JRE #1450 – Brian Redban

This Joe Rogan Experience episode features comedian and podcast network founder Brian Redban, diving into a range of topics with Rogan, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the realities of life in Los Angeles and New York City, the bizarre world of tiger ownership and Joe Exotic, and the complexities of societal anxieties amidst global crisis. The podcast explores the deeper themes of uncertainty, resilience, and the changing landscape of human connection.

Key Topics and Themes

1. The COVID-19 Pandemic

   1. The Impact on Society: The podcast delves into the societal impact of the pandemic, highlighting the struggles of essential workers, the financial strain on businesses, and the emotional toll on individuals. Rogan and Redban discuss their personal experiences and observations, including their anxieties about exposure and the fear of the unknown.
   2. Government Responses and Criticism: Rogan and Redban engage in a critical analysis of government responses to the pandemic, touching on controversial topics like the effectiveness of lockdowns, the use of chloroquine, and the politicization of public health measures. They acknowledge the difficulty of finding accurate information and the dangers of misinformation.
   3. The Role of Media: The conversation addresses the role of media in shaping public perception of the pandemic, highlighting the potential for bias and sensationalism. Rogan and Redban express concerns about the tendency to exploit fear and anxiety for ratings and clicks.
   4. Personal Precautions and Perspective: Rogan and Redban share their personal approaches to managing the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of hygiene, social distancing, and staying informed. They offer a philosophical perspective on the crisis, emphasizing the need for resilience and a sense of community.

2. Life in Los Angeles and New York City

   1. Urban Differences: The podcast contrasts the lifestyles and experiences of living in Los Angeles and New York City, highlighting the unique challenges and advantages of each metropolis. Rogan and Redban delve into the differences in population density, transportation, social interactions, and the cost of living.
   2. The Appeal of Big Cities: Despite the challenges, Rogan and Redban acknowledge the allure of big cities for artists, creatives, and those seeking diverse social experiences. They highlight the benefits of being immersed in a vibrant, multicultural environment.
   3. The Impact of the Pandemic on City Life: The conversation explores how the pandemic has impacted daily life in both cities, particularly the closure of businesses, the restrictions on social gatherings, and the changes in public behavior.
   4. The Future of City Living: Rogan and Redban speculate on the potential long-term effects of the pandemic on urban environments, discussing the possibilities of shifts in population density, the rise of remote work, and the need for greater resilience in the face of future crises.

3. The Tiger King: Joe Exotic

   1. The Bizarre World of Tiger Ownership: Rogan and Redban delve into the unusual world of tiger ownership in the United States, focusing on the individuals and motivations behind this often controversial practice. They discuss the ethical considerations surrounding keeping exotic animals as pets and the potential for dangers and exploitation.
   2. Joe Exotic’s Rise to Fame: The conversation explores the rise of Joe Exotic as a media personality and the notoriety he gained through his online presence and his own version of reality. They discuss his unique style of self-promotion and the controversial aspects of his personality.
   3. The Tiger King Documentary: Rogan and Redban discuss the popular Netflix documentary “Tiger King,” analyzing the story of Joe Exotic, his rivals, and the larger world of big cat ownership. They highlight the documentary’s entertainment value and the real-world implications of its subject matter.
   4. The Legacy of Joe Exotic: The podcast touches on the lasting impact of Joe Exotic’s story and his influence on popular culture. They discuss the potential for his story to spark conversation about animal welfare, the dangers of misinformation, and the complexities of human behavior.

4. Mental Health and Resilience

   1. The Impact of Fear and Anxiety: The podcast delves into the emotional and psychological impact of the pandemic on individuals and society. Rogan and Redban discuss the anxieties associated with the unknown, the challenges of isolation, and the need for coping mechanisms.
   2. The Importance of Self-Care: Rogan and Redban emphasize the importance of taking care of one’s mental and physical well-being during times of stress. They share their personal practices, including exercise, meditation, and the use of substances like weed and CBD.
   3. The Power of Connection: The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining connections with others during periods of isolation. They discuss the benefits of online communication, the value of shared experiences, and the importance of reaching out for support when needed.
   4. The Need for Perspective: Rogan and Redban offer a philosophical perspective on the challenges of the pandemic, encouraging listeners to maintain perspective, focus on what they can control, and find hope in the resilience of human nature.

5. Technology and the Future

   1. The Evolution of Technology: Rogan and Redban discuss the rapid pace of technological advancement, particularly in the realm of virtual reality, mobile devices, and online communication. They highlight the potential for these technologies to transform our lives and reshape our understanding of reality.
   2. The Future of Work and Leisure: The podcast explores the potential impact of technology on the future of work, leisure, and human connection. They discuss the rise of remote work, the increasing reliance on online platforms, and the blurring of lines between the digital and physical worlds.
   3. The Potential for Disruption: Rogan and Redban acknowledge the potential for technology to both enhance and disrupt our lives, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of virtual reality, social media, and the vast amounts of data we generate.
   4. The Need for Critical Thinking: The conversation emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and responsible use of technology, encouraging listeners to be mindful of the impact of technology on their well-being and their relationships.

Memorable Quotes

• “I just hope it doesn’t start making us sweat and we lose, like, a £100.” – Redban’s humorous take on the potential downsides of wearing aluminum foil suits.
• “The people that got rough are number 1, medical workers. Anybody, you know, much love to anybody that’s working in hospitals right now. Doctors, nurses, everybody, interns, everybody. Everybody. People working the desk. Goddamn. You guys have it rough.” – Rogan expresses gratitude and appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices of medical professionals.
• “You gotta think if you post me, that guy’s going all over the place. Right. They have to.” – Rogan raises concerns about the potential for spreading germs through delivery services.
• “It’s so exhausting. It’s just it’s it’s fucking weird, man.” – Rogan expresses frustration with the constant negativity and criticism directed at President Trump.
• “This is nothing. This is nothing in comparison to stuff that could happen.” – Rogan highlights the potential for future apocalyptic events, urging a sense of preparedness and humility.