JRE #1014 – Dave Smith

by

9/25/2017

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Joe Rogan Podcast #1014 – Dave Smith: Topics and Themes

This podcast features a wide-ranging conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Dave Smith, delving into various topics spanning politics, culture, free speech, and even the intricacies of MMA. Provocative and viral topics include the 2020 election, the nature of free speech in America, the rise of social justice warriors, and the complexities of identity politics. Underlying themes explore the dangers of groupthink, the pervasive nature of cultural warfare, the allure of power dynamics, and the importance of critical thinking in a rapidly evolving world.

Major Topics

  1. 2020 Election and Political Polarization:
    • Joe Rogan and Dave Smith discuss the need for a genuine libertarian candidate.
    • The podcast touches on the rise of Donald Trump and the impact of his rhetoric on American politics.
    • The conversation delves into the cultural warfare between the left and right, focusing on free speech and identity politics.
    • Smith and Rogan analyze the dangers of groupthink and the tendency of both sides to demonize opposing views.
  2. Free Speech and Cultural Warfare:
    • The podcast explores the tension between free speech and the rise of “cancel culture,” particularly on college campuses.
    • Smith expresses concern about the increasing pressure to silence opposing viewpoints, particularly from those who hold conservative or libertarian views.
    • The conversation dives into the concept of “hate speech” and the difficulties in defining it objectively, highlighting the dangers of subjective interpretation and the erosion of free speech.
    • Rogan and Smith discuss the role of the media in amplifying certain narratives and suppressing others, questioning the media’s objectivity and its contribution to political polarization.
  3. Identity Politics and Cultural Appropriation:
    • The podcast examines the rise of identity politics, particularly within the left, and its potential to create divisions and resentment.
    • Smith challenges the idea that white people are inherently privileged, arguing that America is a diverse and inclusive society.
    • The conversation touches on the concept of “cultural appropriation,” particularly in the context of racial and ethnic pride, questioning whether it is always harmful or if it can be a form of appreciation.
    • Rogan and Smith discuss the double standards that exist in judging individuals based on their race or ethnicity, arguing for the importance of treating everyone equally.
  4. Transgender Issues and the Science of Gender:
    • The podcast explores the complexities of transgender identities and the debates surrounding transgender rights.
    • Smith acknowledges the reality of transgender people and their right to transition, while also expressing concerns about the potential for societal pressures to lead to unnecessary interventions, particularly with children.
    • The conversation delves into the scientific basis of gender, questioning the idea that gender is entirely a social construct and highlighting the biological differences between men and women.
    • Smith and Rogan discuss the importance of having open and respectful conversations about transgender issues, emphasizing the need for nuance and avoiding simplistic narratives.
  5. The Role of the State and Government Overreach:
    • The podcast addresses the libertarian perspective on government overreach and the dangers of an expanding state.
    • Smith and Rogan discuss the impact of government spending, military intervention, and social programs on individual freedom and economic prosperity.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of limited government, individual responsibility, and the potential for technological advancements to undermine state control.
    • Smith expresses concern about the increasing polarization and cultural warfare within America, suggesting it could lead to a societal breakdown similar to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  6. The Evolution of MMA and the Nature of Fighting:
    • The podcast dives deep into the world of MMA, discussing the evolution of the sport and the emergence of new fighting styles.
    • Smith and Rogan analyze the different disciplines within MMA, including Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu, and how they have evolved and combined to create a dynamic sport.
    • The conversation explores the importance of movement, strategy, and athleticism in MMA, highlighting the importance of adapting to different opponents and fighting styles.
    • Smith and Rogan discuss the mental and physical toll of MMA, highlighting the importance of resilience, determination, and the constant need to evolve in a competitive environment.
  7. The Power of Narratives and the Media’s Role:
    • The podcast touches on the power of narratives and how they shape public opinion.
    • Smith and Rogan discuss the role of the media in promoting certain narratives and suppressing others, particularly in the context of political events and social issues.
    • The conversation examines the rise of alternative media and its impact on the traditional media landscape, highlighting the increasing fragmentation of information sources.
    • Smith and Rogan express skepticism about the objectivity of the media, particularly in the context of political coverage, and the dangers of biased reporting and misinformation.
  8. Human Nature and the Quest for Meaning:
    • The podcast explores the complexities of human nature, including our tendency towards tribalism, groupthink, and the search for meaning and belonging.
    • Smith and Rogan discuss the role of culture in shaping our values, beliefs, and behaviors, and how it can both unite and divide us.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and understanding different perspectives in a world where we are constantly bombarded with information.
    • Smith and Rogan express hope for the future, highlighting the potential for technological advancements, increased global interconnectedness, and a growing understanding of human nature to create a more just and equitable world.

Memorable Quotes

  • “Dude, speaking of which, they put Weiner in the pokie today, 21 months in jail. For sexting, I believe, was a 15-year-old?” – Rogan
  • “You know what’s horrible? Is before all this happened, he was fantastic. That guy could have been the president. He was he had that politiciany thing.” – Rogan
  • “We are a gossip country now, like, 100 percent officially. Like, what we’d like is a squabble between the leader of the free world who’s a reality star and some of the best basketball players that have ever lived. Like, oh, shit. Hit’s on.” – Rogan
  • “It’s not whether or not transgender people can use fucking males with the men’s room or the women’s room. That’s not our issue. That’s that’s that’s a cultural conversation. And that cultural conversation should be calm and we should be friendly to each because we’re supposed to be on the fucking same team.” – Smith
  • “And I think it is I really think being an unapologetic white man. Rubbs the left wrong.” – Smith



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