JRE #474 – Hannibal Buress

This podcast features comedian Hannibal Buress as Joe Rogan’s guest, covering a wide range of topics from comedy and business ventures to personal experiences with hunting, drugs, and the power of human connection. The conversation explores themes of pursuing passions, the evolving nature of fame, and the impact of technology on modern society.

Podcast Topics:

1. Joe Rogan’s Business Ventures:
   • Rogan discusses his supplement company Onnit, emphasizing the scientific basis and ethical approach to their products.
   • He promotes Alpha Brain, a nootropic supplement, highlighting its potential benefits for memory and cognitive function.
   • Rogan emphasizes Onnit’s 100% money-back guarantee, showcasing his confidence in the products’ effectiveness.
   • He shares his personal experience using Alpha Brain, discussing its impact on his own cognitive abilities and word recall.
2. The Evolving Landscape of Comedy:
   • Buress and Rogan debate the idea that comedy is a fleeting profession, considering the rise of social media and online platforms.
   • Rogan believes that the internet has fundamentally changed the game, providing comedians with a direct connection to their fans.
   • Buress acknowledges the importance of maintaining a presence online but recognizes the transient nature of comedy trends.
   • They discuss the potential of alternative business ventures for comedians to diversify their income and extend their reach beyond traditional comedy platforms.
3. Hunting and Ethical Meat Consumption:
   • Buress shares his passion for hunting and his commitment to eating only ethically sourced meat.
   • He criticizes factory farming, highlighting the ethical and environmental concerns associated with it.
   • Buress discusses the concept of “fair chase” hunting, emphasizing the importance of hunting wild animals in their natural habitat.
   • Rogan and Buress engage in a humorous conversation about hunting strategies, including techniques for taking down a mountain lion.
4. The Power and Perils of Drugs:
   • Rogan and Buress discuss the use of nootropics and smart drugs for enhancing cognitive function and combating fatigue.
   • They highlight the potential benefits and drawbacks of stimulants like Adderall and Nuvigil, discussing their impact on focus, energy levels, and mental clarity.
   • Buress shares his personal experience with Adderall, explaining how it helps him manage his ADD and improve his productivity.
   • They touch on the dangers of cocaine and its potential for addiction and negative long-term effects, including “meth mouth.”
5. The Impact of Technology on Social Interactions:
   • Buress and Rogan discuss the phenomenon of “babble moms” – people who excessively talk to you in social situations.
   • They examine the role of technology in fostering a sense of disconnect and a dependence on immediate gratification.
   • Buress emphasizes the importance of taking “unplugged” time to focus on self-improvement and clear thinking.
   • They discuss the impact of social media on online communication, highlighting the prevalence of negative comments and the potential for online harassment.
6. The Fascination of Fighting and Athletics:
   • Rogan and Buress discuss the appeal of watching high-level athletic competitions, particularly mixed martial arts (MMA).
   • They emphasize the primal nature of fighting and the allure of witnessing human beings push their physical limits.
   • Rogan shares his experience working for the UFC and his enjoyment of watching fights while under the influence of marijuana.
   • They discuss the unique skillsets required for fighting, highlighting the importance of genetics, physical conditioning, and mental toughness.
7. The Nature of Fame and Recognition:
   • Buress discusses his experience performing at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in Brooklyn and the importance of having a consistent venue for developing his craft.
   • Rogan and Buress share their experiences performing for audiences who are not necessarily there to see comedy, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and crowd control.
   • They touch on the challenges of opening for bands and the unique dynamics of performing for audiences who are not necessarily familiar with your work.
   • They discuss the importance of establishing a recognizable presence and brand, highlighting the benefits of having a distinctive look and a memorable catchphrase.
8. The Importance of Human Connection and Supporting Other Artists:
   • Buress emphasizes the value of supporting other artists and creating spaces where they can showcase their work.
   • He describes the importance of creating a collaborative environment for comedians to try out new material and receive feedback.
   • Rogan and Buress discuss the benefits of having a supportive community and the role of camaraderie in navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry.
   • They share stories of supporting fellow comedians and their mutual respect for each other’s work.
9. The Role of Humor in Confronting Difficult Topics:
   • Buress and Rogan discuss the power of humor to address sensitive and challenging issues.
   • They explore the use of satire and social commentary to provoke thought and spark debate.
   • They discuss the importance of using humor responsibly and avoiding the use of humor to perpetuate harmful stereotypes or prejudices.
   • They acknowledge the power of humor to bring people together and foster understanding across diverse perspectives.
10. The Enduring Fascination with the Past:
    • Rogan and Buress discuss the ongoing debate about the existence of ancient civilizations, including the possibility of advanced technologies in the past.
    • They explore the discovery of evidence of early boat-building and deep-sea fishing, suggesting that human beings have been engaging in complex activities for a much longer period than previously thought.
    • They discuss the discovery of previously unknown human species, highlighting the diversity of human evolution and the ongoing unraveling of our history.
    • They touch on the potential existence of undiscovered human populations and the possibility of “island dwarfism” in isolated communities.
11. The Role of Media in Shaping Perception:
    • Buress and Rogan discuss the impact of graphic media on viewers, particularly the desensitizing effects of exposure to violence.
    • They discuss the phenomenon of “cartel videos” and the spread of graphic content online, highlighting the ethical and social implications of such material.
    • They explore the role of media in shaping public perception and the potential for misinformation and bias.
    • They discuss the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating the vast and often overwhelming landscape of online information.
12. The Power of Belief and the Nature of Reality:
    • Buress and Rogan discuss the persistence of religious belief systems and the power of faith to shape individual perceptions.
    • They explore the phenomenon of “speaking in tongues” and its role in Pentecostal and Baptist congregations.
    • They discuss the potential for religious belief systems to be used as a means of control and manipulation.
    • They touch on the idea of “propaganda” and the potential for individuals to be misled by information that is presented as factual.
13. The Importance of Maintaining Perspective:
    • Buress and Rogan emphasize the importance of maintaining perspective and avoiding knee-jerk reactions to controversial topics.
    • They discuss the need for self-awareness and the ability to challenge one’s own assumptions and biases.
    • They explore the importance of empathy and understanding, emphasizing the need to engage with diverse perspectives in a constructive and respectful manner.
    • They acknowledge the potential for human beings to be swayed by emotions and the need to exercise critical thinking and rational judgment.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I try to keep myself interested. I think I feel different when I get excited about something.”
• “If you’re a meat eater, you can’t really find it controversial.”
• “Places contain memories. They contained something, some feeling of some shit that went down there.”
• “You gotta be able to poke holes in your own theory.”
• “All men are not created equal. Not even a little bit.”