JRE #1681 – Brian Simpson

by

12-Jul-21







#1681 – Brian Simpson

This podcast dives deep into the world of stand-up comedy, with Brian Simpson, a talented comedian and host of the “BS with Brian Simpson” podcast, sharing his hilarious insights and perspectives on various topics. From his own journey in comedy and the importance of community to the world of drugs, the Olympics, and even the potential for a Mars war, Simpson doesn’t shy away from provocative and controversial themes. Underlying it all is a deep exploration of human nature, the complexities of society, and the search for meaning in a sometimes chaotic world.

Brian Simpson’s Stand-Up Comedy Journey

  • Simpson started in comedy in San Diego at a club called the Mad House, where he found success early on, getting a lot of stage time. He started writing jokes as early as 2005 but waited six years before taking the leap onto a stage.
  • His comedic style developed naturally from his military experience, where he was often the only black person in his platoon and found himself able to say what others were thinking. This early experience taught him the power of humor and how even complaining can be funny.
  • Simpson emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in comedy, highlighting how comics need to support each other, share their work, and help each other succeed. This is particularly crucial for the “miserable” comics who isolate themselves and miss out on valuable feedback and encouragement.
  • He remembers a golden era of stand-up comedy in Boston in the 1980s, with a thriving scene featuring multiple comedy clubs on a single block. This environment fostered fierce competition but also helped to elevate the talent of the local comedians, including Simpson himself. This era saw the emergence of now-famous comics like Dane Cook and Mark Maron, but many talented local headliners never left Boston, creating a unique and highly competitive environment.

Drugs, Addiction, and Legalization

  • Simpson advocates for the legalization of all drugs, arguing that the current system is flawed and creates more problems than it solves. He believes that the prohibition of drugs only fuels black markets, organized crime, and dangerous adulterants.
  • He draws on the “rat park” study, which demonstrated that rats in a stimulating environment with social interaction are far less likely to become addicted to drugs, highlighting the importance of social support and a positive environment in combating addiction.
  • He discusses the opioid crisis, arguing that the widespread availability of legal opioid painkillers has contributed to the problem, and highlights the documentary “OxyCon Express,” which explores the corruption behind the opioid epidemic. He believes that while legalization might lead to an initial increase in deaths, it would ultimately be beneficial by reducing the power of cartels and providing access to purer, safer drugs.
  • He touches on the complex issue of addiction and its impact on individuals and society. He notes that while some individuals can function with a substance use disorder, others struggle with the escape from reality and the avoidance of their responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to addiction, such as mental health struggles, poverty, and lack of social support.

The Olympics, Doping, and the Icris Documentary

  • Simpson expresses his disgust with the Olympics, arguing that it is a corrupt and exploitative system that profits off the backs of athletes. He believes that athletes should be paid millions of dollars for their talent and work, especially since they generate immense wealth for the Olympics and its sponsors.
  • He criticizes the Olympic Committee’s ban of Sha’Carri Richardson for testing positive for marijuana, calling it “horse shit” and arguing that the ban is hypocritical in light of the widespread doping that has plagued track and field for decades.
  • He discusses the documentary “Icarus,” which exposes the rampant doping within the Russian Olympic team, including a sophisticated system of substituting clean urine for the athletes’ dirty samples. The documentary highlights the deep-seated corruption and the lengths to which some countries will go to achieve victory in the Olympics.
  • Simpson warns about the future of doping and the potential for gene therapy to be used to enhance athletic performance, highlighting the terrifying possibility of CRISPR technology being misused for unethical purposes.

Society, Technology, and the Future

  • Simpson expresses concerns about the increasing dependence of society on technology, particularly the reliance on China for the production of medicine and other essential goods. He believes that the United States should become more self-sufficient, similar to a “prepper,” with its own generators, food supplies, and medicine.
  • He explores the potential dangers of a solar flare, which could disable the power grid, causing widespread chaos and hardship. He fears that society is not prepared for such an event, highlighting the importance of personal preparedness and survival skills.
  • He discusses the Fermi Paradox, which questions the lack of evidence for extraterrestrial life despite the vastness of the universe. He suggests that perhaps civilizations reach a point of technological advancement where they inevitably destroy themselves, emphasizing the importance of emotional growth alongside technological progress.
  • He speculates on the possibility of a future war between Earth and Mars, where Mars, having become self-sufficient, might decide to rebel against Earth or even try to destroy it. He references the TV series “The Expanse,” which depicts a similar conflict between Earth, Mars, and the inhabitants of the asteroid belt. This futuristic vision highlights the potential dangers of unchecked ambition and the need for responsible management of technological advancements.

Other Provocative Topics

  • Simpson touches on the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, expressing his disappointment at not knowing the news earlier and highlighting the importance of staying informed about current events, especially those impacting minority communities.
  • He discusses the increasing power of billionaires and the potential for abuse of power and influence. He worries that the rise of billionaires like Jeff Bezos could lead to the erosion of democracy and the creation of a new kind of aristocracy. He also expresses concern about the possibility of billionaires trying to control Mars once it becomes a viable human colony.
  • He discusses the shrinking sperm counts and other reproductive health issues facing humanity, attributing them to the widespread use of plastics and petrochemicals. He references the book “COUNTDOWN” by Dr. Shanna Swan, which explores the alarming decline in human fertility.
  • He tackles the complexities of gender identity and the increasing awareness of transgender people, suggesting that the rise in transgender individuals might be related to the decline in testosterone levels and the exposure to hormones in plastics and other products.
  • He delves into the world of artificial intelligence, expressing concern about the potential for AI to surpass human intelligence and even turn against us. He draws parallels to the movie “The Matrix,” which depicts a dystopian future where AI has enslaved humanity. He worries that AI might manipulate humans by exploiting our vulnerabilities and desires.
  • Simpson discusses the importance of acknowledging and understanding the complexities of human emotions and how these can be easily manipulated. He believes that we are all susceptible to biological and emotional triggers, and these can be exploited by those seeking to control us. He worries about the future of human interaction and the potential for technology to erode our ability to form meaningful relationships.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “I believe that shit. I believe. Yeah.” – Simpson expresses his belief in living his best life, a sentiment that often rings hollow, but he truly embraces it.
  • “I like alcohol that I know it’s alcohol. Like, I don’t mind a nice fruity drink. I don’t mind a peanut colada, but I like when you drink whiskey, you know what the fuck you’re getting into. You know?” – Simpson reveals his preference for strong, unadulterated drinks, much like his approach to life.
  • “People can’t just look at things for what they are. Everyone has to, like, look things like with this conspiracy theory lens.” – Simpson criticizes the tendency of people to find conspiracy theories in everyday events, highlighting the need for critical thinking and a rational approach.
  • “Let them get fucked up. That’s the least of our problems. Everybody needs community. Everybody.” – Simpson argues for compassion and understanding towards those struggling with addiction, suggesting that their need for escape is often a symptom of a deeper societal issue.
  • “We’re gonna destroy ourselves. Or something’s gonna destroy us. Yeah. We we’re not gonna last, man. It it just seems There’s so many things that wanna kill us. There’s so many chances, and then we’re killing ourselves at the same time.” – Simpson paints a bleak but realistic picture of humanity’s potential for self-destruction and the many threats we face, from natural disasters to AI and even ourselves.