3/16/2011
This Joe Rogan Experience podcast features comedian Joey Diaz, known for his raucous humor and candid stories. The episode delves into various aspects of Diaz’s life, touching upon his experiences with drugs, the entertainment industry, his family life, and his unique perspective on the world. It’s a free-flowing conversation that covers a wide range of topics, often veering into provocative and controversial territory.
Major Topics
- Joey Diaz’s Comedy Career and The Bitter End Show:
- Diaz discusses his upcoming show at The Bitter End, a legendary comedy club with a rich history in New York City.
- He highlights the intimate nature of the venue, emphasizing its old-school rock club vibe.
- Diaz embraces the “Comedy Club Revolution” concept, prioritizing raw performance over traditional club settings.
- He emphasizes the importance of connecting with audiences on a personal level, shunning the typical “sell-out” mentality.
- Diaz’s Weed Use and California’s Culture:
- Diaz candidly discusses his daily weed use, emphasizing its importance to his creative process.
- He explores the contrast between California’s relaxed weed laws and the stricter regulations in other states, highlighting the impact on his behavior and comfort levels.
- Diaz touches on the recent raid of weed stores in West Hollywood and the hypocrisy of legal marijuana in a society that still criminalizes personal use.
- He criticizes the restrictive nature of drug testing in various professions, arguing for a more tolerant approach.
- The Power of the Exorcist:
- Diaz passionately discusses the impact of The Exorcist on him, highlighting its enduring power and its ability to evoke fear even years later.
- He delves into the film’s disturbing imagery, particularly the scene with the young actress Linda Blair, and the lasting impact it had on her life.
- Diaz argues that The Exorcist was a groundbreaking film for its time, pushing boundaries and exploring dark and taboo themes.
- He contrasts the film’s raw realism with modern horror movies, suggesting that true horror comes from a place of authenticity and fear.
- The Nature of Acting:
- Diaz discusses the transformative power of acting, highlighting the ability of certain actors to truly inhabit a role and become someone completely different.
- He praises actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman for their commitment to their craft and their ability to create truly unsettling characters.
- Diaz contrasts these actors with others who rely on repetition and predictability, criticizing Mike Myers for his limited range.
- He discusses the impact of celebrity culture and how it can be difficult to maintain authenticity and integrity in a world obsessed with fame.
- The Rise of Food Trucks:
- Diaz highlights the burgeoning food truck scene in LA, emphasizing its convenience, affordability, and popularity.
- He discusses the various food trucks and their unique offerings, including grilled cheese and poppers.
- Diaz explores the advantages of food trucks, namely their low overhead costs and their ability to cater to a diverse audience.
- He contrasts food trucks with traditional restaurants, suggesting that the future of food might be more mobile and less reliant on brick-and-mortar establishments.
- Diaz’s Childhood and Criminal Past:
- Diaz recounts a story from his youth, revealing his involvement in a plan to rob a drug dealer in order to escape his troubled life in New Jersey.
- He details his complex relationship with a loan shark and the system of lending money within his community.
- Diaz discusses the impact of Sammy the Bull’s testimony on the mob’s credibility, suggesting that it exposed the organization’s lack of structure and control.
- He explores the allure of a new life in Colorado, driven by a desire for change and escape from his past.
- The Role of Cops and Public Servants:
- Diaz discusses the inherent pressures and difficulties of being a cop, particularly the low pay and the constant threat of violence.
- He argues that police officers need a specific personality type and a genuine desire to help others in order to withstand the challenges of the job.
- Diaz touches on the issue of police corruption, attributing it to the lack of financial incentives and the temptation to exploit their position of power.
- He praises teachers and other public servants for their dedication to serving the community, despite often receiving inadequate recognition and compensation.
- The Impact of Charlie Sheen’s Meltdown:
- Diaz analyzes the rise and fall of Charlie Sheen, criticizing his self-destructive behavior and lack of accountability.
- He argues that Sheen’s public meltdown was fueled by cocaine use and a desire to live a life of excess and indulgence.
