JRE #1017 – Jim Norton

by

9/28/2017






Joe Rogan Experience Podcast: #1017 – Jim Norton

This podcast features comedian Jim Norton sharing his experiences and perspectives on various topics, revealing a blend of humor, introspection, and candid observations. The conversation touches on controversial themes like addiction, infidelity, and the darker side of the entertainment industry, while exploring underlying themes of personal growth, navigating societal expectations, and the complexities of human behavior.

Major Topics in the Podcast:

  1. Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion:
    • Norton’s attempt to get into the mansion with a friend and his subsequent rejection.
    • The mansion’s outdated decor and strange atmosphere, especially the infamous grotto.
    • The sale of the mansion with the caveat that Hefner had to live there until his death.
    • The legacy of Hefner and his role in the evolution of pornography and free speech.
  2. Magazine Publication Dates:
    • The peculiar practice of magazines being released months before their cover date, like December issues coming out in October.
    • The comparison to new car models being released months before the year they represent.
    • The psychology behind this practice, appealing to irrational desires for anticipation or perceived savings.
    • The use of pricing tactics like “9.99” to exploit psychological biases.
  3. Buffets and Food Choices:
    • The appeal of buffets and the debate over their quality and value.
    • Norton’s guilty pleasure for sushi and a particular yogurt shop in Santa Monica.
    • The discussion on the impact of sugar on the body and the “insulin dump” effect.
    • The importance of a balanced diet and the potential health risks associated with excessive sugar intake.
  4. Finding Meaning in Success:
    • Norton’s struggle with self-doubt and disappointment despite his successful career.
    • The realization that his unhappiness stemmed from relationship issues and his own emotional reactivity.
    • The recognition of his privilege and the importance of acknowledging his blessings.
    • The exploration of how external achievements don’t always equate to internal fulfillment.
  5. Challenges of Monogamy:
    • Norton’s confession of struggling with infidelity and his desire to change his behavior.
    • The comparison of infidelity to addiction and the difficulty of breaking free from ingrained patterns.
    • The impact of his behavior on his relationships and the judgment he faces from fans.
    • The exploration of the emotional complexities and challenges of maintaining monogamy.
  6. The Sex Industry in LA:
    • The prevalence of sex work in Los Angeles and the ecosystem that surrounds it.
    • The risks associated with sex work, particularly for women who are vulnerable or desperate.
    • The ethical concerns surrounding sex work, including the potential for coercion and exploitation.
    • Norton’s personal struggles with infidelity and his desire to be mindful of the women he encounters.
  7. The HIV/AIDS Controversy:
    • Norton’s interview with Peter Duesberg, a biologist who challenges the established connection between HIV and AIDS.
    • Duesberg’s controversial theory that HIV is a marker of a weakened immune system, not the cause of AIDS.
    • The widespread criticism of Duesberg’s views and the established scientific consensus on HIV/AIDS.
    • The discussion on the history of AZT treatment for AIDS, its effectiveness, and potential side effects.
  8. Holistic Medicine and Cancer:
    • The discussion on Steve Jobs’s decision to pursue holistic treatments for cancer.
    • The potential risks and benefits of alternative medicine, particularly in the context of cancer.
    • The controversial nature of certain holistic approaches and the importance of seeking traditional medical care.
    • The discussion on the effectiveness of ketogenic diets for certain types of cancer.
  9. The Impact of Pollution:
    • The discussion on the harmful effects of freeway pollution, specifically brake dust and exhaust fumes.
    • The potential health risks associated with living near freeways, including heart disease and respiratory problems.
    • The call for engineering solutions to reduce brake dust emissions.
    • The exploration of the broader implications of environmental pollution on human health.
  10. Risk and Consent in Sexual Encounters:
    • The discussion on the possibility of contracting HIV through traditional sex and the prevalence of the virus in the sex industry.
    • The importance of open communication and consent in sexual relationships, especially regarding sexually transmitted diseases.
    • The ethical responsibility of disclosing one’s HIV status to partners.
    • The exploration of the complexities of navigating risk and vulnerability in sexual encounters.
  11. The Role of Hygiene in Relationships:
    • Norton’s personal preference for a certain level of natural scent in his partners, including the idea of not showering for a few days.
    • The discussion on the relationship between smell and attraction, and the potential for scent to signal compatibility.
    • The idea that smell can play a role in sexual chemistry and attraction.
    • The exploration of personal hygiene preferences and their impact on intimacy.
  12. The Phenomenon of “Bugcatchers”:
