JRE #352 – Tom Segura

4/24/2013

This podcast features Joe Rogan and comedian Tom Segura. The episode includes special appearances by Bert Kreischer and Joey “Coco” Diaz. It covers a variety of topics, some of them controversial and thought-provoking. The podcast delves into underlying themes such as human behavior, mental health, the nature of reality, and the power of perspective.

Topics:

1. Chimpanzee Obsession

• Tom Segura’s lifelong fascination with chimpanzees, dating back to his childhood.
• The idea of chimpanzees as a window into our evolutionary past and the similarity of their behavior to early humans.
• Segura’s belief that chimpanzees are fascinating and would be mind-blowing if they were a new discovery.
• The use of chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos to understand our own primate ancestry.

2. The Boston Marathon Bombing and Conspiracy Theories

• Discussion about the Boston Marathon bombing and the official narrative surrounding the perpetrator.
• Analysis of the bomber’s potential mental health issues and the possible motives behind his actions.
• Exploration of conspiracy theories surrounding the event, including Alex Jones’s perspective and the idea of a false flag operation.
• The dangers of misinformation and the challenge of discerning truth from fiction.

3. Political Cynicism and Artificial Speech

• The disheartening nature of following politics and the tendency towards cynicism.
• The artificial quality of political speech and its resemblance to corporate language.
• The importance of authentic communication and the need for politicians to speak like normal people.
• The use of personal anecdotes and fabricated stories in political speeches and corporate marketing.

4. Identifying Crazy People

• The challenges of identifying people who are mentally ill or have distorted views of reality.
• Anecdotes about encountering people with strange beliefs and behaviors, including someone obsessed with alien craft.
• The difficulty of separating genuine mental illness from exaggerated storytelling and the blurring lines between reality and fantasy.
• The potential for mental illness to manifest in seemingly normal conversations.

5. The Smell of Danger

• The idea that dangerous people often have an intangible “odor” or aura.
• A story about encountering a woman who exhibited unsettling behavior, later confirmed to be a meth addict and streetwalker.
• The ability to sense negative energy and the importance of trusting your instincts.
• The difficulty of identifying danger in seemingly normal individuals, especially when their true nature is revealed later.

6. The Power of Observation

• The importance of observing people’s behavior and how it reveals their true character.
• The ability to recognize people’s “worthiness” or “friendliness” through their eyes and mannerisms.
• The value of paying attention to subtle cues and understanding the underlying motivations behind people’s actions.
• The idea that human behavior is complex and often driven by factors beyond what is immediately apparent.

7. The NFL and Michael Vick

• Discussion about Michael Vick’s career in the NFL and his conviction for dogfighting.
• The debate about second chances and whether Vick should be allowed to earn a living after serving his sentence.
• The NFL’s willingness to forgive Vick due to his talent and the competitive nature of the league.
• The complexities of forgiveness and redemption in the context of a high-profile athlete and his past crimes.

8. The History of Dogfighting

• The historical context of dogfighting and its role in breeding pit bulls.
• The cruelty of dogfighting and the selective breeding of aggressive dogs for profit.
• The evolution of pit bulls and their temperament, influenced by centuries of breeding for fighting.
• The importance of understanding the roots of dog aggression and the dangers of encouraging it.

9. The Reality of Marijuana’s Effects

• The difference in potency between smoked and ingested marijuana, with edibles being significantly more potent.
• The potential for negative experiences with edibles, including panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety.
• The importance of starting with a low dose and understanding the delayed effects of edibles.
• The importance of being mindful of surroundings when consuming edibles, especially in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous situations.

10. The “Wrong Side of the Pot Rainbow”

• The experience of taking too much marijuana and the potential for negative psychological effects, particularly in unfamiliar environments.
• The story of encountering a potentially dangerous individual while under the influence of edibles, leading to a sense of anxiety and unease.
• The importance of setting and responsible use when consuming marijuana.
• The dangers of combining marijuana with other substances or engaging in risky behavior while under the influence.

11. The Rise of Stand Up Comedy

• The evolution of stand up comedy, from its roots in vaudeville and early nightclubs to the modern era.
• The impact of Lenny Bruce on stand up comedy and the transition from traditional joke-telling to social commentary.
• The importance of stand up comedy as a form of social critique and the risks associated with pushing boundaries.
• The impact of stand up comedy on culture and the way it reflects and shapes societal norms.

12. The Dangers of Opioids

• The dangers of opioid addiction and the ease with which people can become dependent on painkillers.
• The story of a friend who became addicted to oxycodone after a back injury.
• The importance of being cautious with prescription medications and seeking alternatives to opioids.
• The potential for opioids to lead to addiction and the need for responsible pain management.

13. The Allure and Dangers of Time Shares

• Discussion about the time share industry and its history of high-pressure sales tactics.
• Personal experience with a time share scam and the feeling of being pressured into signing a contract.
• The financial risks associated with time shares and the potential for hidden fees and charges.
• The importance of being aware of scams and avoiding high-pressure sales environments.

14. The Queen of Versailles

• Discussion about the documentary “Queen of Versailles,” which chronicles the rise and fall of a timeshare mogul and his wife.
• The story of their ambitious project to build the largest home in the United States and the financial collapse that ensued.
• The juxtaposition of extreme wealth and the vulnerability of financial markets.
• The human cost of ambition and the consequences of unchecked spending.

15. The Rise of Female Fighters

• The growing popularity of women’s mixed martial arts (MMA) and the rise of female fighters like Rhonda Rousey.
• The skill and athleticism of female MMA fighters, challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
• The impact of Ronda Rousey’s fame on female athletes and the potential for future female fighters.
• The changing landscape of sports and the increasing recognition of women’s athletic abilities.

16. The Importance of Friendship and Support

• The value of friendship and the importance of supporting one another in difficult times.
• The positive impact of having a supportive community and the strength it provides.
• The power of shared experiences and the bonds that are forged through adversity.
• The importance of recognizing and celebrating the good things in life, especially in the face of challenges.

17. The Power of Perspective

• The importance of maintaining a balanced perspective in life and not getting caught up in negative thoughts or fears.
• The need to appreciate the good things in life and not take them for granted.
• The idea that life is a journey and that things are constantly changing.
• The power of humor and laughter to help us cope with difficult situations.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If they didn’t exist, we would be tripping the fuck out.” – Tom Segura on chimpanzees.
• “How does someone become a guy who would drop a bomb off at a marathon finishing line?” – Joe Rogan on the Boston Marathon bomber.
• “It’s an act.” – Joe Rogan on political speeches.
• “Danger has a smell.” – Joe Rogan on identifying dangerous individuals.
• “Together, we are strong.” – Joe Rogan on the importance of friendship and support.