JRE #341 – Ben Hoffman

This podcast features Ben Hoffman, a comedian and writer currently starring in his own show on Comedy Central called “The Ben Show.” Rogan and Hoffman discuss a wide range of topics, ranging from comedy and entertainment to personal experiences and social commentary. Here are some of the major topics covered:

• Headphones and Coyote Earmuffs: Rogan starts the podcast with a whimsical discussion about headphones, imagining a new type of earmuff made from coyote fur. This lighthearted segment transitions into a commentary on coyotes, their aggressive nature, and the potential risks they pose to humans and pets.
• Audible.com: Rogan enthusiastically promotes Audible.com, discussing his love for audiobooks, highlighting the benefits of listening to books during commutes or workouts, and even recommending specific titles like “The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield and “Pearl Harbor.”
• Whisper Sync for Audible: Rogan emphasizes the convenience of Whisper Sync, an Amazon app that seamlessly syncs audiobooks with Kindle devices, enabling listeners to switch between reading and listening without losing their place.
• Open Anthony’s Radio Show: Rogan plugs Open Anthony’s, a popular radio show he will be appearing on the following morning, highlighting the show’s relaxed and fun atmosphere.
• Onit.com Primal Bells: Rogan promotes Onit.com’s new line of Primal Bells, artistically sculpted kettlebells. He discusses their functional design and aesthetic appeal, emphasizing their balanced weight distribution and use in diverse workouts.
• Gorilla Kettlebell: The discussion about Primal Bells takes a humorous turn as Rogan and Hoffman joke about the potential design of a gorilla kettlebell, specifically a “giant tit” kettlebell. They explore the comedic possibilities of such an object and its potential to motivate or distract people during workouts.
• Game of Thrones Fan Box: Rogan excitedly unveils a special fan box he received from HBO for his enthusiasm about Game of Thrones. The box features a personalized scroll, DVDs, and other exclusive content. This segment delves into HBO’s marketing strategies and the passionate fanbase of the show.
• Ohio School Shooting: Rogan briefly discusses the recent school shooting in Ohio, where the perpetrator wore a “killer” shirt and made disturbing statements during his hearing. He shares his perspective on the incident, emphasizing the need to avoid glorifying such acts and the importance of fostering community.
• The Staircase Documentary: Rogan discusses the captivating “The Staircase” documentary, highlighting its complex narrative and the unsettling nature of the case. He shares his personal belief in the subject’s guilt and the lingering questions surrounding the case.
• Forensic Autopsies and Murder Cases: Rogan mentions the “Autopsies” show featuring Dr. Michael Baden, highlighting the fascinating and often disturbing aspects of forensic pathology. He also discusses the cases where a man’s wife repeatedly died under suspicious circumstances, raising questions about potential foul play.
• The Impact of Internet Porn: Rogan and Hoffman delve into a conversation about the potential impact of internet porn on young people, considering its influence on sexual attitudes and behaviors. They discuss the exaggerated and unrealistic portrayal of sex in porn and its potential to distort perceptions of healthy relationships.
• Pubic Hair and Crabs: Rogan and Hoffman engage in a humorous discussion about the decline of crabs due to widespread shaving, highlighting the possible connection between pubic hair and preventing STDs. The conversation takes a comedic turn as Rogan delves into the scientific explanations for the existence of eyebrows and unibrows.
• The Ben Show: Rogan introduces Ben Hoffman’s Comedy Central show, “The Ben Show,” emphasizing its unique blend of sketch comedy and reality elements. He shares his honest opinion of the show and his belief that real people can be just as funny as professional actors.
• Gangster Granny: Hoffman describes a casting call for his show, seeking tough-talking grandmothers to audition for a role in a fictional movie called “Gangster Granny.” This segment explores the comedic potential of unexpected casting choices and the surprising talent often found in everyday people.
• Justin Timberlake’s Acting Career: Hoffman shares his perspective on the success of non-actors, like Justin Timberlake, transitioning to successful acting careers. He argues that acting is not as difficult as people often perceive it to be, emphasizing the importance of talent, dedication, and the ability to create believable personas.
• Dave Dolan, the Funny Private Investigator: Hoffman recounts his experience working as a driver for a hilarious private investigator named Dave Dolan, highlighting Dolan’s eccentric personality and comedic stories. This segment provides insight into Hoffman’s early days in the entertainment industry and the inspiration he derived from observing those around him.
• The Crazy Case of the Cheating Girlfriend: Hoffman shares a bizarre story about a client who hired Dave Dolan to investigate his girlfriend’s infidelity. The case involved following the girlfriend and her muscular, athletic lover, leading to a disturbing revelation about the client’s obsessive behavior.
