JRE #1468 – Alonzo Bodden

This podcast delves deep into the world of stand-up comedy and the comic book universe, with Alonzo Bodden sharing his unique perspective on life, entertainment, and the current state of the world. Provocative topics include the absurdity of superhero powers, the impact of the pandemic on society and entertainment, and a deep dive into the absurdity of Florida’s culture. Underlying themes explore the importance of common sense, the need for good information and leadership, and the resilience of human nature in the face of adversity.

1. The Hulk’s Brain and Thor’s Godhood:

• Alonzo Bodden, a self-proclaimed Marvel fanatic, expresses his frustration with the Hulk’s portrayal as a dumb, brute force in the movies, arguing that his strength should be matched by his intellect.
• He questions the existence of Captain Marvel as the most powerful superhero, challenging the logic of her unchallenged dominance in a world with Thor, a god.
• He critiques the inconsistent portrayal of power among superheroes, using Hawkeye with a bow and arrow as an example of how far-fetched some abilities seem in the face of aliens and otherworldly threats.
• He questions the lack of a dedicated Thor origin story, a film exploring his journey from human to God, considering it an untapped potential within the Marvel universe.

2. The Pandemic’s Impact on Stand-up Comedy and the Future of Entertainment:

• Alonzo Bodden, a seasoned stand-up comedian, explores the challenges of adapting to a world without live audiences, questioning whether he will be able to maintain his comedic flow in a virtual environment.
• He ponders the future of stand-up comedy, contemplating how the pandemic might shape the industry and its reliance on live performances, while also considering the possibility of virtual reality as a new platform.
• He acknowledges the potential for live comedy to return as an easier form of entertainment to produce compared to bands and other performances that require complex technical setup.
• He expresses his concern about the potential for technology to replace human interaction, particularly within the realm of comedy, emphasizing the irreplaceable energy and connection created by a live audience.

3. The “Florida Man” Phenomenon and its Absurdity:

• Alonzo Bodden highlights Florida’s unique reputation for bizarre and often outlandish news stories, referring to it as a “third world country” and an “alternate reality.”
• He uses the example of an alligator causing a traffic jam in Jacksonville as a prime example of Florida’s wild and unpredictable nature.
• He discusses the state’s overpopulation of alligators and the prevalence of alligator-related incidents, further emphasizing the state’s distinct identity.
• He highlights the contrast between Florida’s reputation for craziness and its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, suggesting that the state’s unique character is a blend of absurdity and charm.

4. The Importance of Common Sense in a Time of Crisis:

• Alonzo Bodden advocates for common sense as a crucial tool for navigating the pandemic and its challenges, particularly in the face of conflicting information and differing viewpoints.
• He criticizes the government’s lack of a unified message and consistent leadership during the early stages of the pandemic, highlighting how inconsistent messaging led to confusion and a lack of trust.
• He argues that individual decisions should be made based on readily available information and testing, rather than strict lockdowns that limit personal freedom.
• He suggests that a common sense approach to public health measures should be adopted, considering the specific circumstances of different regions and communities.

5. The Pandemic’s Impact on Gun Ownership and Gun Laws:

• Alonzo Bodden recounts his recent decision to purchase a gun for personal safety, highlighting how the pandemic has led some individuals to reconsider their views on gun ownership.
• He emphasizes the importance of common sense gun laws, arguing that regulations should focus on safety and responsibility rather than complete prohibition.
• He expresses his concern about the ease with which individuals can obtain guns in some states, particularly in the context of gun shows, and argues for stricter background checks and identification requirements.
• He acknowledges the difficulty of finding a common ground on gun laws, particularly due to the deeply ingrained political divides on the issue.

6. The Shifting Landscape of American Business and the Need for Adaptation:

• Alonzo Bodden discusses the changing landscape of American businesses, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, predicting that many traditional brick-and-mortar businesses may not survive.
• He highlights the rise of online shopping and the shift towards a digital economy, questioning how traditional businesses will adapt to these changing consumer behaviors.
• He argues that American businesses need to invest in innovation and long-term planning, rather than focusing solely on short-term profits.
• He expresses his hope that the pandemic will lead to a renewed focus on supporting American-made products and businesses, but acknowledges the challenges of competing with cheaper foreign goods.

7. The Importance of Good Food and the Southern Culinary Tradition:

• Alonzo Bodden expresses his love for good food, particularly Southern cuisine, highlighting the rich flavors and the tradition behind the dishes.
• He recounts his experience with chicken-fried steak in Atlanta, a dish that he considers a testament to the Southern culinary expertise.
• He points out the inherent connection between food and culture, suggesting that Southern food reflects the hard-working nature of its people and their appreciation for simple pleasures.
• He acknowledges the growing awareness of healthy eating, but suggests that the pandemic has also led to a renewed appreciation for comfort food and indulgences.

8. The Allure of Muscle Cars and the Evolution of the American Automobile Industry:

• Alonzo Bodden, a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, reminisces about the glory days of American muscle cars, highlighting the power, style, and visceral feel of these vehicles.
• He expresses his disappointment with the decline of the American automobile industry, attributing it to poor management decisions and a lack of innovation.
• He acknowledges the resurgence of American car manufacturers with the introduction of new models, such as the Lincoln Navigator and the mid-engine Corvette, but argues that they need to regain consumer trust and appeal.
• He compares the shift towards digital cars, like Teslas, to an appliance, highlighting the loss of the visceral experience and the passionate connection that enthusiasts have with traditional cars.

9. The Power of Adaptation and Resilience:

• Alonzo Bodden highlights the adaptability of humans, particularly during times of crisis, using the example of his children adapting to online schooling and social interactions.
• He acknowledges the potential for a mass exodus from major cities, such as New York, as people seek out less crowded and more affordable living situations.
• He suggests that the pandemic could lead to a shift in priorities, with individuals focusing on their families, friends, and local communities.
• He emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, regardless of external circumstances, and encourages listeners to embrace the challenges of the pandemic as opportunities for growth and change.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “How come no diseases ever make us better? There’s not even babies. It’s like a Marvel comic book. We get shit.”
• “The whole idea you fuck is supposed to be that he’s a really smart guy, and then he’s basically a monster with unlimited strength, like unlimited power. Who talks like Hulk Smash. Right. He’s not smart.”
• “You know, you ever watch movies and just you like, you you pull out the holes in the logic Yes. What’s the whole logic? The 2 kids would not be with the lawyer. Yeah.”
• “Tiger King killed some time and then the aftermath of Tiger King killed some more time. But then we still got, like, 6 more weeks of what do we do now?”
• “Don’t expect them to rise to the occasion. Right. Or, you know, that that’s 1 of the other ones are the we’re so insulated. From reality.”