JRE #415 – Justin Foster

This podcast dives into the world of stand-up comedy, exploring the unique experiences of Justin Foster, a young comedian who transitioned from the vibrant comedy scene in Dallas, Texas, to the competitive landscape of Los Angeles. Provocative topics include the importance of open mic nights, the challenges of breaking into the LA comedy scene, the allure and pitfalls of social circles, the complexities of navigating a career in comedy, and the ever-present tension between art and business. Underlying themes explore the power of community, the relentless pursuit of improvement, the evolving nature of stand-up comedy, and the delicate balance of self-promotion.

1. The Importance of Open Mic Nights:

• Open mic nights are vital for cultivating local comedy talent, providing a platform for aspiring comedians to hone their skills and build a following.
• Many successful comedians have their roots in open mic nights, where they developed their craft and gained valuable experience.
• Open mic nights offer a chance for clubs to nurture local talent, saving money on bringing in out-of-town headliners and ensuring a consistent, diverse lineup.
• The absence of open mic nights in large, established clubs is a missed opportunity to support the community and develop the next generation of comedians.

2. The Challenges of Breaking into the LA Comedy Scene:

• LA’s competitive comedy scene is notorious for its high density of talented comedians, making it difficult to stand out and establish oneself.
• Newcomers often face a steep learning curve, transitioning from regular stage time in their hometowns to smaller, more infrequent opportunities in LA.
• The pressure to perform well in front of established comedians and industry professionals can be daunting, as audiences are quick to judge and critique.
• The constant need to prove oneself and adapt to the unique demands of the LA comedy scene can lead to frustration and even a desire to return home.

3. The Allure and Pitfalls of Social Circles:

• LA’s comedy scene is known for its close-knit social circles, offering camaraderie and support, but also potential for cliquishness and exclusivity.
• The dynamic of social circles can create a sense of belonging and shared experiences, but also pressure to conform and fit in with the dominant group.
• The potential for cliques and rivalries within these circles can create tension and make it challenging for newcomers to break into the inner circle.
• The allure of social circles can sometimes overshadow the focus on individual talent and development, creating a sense of stagnation or complacency.

4. The Complexities of Navigating a Career in Comedy:

• A career in comedy requires relentless dedication, constant improvement, and a thick skin to handle rejection and criticism.
• Comedians often juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet, relying on the unpredictable nature of comedy gigs to support themselves.
• The path to success in comedy is often fraught with uncertainty and setbacks, demanding resilience and a strong belief in one’s abilities.
• The constant need to adapt and evolve one’s material and performance style is an ongoing challenge, requiring a keen sense of self-awareness and a willingness to embrace change.

5. The Ever-Present Tension Between Art and Business:

• Comedy clubs, despite being venues for artistic expression, are ultimately businesses driven by profit and audience appeal.
• The tension between artistic integrity and commercial viability can create conflict, as clubs often prioritize headliners and big-name acts over local talent.
• The pressure to sell tickets and attract audiences can sometimes lead to compromises on artistic vision or comedic style.
• Comedians must navigate the delicate balance of pursuing their artistic vision while also meeting the demands of the business side of comedy.

6. The Power of Community:

• Strong comedy scenes thrive on a supportive community of comedians, where they share their experiences, critique each other’s material, and encourage one another.
• This sense of community provides a valuable network of support, fostering growth and development, and offering a sense of belonging in a competitive field.
• The presence of a strong comedy community can make a significant difference in the success of a comedian, as they have access to a network of mentors, peers, and opportunities.
• The value of community in comedy cannot be underestimated, as it provides a vital support system for navigating the ups and downs of a career in stand-up.

7. The Relentless Pursuit of Improvement:

• Successful comedians are constantly working on their craft, refining their material, pushing their boundaries, and seeking new ways to connect with audiences.
• The pursuit of improvement is an ongoing process, requiring self-reflection, feedback, and a willingness to embrace challenges.
• Comedians often experiment with different styles, topics, and delivery methods, seeking the perfect blend of humor, insight, and personal connection.
• The drive to improve is what separates the good comedians from the great ones, as they are always striving to be better, funnier, and more impactful.

