JRE #515 – Ari Shaffir (Part 1)

This podcast delves deep into the world of stand-up comedy and explores the complexities of the entertainment industry, with Ari Shaffir as the guest. It covers a range of topics, from hilarious anecdotes about his travels to China to the darker side of Hollywood and the ever-present issue of sexual misconduct. Throughout the conversation, Rogan and Shaffir delve into philosophical themes like the nature of humanity, the impact of social media, and the importance of self-reliance.

Here are some of the major topics discussed:

1. Ari Shaffir’s Crazy Noodle Story and Gutter Oil in China:

• Ari shares a harrowing tale about street noodles in Shanghai, revealing that many vendors use oil extracted from raw sewage.
• This shocking story highlights the dark underbelly of China’s food production and raises serious concerns about public health.
• The video footage of gutter oil production is described as “disgusting” and “horrible,” even causing Rogan to feel nauseous.
• This segment prompts a discussion about the lengths to which people will go to make money and the potential consequences of unchecked greed.

2. The Dark Side of China:

• Ari’s experiences in China delve into the darker side of the country, revealing poverty, desperation, and unethical practices.
• The story of a father selling his child for money highlights the extreme poverty and desperation that can drive people to morally questionable decisions.
• This segment sparks a discussion about the dark aspects of humanity and how extreme situations can lead to morally questionable choices.
• It serves as a reminder that even in seemingly advanced societies, there can be significant social and economic disparities.

3. The Vagina Sculpture Incident:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the story of an American tourist getting stuck in a giant vagina sculpture in Germany.
• This bizarre incident sparks a humorous conversation about cultural differences and the taboo nature of female genitalia.
• The discussion highlights the hypocrisy of some societies, where sculptures of female body parts are considered inappropriate, even though the female form is essential for human reproduction.
• The story serves as a lighthearted reminder of the absurdity of some human behaviors and the cultural differences that can lead to amusing misunderstandings.

4. The “McTits” Theory:

• Ari shares a theory from a friend about Chinese women who live off McDonald’s food developing larger breasts.
• This humorous theory raises questions about the impact of hormones and fast food consumption on the human body.
• It also touches upon the stereotypes surrounding women’s bodies and the often-unfounded anxieties about food and its effects.
• The segment serves as a reminder of the power of stereotypes and how they can influence our perceptions and understanding of the world.

5. The Dark Side of Alcohol and Sexual Urges:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the dangers of combining alcohol with unchecked sexual urges, highlighting its potential for causing harm.
• They emphasize that alcohol can lower inhibitions and lead to impulsive behavior, potentially resulting in sexual assault.
• The conversation touches on the importance of personal responsibility and understanding the potential consequences of consuming alcohol, particularly in social situations.
• It serves as a reminder that sexual assault is a serious issue and that individuals need to be aware of their actions and the impact they can have on others.

6. The Bill Cosby Allegations:

• The podcast delves into the allegations of sexual assault against Bill Cosby, highlighting the complex and challenging nature of these accusations.
• The conversation touches upon the power dynamics involved in such cases and the difficulties of achieving justice for victims.
• It raises questions about how we should respond to allegations against public figures, considering the potential impact on their careers and legacies.
• This segment prompts a discussion about the importance of believing survivors and the need for accountability when it comes to sexual misconduct.

7. The Mike Tyson Rape Case:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the controversial Mike Tyson rape case, highlighting the complexities of legal proceedings and the difficulty of determining truth in such situations.
• The conversation acknowledges the potential for false allegations and the need for careful consideration of evidence before making judgments.
• It also touches upon the sensitive issue of rape and the need for a just and equitable legal system.
• This segment serves as a reminder that legal proceedings are often complicated and that it is important to avoid jumping to conclusions.

8. The “Wacky” Writer and Development Deals:

• Shaffir shares a story about a writer who was given a development deal for a sitcom despite being utterly unfunny and lacking writing talent.
• This story exposes the absurdities of the entertainment industry and the often-arbitrary nature of success in Hollywood.
• It highlights the disconnect between creative talent and industry connections, emphasizing the importance of networking and finding the right people to champion your work.
• The segment serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring writers and performers, reminding them that talent alone is not always enough to succeed in the entertainment industry.

9. The Power of Social Media and Podcasts:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the rise of social media and podcasts, highlighting their impact on the entertainment industry and the way artists connect with their audiences.
• They argue that social media and podcasts have democratized the creative process, allowing artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly reach their fans.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-promotion and online engagement for artists in the modern era.
• This segment highlights the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry and the increasing power of online platforms.

10. The Importance of Self-Reliance:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the importance of self-reliance and taking control of one’s own career, particularly in the age of social media and podcasts.
• They argue that artists should not rely on traditional institutions or gatekeepers to achieve success, but should instead focus on building their own platform and connecting directly with their audience.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of hard work, persistence, and a strong online presence in the modern creative landscape.
• This segment serves as an empowering message for artists, encouraging them to take charge of their careers and create their own opportunities.

