JRE #1688 – Greg Fitzsimmons

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features standup comedian, actor, and writer Greg Fitzsimmons. Their conversation delves into a wide range of topics, from personal experiences to social observations and even some conspiracy theories. This podcast explores themes of aging, comedy, addiction, community, and the changing landscape of entertainment.

Here are some of the key topics discussed:

Topics

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

• Greg Fitzsimmons discusses his tinnitus, which he attributes to attending too many loud concerts in his youth.
• He shares how hearing loss is prevalent among musicians and how the long-term effects of loud noise weren’t fully understood in the past.
• The discussion touches upon the importance of hearing protection, particularly in the context of current understanding of long-term health risks.
• They compare the lack of awareness about hearing loss to the growing knowledge of CTE in football players, highlighting the evolution of medical understanding.

Playing Music and its Benefits

• Greg Fitzsimmons talks about his experience learning guitar and harmonica as a form of therapy.
• He highlights how playing music can be a meditative practice, offering a way to escape mental stress and find focus.
• The discussion extends to his son’s musical talents and the father-son bond forged through music.
• The potential for bonding over shared experiences, like getting high and playing music together, is explored.

Venice Beach’s Challenges

• Greg Fitzsimmons expresses his frustration with the increasing homelessness and crime in Venice Beach, where he resides.
• The podcast touches upon the changing landscape of the area and the challenges faced by residents, including the difficulties of getting police assistance.
• They discuss the lack of police response to minor crimes, highlighting the perceived decline in law enforcement in the area.
• The conversation extends to the broader issue of property crime and the complexities of addressing homelessness in urban environments.

The San Francisco Crisis

• The podcast discusses the ongoing issues of shoplifting and lack of law enforcement response in San Francisco.
• They explore the challenges faced by security guards, who are often left vulnerable in the face of crime and lack of support.
• The discussion touches upon the complex factors contributing to the situation, including homelessness, poverty, and societal attitudes.
• They analyze the impact on local businesses and residents, highlighting the sense of lawlessness and the breakdown of social order.

Austin’s Wild Side

• Greg Fitzsimmons recounts a chaotic experience in Austin, witnessing a confrontation between homeless individuals and police.
• He shares his perspective on the escalating tensions and the changing dynamics of urban areas.
• The discussion touches upon the complexities of addressing homelessness, addiction, and crime in a compassionate yet effective manner.
• They explore the cultural differences between Austin and other cities, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the local community.

Botox and Ageing

• The podcast explores the cultural phenomenon of Botox use, particularly among men in the entertainment industry.
• They discuss the social pressures and anxieties surrounding ageing, particularly for those in the public eye.
• Greg Fitzsimmons shares his perspective on the artificiality of Botox and his preference for natural ageing.
• They contrast the perception of ageing for actors versus comedians, highlighting the different expectations and pressures within these industries.

Renovation and Home Improvement

• The podcast discusses the challenges and frustrations of home renovation projects.
• They explore the complexities of dealing with contractors, delays, and unexpected costs.
• Greg Fitzsimmons shares his experience with a renovation that led him to appreciate the simplicity of his existing home.
• The discussion touches upon the cultural fascination with home improvement shows and the reality of the renovation process.

The Comedy Scene in Boston

• The podcast delves into the history of the Boston comedy scene, discussing the rise and influence of iconic comedians like Don Gavin, Steve Sweeney, and Stephen Wright.
• They analyze the unique style of Boston comedy, characterized by its aggressive, observational humor and local references.
• The discussion examines the impact of these comedians on the development of stand-up comedy, both locally and nationally.
• They explore the challenges and opportunities faced by aspiring comedians in Boston, particularly in the context of evolving comedy trends.

Dunbar’s Number and Social Memory

• Greg Fitzsimmons discusses Dunbar’s Number, a theory that suggests humans can only maintain meaningful relationships with a limited number of people.
• He reflects on the challenges of remembering names and faces, especially when dealing with large social circles.
• The discussion touches upon the impact of social media on social interaction and the evolution of human communication.
• They explore the complexities of navigating social interactions, particularly when dealing with large groups and the inherent limitations of human memory.

The Power of Memory and Cognitive Enhancement

• Greg Fitzsimmons shares his concerns about potential cognitive decline as he ages.
• The podcast explores the importance of sleep, diet, and brain exercises for maintaining cognitive function.
• They discuss the benefits of cognitive enhancement supplements like Lions Mane, Alpha Brain, and neuro gum.
• They analyze the relationship between memory and various aspects of life, particularly in professions like comedy and sports commentary.

The Role of Pattern Recognition in Sports Commentary

• The podcast delves into the complexities of sports commentary, specifically discussing the ability to anticipate moves and strategies.
• They analyze the role of pattern recognition and experience in predicting outcomes, particularly in mixed martial arts.
• The discussion highlights the differences between striking and grappling in terms of predictability and commentary.
• They explore the specialized skills required for MMA commentary, particularly in the context of the evolving strategies and techniques of the sport.

