3/20/2018
“`html
This podcast features comedian and Deathsquad podcast network founder Brian Redban. The conversation bounces between provocative, controversial, and viral topics, with Joe Rogan’s trademark blend of humor and curiosity. Deep underlying themes explore the rapid evolution of technology, the blurring lines between reality and simulation, and the societal impact of misinformation and social manipulation.
Podcast Topics:
Facebook Data Scraping and FTC Investigation:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss Facebook’s data scraping practices by companies like Cambridge Analytica.
- They delve into how user data is collected through personality quizzes and clickbait polls.
- The FTC’s investigation and potential multi-trillion dollar fines are highlighted.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of data privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information.
The Rise of Fake News and Clickbait:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the proliferation of fake news on platforms like Facebook.
- They explore the effectiveness of clickbait tactics and how they exploit user curiosity.
- The conversation touches on the blurring lines between legitimate news and fabricated content.
- They highlight the challenge of discerning truth in an era of information overload.
Snapchat’s Controversial Poll:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss a Snapchat poll that asked users if they’d rather slap Rihanna or punch Chris Brown.
- They express outrage at the poll’s insensitivity towards domestic violence.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of social media platforms and their role in promoting violence.
- The poll sparked a backlash, leading to Snapchat’s stock plummeting by millions of dollars.
The Evolution of Technology and Privacy:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in mobile devices and artificial intelligence.
- They explore the increasing integration of technology into our lives, from payment systems to communication tools.
- The conversation touches on the implications of this integration for privacy and personal autonomy.
- They ponder the future of technology and its potential impact on human interaction and identity.
The Crackability of iPhones:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the development of a device that can unlock iPhones newer than the 5s.
- They explore the security implications of this technology, particularly for law enforcement and digital privacy.
- The conversation touches on the ongoing battle between encryption and decryption in the digital age.
- They question the future of privacy in a world where technology can potentially bypass security measures.
AI Assistants and the Future of Communication:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the increasing sophistication of AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Home.
- They explore the potential for AI to revolutionize communication and interaction with technology.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of AI and its potential to alter human relationships.
- They ponder the future of AI and its potential impact on society and the human experience.
The Dangers of Deepfakes and Audio Manipulation:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the growing capabilities of deepfake technology and audio manipulation software.
- They explore the potential for these technologies to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading misinformation or creating false evidence.
- The conversation touches on the implications of these technologies for trust and the integrity of information.
- They question how to combat the spread of deepfakes and ensure the authenticity of information in the digital age.
The Future of Human Evolution:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the potential for technology to alter human evolution, with the integration of technology into our bodies.
- They explore the possibility of using nanobots to enhance human capabilities and overcome physical limitations.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of this technology and its potential impact on the definition of humanity.
- They ponder the future of the human species and whether we will become cyborgs or something entirely new.
The Role of Anxiety in Modern Life:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the prevalence of anxiety in modern society, exploring its causes and consequences.
- They touch on the impact of societal pressures, information overload, and the constant threat of danger on mental health.
- The conversation delves into the use of medications like Xanax to manage anxiety, exploring the potential benefits and risks.
- They question whether anxiety is a natural response to the complexities of modern life or a symptom of a broken system.
The Controversial History of the Italian Horn:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the origins and symbolism of the Italian horn, a common amulet in Italian culture.
- They reveal that the horn’s shape is based on a representation of male genitalia, sparking humor and discussion about cultural symbols.
- The conversation touches on the cultural context and historical significance of the amulet, exploring its use as a protective talisman.
- They question whether the amulet’s symbolism is considered appropriate in modern society.
The Growing Awareness of Societal Issues:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the increasing awareness of social issues in modern society, due to the accessibility of information.
- They explore how this awareness has led to increased scrutiny of societal norms and practices.
- The conversation touches on the potential for this awareness to lead to social change and reform.
- They question whether this increased awareness has had a positive or negative impact on society.
The Controversial Practice of Circumcision:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the practice of circumcision, exploring its historical, cultural, and medical implications.
