JRE #1219 – Bill Burr

20-Dec-18

This podcast episode features stand-up comedian Bill Burr as a guest on Joe Rogan’s show. The conversation explores a wide range of topics, showcasing Burr’s signature humor and unique perspective on life. This podcast is packed with anecdotes about flying helicopters, the challenges of stand-up comedy, the nature of male-female relationships, and the absurdity of contemporary social issues.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and themes, presented in a clear and concise way.

Topics and Themes

1. Bill Burr’s Helicopter Pilot Journey

• Burr details his experience learning to fly helicopters, highlighting his passion for pushing his limits and conquering new challenges.
• Burr emphasizes the importance of constant learning, drawing a parallel between his helicopter training and the ongoing evolution of his stand-up career.
• The conversation touches on the inherent risks and responsibilities of piloting a helicopter, emphasizing the importance of caution and preparedness.
• Burr humorously contrasts the danger of driving on the highway with the perceived risk of flying, arguing that the former often involves more unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior.

2. The Evolution of Stand-up Comedy and Content Consumption

• Burr and Rogan discuss the shift in the stand-up comedy landscape, acknowledging the rise of streaming platforms and the abundance of comedic content available.
• Burr reflects on the era of “specials” as a way for comedians to showcase their work, contrasting it with the current approach of using specials as a marketing tool.
• The conversation examines the impact of social media on comedy, highlighting the accessibility of stand-up but also the increasing pressure to address controversial topics.
• They consider alternative strategies for releasing comedy material, such as independent distribution on platforms like YouTube, and the potential for greater control over creative output.

3. The Power of Video Games and Immersive Experiences

• Burr and Rogan share their personal experiences with video games, highlighting the addictive nature of certain games and their potential to consume vast amounts of time and energy.
• They discuss the cognitive benefits of video games, particularly for children, who develop impressive hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
• The conversation touches on the immersive nature of video games, often blurring the lines between reality and the virtual world, leading to moments of intense focus and altered states of consciousness.
• Burr draws parallels between the dedication required for stand-up comedy and the level of immersion he experienced while playing video games, showcasing his willingness to fully engage with any activity he pursues.

4. Exploring the World of Old Cars and Mechanical Mastery

• Burr’s passion for classic cars is on full display, highlighting his fascination with the mechanics and history of automobiles.
• The discussion delves into the intricacies of restoring and maintaining classic cars, showcasing the dedication required for this hobby.
• Burr humorously recounts his struggles with car repairs and his admiration for those who possess the knowledge and skills to tackle complex mechanical projects.
• The conversation touches on the emotional connection individuals often develop with their cars, particularly classic vehicles, viewing them as more than just transportation but as extensions of themselves.

5. The Unique Driving Experiences of Classic Cars and Modern EVs

• Burr and Rogan discuss the visceral experience of driving classic cars, highlighting the tactile feedback from mechanical components and the sense of connection to the vehicle.
• They contrast this experience with the starkly different feel of modern electric vehicles (EVs), particularly Teslas, with their instantaneous acceleration and lack of engine noise.
• The conversation explores the potential dangers of high-powered EVs, particularly in the hands of inexperienced drivers, and the disconnect between speed and the traditional sensory cues associated with driving.
• Burr’s perspective on cars reveals his appreciation for both the historical and technological advancements in automotive design, acknowledging the unique appeal of both classic and modern vehicles.

6. The Changing Role of Comedy Specials and Digital Content

• Burr and Rogan discuss the evolution of comedy specials, from being exclusive showcases of top talent to becoming a more accessible and widespread form of content delivery.
• They touch on the increasing diversity in stand-up comedy, acknowledging the broader representation of voices and perspectives in the industry.
• The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape for comedians, trying to reach audiences and make a lasting impact amidst a deluge of content.
• Burr and Rogan contemplate the future of stand-up comedy, wondering if specials will continue to hold the same significance as they once did, or if alternative formats will emerge to capture audiences’ attention.

7. The Power and Perils of Belief Systems: Scientology, Church, and Spirituality

• Burr shares his personal experience with organized religion, specifically his childhood in the Catholic Church, and his present-day perspective on the institution.
• He discusses the allure of spiritual communities, acknowledging their capacity to provide comfort, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
• Burr critiques the potential for abuse and manipulation within organized religion, highlighting the tendency for those in positions of power to exploit followers.
• The conversation touches on the difficulty of reconciling personal beliefs with the complexities of organized religion, suggesting that a healthy skepticism and critical thinking are essential.

8. The Nature of Male-Female Relationships and Societal Expectations

• Burr offers a humorous and insightful perspective on male-female dynamics, drawing on his own experiences and observations.
• He addresses the expectations placed on men and women in relationships, particularly in terms of traditional gender roles and societal pressures.
• Burr’s anecdotes about his wife’s perspective on his hobbies reveal the potential for clashing priorities and expectations within relationships.
• The conversation touches on the complexities of navigating different communication styles, expectations, and the need for understanding and compromise in relationships.

9. The Absurdity of Contemporary Social Issues: Cancel Culture, Identity Politics, and Political Correctness

• Burr and Rogan engage in a spirited discussion about contemporary social issues, specifically the rise of “cancel culture,” the politicization of identity, and the limitations of political correctness.
• Burr expresses his frustration with the tendency to demonize and silence individuals with differing opinions, highlighting the dangers of unchecked groupthink and the suppression of dissenting voices.
• They discuss the challenges of navigating a culture where certain topics are deemed off-limits for discussion, emphasizing the importance of nuance and the need for open dialogue.
• Burr’s perspective on these issues reflects a concern for free speech and an aversion to hypocrisy, highlighting the potential for destructive consequences when these principles are ignored.