• The Importance of Community and Connection: The conversation about internet porn and the Ohio school shooting leads to a broader discussion about the importance of community and connection in preventing violence and extremism. Rogan and Hoffman emphasize the need for strong social bonds and support systems to counter feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Transgender Athletes in Combat Sports: Rogan delves into a controversial discussion about the inclusion of transgender athletes in combat sports. He expresses his belief that allowing transgender women to compete against cisgender women is unfair due to inherent physical advantages, advocating for transparency and disclosure in such cases.
• The Ben Show’s Controversial Scene: Hoffman shares a story about a scene from his show featuring a transgender woman in a bikini, which caused a negative reaction from test audiences. This segment explores the challenges of navigating sensitive topics in comedy and the importance of pushing boundaries while respecting social norms.
• The Importance of Individual Voices in Entertainment: Hoffman emphasizes the importance of supporting unique and authentic voices in entertainment. He believes that authenticity and originality are key to creating compelling content that resonates with audiences.
• The Value of Criticism: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the importance of constructive criticism in refining creative work. They believe that both positive and negative feedback can provide valuable insights, leading to improvement and growth.
• The Death of Comedy: Rogan expresses his concern about the trend of comedians trying too hard to be cool, arguing that it can stifle originality and humor. He believes that true comedic talent emerges from authenticity and a genuine desire to make people laugh.
• The Importance of New Faces and Ideas: Rogan and Hoffman celebrate Comedy Central’s willingness to take risks and showcase new comedians and unique voices. They believe that fresh perspectives and innovation are vital for maintaining a vibrant and engaging comedic landscape.
• The Ice House Comedy Club: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the historical significance of the Ice House comedy club in Pasadena, California. They highlight the club’s role in shaping comedic history and its importance to the stand-up community.
• The Ben Show’s Live Tweet: Hoffman discusses his plan to live tweet during tonight’s airing of his show, engaging with viewers and building anticipation. He also emphasizes the importance of social media in promoting and interacting with audiences.
• Ben Hoffman’s OCD: Hoffman opens up about his experience with OCD, discussing the challenges it has presented and the progress he has made through therapy. This segment highlights the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and the benefits of open communication and support.
• The Power of Conversation and Support: Rogan and Hoffman discuss how conversations with friends and therapists can be instrumental in addressing personal struggles and making positive changes. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging and supporting others who are struggling with mental health challenges.
• The Ethics of Eating Animals: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the ethical implications of eating animals, considering the impact on animal welfare and the environmental consequences. Rogan shares his personal experience with a brief period as a vegan, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a vegan lifestyle and the importance of considering nutritional needs.
• Paleo Diet and Caveman Diets: Rogan discusses the paleo diet and the concept of “caveman diets,” emphasizing the idea that the human body is genetically adapted to a diet similar to that of our ancestors. He highlights the potential benefits of consuming lean protein, vegetables, and avoiding processed foods.
• The Room Movie: Rogan and Hoffman discuss “The Room,” a notoriously bad movie that has gained cult status due to its bizarre plot, awkward dialogue, and unintentional humor. They discuss the movie’s unconventional production and the intriguing personality of its creator, Tommy Wiseau.
• Hollywood’s Eccentric Characters: Rogan shares his experiences with eccentric individuals he has encountered in Hollywood, suggesting that the bizarre characters portrayed in “The Room” are not entirely fictionalized. He acknowledges the prevalence of outlandish personalities in the entertainment industry.
• Showgirls and Roadhouse: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the cult classic “Showgirls” and the notorious “Roadhouse,” both films known for their over-the-top performances and questionable aesthetics. They speculate about the influence of drugs on the production of these movies and their enduring appeal to a specific audience.
• Grizzly Man Documentary: Rogan recommends the “Grizzly Man” documentary, highlighting its gripping narrative and its exploration of the complex relationship between humans and nature. He also shares his love for documentaries in general, acknowledging the rise of quality documentaries on platforms like Apple TV.
• Sound City Documentary: Rogan mentions the “Sound City” documentary directed by Dave Grohl, highlighting its focus on the history of a famous recording studio and the impact it had on music history. He also praises the documentary’s exploration of the recording process and the creativity that takes place in studios.
• Honey Honey Band: Rogan discusses the Honey Honey band, a country rock band he discovered through his message board. He emphasizes the band’s talent and the frustration of seeing such talented musicians remain relatively unknown. He encourages listeners to check out their music.
• The Difficulty of Making it in Music Today: Rogan acknowledges the challenges of breaking into the music industry today, highlighting the declining role of radio and the importance of establishing a strong online presence. He discusses how the internet has changed the way music is consumed and promoted.
• Daniel Tosh and Tosh.0: Rogan praises Daniel Tosh and his popular Comedy Central show, “Tosh.0,” acknowledging its success and influence. He highlights the show’s unique format and its comedic approach to internet culture.
• Internet Porn and its Prevalence: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the overwhelming presence of porn on the internet, estimating that it accounts for a significant portion of online traffic. They discuss the social implications of this prevalence and the disparity between online behavior and real-world interactions.