- They express personal opinions about the practice, with Joe Rogan expressing his discomfort with uncut penises.
- The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of performing the procedure on infants.
- They question whether circumcision will continue to be a common practice in the future.
The Tax Exempt Status of Religions:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the tax-exempt status of religious organizations, questioning its justification.
- They explore the potential for abuse of this status by organizations that generate large profits.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of granting tax exemptions to entities that operate like businesses.
- They question whether the tax-exempt status of religions should be reevaluated in the modern era.
Corporate Influence in Politics:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the growing influence of corporations in politics, particularly through campaign donations.
- They explore the implications of this influence for democracy and the potential for corruption.
- The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of corporations having significant power over political decisions.
- They question whether reforms are needed to limit corporate influence in politics.
The Distorted System of Finance:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the complexities of the financial system, highlighting the potential for manipulation and abuse.
- They explore the influence of powerful individuals and institutions in shaping financial markets.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of financial practices and the impact on society.
- They question whether the current financial system is equitable or serves the best interests of the majority.
The Decline of Brick-and-Mortar Toy Stores:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the demise of brick-and-mortar toy stores, attributing it to the rise of online retailers like Amazon.
- They explore the cultural impact of this decline, questioning the role of physical stores in the consumer experience.
- The conversation touches on the nostalgia associated with toy stores and the unique experience they offered.
- They question whether there is still a place for traditional toy stores in the modern era.
The History and Evolution of Barbie:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the history of Barbie, revealing its controversial origins as a doll modeled after a German sex worker.
- They explore the evolution of Barbie’s image over the years, highlighting the changing cultural attitudes towards female beauty and sexuality.
- The conversation touches on the impact of Barbie on children’s perceptions of body image and gender roles.
- They question whether Barbie’s legacy is a positive or negative influence on modern society.
The Double Standard of Fat Shaming:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the double standard of fat shaming, highlighting how women are disproportionately targeted compared to men.
- They explore the cultural and societal factors that contribute to this double standard.
- The conversation touches on the impact of fat shaming on body image and self-esteem.
- They question whether society’s approach to body image needs to be reevaluated.
The Mystery of the Georgia Beach Sea Creature:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the discovery of a mysterious sea creature that washed ashore in Georgia.
- They explore the potential for the creature to be a previously undiscovered species or a mutated form of existing marine life.
- The conversation touches on the vastness and mystery of the ocean and the many unknown life forms it contains.
- They question the significance of the discovery and its potential implications for our understanding of the natural world.
The Ongoing Search for Extraterrestrial Life:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life, exploring the vastness of the universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
- They question the logic of exploring other planets before fully understanding our own planet.
- The conversation touches on the scientific efforts to detect signs of extraterrestrial life, from telescopes to probes.
- They ponder the implications of discovering alien life and its potential impact on human understanding of our place in the universe.
The Myth of Astronaut DNA Changes:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the debunked claim that astronaut Scott Kelly’s DNA changed after a year in space.
- They explore the science behind gene expression and how it is influenced by environmental factors.
- The conversation touches on the spread of misinformation online and the dangers of sensationalized science.
- They question the role of media in shaping public understanding of scientific discoveries.
The Horrors of Rabies:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the devastating effects of rabies, a viral disease that can lead to death.
- They explore the gruesome symptoms of rabies and its impact on the nervous system.
- The conversation touches on the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of rabies and the potential for euthanasia.
- They question whether society should be more proactive in preventing rabies and providing better care for those affected.
The Toxoplasma Parasite and Its Effects on Humans:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the toxoplasma parasite, which can infect humans through contact with cat feces.
- They explore the parasite’s ability to manipulate the behavior of its hosts, including rats and humans.
- The conversation touches on the potential for toxoplasma to influence human decision-making and risk-taking behaviors.
- They question whether the parasite’s effects on humans have been adequately studied and understood.
The Bizarre Strategies of Nature:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the surprising and often bizarre strategies that organisms have evolved in the natural world.
- They explore examples like parasitic fungi that manipulate insect behavior and carnivorous plants that trap and digest animals.
