JRE #1695 – Andrew Schulz

12-Aug-21

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This podcast delves deep into the world of stand-up comedy with a focus on Andrew Schulz’s unique perspective on life, comedy, and society. Provocative topics include the absurdity of Olympic karate, the controversial actions of prominent figures, and the complexities of finding success in the comedy scene. Underlying themes explore the importance of self-expression, the evolving nature of humor, and the constant struggle between individuality and conformity.

Major Topics in Podcast

1. The Absurdity of Olympic Karate

  • Joe Rogan and Andrew Schulz discuss the 2020 Tokyo Olympics karate competition, specifically the controversy surrounding a gold medal awarded for a knockout despite the competitor appearing to fake a sleep.
  • They highlight the disconnect between the practicality of traditional martial arts and the point-scoring system used in Olympic competition, leading to situations where “dancing” can lead to gold medals.
  • This highlights the potential pitfalls of trying to sanitize violence in a combat sport, questioning the value of a sport that rewards technique over the ability to actually knock someone out.
  • The conversation ultimately centers on the purpose of martial arts and the disconnect between traditional training and its application in a sanitized, competitive setting.

2. Sexual Harassment and Allegations in Politics

  • Schulz and Rogan discuss the sexual harassment allegations against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, highlighting the “Italian” defense he used to justify his actions.
  • They analyze Cuomo’s attempt to deflect the allegations by showcasing instances of him touching various individuals, highlighting the absurdity of his defense and the normalization of inappropriate behavior.
  • The conversation delves into the broader context of sexual misconduct allegations against politicians, particularly the power dynamics involved and the difficulty of holding those in positions of power accountable.
  • Schulz and Rogan also connect these allegations to similar controversies involving other prominent figures, such as Biden’s infamous “sniffing” incidents, which ultimately spark a discussion on the evolving definition of appropriate behavior in the age of social media.

3. The Power of Stand-Up Comedy

  • Schulz discusses the challenges of performing stand-up comedy in different environments, particularly in New York City where audiences tend to be more reserved and sensitive to certain topics.
  • He highlights the importance of creating a safe space where audiences feel comfortable laughing at potentially offensive jokes, particularly those dealing with controversial social issues.
  • Schulz emphasizes the importance of building a dedicated fan base who understand and appreciate your comedic style, highlighting the difference between performing for familiar audiences and navigating unfamiliar crowds.
  • He advocates for the value of diverse comedic experiences, suggesting that performing in less receptive environments can ultimately lead to stronger jokes by forcing comedians to find new ways to deliver controversial material.

4. The Disillusionment with Politicians and Power

  • Schulz and Rogan discuss the current political climate, expressing their skepticism about the intentions of politicians and the perceived disconnect between their actions and their stated goals.
  • They critique the “woke” culture prevalent in California, questioning its effectiveness and its potential to stifle free speech and genuine expression.
  • The conversation delves into the role of social media in amplifying and shaping public opinion, highlighting the potential for manipulation and the difficulty of separating reality from orchestrated narratives.
  • Schulz and Rogan express a sense of disillusionment with the political system, questioning the true motivations of politicians and the effectiveness of their policies in addressing societal problems.

5. The Perils of Fame and the Impact on Relationships

  • Schulz discusses the challenges of navigating fame and the impact it can have on personal relationships, particularly regarding the pressure to constantly share personal life on social media.
  • He highlights the difference between choosing to share aspects of your personal life and the expectation from others to do so, particularly when it comes to romantic relationships.
  • Schulz advocates for the importance of personal boundaries and the right to control your own narrative, particularly when navigating the pressures of a public persona.
  • He emphasizes the importance of finding a partner who understands and respects these boundaries, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual respect in navigating the challenges of fame.

6. The Exploration of Controversial Topics

  • Schulz and Rogan discuss various controversial topics, ranging from the authenticity of North Korean defectors’ stories to the dangers of social media algorithms in shaping cultural narratives.
  • They touch upon the complexities of understanding cultural differences and the potential for misinterpretations and misrepresentations in a globalized world.
  • They examine the potential for social media platforms to censor free speech and manipulate public opinion, particularly through the use of algorithms and targeted content.
  • Schulz and Rogan encourage critical thinking and questioning established narratives, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and the danger of blindly accepting information from unreliable sources.

7. The Power of the Military Industrial Complex

  • Schulz and Rogan delve into the influence of the military industrial complex, drawing parallels between the motivations of those profiting from war and the perceived manipulation of public opinion.
  • They discuss the potential for conflicts to be manufactured or perpetuated to benefit specific corporations and individuals, questioning the justifications for military intervention and the true cost of war.
  • They explore the complexities of navigating ethical dilemmas associated with military involvement, particularly when it comes to sacrificing lives and resources for seemingly dubious purposes.
  • Schulz and Rogan express a sense of cynicism about the intentions of those in power, highlighting the potential for manipulation and the need to critically examine the information presented to the public.

8. The Impact of COVID-19 on Society

  • Schulz and Rogan discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the societal impact of the virus and the different responses to it.
  • They question the effectiveness of vaccine mandates and the potential for government overreach in dictating personal health choices.
  • The conversation delves into the economic and social consequences of lockdowns and restrictions, highlighting the uneven impact on different demographics and industries.
  • Schulz and Rogan express a sense of uncertainty about the future of the pandemic, acknowledging the evolving nature of the virus and the challenges of navigating a world with a constant threat of new variants.