11. The Impact of Oil Money on Canadian Cities:

• Shaffir recounts his experiences performing in Canadian cities like Calgary and Edmonton, highlighting the impact of oil money on the local culture.
• He observes that these cities have a vibrant nightlife and that audiences are enthusiastic and willing to party hard.
• The conversation touches on the economic and social impact of oil wealth on Canadian cities and the resulting cultural dynamics.
• This segment provides a glimpse into the unique aspects of Canadian culture and the influence of economic factors on the social landscape.

12. The Evolution of MTV and the Decline of Network Television:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the evolution of MTV and the decline of network television, highlighting the shift in the entertainment landscape.
• They argue that the rise of cable channels, streaming services, and online platforms has made network television less relevant and less influential than it once was.
• The conversation touches upon the changing nature of television consumption and the increasing power of niche audiences.
• This segment serves as a reminder of the constant evolution of the media industry and the need for artists to adapt to changing trends.

13. The Prevalence of Plastic Surgery in South Korea:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the prevalence of plastic surgery in South Korea, highlighting the cultural factors driving this trend.
• They explore the pressures of conforming to Western beauty standards and the desire to achieve a certain look.
• The conversation touches on the ethics and social implications of cosmetic surgery and the impact of media on body image.
• This segment raises questions about the pursuit of beauty and the societal expectations that can lead to extreme measures.

14. The Story of the Man Who Sued His Wife for “Ugly” Children:

• Shaffir shares a story about a man who sued his wife for having “ugly” children, highlighting the extreme lengths to which some people will go to avoid responsibility.
• This bizarre incident sparks a conversation about the absurdity of human behavior and the role of societal pressures and expectations.
• It touches on the issue of parental responsibility and the importance of accepting one’s children unconditionally.
• This segment serves as a reminder of the extremes of human behavior and the importance of compassion and understanding in relationships.

15. The Great Wall of China and Its Historical Significance:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the Great Wall of China and its historical significance, highlighting its immense scale and the human effort required to build it.
• They marvel at the wall’s longevity and its ability to withstand the passage of time.
• The conversation touches upon the history of China and the legacy of its ancient civilizations.
• This segment provides a glimpse into the wonders of human history and the enduring power of ancient civilizations.

16. The “Renovation” of the Sphinx:

• Shaffir discusses the ongoing renovation of the Sphinx, expressing his concerns about the impact on its historical integrity.
• He argues that the renovation is altering the Sphinx’s appearance and potentially destroying its original features.
• The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of preserving historical artifacts and the potential dangers of altering them.
• This segment raises questions about the balance between preservation and restoration and the importance of respecting the history of ancient civilizations.

17. The Mystery of Tutankhamun’s Skull:

• Shaffir discusses the unusual skull shape of Tutankhamun, highlighting the genetic abnormalities that may have affected his family.
• The conversation touches upon the history of ancient Egypt and the mysteries surrounding its royal lineage.
• It explores the potential for genetic factors to influence physical characteristics and the role of interbreeding in royal families.
• This segment provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient history and the mysteries that continue to surround these ancient civilizations.

18. The Importance of Appreciating Life:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the importance of appreciating life and taking time to step back and enjoy the present moment.
• They acknowledge that it can be difficult to appreciate the good things in life when we are constantly busy and stressed.
• The conversation touches upon the need for mindfulness and gratitude in navigating the challenges of life.
• This segment serves as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the good things, and find joy in the simple things.

19. The Importance of Supporting Each Other:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the importance of supporting each other within the comedy community, highlighting the power of collaboration and mutual respect.
• They argue that by supporting each other, comedians can create a stronger and more successful community.
• The conversation touches on the values of camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared goals within the artistic world.
• This segment serves as a reminder that success is often achieved through collaboration and that supporting each other can lead to greater accomplishments.

20. The Power of the Joe Rogan Experience:

• The podcast concludes with a reflection on the impact of the Joe Rogan Experience, highlighting its role in promoting conversations about diverse topics and connecting artists with their audiences.
• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the unique format of the show, emphasizing its open and honest approach to discussion.
• The conversation touches on the importance of free speech and the value of open dialogue in society.
• This segment serves as a celebration of the Joe Rogan Experience and its positive influence on the cultural landscape.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “That face is what I made. That same face. Why? They were cooking with sewer oil, bro.”
• “You bought a house by feeding people shit. How much shit did you have to shovel to get your house?”
• “The worst combination of drugs to dating is what you get.”
• “It’s not even funny. It’s like, yeah. But we’ve all been in that situation where girls like, no. And you’re like, please.”
• “It’s a great goddamn speech, by the way. Ronald Reagan was an old fuck, and he he he died confused and and selling arms to Iran and allegedly forgetting about it.”