JRE #1843 – Paul Virzi

This podcast features comedian Paul Virzi, known for his stand-up specials and co-hosting the “Anything Better?” podcast with Bill Burr. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from UFO sightings and the impact of technology on society to parenting, mental health, and the changing landscape of the comedy industry. It’s a free-flowing and insightful conversation, offering glimpses into Virzi’s unique perspectives and experiences.

UFO Sightings and Alien Life

1. Virzi shares his father’s story of a UFO sighting in 1973 in Yonkers, New York. The story is detailed and vivid, including descriptions of the craft and the family’s stunned reaction.
2. The podcast explores the possibility of alien life and its potential impact on humanity. Virzi and Rogan discuss the potential motivations of aliens, including the possibility of them monitoring our actions to prevent self-destruction.
3. They delve into the work of Bob Lazar, a controversial figure who claimed to have worked on reverse-engineering alien technology. This segment explores the idea of element 115 and its potential role in bending gravity.
4. The conversation touches on the debate about UFO sightings being mass hallucinations versus actual encounters. They speculate on the potential for aliens to be involved in human evolution, suggesting a possible “ant farm” scenario where we are observed and manipulated.

Parenting and Mental Health

1. Virzi discusses his parenting style, emphasizing communication and empathy with his children. He shares his approach to dealing with their insecurities and anxieties, drawing inspiration from Mike Tyson’s relationship with his boxing coach.
2. He shares the impact of his brother-in-law’s overdose on his family, particularly his son’s fear of addiction. This segment highlights the importance of communication and open dialogue about sensitive topics.
3. Virzi emphasizes the importance of being honest with children about personal struggles and failures, particularly in the context of achieving success. He believes that it fosters empathy and encourages them to embrace their own struggles.
4. He candidly shares his personal experience with a 90-day bout of depression and anxiety, which he initially mistook for a physical illness. This segment delves into the complexities of mental health and the importance of seeking help.

The Comedy Industry and Success

1. The podcast explores the evolving comedy industry, highlighting the rise of independent platforms like YouTube and the decline of traditional gatekeepers. Virzi and Rogan discuss the growing importance of direct-to-fan connections and social media.
2. Virzi shares his experiences with rejections and struggles during his early years in comedy, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience. He reflects on the role of support systems and the joy of finally achieving recognition.
3. The conversation delves into the phenomenon of “killing in obscurity” and the importance of finding validation outside of traditional industry recognition. Virzi emphasizes the power of peer support and the authenticity of the live stand-up experience.
4. They discuss the dangers of “comparison” and the importance of focusing on personal growth and development. Virzi encourages comics to embrace their own style and avoid succumbing to envy or insecurity.

Social Commentary and Controversial Topics

1. Virzi shares his observations about the changing social climate, particularly the rise of “woke culture” and its impact on comedy. He expresses concerns about the stifling of free speech and the tendency to demonize those with dissenting opinions.
2. He discusses the controversy surrounding Kanye West’s support for Donald Trump, suggesting that the media’s negative portrayal of West is partly fueled by his political stance. This segment explores the complexities of political discourse and the tendency to label dissenting voices as “crazy.”
3. They examine the phenomenon of “cancel culture” and its implications for the comedy industry. Virzi and Rogan discuss the power of social media to influence public perception and the importance of companies resisting calls for censorship.
4. The podcast explores the complexities of race relations, specifically the issue of anti-Asian violence. Virzi discusses the challenges of addressing sensitive topics through comedy, highlighting the potential for misinterpretation and the importance of context.

Miscellaneous Topics

1. The podcast touches on the history of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, particularly the use of steroids in baseball. Virzi shares anecdotes about his encounters with athletes known for using steroids, including Jose Canseco and Barry Bonds.
2. Virzi expresses his appreciation for the mental fortitude required of stand-up comedians, particularly the ability to withstand rejection and self-doubt. He discusses the emotional toll of the profession and the importance of building a strong support system.
3. He shares his fascination with true crime and serial killer documentaries. This segment explores the appeal of dark and disturbing content, prompting a discussion about the potential for evil to enhance appreciation for good.
4. Virzi and Rogan discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and its global implications. They express concern over the potential for escalation and the role of the United States in the conflict. They also touch on the human rights abuses occurring in China and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
5. The podcast explores the concept of “spiritual” versus “religious” beliefs. Virzi shares his personal perspective, emphasizing his belief in something larger than himself and the power of putting positive intentions out into the universe.

5 Memorable Quotes:

1. “It’s called killing in obscurity. And I would be in a fucking hotel room, and Stacy, my wife, would go, ‘How did the show go?’ And I’d go, ‘You know, I got fucking waitresses and people that have been there, like, here, going, ‘Dude, we see comedy all the time. Like, you’re one of the funniest guys that come here, and and you know what? I’m I’m fucking nothing’s happening.'” – Virzi captures the frustration of striving for success without immediate recognition.
2. “The best thing that you could do is have a dialogue with your kids where they know they could always talk to you about things. So, like, I I’m not very I’m not as my wife is more restrictive than me when it comes to, like like, television or or computer use. So she puts, like, screen time on their phones and show like that. I feel like you gotta be very careful to not be too controlling because then your your kid will try to rebel.” – Virzi emphasizes the importance of open communication and avoiding overly restrictive parenting.
3. “It’s not real. This is the industry. Right here. Yeah. This is the industry now. Like, no bullshit. Yeah. This is a real network. Yeah. In terms of, like, all the comics come in here. Yeah. We, you know, we’re all very supportive of each other. Everybody is out there telling stories on the road and doing their thing and having a good time and — Yeah. — and saying, ‘Hey. You gotta go see Mark Norman. Hey. Shane Gilles is fucking killing it.’ And then anybody who hears, you hear on Twitter, you hear on Instagram, and that’s the real industry now.” – Virzi highlights the shift in power within the comedy industry, emphasizing the importance of peer support and independent platforms.
4. “You know, I’ve had friends before that would just complain all the time, and he just got to the point where I was, ‘Jesus Christ. I can’t keep this person in my life. All they do is complain.'” – Virzi reflects on the negative impact of negativity and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people.
5. “If you could apply that sort of strategy to other things, your friendships, your relationships, your — Yeah. — your job. Like, whatever whatever else you you do outside of that, it it’s the same thing. Like, just do your best and and try to figure out what’s wrong with the parts that suck. try to make them better. Try to see if, you know, you can improve upon things. Like, it’s a constant process.” – Virzi emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and self-reflection in all aspects of life.