JRE #1011 – Tom Papa

9/14/2017

Joe Rogan Podcast #1011 – Tom Papa

This podcast offers a laid-back and engaging conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Tom Papa. The episode explores themes of work, success, and personal growth, peppered with humor and insightful reflections on life’s complexities. While not as provocative as some of Rogan’s other episodes, it delves into intriguing topics including the nature of work, the role of ego, and the importance of pushing oneself beyond comfort zones.

Topics Covered

1. The Cigar Analogy and Stand-Up Comedy: Papa uses the cigar industry as a metaphor for the stand-up comedy scene. He highlights the disparity between the substantial profits of comedy clubs and the often-low pay for comedians, comparing the situation to cigar rollers who make little while the tobacco companies reap immense wealth.
   1. The value of comedy clubs as a platform for comedians to develop their craft, despite the low pay.
   2. The importance of a collaborative relationship between comedians and clubs to ensure the longevity and growth of the comedy scene.
   3. The parallels between the cigar industry and other creative fields where creators often work for significantly less than the institutions profiting from their work.
   4. The role of social consciousness in recognizing and addressing issues of exploitation and fair compensation in different industries.
2. The Nature of “Crazy” People and Relationships: Papa discusses the role of “crazy” people in life, arguing that while they can provide intense fun and excitement, they can also be exhausting and detrimental to long-term relationships.
   1. The inherent difficulty in navigating the power dynamics and emotional complexities in relationships, particularly between men and women.
   2. The role of personal history and experiences in shaping individual tolerance and comfort levels within relationships.
   3. The contrast between the initial excitement of “crazy” individuals and the potential for exhaustion and conflict that comes with prolonged exposure.
   4. The need for personal boundaries and self-awareness in managing relationships with individuals who may be emotionally volatile or challenging.
3. Ego and the Pursuit of Success: The conversation touches on the importance of self-reflection and ego management in achieving success. Rogan and Papa agree that shutting down the “me, me, me” voice is crucial for focusing on genuine growth and improvement.
   1. The dangers of prioritizing ego-driven pursuits over genuine self-improvement and personal growth.
   2. The irony of how silencing the ego can be a key ingredient in achieving lasting success in any endeavor.
   3. The importance of constant self-reflection and self-correction to keep ego in check and maintain a healthy perspective on achievement.
   4. The value of pushing oneself beyond comfort zones through challenging activities like jujitsu, yoga, or other demanding pursuits to gain perspective and humility.
4. The Power of Kindness and Empathy: Rogan advocates for a shift towards kindness as a fundamental principle in interactions with fellow humans. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing common ground and empathy, even with those who may hold different political beliefs or ideologies.
   1. The detrimental impact of tribalism and political polarization on society, creating divisions and hindering meaningful communication.
   2. The power of kindness and empathy as a bridge across political divides, promoting understanding and potentially leading to a more harmonious society.
   3. The potential for political and social change through acts of kindness and empathy, rather than through aggressive confrontation or hostility.
   4. The importance of recognizing individual actions and choices beyond political labels or affiliations, promoting a nuanced and less judgmental approach to societal interactions.
5. Immigration and Racial Profiling: Rogan shares a personal anecdote about a friend who was racially profiled by ICE agents, highlighting the disturbing reality of racial profiling and the impact it has on individuals.
   1. The dangers of racial profiling and the ways in which it perpetuates prejudice and discrimination.
   2. The need for a more just and equitable immigration system that prioritizes fairness and human rights.
   3. The importance of challenging assumptions and biases that can lead to discriminatory practices, particularly within law enforcement and other institutions of power.
   4. The societal and personal impact of fear and anxiety created by discriminatory practices, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
6. The Value of Simple Living and Connection to Nature: The conversation touches on the idea of simple living, highlighting the happiness and fulfillment found in cultures that prioritize community, connection to nature, and essential needs over constant pursuit of material wealth.
   1. The contrast between the constant pursuit of material possessions and social status in Western society and the contentment found in cultures that value simplicity, community, and connection to nature.
   2. The potential for happiness and fulfillment found in simple living, where basic needs are met and focus is on community and nature, rather than on endless accumulation of material goods.
   3. The importance of recognizing that true happiness may lie in experiences and connections rather than in material possessions.
   4. The dangers of associating happiness solely with material success and the potential for a more fulfilling life through meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of oneself and the natural world.
7. Physical Health and Exercise: Rogan emphasizes the importance of physical activity for both mental and physical well-being. He encourages listeners to prioritize movement and outdoor activities to combat the sedentary lifestyle often associated with modern life.
   1. The importance of incorporating physical activity into one’s daily routine to improve overall health and well-being.
   2. The value of challenging oneself physically through demanding activities like running, hiking, or other pursuits that push beyond comfort zones.
   3. The detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle on both physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of movement for a balanced and healthy life.
   4. The benefits of connecting with nature through outdoor activities, providing a sense of peace, grounding, and appreciation for the natural world.
8. The Impact of Marijuana on Physical Performance: Rogan and Papa discuss the increasing popularity of marijuana use among athletes, particularly for enhancing focus and recovery.
   1. The potential benefits of marijuana use in promoting focus, relaxation, and recovery among athletes, particularly in disciplines like jujitsu and weightlifting.
   2. The potential for marijuana to enhance physical performance through its effects on muscle relaxation, pain management, and mental focus.
   3. The need for further research on the effects of marijuana on athletic performance and the potential for it to be used as a legitimate aid in training and recovery.