The Rise of Deepfakes and Artificial Intelligence

• The podcast explores the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on entertainment and society.
• They discuss the use of deepfake technology to create realistic, synthetic representations of individuals, both for entertainment and potentially for manipulation.
• The discussion touches upon the ethical implications of deepfakes, particularly in the context of impersonation, deception, and the manipulation of public opinion.
• They analyze the potential for deepfakes to transform the entertainment industry, potentially blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The Legacy of Stand-Up Comedy

• The podcast reflects on the evolution of stand-up comedy, from the early days of club circuits to the current era of social media.
• They discuss the importance of roadwork and the value of honing one’s craft through consistent performance.
• The discussion highlights the role of confidence and self-belief in shaping a successful comedy career.
• They analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by comedians in the digital age, particularly in navigating the changing landscape of entertainment.

The Power of Belief Systems

• The podcast explores the power of belief systems and their impact on individual lives and societies.
• They discuss the allure of rigid belief systems, both in terms of their potential for comfort and their potential for harm.
• The discussion touches upon the complexities of indoctrination and deprogramming, particularly in the context of controversial organizations.
• They analyze the challenges of confronting powerful institutions and questioning established beliefs.

The Importance of Challenging Authority

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of questioning authority and critically examining information.
• They discuss the role of skepticism and independent thinking in navigating a complex and often deceptive world.
• The discussion touches upon the potential for government manipulation and the need for transparency and accountability.
• They explore the power of individual voices and the need to challenge established narratives.

The Enduring Power of Conspiracy Theories

• The podcast delves into the enduring appeal of conspiracy theories, particularly in the context of the moon landing.
• They discuss the human tendency to seek patterns and explanations for seemingly unexplained events.
• The discussion touches upon the role of skepticism and the importance of critically evaluating information.
• They explore the potential for conspiracy theories to provide a sense of empowerment and control in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.

The Role of Government in Society

• The podcast explores the complexities of government power and its potential for both good and evil.
• They discuss the history of government deception and manipulation, citing examples like Operation Northwoods and the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
• The discussion touches upon the importance of transparency, accountability, and oversight in ensuring responsible governance.
• They analyze the challenges of holding powerful institutions accountable and protecting individual liberties.

The Impact of LSD and Mind Control

• The podcast delves into the history of LSD experimentation and its use in government-sponsored programs like MKUltra and Operation Midnight Climax.
• They discuss the potential for LSD to influence behavior and perception, raising questions about its use as a tool for mind control.
• The discussion touches upon the ethical implications of using drugs for manipulation and the potential for abuse of power.
• They explore the legacy of these programs and the enduring impact on individuals and society.

The Manson Family and Government Involvement

• The podcast discusses the case of Charles Manson and the involvement of the CIA and FBI in his activities.
• They explore the potential for government manipulation and the use of LSD to influence the Manson Family’s actions.
• The discussion touches upon the complexities of the Manson case and the enduring questions surrounding government involvement.
• They analyze the impact of these events on society and the need for transparency and accountability.

The Importance of Challenging the Status Quo

• The podcast encourages listeners to question established narratives and to be critical of information presented by authority figures.
• They emphasize the importance of independent thinking and the need to be informed citizens.
• The discussion touches upon the power of individual voices and the need to challenge the status quo.
• They explore the role of media and social media in shaping public opinion and the need for critical consumption of information.

Memorable Quotes

• “I think ACDC still has the world record for the loudest concert. Of course, they do. Yeah. You ever been to an ACDC concert? I went to one in Madison Square Garden one time. It was fucking crazy.” – Greg Fitzsimmons describes his experience at an ACDC concert, highlighting the sheer intensity of the event.
• “I remember you coming from fear factor tapings fucking high, and then we would we would roll fatties. And then, like, it was midnight before we started quote unquote writing the jokes — Yeah. — for the monologue.” – Joe Rogan reflects on their past collaborations, highlighting the unconventional work ethic they employed.
• “He said he looks at his own material as if he’s like a prosecuting attorney. and he’s prosecuting his material — Mhmm. — like looking for flaws in it. Right?” – Greg Fitzsimmons shares Doug Stanhope’s advice on refining comedic material, emphasizing the importance of self-critique.
• “You know one of the first comics I ever saw live? Yeah. Tom Carter. No shit. So Tom Carter at what was the paradise next to stitches? The stitches. Yeah. Yeah. I saw him at the paradise. It was the the contest. The Boston Comedy riots. Yeah. He was in the Comedy riots.” – Joe Rogan reminisces about his early exposure to stand-up comedy in Boston, highlighting the legendary Boston Comedy Riots.
• “Those are the same people that get divorced every 3 years. They’re constantly upgrading their life. Is it my boy? Yeah. Those are the people that get Botox and divorce every 3 years.” – Greg Fitzsimmons playfully connects Botox users with those who tend to seek constant change, creating a humorous observation about societal trends.