consumers with exorbitant pricing.

The Nature of Success and the Importance of Self-Awareness

1. The “King of the Hill” Mentality: Rogan and Simpson discuss the tendency for some individuals to settle for mediocrity and avoid challenging themselves for fear of failure. They encourage listeners to push their limits and strive for excellence.
2. The Importance of Facing Your Fears: Rogan and Simpson highlight the importance of confronting your fears and pushing past your comfort zone. They believe that true growth comes from venturing into unfamiliar territory.
3. The Difference Between Being “Nice” and Being “Kind”: Simpson distinguishes between being “nice” out of weakness and being “kind” out of strength. He encourages listeners to develop a strong sense of self and be willing to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means being unpopular.
4. The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People: The conversation emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will provide honest feedback and support your growth. Rogan and Simpson believe that having a network of supportive individuals is essential for success.
5. The Impact of Early Experiences on Self-Perception: Simpson shares his experience of downplaying his intelligence in order to fit in with peers, acknowledging that early experiences can shape our self-image and influence our behavior. He encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and not let past experiences define them.
6. The Importance of Embracing Your “Inner Bitch”: Simpson highlights the importance of developing inner strength and resilience, particularly in the face of self-doubt and criticism. He believes that learning to manage your “inner bitch” is crucial for achieving success and maintaining mental well-being.

Human Nature and the Complexities of Life

1. The “Steps to Atrocity” Analogy: Simpson’s analogy about the steps to atrocity highlights the human tendency to rationalize or ignore injustices that don’t directly affect us. It raises questions about our responsibility to address societal problems and our capacity for empathy.
2. The Gender Dynamics of Success: Rogan and Simpson discuss the different challenges faced by men and women in achieving success, particularly in terms of financial independence and social expectations. They acknowledge the limitations faced by women in a patriarchal society.
3. The Power of the “Bad Bitch”: Rogan and Simpson jokingly observe that while men can be both attractive and homeless, women who are both attractive and homeless are a rarity. This observation sparks a discussion about the social pressures placed on women to maintain a certain standard of appearance and the inherent advantages often associated with being attractive.
4. The Importance of Finding Your Tribe: The discussion highlights the importance of finding a community where you feel accepted and supported. Simpson credits comedy with helping him find a group of like-minded individuals with whom he can share his thoughts and be himself.
5. The Allure and Danger of Belief Systems: The discussion touches upon the power of belief systems, both in terms of their potential for positive change and their capacity for causing harm. Simpson’s experiences in Scientology illustrate the complexities of indoctrination and the challenges of confronting deeply held beliefs.
6. The Role of Fear and Anxiety in Society: Rogan and Simpson discuss the impact of fear and anxiety on our perceptions of the world, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They acknowledge that while fear can be a powerful motivator, it can also lead to irrational behavior and a distorted view of reality.
7. The Importance of Finding Joy in Life: Despite the challenges and complexities of life, Rogan and Simpson emphasize the importance of finding joy and meaning. They believe that even in the face of adversity, it’s essential to cherish the simple pleasures and the connections we have with others.

Provocative and Controversial Topics

1. The Ethics of Abortion: Simpson and Rogan discuss a court case involving a woman with Down Syndrome who is challenging the UK’s abortion laws. They explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding prenatal testing, the right to choose, and the potential for discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
2. The Role of Government in Public Health: The discussion touches upon the controversial topic of government intervention in public health, particularly in the context of mask mandates and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rogan and Simpson express skepticism about the effectiveness of certain public health measures and raise concerns about the potential for overreach.
3. The Legalization of Prostitution: Rogan and Simpson debate the merits of legalizing prostitution, acknowledging the potential for reducing exploitation and improving safety for sex workers. They argue against the hypocrisy of criminalizing sex work while simultaneously accepting other forms of payment for services that individuals may not enjoy performing.
4. The Dark Side of the Entertainment Industry: Rogan and Simpson discuss the potential downsides of fame and the pressures that celebrities face. They raise concerns about the exploitation of child actors and the mental health challenges that can result from living in the public eye.
5. Conspiracy Theories and Government Secrecy: The conversation delves into conspiracy theories surrounding the CIA, the drug trade, and government involvement in illicit activities. They express skepticism about government transparency and the potential for covert operations to remain hidden.
6. The Impact of Cocaine Use on Society: Rogan and Simpson explore the prevalence of cocaine use in different countries, including the United States and Albania. They discuss the societal impacts of drug use and the potential for addiction and harm.
7. The Role of the Media in Shaping Perceptions: The discussion touches upon the influence of the media on public opinion, particularly in terms of sensationalizing negative stories and creating a distorted view of reality. They encourage listeners to be critical consumers of information and to seek out diverse perspectives.

Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “Don’t argue with a fool because they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” – Rogan shares a wisdom about not engaging with people who are not open to reason.
• “The world’s better statistically.” – Rogan reminds listeners that despite challenging circumstances, there has been significant progress in many areas of life.
• “We can’t shut a country down. Now we know.” – Rogan reflects on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the unintended consequences of lockdowns.
• “If you’re a guy, like, if you’re a guy already, the for the you know, everyone wants to talk about, like, you know, the benefits of being a guy, and there are benefits to being a guy. But one of the negative effects of being a guy that people don’t talk about is guys that are unattractive and don’t have any money. They are unheard and unseen. Unattractive guys with no money, they’re they’re in a very strange position in our society.” – Simpson points out a rarely discussed drawback of being a man in modern society.
• “Human beings are extremely nuanced.” – Rogan underscores the importance of avoiding simplistic generalizations and recognizing the complexity of human nature.