JRE #1048 – Doug Stanhope

This podcast explores the mind of Doug Stanhope, a comedian known for his raw, unfiltered humor and provocative insights. The conversation delves into a range of topics, from personal experiences with drugs and alcohol to reflections on the nature of fame and the current state of comedy. Stanhope’s unique perspective on social issues and his unflinching honesty create a conversation that is both insightful and entertaining.

Major Topics

1. Flotation Tanks:
   • Stanhope’s positive experiences with flotation tanks, describing the strange sensation and the ability to shut it off at any time.
   • He compares flotation tanks to other altered states like shrooms, highlighting the commitment and potential for unpredictable experiences.
   • He playfully suggests starting a flotation tank center in Bisbee, Arizona, capitalizing on the local demographic and potential insurance coverage.
   • Stanhope’s self-deprecating humor shines through as he admits his lack of upkeep skills, envisioning an algae-filled tank.
2. Mosquitoes and the “Naked and Afraid” Show:
   • Stanhope shares his experience with the severity of Alaskan mosquitoes, contrasting them with the milder variety in Southern California.
   • He connects this to his aversion to “Naked and Afraid,” highlighting the show’s staged elements and his own aversion to discomfort.
   • He playfully comments on the show’s tendency to manipulate reality for entertainment, questioning the authenticity of the survival challenges.
   • Stanhope’s comedic style comes into play as he mocks the show’s focus on bugs, emphasizing his own preference for drinking over survival.
3. Stand-Up Comedy and Competition:
   • Stanhope reflects on the nature of stand-up comedy competitions, questioning their value and impact on the art form.
   • He criticizes the judging process, highlighting the lack of true comedic expertise and the potential for manipulation.
   • He contrasts his experience at the San Francisco competition, where he felt a greater appreciation for his humor, with the perceived bias and industry influence.
   • Stanhope’s views on “Last Comic Standing” and other televised competitions illustrate his cynicism toward the entertainment industry’s manipulation of talent.
4. Social Media and Online Arguments:
   • Stanhope advocates for avoiding online arguments, especially with those who hold opposing viewpoints.
   • He shares his experience with Owen Benjamin, who struggles with sleep due to constant Twitter battles, emphasizing the detrimental impact on mental health.
   • Stanhope’s own past behavior, engaging in heated debates online, led to some of his most successful stand-up material, illustrating the irony of finding comedy in anger.
   • He cautions against getting caught up in social justice warriorism, acknowledging its potential to lead to obsessive behavior and mental exhaustion.
5. Religion and Superstition:
   • Stanhope acknowledges the positive impact of religion on individuals, even if the underlying beliefs are not objectively true.
   • He suggests that living by the principles of a religion, even as a superstition, can lead to a more compassionate and ethical way of life.
   • He critiques the tendency for religious groups to splinter and create sects, highlighting the irony of a “perfect religion” being corrupted by human nature.
   • He draws a parallel to mental illness, suggesting that if you live by a belief, even if it’s not true, it can become a reality for you.
6. “Nathan for You” and the Hidden Camera Genre:
   • Stanhope highly recommends “Nathan for You,” a Comedy Central show that blends hidden cameras with social commentary.
   • He describes the show as a satire of business improvement shows, where Nathan Fielder uses uncomfortable and unconventional tactics to help small businesses.
   • Stanhope praises the show’s layered humor, which requires viewers to engage with the satire and analyze the social dynamics.
   • He highlights the show’s brilliance in creating awkward situations and exposing the flaws of human behavior.
7. The Evolution of Music and Cultural Disconnect:
   • Stanhope reflects on his own disconnect with contemporary music, admitting to a lack of knowledge about current artists and trends.
   • He humorously contrasts his own unfamiliarity with popular music with the knowledge of older Uber drivers, highlighting the ever-changing nature of culture.
   • He embraces his status as an “old man” who doesn’t know what’s happening in the music world, finding humor in his ignorance.
   • Stanhope’s preference for older music reveals his preference for familiarity and his sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
8. The “Euphemism Treadmill” and Political Correctness:
   • Stanhope discusses the ever-changing language of political correctness, highlighting the “treadmill” of replacing offensive terms with new ones that become offensive over time.
   • He criticizes the tendency to use clinical terms as substitutes for offensive words, ultimately achieving a similar effect.
   • He satirizes the absurdity of using scientific language to avoid offensive words, suggesting it only creates new opportunities for mockery.
   • Stanhope’s humor highlights the inherent complexity of navigating social norms and the futility of trying to avoid offense entirely.
9. The Importance of Niche Audiences and Finding Comfort:
   • Stanhope emphasizes the importance of finding a comfortable space for comedy, where he can express himself without fear of judgment.
   • He explains his reluctance to perform in front of a mixed audience, preferring to engage with his established fan base who understand his style.
   • He acknowledges the irony of having a wide audience but preferring the intimacy of a smaller, more receptive group.
   • Stanhope’s preference for a niche audience highlights his desire to connect with a specific group who share his sensibilities.
10. The “Me Too” Movement and Its Implications:
    • Stanhope acknowledges the importance of the “Me Too” movement, while expressing concern about the potential for false accusations and the erosion of due process.
    • He discusses the power dynamics that exist in various workplaces, particularly in the entertainment industry, where individuals in positions of power may exploit those under their influence.
    • He questions the impact of the movement on men’s behavior, suggesting that the fear of false accusations might lead to a more cautious approach to interactions.
    • Stanhope’s perspective highlights the complexity of addressing sexual harassment and the need for a nuanced approach to ensure fairness and accountability.
11. The Importance of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth:
    • Stanhope emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, suggesting that individuals need to understand their own biases and flaws before judging others.
    • He encourages a more empathetic approach to understanding the complexities of human relationships, acknowledging that bad decisions often stem from personal struggles.
    • He reflects on the impact of his own past experiences, including his time on “The Man Show,” admitting to questionable behavior and acknowledging the need for personal growth.
    • Stanhope’s self-awareness and willingness to acknowledge his mistakes demonstrate his commitment to personal development and understanding.
12. The “Sister/Mother Rule” and Moral Boundaries:
    • Stanhope proposes the “Sister/Mother Rule” as a moral framework for navigating relationships and ethical behavior.
    • He suggests that individuals should consider how they would feel if a similar situation happened to their sister or mother, guiding their actions and judgments.
    • He acknowledges the difficulty of applying this rule to situations involving children, as it triggers a more protective and emotional response.
    • Stanhope’s approach highlights the importance of empathy and moral accountability, encouraging individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others.
13. The Power of Comedy and its Role in Social Commentary:
    • Stanhope reflects on the power of comedy to challenge social norms and expose the absurdities of human behavior.
    • He highlights the potential for comedy to create a safe space for discussing controversial topics, offering a lens for critical analysis.
    • He acknowledges the risks of using humor to address serious issues, recognizing the potential for misinterpretation and offense.
    • Stanhope’s own comedic style and his willingness to push boundaries demonstrate the power of comedy as a tool for social commentary.
14. The “Innocence Project” and the Flaws of the Justice System:
    • Stanhope expresses his support for the Innocence Project, highlighting his concern for individuals wrongly convicted and imprisoned.
    • He critiques the American justice system, particularly the for-profit prison system, which he believes incentivizes harsh penalties and incarceration.
    • He acknowledges the need for prison reform, particularly in terms of rehabilitation and addressing the issues of personal growth and societal reintegration.
    • Stanhope’s perspective highlights the social justice issues associated with the justice system and the need for a more humane and effective approach to criminal justice.
15. The Impact of Fame and Celebrity Culture:
    • Stanhope explores the toxicity of fame, using Michael Jackson as a prime example of the negative consequences of celebrity culture.
    • He acknowledges the psychological strain and pressure that comes with a high level of public attention, leading to personal disintegration and destructive behaviors.
    • He warns against the unsustainable nature of fame, suggesting that it can be a destructive force for individuals who lack the coping mechanisms to handle it.
    • Stanhope’s reflections on celebrity culture highlight the need for boundaries and the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on fame.
16. The Future of Technology and its Impact on Human Interaction:
    • Stanhope speculates on the future of technology, particularly the potential for advancements in artificial intelligence and communication.
    • He envisions a future where technology blurs the lines between human interaction and artificial experiences, potentially altering the nature of relationships.
    • He expresses concern about the potential for technology to become so advanced that it dehumanizes our interactions, creating a sense of isolation and detachment.
    • Stanhope’s observations highlight the importance of understanding the potential consequences of technological advancements and the need for ethical considerations in its development.
17. The Role of “Borne” in the Decline of Human Connection:
    • Stanhope playfully critiques the impact of “Borne” on human interactions, suggesting that it has diminished the value of physical touch and intimacy.
    • He humorously compares the decline of physical connection to the rise of robot sex dolls, illustrating the potential for technology to replace authentic human experiences.
    • Stanhope’s observations highlight the importance of physical connection and the potential for technology to both enhance and diminish our human experiences.
    • His comedic style shines through as he mocks the absurdity of relying on technology to fulfill our most intimate desires, ultimately emphasizing the value of human connection.
18. The Importance of Diversity in Comedy and Beyond:
    • Stanhope advocates for greater diversity in comedy, particularly in terms of gender and race.
    • He criticizes the tendency for comedy spaces to be dominated by white men, suggesting that this lack of representation limits the perspectives and experiences shared.
    • He emphasizes the importance of challenging social norms and creating a more inclusive environment that welcomes a broader range of voices.
    • Stanhope’s perspective highlights the need for greater awareness and action to address the issue of diversity in the comedy world and beyond.