- The conversation touches on the concept of natural selection and the intricate relationships between organisms in the ecosystem.
- They question how these complex and often unsettling adaptations evolved over time.
The Cordyceps Mushroom and Its Benefits:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the cordyceps mushroom, a fungus that has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.
- They explore the mushroom’s ability to enhance athletic performance and its potential as a natural supplement.
- The conversation touches on the science behind the mushroom’s effects and its potential to improve overall health.
- They question whether the mushroom’s benefits are overstated and whether it is a legitimate alternative to traditional medicine.
The Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, particularly in countries like Russia and China.
- They explore the ethics of doping and the potential for athletes to gain unfair advantages.
- The conversation touches on the effectiveness of drug testing and the challenges of catching those who cheat.
- They question whether the current system of drug testing is sufficient to ensure fairness in sports.
The Assassination Attempt on Sergei Skripal:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, using nerve gas in England.
- They explore the geopolitical implications of the event and its potential to escalate tensions between Russia and the West.
- The conversation touches on the ongoing espionage activities between nations and the use of unconventional weapons.
- They question whether the assassination attempt was a rogue act or a sanctioned operation by the Russian government.
The Political and Cultural Climate in the United States:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the current political and cultural climate in the United States, characterized by polarization, division, and uncertainty.
- They explore the role of social media and political campaigns in shaping public discourse.
- The conversation touches on the rise of populism and the challenges to traditional political norms.
- They question whether the current climate is sustainable and whether there is a path towards unity and reconciliation.
The Controversial Case of the Dog Hitler Salute:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the case of a man in Scotland who was convicted for making his dog perform a Nazi salute in a video.
- They explore the potential for this case to set a dangerous precedent for free speech and artistic expression.
- The conversation touches on the importance of context and intent when evaluating potentially offensive content.
- They question whether the Scottish justice system overreacted in prosecuting the man for his actions.
The Challenges of Comedy in a Sensitive Climate:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the challenges of performing comedy in a climate where audiences are increasingly sensitive to potentially offensive jokes.
- They explore the tension between pushing boundaries and avoiding controversy.
- The conversation touches on the evolution of comedy over time and the changing norms of what is considered acceptable.
- They question whether the pursuit of humor should be constrained by societal pressure or whether it should be allowed to flourish regardless of potential offense.
The Censorship of Conservative Ideology:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the perceived censorship of conservative ideology on social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter.
- They explore the algorithms and policies that govern content moderation and the potential for bias.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of silencing certain viewpoints and the importance of free speech.
- They question whether these platforms are acting in the best interests of their users or serving a specific political agenda.
The Demonetization of YouTube Videos:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the practice of YouTube demonetizing videos, particularly those that touch on controversial topics or express certain viewpoints.
- They explore the financial incentives for content creators to self-censor in order to avoid losing revenue.
- The conversation touches on the impact of demonetization on the freedom of expression and the diversity of online content.
- They question whether YouTube’s demonetization policies are a legitimate form of content moderation or a form of censorship.
The Rise of Virtual Reality and Its Implications:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the advancements in virtual reality technology and its potential to blur the lines between reality and simulation.
- They explore the potential for VR to create immersive experiences that could redefine the way we interact with the world.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of VR and its potential to create addictive or harmful experiences.
- They question whether VR will enhance our lives or create new challenges for humanity.
The Future of Human Enhancement and Regeneration:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the advancements in medical technology, particularly in the areas of stem cell therapy and nanotechnology.
- They explore the potential for these technologies to revolutionize healthcare and allow for the regeneration of tissues and organs.
- The conversation touches on the ethical implications of these technologies and the potential for human enhancement.
- They question whether these advancements will lead to a future where we can live longer and healthier lives.
The Mystery of Memory and Its Location in the Body:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the mystery of memory and its location in the body, exploring the potential for memories to be stored in the heart or gut.
- They explore the concept of neuron activity in different parts of the body and its potential role in storing memories.
