JRE #1293 – Andrew Santino

by

8-May-19







#1293 – Andrew Santino

Joe Rogan sits down with comedian and actor Andrew Santino in a wide-ranging conversation spanning sports, psychology, and social commentary. They dive into the world of professional pool, exploring the nuances of cue balls and their impact on gameplay, as well as the mental game of athletes across various disciplines. Santino’s Midwest upbringing and Catholic background come into play as they discuss his evolving views on personal responsibility, abortion, and the complexities of indoctrination. They dissect the rise of political comedy, the pervasiveness of social media, and the implications of AI. They conclude with a discussion of their favorite vacation spots, the strange phenomenon of Florida Man, and the potential benefits of psilocybin.

Sports and Mental Game

  1. Cue Balls and Precision: Santino and Rogan discuss the intricacies of cue balls in professional pool, highlighting how different ball types, including the controversial “measles cue ball,” can affect gameplay. They draw parallels to golf balls and the importance of precision for high-level athletes.
  2. Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler: Rogan recounts the legendary boxing match between Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler, showcasing their aggressive fighting styles and remarkable stamina. This leads to a broader conversation about boxing techniques, the fluidity of switching stances, and the mental strength required to withstand relentless pressure.
  3. Unique Strokes and Techniques: The podcast examines the idea that there’s no “right” way to play sports, highlighting how unconventional techniques can lead to success. They cite examples of basketball players with unusual jump shots, boxers with unorthodox styles, and golfers who use clubs of the same length.

Personal Beliefs and Values

  1. Abortion and Individual Choice: Santino openly shares his personal stance on abortion, acknowledging his Catholic upbringing while emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and choice. He argues for a balance between personal views and respect for others’ decisions.
  2. Indoctrination and Breaking Free: The podcast explores the challenges of breaking free from deeply ingrained beliefs, drawing on the example of Meghan Phelps-Roper, a former Westboro Baptist Church member who renounced the group’s hateful ideology. They discuss the power of indoctrination and the struggle to escape it.
  3. The Responsibility of Men: Santino challenges traditional notions of responsibility in relationships, arguing that men should be more accountable for their actions and avoid perpetuating harmful behaviors like ghosting and irresponsibility.

Social Commentary and Technology

  1. The Rise of Political Comedy: Santino and Rogan examine the surge in political comedy shows, attributing it to the current political climate and the heightened polarization in society. While acknowledging the talent of many political comedians, they express a preference for broader social commentary.
  2. The Commodity of Data: They delve into the ethical implications of data collection by tech giants like Google and Facebook, discussing how companies monetize user information without explicit consent. This leads to a discussion about the value of privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data.
  3. The Paranormal and Ghost Hunting: Rogan questions the validity of ghost hunting shows, poking fun at the prevalence of orbs and the lack of conclusive evidence. He acknowledges the entertainment value of the genre while suggesting that the hosts may be more invested in the idea of ghosts than in actual paranormal experiences.

Humorous Anecdotes and Personal Reflections

  1. The Last Blockbuster: Santino and Rogan discuss the decline of Blockbuster video rental stores, reminiscing about the cultural impact of the chain and its eventual demise. This segues into a discussion about the evolution of streaming services and how Netflix has disrupted the entertainment industry.
  2. The “Fat” Insult: Santino playfully discusses the societal obsession with weight and the overuse of the insult “fat” as a means of belittling others. He emphasizes how readily the term is used, even towards individuals who aren’t overweight.
  3. The Carnivore Diet: They explore the carnivore diet, a controversial eating plan that involves consuming only meat, with varying levels of success and potential health risks. They discuss the experiences of Jordan Peterson and other proponents, as well as the scientific research surrounding the diet.
  4. The “I Eat Ass” Incident: Santino recounts a story about a man in Florida who was arrested for displaying “I Eat Ass” on the back window of his truck. This leads to a humorous discussion about personal expression, the absurdity of Florida Man stories, and the different ways people choose to express themselves.
  5. The Dangers of Hollywood: The podcast explores the darker side of Hollywood, specifically the potential for exploitation and abuse by powerful figures. They discuss the dangers of going on a producer’s boat and the pervasive nature of sleazy behavior in the industry.
  6. The Mystery of Ed Buck: They examine the case of Ed Buck, a Democratic donor who was involved in the deaths of two men at his home. This leads to a conversation about the double standards in the justice system, with Santino suggesting that the situation would be treated differently if the victims were women.

Future Predictions and Existential Ponderings

  1. AI and the Future of Humanity: Santino and Rogan speculate about the potential for AI to surpass human intelligence, questioning the future of human society and the potential for robots to become sentient. They contemplate the implications of robots being able to read minds and the possibility of AI making decisions that could threaten humanity.
  2. The Sentinelese People: They discuss the Sentinelese people, a tribe living on Sentinel Island, who have chosen to remain isolated from the rest of the world. This leads to a discussion about the human need for connection and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement.
  3. The Power of Psilocybin: Santino and Rogan discuss the potential benefits of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in mushrooms, for treating various mental health conditions. They emphasize the importance of a controlled clinical environment and the potential for psilocybin to revolutionize mental healthcare.

Memorable Quotes

  • “Scrapping is not a good way to win. We Scrapping the 8 ball is gentlemen. It is it is the way to win. It happens. Even to the best, it’s it’s a real way to win.”
  • “Those little red dots are the they call that the measles cube ball and that cube ball they developed for television so that you could watch the ball spin. So you know what kind of English the guy puts on the ball? That has nothing to do with the person that’s shooting whatsoever.”
  • “That’s why he’s they used calm that because it was coming out of fucking No. Right. Hit man. Tommy Hearns. He was a bad motherfucker dude.”
  • “I don’t think there’s any right way in sports. Some of the ugliest shots in basketball tend to be some of the most fun to watch, and sometimes they’re really good.”
  • “That’s what I mean. That’s right. I guess I’m saying it sticks with you. Right? Like, My whole thing is there’s things instilled in me from my youth, from where I grew up culturally and how I grew up, that even though I’m more learned now, I still do understand those ways of thinking.”