JRE #1549 – Tom Papa

by

14-Oct-20






Joe Rogan Podcast: #1549 – Tom Papa

Joe Rogan Podcast: #1549 – Tom Papa

Comedian Tom Papa joins Joe Rogan on the podcast to talk about everything from his stand-up career to the current state of the world, peppering the conversation with his signature humor and insights. Here are the major topics discussed in this episode:

  1. COVID-19:

    • The Reality of the Virus: Papa acknowledges the virus’s real threat while emphasizing the need for nuanced perspectives beyond polarized narratives.
    • Government Restrictions: Papa criticizes overly restrictive measures, arguing they infringe upon constitutional rights and cause economic despair.
    • The Confusion of Information: Papa highlights the overwhelming amount of conflicting information surrounding COVID-19, leading to confusion and anxiety.
    • The 18-Month Pandemic Cycle: Papa cites anecdotal information suggesting pandemics typically last 18 months, offering a potential end date for the pandemic.

  2. Political Polarization:

    • The Role of Trump: Papa examines how Trump’s polarizing personality has fueled societal divisions.
    • The Social Dilemma: Papa expresses concern about social media’s ability to create echo chambers and reinforce extreme views.
    • The “Badler” Mentality: Papa criticizes Trump’s aggressive communication style, highlighting its negative impact on American society.
    • The Search for Unity: Papa advocates for finding common ground and a more collaborative approach to governance.

  3. The Comedy Store:

    • A Historic Venue: Papa discusses the Comedy Store’s significance in the history of stand-up comedy, highlighting its influence on numerous comedians.
    • The Culture of Competition: Papa describes the intense competitive environment within the Comedy Store, where only the best survive.
    • The Power of Camaraderie: Papa reflects on the evolution of the Comedy Store, noting an increase in camaraderie and support among comedians in recent years.
    • The Store’s Unique Energy: Papa attributes the Comedy Store’s enduring success to its unique energy and the legacy of the greats who performed there.

  4. The Evolution of Comedy:

    • The Rise of Podcasts: Papa credits podcasts with fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among comedians, leading to less competitive environment.
    • The Shift in Success: Papa contrasts the traditional path to success in comedy, which focused on sitcoms and television, with the new landscape of stand-up specials and podcasts.
    • The Importance of Hard Work: Papa emphasizes the dedication and hard work required to succeed in stand-up comedy, even in a less competitive environment.
    • The Value of Mentorship: Papa reflects on the benefits of mentorship, particularly his time working on “NewsRadio” with experienced actors like Phil Hartman.

  5. Physical Strength and Mental Toughness:

    • The Importance of Mental Strength: Papa highlights the importance of mental strength, using the examples of “The Rock,” David Goggins, and Cameron Hanes to illustrate the power of pushing oneself beyond limits.
    • Conquering Inner Resistance: Papa emphasizes the importance of overcoming inner resistance and developing mental toughness, drawing parallels between physical and mental training.
    • The Benefits of Exercise: Papa discusses his own rigorous exercise regimen, including his obsession with the Rogue Echo bike, highlighting the physical and mental benefits.
    • The Power of Rituals: Papa explores the importance of rituals, citing Hunter S. Thompson’s unorthodox writing routine as an example.

  6. The Future of Technology:

    • The Potential of VR Games: Papa discusses the potential for VR games to combine exercise with entertainment, creating a more engaging and addictive experience.
    • The Dangers of Social Media: Papa expresses concern about the potential for social media to create societal divides and reinforce extreme views.
    • The Importance of Privacy: Papa advocates for protecting personal privacy, highlighting the potential for technology to be used for surveillance and manipulation.
    • The Quest for Truth: Papa emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and cross-referencing information to form informed opinions in an age of misinformation.

  7. Animal Encounters:

    • The Coyote as Trickster: Papa shares a hilarious anecdote about a coyote tricking his dog into knocking over a chicken coop, illustrating the intelligence and cunning of coyotes.
    • The Nature of Instinct: Papa explores the instinctive nature of animals, particularly dogs, noting their primal drives and potential for violence.
    • The Importance of Empathy: Papa discusses the growing empathy for animals, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding factory farming and the desire for more sustainable agricultural practices.
    • The Power of Observation: Papa highlights the importance of observing nature, citing his own experience with coyotes and their unique strategies for survival.

  8. Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein:

    • The Fall from Grace: Papa discusses the downfall of Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein, both high-profile figures who were accused of sexual assault.
    • The Impact of Me Too: Papa acknowledges the cultural impact of the Me Too movement, which has empowered victims to come forward and hold perpetrators accountable.
    • The Enduring Legacy: Papa reflects on the enduring legacy of both Cosby and Weinstein, highlighting the complexities of separating their personal lives from their professional achievements.
    • The Power of Justice: Papa emphasizes the importance of justice, noting the ongoing legal battles faced by both Cosby and Weinstein.

  9. The State of America:

    • The Anxiety of Uncertainty: Papa reflects on the current state of America, highlighting the anxiety and uncertainty caused by political polarization and the pandemic.
    • The Need for Calm: Papa advocates for a more calm and measured approach to leadership, suggesting that the country needs a leader who can unite rather than divide.
    • The Importance of Unity: Papa emphasizes the importance of Americans coming together despite their differences, acknowledging the shared humanity that unites them.
    • The Search for Hope: Papa explores the potential for finding hope and connection in a world filled with division and fear, suggesting that a shared consciousness could transcend these challenges.

5 Memorable Quotes

  • “I don’t give a fuck what anybody says. What did they give that guy? They gave him everything. He’s the president of the United States. It works.”
  • “The virus is a real thing eating all these extra humans. We have extra humans right now. We have way too many humans.”
  • “Everything about that. Alright. Now wait in a second. I literally last night because I literally was there is definitely so much confusion because the that side is ramping up the fear, a 100%, making it scarier than it is so they can get him in to be president.”
  • “This is insanely contagious. Santino caught it giving a guy a ride home. 10 minute ride home with the windows open, and he caught it. No mask. No. They weren’t wearing masks.”
  • “I think we need more than a couple weeks ago. Couple weeks ago. Couple weeks ago? Yeah. Well, I’ve been in Texas, so more than a couple weeks.”