JRE #283 – Dave Attell

11/12/2012

This podcast episode features Joe Rogan in conversation with comedian Dave Attell. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from stand-up comedy and the challenges of being funny in the modern age to personal experiences and observations about life. The conversation delves into provocative and humorous discussions, touching upon themes of self-destruction, the importance of comedy as an art form, and the allure of the darker aspects of life.

Topics:

1. Stand-up Comedy:
   • Attell discusses the challenges of being funny in the modern age, especially with the rise of social media and the constant pressure to be constantly entertained.
   • He talks about his own style of comedy, which is often dark and self-deprecating, and how he draws humor from awkward situations and negativity.
   • Attell highlights the importance of stand-up comedy as an art form and the unique relationship between comedian and audience.
   • He shares his thoughts on the evolution of stand-up comedy, from the golden age of Boston comedy to the modern landscape.
2. The Road Life:
   • Attell and Rogan discuss the camaraderie and shared experiences of being on the road with other comedians, highlighting the unique bond they share.
   • The conversation touches upon the challenges of being away from home for extended periods and the importance of finding humor in the mundane.
   • Attell and Rogan share anecdotes about their experiences with various comedy clubs, festivals, and events, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of stand-up comedy.
   • They discuss the importance of finding comfort in the road life, especially for those who find it more satisfying than the comfort of home.
3. The “Insomnia Show”:
   • Attell discusses his late-night talk show “Insomnia,” which ran for several seasons on Comedy Central.
   • He talks about the challenges of balancing a late-night talk show with his stand-up career and the constant pressure to be entertaining.
   • Attell shares his perspective on why he ultimately decided to end the show, citing the increasing difficulty of finding unique and interesting guests.
   • He expresses his preference for stand-up comedy, which he views as a more personal and liberating form of expression.
4. Hurricane Sandy:
   • Attell shares his personal experiences navigating New York City during Hurricane Sandy, highlighting the city’s resilience and the challenges faced by its residents.
   • He discusses the city’s vulnerability in the face of a major natural disaster and the challenges of navigating a city without power.
   • Attell touches upon the social and economic inequalities that were exacerbated by the storm, especially in areas like Staten Island.
   • He shares a chilling anecdote about seeing the aftermath of the storm from his apartment and how it felt like a glimpse into a post-apocalyptic future.
5. Pornography:
   • Attell and Rogan have a long and humorous discussion about pornography, covering its history, its evolution, and its impact on the entertainment industry.
   • The conversation dives deep into the world of adult films, discussing everything from the changing landscape of the industry to the impact of technology on its production and consumption.
   • They share anecdotes about their personal experiences with pornography, including their first encounters and their favorite genres.
   • Attell discusses his Showtime show “Dave’s Old Porn,” which features him and his friends watching and commenting on classic porn films, offering a humorous and insightful take on the history of the genre.
6. The Future of Technology:
   • The conversation briefly touches upon the future of technology, specifically the rise of robotics and artificial intelligence.
   • Attell and Rogan discuss the potential benefits and risks of incorporating robotics technology into our own bodies.
   • They explore the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, especially in the context of military robots and privacy concerns.
   • The conversation provides a glimpse into the potential future of humanity as we continue to develop and integrate technology into our lives.
7. Drug Culture and Legalization:
   • Attell and Rogan discuss the legalization of marijuana, offering their perspectives on the economic and social implications.
   • They touch upon the history of drug use in the United States and the societal attitudes towards different substances.
   • The conversation explores the role of education in shaping drug policy and the impact of drug use on individuals and society.
   • Attell shares his own personal experiences with marijuana and other substances, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and self-awareness.
8. Social Media:
   • Attell discusses the impact of social media on comedy and the entertainment industry, both positive and negative.
   • He talks about the challenges of connecting with fans and promoting his work in the digital age.
   • The conversation touches upon the role of social media in shaping public perception and the potential for it to be used as a tool for both good and bad.
   • Attell expresses his preference for more traditional methods of connecting with fans, such as live performances and personal interactions.
9. The Power of Observation:
   • Throughout the conversation, Attell shares insightful and often humorous observations about everyday life and human behavior.
   • He draws attention to the absurdity of certain social norms and the contradictions within human nature.
   • Attell’s observations offer a fresh perspective on familiar topics, prompting listeners to consider their own experiences and perceptions.
   • The conversation showcases the power of observation as a source of humor and insight.
10. The Importance of Friendship:
    • Attell and Rogan emphasize the importance of friendship, especially in the context of their shared experiences in the comedy world.
    • They discuss the value of having a strong support system and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who understand your struggles and celebrate your successes.
    • The conversation highlights the bonds forged through shared experiences and the enduring power of friendship.
    • They discuss the importance of camaraderie and mutual respect within the comedy community, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the art form.
11. The Changing World:
    • The conversation explores the changing nature of the world, from the impact of technology on society to the shifting cultural landscape.
    • Attell and Rogan discuss the challenges of adapting to a rapidly evolving world and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in the face of uncertainty.
    • They reflect upon the past and consider the potential of the future, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience.
    • The conversation offers a glimpse into the anxieties and hopes of individuals navigating a world in constant flux.
12. Self-Destruction:
    • Attell openly discusses his struggles with self-destructive tendencies, highlighting the challenges of balancing a successful career with personal struggles.
    • He shares his perspective on the dark side of humor and how it can be both cathartic and destructive.
    • The conversation touches upon the themes of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
    • Attell’s honesty and vulnerability offer a relatable perspective on the complexities of navigating personal challenges, especially in the public eye.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I just realized my heartache. Target because of the phone is everybody’s on their phone. all the time. So there’s, like, very little connection. You know what I’m saying? Everybody’s, like, looking at stuff and tweak”
• “I feel like I’m more tricky than I am, like, funny and, like, I do take a lot of chances but I don’t really I I don’t know. I I feel like after doing the 26 years that I should have it more together than I do, I don’t. You know?”
• “So you would have power my, you know, iron man fucking thing in my chest. So you have to hate even your own act in order for it to work. There’s so much hate. I have to fly in a day early to pick up all the hate. that I that I know I haven’t.”
• “I think that they overdid it because every other place, like, you know, there’s the hokey lao and the, you know, the place in Chicopee, like, Chinese food, restaurants, we’re doing shows. That, like, the crowds just I guess, got babied or, like, you know, spoiled. You know, like, there’s plenty of comedy out here. I don’t have to go see it.”
• “But I really appreciate the comedy fan who gets the jokes and, like, sees, like, you know, hey, dude. I saw you with Mitch Hedberg and Lewis Black on tour. and, like, you know, that was the best tour and, you know, I love Mitch and all kinds of like, that kind of shit, like, I never get tired of.”