JRE #1607 – Fahim Anwar

by

5-Feb-21







#1607 – Fahim Anwar

Joe Rogan and comedian Fahim Anwar dive into a wide range of topics, including dance, martial arts, breakdancing, the comedy scene, and the importance of supporting aspiring artists. Anwar, a stand-up comic, actor, and former aerospace engineer, brings a unique perspective to the conversation, highlighting his experiences navigating various creative industries and his journey from a structured engineering career to a more free-spirited life in the world of entertainment. The podcast explores the intricacies of human expression, the power of authenticity, and the enduring allure of the “comedy store” as a crucible for aspiring comedians.

  • The Art and Importance of Dance:

    • The discussion begins with Rogan’s mistaken belief that Anwar is a skilled longboarder, leading to a discussion about the unique skill set required for different forms of movement.
    • The conversation highlights the parallels between dance, martial arts, and other physically demanding activities, emphasizing the importance of body control and precision.
    • Anwar’s own passion for dance, particularly breakdancing, stems from his early admiration for Michael Jackson and his dedication to learning the craft despite facing challenges in a predominantly white environment.
    • The podcast touches upon the cultural impact of social media on the resurgence of dance, particularly breakdancing, showcasing its evolution and the development of new and impressive techniques.

  • The Comedy Store: A Crucible for Aspiring Comedians:

    • The Comedy Store is frequently referenced as a legendary venue known for its challenging audience and its role in shaping the careers of numerous successful comedians.
    • Anwar’s experience performing at the Comedy Store, particularly with his alter ego “Lance,” exemplifies the experimental nature of the venue, where comics can take big swings without fear of industry judgment.
    • The podcast delves into the nuances of performing for a tough audience, highlighting the importance of developing a bulletproof act and the value of audience feedback in refining material.
    • Anwar’s story of creating “Lance” organically through crowd interaction underscores the importance of improvisation and the unique nature of comedy clubs as safe spaces for exploring unconventional ideas and pushing boundaries.

  • Navigating the Comedy Landscape:

    • Anwar discusses the challenges of earning the trust of an audience and the unique pressure faced by comedians compared to other artists, particularly regarding the perception of their performance as casual rather than a calculated art form.
    • The conversation touches upon the importance of “cross-training” in comedy, highlighting the value of experimenting with different forms of performance, such as improvisation, and the need for constant evolution and refinement.
    • The discussion highlights the impact of success on comedians, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a sense of humility and self-critique to avoid becoming complacent and staying connected to one’s artistic roots.
    • The podcast explores the evolving landscape of comedy, emphasizing the role of platforms like YouTube in democratizing access to audiences and providing a direct connection between comedians and their fans, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.

  • The Power of Authenticity and the Importance of Support:

    • The conversation explores the importance of authenticity in comedy, emphasizing the need to be comfortable being observed and the power of being true to oneself, even when faced with criticism.
    • Anwar shares personal experiences of receiving support from mentors like Mark Maron, Bobby Lee, and Neil Brennan, highlighting the crucial role of guidance and encouragement in navigating the often challenging world of comedy.
    • The podcast emphasizes the importance of community and the need for safe spaces where aspiring artists can learn, grow, and support each other, drawing parallels to the vital role of community in supporting marginalized communities.
    • Anwar’s vision for creating a comedy utopia in Austin, independent of Hollywood, emphasizes his desire to empower artists and provide a supportive environment for their creative endeavors.

  • The Influence of Culture and the Future of Human Connection:

    • The conversation touches upon the evolving cultural landscape, acknowledging the complexities of navigating “woke culture” and the challenges faced by comedians pushing boundaries in a politically charged environment.
    • Anwar’s perspective on the impact of social media on communication highlights the potential for both positive and negative consequences, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection and the pitfalls of online interactions.
    • The podcast delves into the debate surrounding inclusivity in Hollywood, exploring the delicate balance between representation and artistic freedom, and questioning the role of social media in amplifying outrage and limiting nuanced discussions.
    • The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of tactile human experiences and the potential impact of technology on our future interactions, raising concerns about the possible erosion of physical connection and the need to embrace the complexities of human emotion and experience.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “You’re not a helicopter pilot. Like, are you afraid every time you go up? Right? Because they’ve they know what they’re doing. Right. And the same is true of standup. I’ve I’ve put so much time. It’s not as scary as you think it is.”
  • “My best sets have always been after my worst sets.”
  • “I’ve almost found all that I don’t get mad at that. I understand it for what it is, but also I think that troll forum or whatever. Like, that’s their comedy store. That’s that’s their outlet.”
  • “It’s easy to put people in a box. I’ve always found just like once you kind of talk to them face to face, people are peep people. Yeah. They may have differences opinions or whatever. But, like, once you’re face to face, they’ll surprise you with the humanity and such, and a lot has lost over Twitter and text and such.”
  • “I think we’re in an adolescent stage of communication, and I think the next level of technology is going to elevate discourse.”