- The conversation touches on the implications of this mystery for understanding human consciousness and the potential for memory transfer.
- They question whether we truly understand the mechanisms of memory and whether it is possible to transfer memories between individuals.
The Power of Gut Bacteria:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the impact of gut bacteria on human health and behavior, highlighting its role in mental health and overall well-being.
- They explore the importance of a healthy gut microbiome and the potential for dietary changes to improve its composition.
- The conversation touches on the relationship between gut health and mental health.
- They question whether our understanding of gut bacteria is still evolving and whether it will play a more significant role in healthcare in the future.
The Potential of Heart Transplants to Transfer Memories:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the possibility of memories being transferred through heart transplants, based on anecdotal evidence and the presence of neurons in the heart.
- They explore the implications of this possibility for understanding consciousness and the potential for transferring memories between individuals.
- The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of memory transfer and its potential to blur the lines between individuals.
- They question whether the heart truly plays a role in storing memories and whether it is possible to transfer these memories through transplantation.
The Importance of Physical Fitness and Exercise:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the importance of physical fitness and exercise, highlighting its benefits for both physical and mental health.
- They explore the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy body and preventing age-related decline.
- The conversation touches on the impact of exercise on mental well-being and its potential to reduce stress and anxiety.
- They question whether society should place a greater emphasis on physical activity and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The Power of Cryotherapy:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the potential benefits of cryotherapy, a treatment that involves exposure to extremely cold temperatures.
- They explore the science behind cryotherapy and its effects on the body, including the production of cold shock proteins and norepinephrine.
- The conversation touches on the use of cryotherapy to reduce inflammation, improve recovery from exercise, and enhance athletic performance.
- They question whether cryotherapy is a fad or a legitimate treatment option for various health conditions.
The Story of the Elusive Ultramarathon Runner:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the story of Dag Abi, a 76-year-old ultramarathon runner who lives in a school bus in the Canadian wilderness.
- They explore Abi’s philosophy of self-reliance and his commitment to challenging himself through ultramarathons.
- The conversation touches on the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, even in unconventional ways.
- They question whether Abi’s lifestyle is an inspiration or a cautionary tale about the pursuit of extreme individualism.
The Impact of Aging on Physical Capabilities:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the impact of aging on physical capabilities, highlighting the challenges of maintaining fitness and recovery from injuries.
- They explore the importance of exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle choices in mitigating the effects of aging.
- The conversation touches on the potential for medical advancements to slow down or reverse the aging process.
- They question whether the aging process is a natural part of life or a process that can be manipulated.
The Importance of Fast Food:
- Joe Rogan and Brian Redban discuss the role of fast food in modern society, exploring its convenience and its impact on health.
- They compare different fast food chains, including Wendy’s, In-N-Out, and Five Guys.
- The conversation touches on the appeal of fast food and the cultural significance it has acquired.
- They question whether fast food is a necessary part of modern life or a harmful indulgence that should be avoided.
Memorable Quotes:
- “The world’s filled with possibility, the world’s filled with danger, the world’s filled with good things and bad things. There’s a lot of shit going on. If you don’t have some anxiety, it must be because you’re just choosing to not pay attention.” – Joe Rogan on the inevitability of anxiety in a complex world.
- “Those are morons that answer those things. For the most part, or people are super bored. And that’s how you get most of the time, how you get your Facebook like, password stolen is from those things.” – Brian Redban on the naivete of those who participate in online clickbait quizzes.
- “You’re putting something in the kid’s head. This is what an adult looks like.” – Joe Rogan on the potential impact of toys like Barbie on children’s perceptions of body image and gender roles.
- “If you think Floyd is all of a sudden gonna come this fucking 1 punch destroyer, like John the Beast Mugabe in the 19 eighties or whatever the fuck that was. If you think that’s gonna happen out of nowhere, you’re crazy.” – Joe Rogan on the improbability of Floyd Mayweather becoming a successful MMA fighter.
- “It’s a fun time, though. I hate it. I think this is a fun time.” – Joe Rogan on the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the current political and cultural climate in the United States.
“`