8. The Evolving Nature of Stand-up Comedy:

• Stand-up comedy is a constantly evolving art form, reflecting the changing cultural landscape and the evolving sensibilities of audiences.
• Comedians must be adaptable and responsive to these shifts, updating their material, exploring new topics, and pushing the boundaries of what is considered funny.
• The rise of social media and the proliferation of comedy podcasts have created new platforms for stand-up, offering opportunities for greater reach and exposure.
• The evolving nature of comedy demands a constant sense of innovation, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

9. The Delicate Balance of Self-Promotion:

• Comedians are constantly navigating the delicate balance of promoting themselves without being perceived as arrogant or self-absorbed.
• Self-promotion is a necessary aspect of a career in comedy, but it must be done strategically and authentically, without alienating potential audiences or fellow comedians.
• The rise of social media has created new avenues for self-promotion, but it is important to strike a balance between sharing one’s work and being genuine and relatable.
• The ability to promote oneself effectively while maintaining a sense of humility and respect for others is a key skill for any successful comedian.

10. Cell Phones:

• The podcast features a lively discussion on cell phones, comparing the features and advantages of Android devices with Apple’s iPhones.
• Joe Rogan expresses his preference for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 due to its large screen and versatility.
• He criticizes Apple for falling behind in the mobile technology race, especially in screen size and features.
• The conversation explores the ethical implications of mineral sourcing for cell phones, highlighting the “Fairphone” as a potential alternative.

11. The “Zombie Kettlebell” Phenomenon:

• Joe Rogan introduces “zombie kettlebells,” a new product from ONNIT, a company specializing in fitness and supplements.
• He discusses the unique aesthetic and appeal of these kettlebells, designed by artist Stephen Shubman Junior.
• The conversation touches on the use of terminology and jargon within fitness communities, particularly regarding weight measurements.
• Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of supporting local talent and communities, as exemplified by ONNIT’s partnership with Stephen Shubman Junior.

12. The Mystery of Doctor Pepper:

• Joe Rogan delves into the mystery of Doctor Pepper, a popular soda with a unique flavor profile and a seemingly obscure origin story.
• He discusses the history of the drink and the speculation surrounding its origins, including its connection to the “deli” culture and its resemblance to other “doctor” branded sodas.
• The conversation highlights the nostalgic appeal of certain drinks and the enduring mystery surrounding their creation.
• Joe Rogan’s playful exploration of the Doctor Pepper mystery exemplifies the lighthearted and conversational tone of his podcast.

13. The Cult of Barbecue in Texas:

• Joe Rogan reminisces about the legendary barbecue scene in Texas, highlighting Franklin Barbecue in Austin as a prime example.
• He discusses the intense popularity of this particular barbecue joint, where customers often wait for hours in line to experience its culinary delights.
• The conversation explores the cultural significance of barbecue in Texas and its reputation as a culinary destination.
• Joe Rogan contrasts the barbecue experience in Texas with that of LA, highlighting the differences in quality and authenticity.

14. The “Fear Factor” of Food:

• Joe Rogan discusses his experience as a host on the reality show “Fear Factor,” where contestants faced extreme and often disgusting challenges.
• He reflects on the impact of the show on his perception of food and how it desensitized him to the act of vomiting.
• He shares a humorous anecdote about a female contestant who vomited in front of him, showcasing his ability to remain calm even in extreme situations.
• The conversation delves into the psychological and physiological effects of alcohol consumption, particularly the experience of a hangover and the use of supplements to mitigate its effects.

