24-Dec-21
This podcast features comedian and Deathsquad podcast network founder Brian Redban as Joe Rogan’s guest. It covers a wide range of topics, including the evolution of podcasting, the metaverse, virtual reality, the future of technology, and the enduring appeal of classic rock and roll. Provocative discussions on the pervasiveness of deepfakes, the rise of “woke” culture, and the potential dangers of virtual reality are also explored.
Podcast Topics
- The Evolution of Podcasting
- Rogan recounts the early days of the podcast, when he started with zero listeners.
- He credits Adam Corolla with being a pioneer of the medium, moving his radio show to the internet.
- The rise of podcasts is linked to the limitations of traditional radio and the desire for uncensored conversation.
- Rogan believes that podcasts have overtaken radio in terms of their ability to engage audiences.
- The Metaverse and Virtual Reality
- Redban describes his own nightly virtual reality experiences with friends, creating a world where they can interact and play games.
- Rogan and Redban discuss the implications of the unreal engine, which is creating incredibly realistic virtual environments.
- They explore the potential of virtual reality for gaming, entertainment, and even social interaction.
- The podcast highlights the blurring lines between the physical and digital worlds, and the ethical considerations surrounding deepfakes and virtual avatars.
- Deepfakes and the Future of Technology
- Redban discusses his experience creating a virtual avatar of Wendy from Wendy’s, highlighting the capabilities of current technology.
- Rogan and Redban acknowledge the potential for deepfakes to be used for malicious purposes, like creating fake videos of celebrities or politicians.
- The podcast raises questions about the future of privacy and the need for responsible development of this technology.
- They discuss how this technology will likely evolve to become even more realistic and indistinguishable from reality.
- The Rise of “Woke” Culture
- Rogan and Redban discuss the rapid spread of “woke” culture and its influence on society.
- They speculate that foreign actors may be pushing this cultural shift to manipulate public opinion.
- The podcast examines the potential for “woke” culture to be used to censor free speech and silence dissenting voices.
- They express concern about the erosion of traditional values and the increasing polarization of society.
- The Enduring Appeal of Classic Rock and Roll
- Rogan and Redban discuss their love for classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- They highlight the emotional depth and storytelling power of these songs, contrasting them with modern music.
- The podcast explores the cultural context of these bands, and how their music captured a specific moment in time.
- Rogan and Redban acknowledge the evolution of music and the different ways that people connect with it.
- The Perils of Addiction and Substance Abuse
- Rogan and Redban discuss the potential dangers of virtual reality and its addictive qualities.
- They also discuss the impact of substance abuse on the lives of celebrities like George Michael.
- The podcast raises questions about the importance of mental health and the need to address addiction issues.
- Rogan highlights the need for self-discipline and the importance of finding healthy outlets for entertainment.
- The Future of Comedy
- Rogan and Redban discuss the importance of creating a supportive community for comedians.
- They highlight the role of live comedy shows like Kill Tony in promoting new talent and fostering creativity.
- The podcast explores the impact of social media on comedy and the changing landscape of stand-up.
- They express optimism about the future of comedy and the potential for new voices to emerge.
- The Impact of the Pandemic
- Rogan and Redban discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives and the world at large.
- They discuss the effectiveness of vaccines and the emergence of new variants.
- The podcast examines the social and economic consequences of the pandemic, including the rise of remote work and the decline of traditional industries.
- Rogan and Redban speculate on the long-term effects of the pandemic and the future of public health.
- The Role of Government and Society
- Rogan and Redban discuss the potential for government overreach and the erosion of individual freedoms in a world dominated by technology.
- They explore the role of government in regulating technology and protecting citizens’ rights.
- The podcast highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need to challenge authority.
- They discuss the responsibility of individuals to be informed citizens and advocate for their own interests.
- The Importance of Health and Wellness
- Rogan and Redban discuss the importance of hydration and electrolytes, promoting the use of products like Liquid IV.
- They also discuss the benefits of exercise and cold plunges.
- The podcast touches on the dangers of overconsumption of certain medications like Tylenol.
- They emphasize the need to prioritize overall health and well-being.
- The Peculiarities of Social Media
- Rogan and Redban discuss the influence of TikTok and other social media platforms on their lives and the world.
- They acknowledge the addictive nature of social media and its potential to distract from other important aspects of life.
- The podcast highlights the role of social media in shaping public opinion and spreading misinformation.
- They discuss the challenges of navigating social media in a healthy and balanced way.
- The Ethics of Animal Treatment
- Rogan and Redban discuss the debate over the treatment of lobsters in grocery stores and restaurants.
- They explore the growing movement for lobster liberation and its motivations.
- The podcast raises questions about the ethics of consuming animals and the importance of animal welfare.
- They also touch on the potential for lobsters to become pets.
- The Impact of Cultural Shifts
- Rogan and Redban discuss the emergence of K-Pop and its influence on global music culture.
- They explore the cultural differences between American and Asian music scenes.
- The podcast examines the impact of globalization on cultural trends and the spread of new ideas.
- They discuss the importance of understanding and appreciating different cultures.
- The Nature of Belief Systems
- Rogan and Redban discuss the power of belief systems and how they can influence people’s lives.
- They explore the allure of rigid belief systems and the potential dangers of indoctrination.
- The podcast touches on the role of religion in shaping society and individual behavior.
- They discuss the importance of critical thinking and questioning established norms.
- The Impact of Fame and Celebrity Culture
- Rogan and Redban discuss the challenges of dealing with fame and the pressures of celebrity culture.
- They explore the impact of fame on mental health and the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy.
- The podcast touches on the darker side of celebrity culture and the potential for abuse and exploitation.
- They discuss the importance of self-awareness and the need to find a healthy balance in life.
- The Importance of Community and Connection
- Rogan and Redban discuss the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships.
- They highlight the value of having friends and a supportive network.
- The podcast explores the role of community in providing a sense of belonging and purpose.
- They discuss the importance of connecting with others and fostering genuine human connection.
Memorable Quotes
- “We started off with, like, 0 listeners. And just not thinking it was gonna be anything other than just fucking around.” – Rogan describes the humble beginnings of his podcast.
- “There’s no stern anymore. Who’s the big maha on radio now?” – Rogan reflects on the changing landscape of radio.
- “Ready player 1 is gonna be a documentary.” – Rogan predicts that the movie Ready Player One will become a reality.
- “If it starts looking like that, everyone’s freaking out about it, but it’s already kind of been going for a long time.” – Redban acknowledges the existence of the metaverse in its early stages.
- “I think I need to just relax. I need to stop being this old man that doesn’t want the world to change.” – Rogan expresses his anxieties about the rapid pace of technological change.