9. The Evolving Nature of Relationships

  • Schulz discusses the dynamics of relationships in the modern era, highlighting the challenges of navigating personal boundaries and the influence of social media.
  • He shares his perspective on the importance of finding a partner who respects individual autonomy and embraces a healthy balance of independence and intimacy.
  • Schulz emphasizes the importance of open communication and mutual understanding in overcoming the pressures and expectations of modern relationships.
  • He celebrates the value of finding a partner who complements and supports your individuality, highlighting the importance of genuine connection and shared values.

10. The Importance of Self-Expression

  • Schulz emphasizes the importance of self-expression and the freedom to explore unconventional ideas, particularly in the context of stand-up comedy.
  • He encourages young comedians to embrace their individuality and push boundaries, challenging the limitations imposed by social norms and political correctness.
  • Schulz expresses concern about the potential for censorship and algorithmic manipulation to stifle creative expression, highlighting the need for platforms to protect free speech and encourage diversity of opinion.
  • He advocates for the importance of embracing discomfort and challenging established norms, highlighting the power of humor to expose hypocrisy and spark meaningful conversations.

11. The Search for Meaning and Purpose

  • Schulz explores the human need for purpose and meaning, particularly in the context of navigating a world filled with uncertainty and chaos.
  • He discusses the importance of finding personal challenges that push your limits and provide a sense of accomplishment, whether it’s through physical feats, creative endeavors, or personal growth.
  • Schulz emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and confronting fears, highlighting the power of resilience and the potential for personal transformation through adversity.
  • He shares his own journey of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of constantly evolving and pushing boundaries to find fulfillment and purpose in life.

12. The Power of Humor in a Difficult World

  • Schulz highlights the importance of humor as a coping mechanism for navigating the complexities and absurdities of life.
  • He discusses the power of laughter to unite people and provide a sense of shared experience, particularly in the face of adversity.
  • Schulz acknowledges the evolving nature of humor and the importance of adapting to changing societal norms, while also advocating for the right to challenge and provoke audiences.
  • He emphasizes the importance of finding humor in unexpected places and embracing the power of laughter as a tool for social commentary and personal reflection.

13. The Role of Social Media in Modern Culture

  • Schulz discusses the impact of social media on modern society, highlighting its potential for both connection and isolation, empowerment and manipulation.
  • He expresses concern about the role of algorithms in shaping public opinion and the potential for censorship to stifle free speech and diverse perspectives.
  • Schulz highlights the challenges of navigating social media platforms as a public figure, particularly regarding the constant scrutiny and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
  • He encourages critical thinking and questioning established narratives, recognizing the potential for social media to be used as a tool for both good and bad.

14. The Pursuit of Success in a Competitive World

  • Schulz discusses the challenges of pursuing success in the competitive world of stand-up comedy, highlighting the importance of self-belief, hard work, and a willingness to push boundaries.
  • He shares his own journey of navigating the industry, emphasizing the importance of building a strong network, staying true to your voice, and finding mentors who can guide and support you.
  • Schulz acknowledges the role of luck and timing in achieving success, but ultimately emphasizes the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving your goals.
  • He encourages aspiring comedians to embrace their individuality and strive for authenticity, recognizing that true success comes from staying true to yourself and pushing your limits creatively.

15. The Exploration of Human Nature

  • Schulz delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of ambition, greed, power, and the pursuit of meaning.
  • He discusses the impact of fame and wealth on individuals, examining the potential for both positive and negative transformations.
  • Schulz explores the motivations behind human behavior, ranging from the desire for validation and recognition to the pursuit of material possessions and power.
  • He encourages critical self-reflection and an understanding of the multifaceted nature of humanity, embracing the complexities and contradictions that make us unique.

16. The Importance of Finding Balance

  • Schulz discusses the importance of finding balance in life, particularly in navigating the pressures of fame and the demands of a demanding career.
  • He emphasizes the need for personal time and self-care, particularly when dealing with stress and anxiety.
  • Schulz advocates for the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and fostering a strong support system.
  • He recognizes that true fulfillment comes from finding harmony between ambition, personal well-being, and meaningful connections.

Memorable Quotes

  • “Everybody else does it, a lot of places in New York City. There’s the the 1. Yeah. So you guys were talking about a lot of places. They get a lot of fucking staff infections there. I keep hearing about who to catch the staff.” – Andrew Schulz
  • “That’s the problem with, like, Olympic Combat Sports is they try to take violence out of it. But what doesn’t make any sense is you could win by knockout and tag one dough.” – Joe Rogan
  • “You know, like, biden sniffing kitchen. I don’t like that.” – Andrew Schulz
  • “I think it’s an older person thing. I think the Cuomo stuff that was messed up is probably he was trying to finger these girls or grabbing titties or just being a real, like, scumbag.” – Joe Rogan
  • “It’s not stopped. It’s not it’s not everybody’s upset. I’m walking down the street. Some girl calling me a murderer because I don’t have a mask.” – Andrew Schulz



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