• Annabel Chong and Gang Bangs: Rogan and Hoffman discuss Annabel Chong, a woman who gained notoriety for participating in a massive gang bang. They also discuss the humorously absurd titles of pornographic films and the comedic potential of such material.
• Tonight’s Girlfriend: Rogan recommends a pornographic film called “Tonight’s Girlfriend,” highlighting its quality cinematography and its unique premise of a man paying porn stars to be his “girlfriend” for the night.
• The Reality of the Porn Industry: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the reality of the porn industry, acknowledging its similarities to brothels and the professionalization of sex work. They discuss the perspectives of porn stars and their motivations for participating in the industry.
• Escorts and Prostitutes: Rogan shares a story about an escort who appeared on “The Man Show,” discussing the blurred lines between escorting and prostitution. He also discusses his experience with a prostitute he met online and his hesitation to engage with her due to his personal anxieties.
• Gang Bangs and the “Salty” Aftermath: Rogan and Hoffman engage in a humorous conversation about the potential consequences of having a girlfriend who has participated in a gang bang. They explore the hypothetical scenarios of encountering “extra salty” flavors and the potential for psychological distress.
• Porn and Fatherhood: Rogan reflects on how fatherhood has changed his perspective on porn, acknowledging the disturbing reality that the women featured in porn were once innocent children. He shares his feelings of discomfort and the impact it has had on his viewing habits.
• Milfs and Black Guys: Rogan and Hoffman engage in a comedic conversation about the stereotype of MILFs who prefer black men. They discuss the humorously exaggerated portrayal of sexual preferences in porn.
• The Challenges of Performing Porn: Rogan discusses the challenges of performing in porn, acknowledging the difficulties of being comfortable with nudity and exposure in front of strangers and cameras. He playfully suggests that he could be a porn star, emphasizing his confidence and playful demeanor.
• The Cream of the Crop: Rogan acknowledges that the dicks he sees in porn are likely “the cream of the crop,” suggesting that his own experience is skewed due to the professional nature of the porn industry.
• The Ben Show’s Conclusion: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the completion of filming for “The Ben Show” and the upcoming release of the final episodes. They discuss the potential for uncensored versions of the show to be released later at night.
• The Importance of New Faces in Comedy: Rogan emphasizes the importance of supporting new comedians and unique voices in comedy, highlighting the need for fresh perspectives and creative expression.
• Comedy Central’s Commitment to Innovation: Rogan praises Comedy Central for its willingness to take risks and showcase unconventional shows like “The Ben Show” and “Nathan For You.” He believes that such initiatives are vital for the future of comedy.
• The Janet Jackson Super Bowl Incident: Rogan recounts the infamous Janet Jackson Super Bowl incident, discussing its impact on television and the overreaction from various parties involved. He highlights the absurd censorship that followed the incident and its lasting effects on the entertainment industry.
• The Internet and the Human Condition: Rogan and Hoffman discuss the dark underbelly of the internet, acknowledging the prevalence of disturbing content, such as violence, pornography, and hate speech. They reflect on the disparity between online behavior and real-world interactions and the challenges of regulating online content.
• The Future of Comedy: Rogan and Hoffman share their thoughts on the future of comedy, emphasizing the need for authenticity, originality, and the willingness to push boundaries. They discuss the increasing importance of social media in promoting and interacting with audiences.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “Coyote can suck my dick. And if I can make ear muffs out of those fucks, I’ll do it all day.” – Joe Rogan’s humorous and provocative commentary on coyotes.
• “Reading does something weird, man. You know, like, there’s some enriching creative ass back to reading that doesn’t get duplicated when you’re just watching things.” – Joe Rogan’s passionate description of the transformative power of reading.
• “Most kids are not. With the scholarship. This is the greatest time to live ever as far as violence. There might. There’s some people that are fucked up, but the mount of them in comparison to the rest of the human population, it’s way less. This this is the safest time to ever be alive.” – Joe Rogan’s optimistic view on the current state of violence in society.
• “You can say, you know what, man, I don’t I like to be alone, people annoying me. No. You like to be alone sometimes. We all like to be alone sometimes. You do not want to be alone forever. You don’t. You’ll be horrified. You’ll be terrified. You’ll be miserable.” – Joe Rogan’s emphatic statement about the importance of human connection and the dangers of prolonged isolation.
• “There’s this there’s this thing in the progressive community. where they’re really aggressive and shitty with people that has an opposing opinion. And they like, a media like, one of the like, I’ve had disagreements with people about rules and regulations regarding cage fighting, about decisions for cage fights, and have many more people be way more polite about their agreements or I felt that he won because of this reason, but, hey, thanks for the the forum to discuss this or people pretty fucking cool and rational when it comes, cage fighting fans. But people that are upset with me, that disagree with me about this training thing, universally have been insulting.” – Joe Rogan’s candid commentary on the tendency of some progressives to resort to insults when confronted with opposing viewpoints.