   4. The growing acceptance of marijuana as a performance enhancer in the sports world, challenging traditional views and opening up new discussions about the substance’s role in athletics.
9. The Role of Subconscious in Creative Process: The conversation touches on the power of the subconscious mind in creative processes, emphasizing the importance of allowing ideas to incubate and emerge organically.
   1. The importance of allowing the subconscious mind to work on creative projects, often leading to unexpected and innovative ideas.
   2. The value of taking breaks from focused work to allow the subconscious mind to process information and generate new insights.
   3. The importance of trusting the creative process and allowing ideas to emerge organically, rather than forcing them.
   4. The potential for the subconscious to be a powerful source of inspiration and creativity, particularly in writing, music, and other artistic endeavors.
10. The Influence of Drugs on Creativity: Rogan and Papa discuss the impact of drugs on creativity, acknowledging the influence of substances like cocaine, weed, and alcohol on the work of artists and writers.
    1. The potential for drugs to enhance creativity by altering consciousness, loosening inhibitions, and providing a unique perspective on the world.
    2. The dangers of substance abuse and the potential for it to be detrimental to creativity and overall well-being.
    3. The importance of distinguishing between the use of drugs as a creative tool and the harmful effects of addiction and dependence.
    4. The need for a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between drugs and creativity, recognizing both the potential benefits and the risks involved.
11. The Importance of Connection to Food and its Origins: Rogan and Papa discuss the importance of having a connection to the food we eat, emphasizing the contrast between factory-farmed products and the appreciation for food derived from wild game hunting.
    1. The ethical concerns surrounding factory farming and the impact it has on the well-being of animals.
    2. The potential for a more conscious and ethical approach to food consumption, emphasizing the connection between food and its origins.
    3. The importance of understanding the environmental and health consequences of our food choices, particularly in relation to factory farming.
    4. The personal satisfaction and connection found in hunting wild game and consuming food that is more ethically sourced and directly connected to nature.
12. The Growing Popularity of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Rogan acknowledges the growing popularity of plant-based meat alternatives, but cautions against dismissing the environmental and ethical considerations associated with plant-based food production.
    1. The increasing popularity of plant-based meat alternatives as a more sustainable and ethically sound choice for consumers.
    2. The need for a more nuanced understanding of the environmental and ethical considerations associated with plant-based food production, particularly in relation to large-scale agriculture.
    3. The importance of considering the entire food system, including the impact of large-scale grain production and the use of pesticides and herbicides, when evaluating plant-based alternatives.
    4. The potential for plant-based meat alternatives to be a part of a more sustainable and ethical food future, but emphasizing the need for ongoing discussion and consideration of the complex factors involved.
13. The Impact of Technology on Human Connection and Nature: The conversation touches on the increasing reliance on technology and its potential impact on human connection to nature and the wider world.
    1. The potential for technology to isolate individuals from nature and real-world experiences, creating a disconnect from the natural world.
    2. The importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancement and a healthy connection to nature, ensuring that individuals are not solely reliant on virtual experiences.
    3. The need for a more conscious and intentional approach to technology use, ensuring that it enhances rather than detracts from human connection and interaction.
    4. The potential for technology to be used as a tool to connect with nature and the wider world, rather than as a means of isolation and escapism.
14. The Role of Wildlife Management and Conservation: Rogan highlights the importance of responsible wildlife management and conservation, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both human needs and the well-being of wildlife.
    1. The importance of responsible wildlife management practices to ensure the sustainability and health of wildlife populations.
    2. The need for a balance between human needs and the well-being of wildlife, recognizing that both can coexist in a healthy and sustainable manner.
    3. The role of hunting as a tool for wildlife management and conservation, providing revenue for wildlife conservation efforts and contributing to population control.
    4. The importance of understanding the complex relationship between humans and wildlife, recognizing that responsible management is crucial for the long-term health of both ecosystems and human communities.
15. The Importance of History and Education: The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of learning from history and acknowledging past mistakes. Rogan and Papa agree that we must learn from past injustices and strive to create a more just and equitable future.
    1. The importance of learning from history, both the good and the bad, to inform present-day actions and choices.
    2. The need to confront and acknowledge past injustices, particularly those related to slavery and colonialism, to promote healing and reconciliation.
    3. The importance of education and critical thinking in understanding historical events and their impact on present-day society.
    4. The potential for learning from the past to create a more just and equitable future, where past mistakes are not repeated.

Memorable Quotes

1. “You can’t deny. It’s not there’s no absolute. It’s not 1 or the other. Yeah. It’s it’s very possible that there’s a bunch of shit going on.”
2. “But I think we tend to look at like the entire thing. Right? We tend to look at the entire group of people. Like, we have to stop eating meat. Look at what we’re doing to the environment. “
3. “So, like — Yeah. — we think now of life without that stuff as being, like, impossible But at 1 point in time, we were adapted.”
4. “And it’s also, you know, a lot of ways, almost like a mental marathon — Mhmm. — because you’re you’re on this 1 thing for a long time. “
5. “I’m not saying, don’t eat grain. Right. I’m saying, if you look at those gigantic combines, that chew up all that grain. Yeah. And the when you go over those fields after they’ve been freshly cut, uh-huh, you see vultures. Right. All over circling because there’s a ton of fucking things that got killed in those blades.”