JRE #602 – Ari Shaffir & Duncan Trussell

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1/20/2015

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Joe Rogan Podcast #602 – Ari Shaffir & Duncan Trussell

This podcast features a lively conversation between comedian Joe Rogan, stand-up comedian and podcaster Ari Shaffir, and stand-up comedian and podcaster Duncan Trussell. The episode delves into a wide range of topics, from the nature of comedy and the creative process to personal experiences with psychedelics and the complexities of human behavior. Provocative discussions include the controversial use of religion as a tool for control, the dangers of unchecked ideologies, and the potential benefits of psychedelics in personal growth. The podcast also explores the nature of belief systems and how they can influence our perception of reality, touching on themes of free will, the search for meaning, and the human condition.

Major Topics and Themes

1. The Nature of Comedy and Creative Process:

  • Shaffir and Trussell discuss the evolution of comedic material, comparing it to the growth of a tree.
  • They examine how bits develop from initial ideas to refined routines, emphasizing the importance of constant refinement and practice.
  • Shaffir shares his experience writing his vegan bit, highlighting how personal conversations can inspire comedic material.
  • The discussion delves into the dynamic between spontaneity and structure in stand-up comedy.

2. The Nasca Lines and Ancient Mysteries:

  • The podcast explores the Nasca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert of Peru, and the various theories about their origin and purpose.
  • The conversation touches on the role of imagination and speculation in interpreting historical mysteries.
  • They discuss the possibility of aliens visiting Earth in the past and the potential for the Nasca Lines to be a form of communication or ritual.
  • The discussion explores the danger of environmental damage and the need to preserve these ancient sites.

3. The Role of Religion and Belief Systems:

  • The conversation delves into the potential benefits and drawbacks of religion, exploring its impact on morality and social organization.
  • They discuss the dangers of rigid ideologies, highlighting the potential for religious beliefs to be used as a tool for control and manipulation.
  • The discussion examines the historical context of religious practices, particularly the use of psychedelics in ancient rituals and the potential for misinterpretations in translation.
  • They discuss the importance of questioning beliefs and avoiding blind adherence to ideology.

4. The Ethics of Violence and War:

  • The podcast explores the ethical implications of violence and the potential dangers of uncritical patriotism.
  • They discuss the use of war propaganda and how it can manipulate public opinion, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority.
  • The conversation delves into the emotional and psychological impact of war on soldiers, exploring the complexities of PTSD and the challenges of returning to civilian life.
  • They discuss the use of drones and depleted uranium in warfare, highlighting the potential for long-term environmental and health consequences.

5. Psychedelic Experiences and Personal Growth:

  • The conversation focuses on the potential for psychedelics to facilitate personal growth and self-discovery.
  • They discuss the effects of psychedelics on the brain, exploring how they can alter neural pathways and perceptions of reality.
  • The podcast highlights the potential of psychedelics to help people overcome addictions and improve mental health.
  • They discuss the importance of responsible psychedelic use and the dangers of unchecked ego or mental instability.

6. The Power of Storytelling and Truth:

  • The conversation explores the importance of storytelling and its impact on human understanding and perception.
  • They discuss the dangers of embellishment and fabrication in storytelling, particularly when it comes to historical narratives and the potential for misleading the public.
  • The podcast explores the ethical considerations of portraying real-life events in entertainment media, particularly when it involves sensitive or controversial topics.
  • They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when consuming media, particularly when it comes to narratives about war, religion, and personal experiences.

7. The Politics of Comedy:

  • The podcast explores the challenges of navigating political and social issues in comedy.
  • They discuss the importance of representation and diversity in the comedy industry.
  • The conversation examines the influence of political correctness on the creative process and the potential for censorship.
  • They discuss the role of comedy in social commentary and the power of humor to challenge established norms.

8. The Future of Comedy and Entertainment:

  • The podcast explores the growing popularity of online platforms for comedy and entertainment.
  • They discuss the benefits of independent distribution and the potential for greater creative freedom.
  • The conversation examines the evolving landscape of television and the increasing demand for diverse and authentic content.
  • They discuss the challenges of balancing creative expression with commercial constraints.

Memorable Quotes

  • “I think it’s cool. It takes, like, more and more shape until it becomes, like, the same thing every time. That’s cool. Remember that? I never. I don’t remember that. You told me you’re a talent coordinator. You told me that. That’s an interesting way to look at it. I’ve always felt that they grow though. I always felt that they’re a living thing. and they become sturdy. Like, they start off as, like, little saplings, and they’re like, oh, sometimes they look impressive, and sometimes they come Sometimes they come out, they’re fucking trees.” – Ari Shaffir describes the evolution of comedic material
  • “The only way to get the Jews out of my body is to jerk off Jews.” – Duncan Trussell’s comedic commentary on demonic possession.
  • “It’s like there’s got that’s like very Just tell them how to do it. It’s very godlike. Yeah. It’s very godlike, eventually. Just tell tell tell me thought the way we teach kids. Well, in that sense — — learn, actually. — that confusion that people feel of in, like, the existential angst of being a person where you don’t know what the fuck you are? Where are you going? Yeah. What happens when I die? Like, almost universally that needs to be plugged up. Whether it’s plugged up with this alien story — Yes. — whether it’s plugged up with, you know, a Mormon story. Whatever. You just gotta plug it up.” – Joe Rogan on the human need for meaning.
  • “It’s so arrogant to think that we’re the only ones that could do I’ve never seen any evidence whatsoever that’s even remotely compelling that aliens have visited here. None of it. None of it that’s outside of other like, there’s not one thing that stands out where you say that had to be aliens. It couldn’t have just been really smart people. Not one thing. Yeah. Why would have any of them left anything.” – Joe Rogan on the possibility of alien visitation
  • “In those little moments, man, it shows you that you get those moments present themselves to you all day fucking long. But if you are stuck in selfishness, you don’t see it. Yeah. It’s real simple little things. but it’s fun. It’s a very wonderful That kind of simple intention can really depolute your your subjective city that you’ve been sucking in shitty gas.” – Joe Rogan on the power of simple kindness.



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