10. The Importance of Humor and Perspective in Challenging Times

• Burr and Rogan acknowledge the turbulent state of the world and the need for humor and perspective to navigate challenging situations.
• They emphasize the power of laughter to break down barriers, foster empathy, and provide a much-needed release from tension and stress.
• Burr’s comedic approach serves as a reminder that humor can be a potent tool for social commentary, challenging the status quo and prompting reflection on important issues.
• The conversation concludes on a positive note, reinforcing the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing new challenges, and finding joy in the midst of life’s complexities.

Memorable Quotes

• “I don’t know how to explain it. It’s this weird thing where your your level of enjoyment is way higher if you’re if you’re riding in it. You know what I mean? If you’re the person flying the whole time, you have your life and other people’s lives at hand so that you’re not really, oh, look at that. Oh, look at that. Look at that. Look at that. Like, I’m also, like, you know, thinking things of, like, you know, when we were flying to that canyon, you know, I think in that shit, I’m looking, you know, knowing where the wires are, and where the road is. And because that’s all fucking trees. So it’s gonna be the road. So there’s those you know, when you’re kinda going around a bend, you know, it there’s certain, like, altitudes and stuff. Just It’s it’s boring, but it’s just stuff that you’re you’re always thinking that.” – Burr describes the difference between enjoying a helicopter ride as a passenger versus being responsible for piloting it.
• “The fact that you’re doing it and the fact that you’re learning a new thing that’s really difficult to learn, don’t you think that that’s good for your brain Now, I am a big believer in constantly learning. It’s why I like you as a person because you’re constantly Like, you’re not the Joe I knew 3 years ago in a good way. You’re like, you you learn all of this. You know, I first met you. You weren’t hunting. You were into Marsh. That was the thing. You you you were you were 2 dimensional. You were which was amazing because everyone was just a comedian. You were this Taekwon Doughty champion. stand up guy. And then and then since then, you’ve added all, like, the guests that you have on and the fact that you’re able to, like, talk to him and stuff is because you’ve continued to you know you know, it’s it’s the same thing with, like, a a comic who writes his first hour and then just sits on it for, like, 8 years. Yeah. And all of a sudden, 2 presidents goes by and it’s like, why aren’t they laughing anymore? It’s like, because you’re just stuck in time. So I I I yeah. I believe in that, and I also believe in in playing cards. Card games and stuff is good for you.” – Burr reflects on the importance of continuous learning and growth, pointing to Rogan’s evolution as a person and the potential pitfalls of staying stagnant.
• “It’s it’s it’s what it is is the special has changed since you and I started, you know, or special was special. Now what it is is it’s just kind of an an hour long advertisement letting people know that you’re still out there. And and it’s like there’s just Doesn’t it still it documents your stuff though? Yeah. It it does. It but there’s just such a sheer amount of stuff to see to have, like, an impact the way like, I was trying to think maybe the the last one that really was just, like, woah. And I would say it would be, like, maybe Dave Chappell killing him softly. Certainly, Chris Rock bring the pain where it was just, like, You know, I’m not saying there weren’t ones that, like like, people talked about, but, like, just that thing where, like, do you remember when we were kids? It was just, like, you know, Friday. Hey, man. See you on Monday. And then somehow on Monday, everybody saw delirious — Right. — or everybody saw dice. or everybody saw Sam Kinison on on on the the the dangerfield thing. And it was just like, no one was talking about it. and then just like there was only so many channels and that thing just caught enough people’s eye and you came to school Monday and everyone was just talking about it. like, you know, I’m I’m still getting fucking tweets from people saying, hey, I finally got around to watch and breaking bad. You know what I mean? Or, like, I was talking about the wire one time. They’re like, dude, you you could have said spoiler alert. It’s like they fucking went off the air in, like, 2006. Like, how much time do I have to give you to watch it? You know?” – Burr discusses how comedy specials have evolved and now serve more as marketing tools rather than stand-alone artistic statements, referencing iconic specials from the past and the sheer volume of content available today.
• “Those brakes I used to have a 1970 Barracuda had those kind of breaks. Oh, yeah. No. Just logs at 71 when I was in high school. And you’d you’d hit the brakes, and it would just skid. I mean, there was everything locked up. Yeah. Anti lock breaks, one of the greatest inventions ever. Yes. Fucking incredible invention. No.” – Burr’s humorously recounts his experience with old car brakes, highlighting the contrast between outdated technology and the comfort of modern safety features.
• “It’s so funny. Read it like a Bayless. Read it like a Bayless. Your Bayless. Dude, I remember. You know I have that reference? because when I got busted for drunk driving, the the bailiff goes, this is what he said. the giga goes, pull the defendant over approximately blah blah blah blah, you know, chasing through two towns, you know, whatever. And which I which was bullshit. I anyways, I had a fucking 83 footer ranger. And the the bailiff read the thing. He said the the arresting officer asked to defend it where he’s coming from. and he stated fucking Boston. And it was just like, that’s not that’s what I said. That’s not the way I said it. I was fucking wasted. He said I was trying to remember. He said, where’d you come from? I was like, fucking Boston. Okay. because fucking Boston. I didn’t wanna get out of the car, and I was like, yeah. I wasn’t a jerk. But when the guy did the read — Right. — he goes, we asked him where he’s coming from. He said, fucking Boston.” – Burr recounts a humorous anecdote about his encounter with a police officer, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and the way language can be interpreted differently when someone is intoxicated.