    • The discussion on “bugcatchers”, individuals who intentionally seek out sexual encounters with individuals who have HIV.
    • The psychological motivations behind this behavior, including self-hate and a desire to escape societal pressure.
    • The ethical concerns surrounding “bugcatching”, including the potential for exploitation and harm.
    • The exploration of the complex relationship between sexuality, risk, and mental health.
  13. The Nature of Kinks and Sexual Expression:
    • Norton’s exploration of his own kinks and the psychological underpinnings of sexual desire.
    • The idea that kinks can be a form of escape from anxieties or a way to express oneself.
    • The importance of understanding and accepting individual sexual preferences.
    • The exploration of the diverse and complex nature of human sexuality.
  14. The World of Pornography:
    • Norton’s experiences on porn sets, both high-end and low-budget productions.
    • The clinical and often unsexy nature of porn production compared to real-life sexual encounters.
    • The discussion on the impact of pornography on sexual behavior and perception.
    • The exploration of the changing landscape of pornography and the rise of online platforms.
  15. Andrew Dice Clay and Comedy:
    • Norton’s admiration for Dice Clay’s comedic style and his status as a pioneer in standup comedy.
    • The impact of Dice Clay’s controversial and offensive humor on the evolution of political correctness.
    • The discussion on the album “The Day the Laughter Died”, Dice Clay’s uncensored and improvisational masterpiece.
    • The legacy of Dice Clay and his influence on generations of comedians.
  16. The Opie and Anthony Show:
    • Norton’s experiences working with Opie and Anthony on the radio show and the eventual end of their partnership.
    • The discussion on the dynamics of their relationship, including the reasons for their eventual separation.
    • The importance of finding a good chemistry and comfort level with co-hosts in radio or podcasting.
    • The exploration of the challenges of navigating creative differences and personal conflicts in the entertainment industry.
  17. The Future of Radio and Podcasting:
    • The evolving landscape of radio and the rise of podcasting as a dominant form of audio entertainment.
    • The limitations of traditional radio in the age of on-demand streaming and the advantages of podcasting.
    • The potential for podcasting to become a more prominent and lucrative platform for comedians and entertainers.
    • The discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing SiriusXM in a competitive audio market.
  18. The Importance of Uncensored Conversations:
    • Norton’s advocacy for uncensored conversations and the value of authentic self-expression.
    • The challenges of navigating corporate restrictions and censorship in the entertainment industry.
    • The importance of finding creative outlets that allow for freedom of speech.
    • The exploration of the role of humor and honesty in challenging societal norms and taboos.
  19. The Power of Laughter and Connection:
    • Norton’s appreciation for Anthony Cumia’s comedic talent and his ability to elicit laughter.
    • The lasting impact of Anthony Cumia on Norton’s life and career.
    • The power of laughter to bring people together and create meaningful connections.
    • The exploration of the importance of humor in navigating life’s challenges.
  20. The Chip Chipperson Podcast:
    • Norton’s creation of the “Chip Chipperson” character and the success of his podcast.
    • The humorous and often abrasive nature of the “Chip Chipperson” persona.
    • The appeal of the character to audiences and the role of relatability in comedy.
    • The exploration of the creative process behind character development and the power of humor to connect with people.
  21. The Importance of Personal Growth:
    • Norton’s ongoing journey of self-discovery and his commitment to personal growth.
    • The challenges of confronting negative patterns and working towards positive change.
    • The role of therapy and mindfulness in personal development.
    • The exploration of the importance of self-awareness and acceptance in navigating life’s complexities.

Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

  • “You could just go and you had a mansion where everybody knew there was gonna be a bunch of hose. And that’s why they went. Yeah. They they went there on purpose and there was guys that, like, were notorious for hanging around the mansion, for going to all the mansion parties.”
  • “It’s like having a New York Times article with all ads. Like, what do you where’s the fucking intellectual stimulation here? You’ve fucking idiots. Yeah. It’s like that’s a really bad notion.”
  • “I I get a good apartment. I make money. I am very lucky. But it’s it’s rational. Like, when you’re feeling down, you’re like, So it’s not a rational thing. No. You you can’t you can’t turn it around with your mind?”
  • “I I still I still look at porn and stuff, but not acting out, not having fucking girls. The LA is a deadly city from like, oh, dude, I come out here. I got them fucking up. Deadly pussy.”
  • “And he’s also in a lot of ways a pioneer because he was 1 of the very first ever superstar stadium comedian. Yes, he was. There was no 1 like that. Like, even Kennison never hit that level before.”