15. The Provocative Nature of Social Media:

• Joe Rogan discusses the provocative and often disturbing content that can be found on social media platforms like Facebook.
• He specifically mentions a beheading video shared on Facebook, highlighting the potential for graphic and violent content to spread rapidly online.
• He expresses his concern about the increasing availability of this type of content, particularly in the context of criminal activity and social unrest.
• The conversation raises questions about the role of social media in disseminating graphic content and the challenges of moderating online platforms.

16. The Reality of Poverty in Los Angeles:

• Joe Rogan addresses the stark reality of poverty in Los Angeles, highlighting the significant disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished within the city.
• He discusses the increased risk of crime in areas where poverty and wealth intersect, particularly in the context of robbery and violence.
• He expresses concern about the lack of support for those living in impoverished neighborhoods and the cycle of poverty that perpetuates hardship.
• The conversation highlights the need for societal change to address issues of poverty and provide opportunities for those struggling to escape it.

17. The Disturbing World of the “Men’s Rights” Movement:

• Joe Rogan criticizes the “men’s rights” movement for its often misogynistic and disingenuous arguments, particularly its claim that men are raped more frequently than women.
• He refutes this claim by emphasizing the context of male-on-male rape in prisons, highlighting the movement’s attempt to deflect attention from the real experiences of women.
• He argues that the “men’s rights” movement often focuses on issues like divorce laws and financial exploitation without acknowledging the broader societal issues facing women.
• Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of challenging misogynistic narratives and promoting equality for all genders.

18. The Problem With Generalizations:

• Joe Rogan emphasizes the dangers of generalizing about groups of people, particularly in the context of gender and sexuality.
• He argues that assuming all men or all women share the same characteristics or desires is inherently flawed and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
• He stresses the importance of individual diversity and acknowledging the wide spectrum of experiences and perspectives within any group.
• Joe Rogan advocates for a more nuanced and respectful approach to understanding human behavior, rather than resorting to broad generalizations.

19. The Limitations of Ideology:

• Joe Rogan discusses the potential for ideology to become a dangerous force, particularly when it justifies harmful actions or beliefs.
• He criticizes extremist interpretations of religious doctrine, particularly the practice of stoning people to death for crimes like adultery or homosexuality.
• He highlights the danger of allowing ideology to override common sense and compassion, leading to violence and intolerance.
• Joe Rogan emphasizes the need for critical thinking and questioning ideologies that promote violence or discrimination.

20. The Future of Technology and Humanity:

• Joe Rogan speculates on the future of technology and its potential impact on humanity, particularly the development of artificial intelligence and robotics.
• He discusses the possibility of robot prostitutes becoming a reality and the ethical implications of such technology.
• He explores the potential for advancements in medical technology to cure diseases like cancer and even reverse aging.
• Joe Rogan’s conversation highlights the rapid pace of technological change and the need to consider its potential impact on our values, ethics, and societal norms.

21. The Importance of Laughter and Self-Acceptance:

• The podcast features a heartwarming and insightful discussion about the importance of laughter and self-acceptance.
• Joe Rogan emphasizes the cathartic power of laughter, its ability to relieve stress, connect people, and provide a sense of shared humanity.
• He encourages listeners to embrace their imperfections and find humor in the absurdity of life, celebrating the beauty of being human.
• The conversation highlights the power of comedy to bring people together, challenge societal norms, and create a sense of community and understanding.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “Every improv should have an open mic night. Someone should just sit them down and say, listen. This is like you’re planting a garden.”
• “If you’re a dude and you know who’s in bridesmaids, how dare you?”
• “People aren’t fat enough. They wanna add more corn syrup. Mexicans are just coming out a little too lean. We need to have corn syrup come up.”
• “You gotta drink a lot of water. It’s hard to do, but if you do it while you’re drinking, it makes a big difference.”
• “Don’t go to prison. Yeah. I don’t worry about getting raped, man. It never comes up. No. And I’m around UFC fighters all the time. I’m around people who actually could rate me, and it doesn’t really come up.”