JRE #1396 – Michelle Wolf

by

9-Dec-19

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Joe Rogan Podcast – #1396 Michelle Wolf

This podcast dives deep into Michelle Wolf’s world, showcasing her sharp wit and unapologetic humor as she tackles a range of topics from spirituality and drugs to societal issues and personal experiences. Provocative discussions touch upon controversial views on transgender rights, the complexities of social justice, and the ever-evolving landscape of comedy. Underlying themes explore the nature of confidence, the pursuit of authenticity, and the challenges of navigating a politically charged world.

Topics

  1. Crystal and Spirituality:
    • Michelle Wolf discusses her recent foray into crystals and spirituality, describing it as a “crystal phase” she’s going through.
    • She speculates that her interest in crystals might be a symptom of loneliness, hinting at the emotional side of her spiritual exploration.
    • The conversation touches upon the use of psychedelics like Ayahuasca and mushrooms, exploring their potential benefits and challenges.
    • The episode touches upon the growing trend of microdosing mushrooms, highlighting its reported effects on anxiety, creativity, and social interaction.
  2. Fear of Robots and Artificial Intelligence:
    • Michelle Wolf expresses her strong aversion to robots and AI, specifically mentioning her discomfort with Boston Dynamics’ robot cheetah.
    • She refuses to have an Alexa in her home, citing concerns about privacy and potential future consequences.
    • This topic explores the anxieties surrounding the rapid advancement of technology and the potential implications for human autonomy.
    • The conversation highlights the tension between technological progress and ethical considerations, touching upon fears of job displacement and potential societal disruptions.
  3. Lizzo’s Wardrobe Choice and Body Positivity:
    • Michelle Wolf expresses her frustration with the double standard surrounding women’s clothing choices, particularly regarding Lizzo’s outfit at a Lakers game.
    • She questions the emphasis on confidence as a justification for women’s revealing attire, arguing that women’s value shouldn’t be tied to their appearance.
    • This discussion delves into the complexities of body image, challenging the notion that confidence requires a certain level of sexualization.
    • The conversation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding body positivity, questioning whether it truly promotes empowerment or perpetuates unrealistic expectations.
  4. The Evolution of Technology and Phone Preferences:
    • Michelle Wolf reveals her preference for smaller phones, highlighting her dislike for larger screens and the potential for phone addiction.
    • The conversation delves into the evolution of phone technology, touching upon the transition from iPhones to Androids and the ongoing “blue bubble” debate.
    • The episode explores the impact of technology on communication and social interaction, particularly in the context of texting and messaging.
    • The discussion touches upon the rise of “digital detox” trends and the challenges of finding a balance between technology and personal well-being.
  5. The Power of Underappreciated Comedians:
    • Michelle Wolf praises the comedic talent of several underappreciated comedians, including Joe List, Ari Shafir, Mark Normand, and Sam Morril.
    • She highlights the challenges faced by comedians, particularly straight white men, in gaining recognition in a competitive landscape.
    • This topic explores the complexities of the comedy industry, emphasizing the importance of talent and originality in a world increasingly focused on representation.
    • The discussion touches upon the impact of social media and the evolving standards of humor, acknowledging the challenges of navigating a politically sensitive environment.
  6. The “Gay” Flintstones and the Evolution of Societal Norms:
    • Michelle Wolf suggests a “gay” Flintstones remake, highlighting the shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ representation.
    • She discusses the evolution of societal norms, particularly in regards to the perception of sexuality, and the potential for greater inclusivity.
    • This conversation touches upon the impact of social movements and the ongoing debate surrounding representation and cultural acceptance.
    • The discussion underscores the importance of challenging outdated norms and embracing diversity in all aspects of society.
  7. Yellowstone Supervolcano and Catastrophic Events:
    • Michelle Wolf discusses her fascination with Yellowstone National Park, despite its potential for a catastrophic volcanic eruption.
    • She explores the idea of living through a major natural disaster, revealing her perspective on survival and the acceptance of mortality.
    • This conversation delves into the human fascination with disaster and the existential questions surrounding survival and the end of the world.
    • The discussion highlights the power of nature and the importance of understanding our place in the universe.
  8. Ancient Medical Practices and the Horrors of Syphilis:
    • Michelle Wolf discusses the horrifying realities of ancient medical practices, particularly the use of mercury in hats and the debilitating effects of syphilis.
    • She references Lindsey Fitz Harris’ Instagram account, highlighting the gruesome nature of ancient surgery and the evolution of medical knowledge.
    • This discussion explores the historical context of health and medicine, contrasting past practices with modern advancements.
    • The conversation underscores the importance of scientific progress and the constant need to question and challenge established beliefs.
  9. The Debate Over Transgender Rights in Sports:
    • Michelle Wolf expresses her concerns regarding transgender women competing in women’s sports, arguing that it creates an unfair advantage.
    • She emphasizes the biological differences between men and women, arguing that it’s essential to acknowledge these differences in the context of competitive sports.
    • This discussion highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights, exploring the complexities of balancing equality with fairness and safety.
    • The conversation touches upon the importance of finding a solution that respects both transgender individuals and the integrity of women’s sports.
  10. The Rise of Social Justice Warriors and “Cancel Culture”:
    • Michelle Wolf criticizes the aggressive nature of “cancel culture” and the tendency to demonize individuals for perceived transgressions.
    • She compares the phenomenon to a pack of piranhas, highlighting the relentless pursuit of condemnation and the lack of forgiveness.
    • This discussion explores the complexities of social justice activism, questioning the effectiveness of online outrage and the potential for harm.
    • The conversation touches upon the dangers of mob mentality and the importance of fostering constructive dialogue and understanding.
  11. The Legacy of Slavery and Racism:
    • Michelle Wolf acknowledges the enduring impact of slavery and racism on American society, particularly in marginalized communities.
    • She discusses the ongoing need to address the systemic inequalities that stem from this history, questioning the effectiveness of current efforts to achieve racial justice.
    • This conversation explores the complex issues surrounding reparations and the need for a comprehensive approach to dismantling racial disparities.
    • The discussion underscores the importance of acknowledging the past and working towards a more equitable future.
  12. The Role of Humor in Societal Change:
    • Michelle Wolf discusses the power of comedy to challenge societal norms and spark important conversations.
    • She reflects on the evolution of comedy and the changing landscape of humor in a politically sensitive world.
    • This conversation explores the importance of freedom of expression and the need to find a balance between humor and responsibility.
    • The discussion touches upon the role of comedy in holding power accountable and promoting social progress.
  13. The Challenges of Workplace Relationships:
    • Michelle Wolf discusses the complexities of workplace dynamics, particularly in the context of romantic relationships between colleagues.
    • She acknowledges the potential for both positive and negative outcomes, highlighting the challenges of navigating power dynamics and potential for abuse.
    • This conversation explores the blurred lines between personal and professional relationships, emphasizing the importance of setting clear boundaries and fostering a healthy work environment.
    • The discussion touches upon the prevalence of sexual harassment and the need for greater awareness and accountability.
  14. The Implications of Legalized Prostitution:
    • Michelle Wolf discusses the potential impact of legalizing prostitution on society, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of such a policy.
    • She advocates for a safer and more regulated environment for sex workers, emphasizing the need to protect their rights and well-being.
    • This conversation delves into the complexities of sex work, challenging traditional moral frameworks and exploring the potential for greater empowerment for sex workers.
    • The discussion touches upon the ongoing debate surrounding the legalization of prostitution and the need to address the underlying societal issues that contribute to its existence.
  15. The Impact of Pornography on Relationships and Sexual Preferences:
    • Michelle Wolf discusses the pervasiveness of pornography and its potential influence on sexual preferences and relationships.
    • She explores the rise of “step” porn and the growing trend towards more extreme and unconventional content, questioning the implications for societal norms and sexual behavior.
    • This conversation delves into the complexities of sex and sexuality in the digital age, highlighting the challenges of navigating a world saturated with sexually explicit material.
    • The discussion touches upon the role of pornography in shaping attitudes towards sex, relationships, and consent.
  16. The Importance of Personal Authenticity:
    • Michelle Wolf emphasizes the importance of embracing personal authenticity and living life on one’s own terms.
    • She encourages listeners to question societal expectations and embrace their true selves, regardless of external pressures.
    • This conversation explores the challenges of navigating a world that often prioritizes conformity over individuality.
    • The discussion underscores the need for self-acceptance and the importance of fostering a culture that values diversity and authenticity.
  17. The Power of Political Humor and Social Commentary:
    • Michelle Wolf reflects on her experience at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the impact of her comedic performance on the political landscape.
    • She discusses the potential of political humor to challenge power structures and spark critical thinking.
    • This conversation explores the role of comedy in holding politicians accountable and engaging in constructive social commentary.
    • The discussion touches upon the challenges of navigating a politically polarized environment and the importance of finding a balance between humor and responsibility.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “You have standards until you don’t have options.” – Michelle Wolf articulates the harsh reality of human behavior, highlighting how desperation can lead to compromised choices.
  2. “Why is it that when skinny girls wear no clothes, everyone calls them sluts, but when big girls do it, everyone celebrates? There’s something wrong with that.” – Michelle Wolf raises a critical point about double standards and the often hypocritical nature of societal judgments regarding women’s bodies.
  3. “It’s not about being anything, whatever the hot button issue is. You’re just still a shitty person.” – Michelle Wolf speaks to the importance of separating personal character from social causes, emphasizing that just because someone advocates for a particular cause doesn’t make them a good person.
  4. “If you’re gonna have prostitution, if it was legal, first of all, why isn’t it legal? How come it’s okay to fuck anybody you want, but it’s not okay to pay for it? That’s crazy.” – Michelle Wolf tackles a highly controversial topic with her trademark bluntness, questioning the hypocrisy of societal norms surrounding sex work.
  5. “It’s all step, step this, and step that. It’s weird. Like, people wanna be like, ‘I can’t believe we’re doing this. You’re supposed to be my sister.’ Yeah. Yeah. I’m not your real sister. I’m just your step sister.” – Michelle Wolf playfully dissects the absurdity of “step” porn and the growing trend towards more unconventional sexual themes in adult entertainment.



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