- Diaz criticizes the media’s obsession with Sheen’s antics, suggesting that it only perpetuates a culture of celebrity worship and irresponsible behavior.
- He expresses concern for Sheen’s children, who will likely be affected by his actions and the public scrutiny surrounding his life.
- The Power of Psychedelics:
- Diaz shares his experiences with mushrooms, describing the intense visual and energetic effects.
- He discusses the various methods of consuming mushrooms, including the tea method, and the different effects they can produce.
- Diaz recounts a particularly memorable trip, taken on 9/11, which resulted in an altered perception of reality and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the universe.
- He explores the potential of psychedelics as a tool for accessing deeper levels of consciousness and expanding one’s understanding of the world.
- The Importance of Memory and its Power:
- Diaz reflects on the nature of memory and how certain memories are more potent and enduring than others.
- He discusses the emotional impact of events like 9/11 and the Challenger explosion, suggesting that these events are deeply ingrained in our consciousness.
- Diaz explores the possibility of accessing all of our memories through drugs or technology, speculating on the potential benefits and consequences.
- He connects memory to music and how certain songs can evoke powerful emotions and memories, particularly those associated with loved ones who have passed away.
- The Evolution of Comedy and the Podcast Revolution:
- Diaz discusses the importance of stand-up comedy as a platform for personal expression and exploring sensitive topics.
- He criticizes the “fake comedy” prevalent in certain settings, highlighting the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in stand-up.
- Diaz argues that podcasts offer a unique opportunity for comedians and other individuals to connect with audiences on a more intimate and personal level.
- He believes podcasts can inspire and empower listeners, providing a space for open dialogue and shared experiences.
- The Fragility of Society and the Looming Threat of Disasters:
- Diaz explores the fragility of modern society in the face of natural disasters, highlighting the potential for chaos and disruption.
- He discusses the recent earthquakes in Japan, Chile, and New Zealand, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of these events and their impact on human life.
- Diaz raises concerns about the potential consequences of nuclear power plant meltdowns, particularly the release of radiation into the atmosphere.
- He contemplates the long-term effects of climate change and the possibility of a significant shift in the Earth’s environment.
- The Importance of Connection and Community:
- Diaz emphasizes the importance of personal connection and community, particularly for those who feel isolated or disconnected.
- He discusses the role of social media platforms like Twitter as a way to build and maintain connections with like-minded individuals.
- Diaz contrasts the personal nature of podcasts with traditional media formats, suggesting that podcasts foster deeper connections and shared experiences.
- He believes that technology has created unprecedented opportunities for individuals to connect with each other and share their ideas and stories.
- Diaz’s Unique Perspective on Life and the World:
- Diaz reveals his unorthodox views on various topics, including his approach to weed use, his opinions on celebrity culture, and his perspective on societal issues.
- He embraces a sense of humor and a willingness to be honest and vulnerable, even when discussing potentially uncomfortable topics.
- Diaz’s conversations often touch upon controversial subjects, but he approaches them with a playful and insightful attitude, prompting listeners to consider different perspectives.
- His unique blend of humor, storytelling, and philosophical observations creates a captivating and thought-provoking listening experience.
Memorable Quotes
- “I hate I hate I like being able to hide if I want to.” – Diaz on his preference for wearing hats, highlighting his desire for privacy and anonymity.
- “If you ain’t high by 2 in the afternoon, go fuck yourself.” – Diaz’s infamous quote, which became the slogan for his popular t-shirt.
- “I gave him a bun. He just looked at it, looked at me, like, are you fucking crazy? I was like a spirit that day.” – Diaz on giving a stranger weed at the airport, showcasing his spontaneous and unpredictable nature.
- “You can tell me you believe in God all day, but it’s as you start talking about the devil…” – Diaz on the different ways people approach religion and their beliefs about the supernatural.
- “I’m a professional pot smoker. Oh, look at that butt in Ohio and go. You’re a bad motherfucker, girl. Thank you.” – Diaz on his unwavering dedication to weed, highlighting his love for the plant and his ability to find it in any situation.