Memorable Quotes

• “I paid my fucking dues, I made my bones to have a small niche fan base that are unoffendable, Doug. I got news for you. They’re here. Your fans are here. Your fans are in LA.” – Rogan highlighting Stanhope’s broad appeal, despite his self-deprecating view.
• “If you live like it’s true, like, we look at it like almost from 2 dimensions when there’s like multiple dimensions to the idea of religion. Because even though it probably there was never a time where a guy came back from the dead probably never a time where I walked out of water. But if you buy the idea of this person and this person’s goal for humanity, and move toward the directions like moving towards love and compassion and treating each other as equals. I mean, that’s like the whole Jesus thing. So even if it’s it never really It’s a weird superstition that was the catalyst to make you a decent person.” – Stanhope’s nuanced view on the impact of religion on individual behavior.
• “You know, if you raised your daughter with the same openness that you raise your son, she’d know not to fuck a 35 year old soccer coach when she’s 15. Because you were open, you told her, here’s the pitfalls of life. This is what it’s about. Guys are gonna try to buck you. You don’t. You cuddle women.” – Stanhope’s unorthodox approach to parenting and sexual education.
• “If you were do you remember when I was a kid and I remember this really clearly because I was in high school and I was living at home and I was listening to WC0Z and boss said no. W FNX? No. No. WC0Z. That was right. WC0Z in Boston. It was a radio station in Boston in 19 eight’s rock and roll station. And the guy came on who’s a DJ. I wish I could remember. It wasn’t Mark Perrento, who’s like the big 1. Well, Charles walked me in the morning. But the guy came on, he played Michael Jackson. He played a Michael Jackson song. Yeah. I think it was beat it. And he said, look, I know this no. He played Billy Jean. He goes, I know this isn’t rock and roll because it’s so good. I have to play it. And he played it. And he played Billy Jeans. And I remember There was no Twitter back then. Booking with this anchor music. Well, not only that, this guy was a real DJ. He was like 1 of the last of the real DJ’s. That could literally decide. Hey, I just heard — Well, this man Jack. — a may yeah. This Lou Reed record that you fuckers have to hear from the beginning to the end. Want you to listen from the beginning to the end. So I’m gonna play this. You know, you hear Bruce Springsteen when he was like 30. You know, like, beginning to the end, you know? Like, those days should do that. You should sit there and listen. And you’d be that doesn’t exist anymore. Like that, and there’s too many this is 1 of the problems with money. Right? There’s problems with trademarks and the ability to put things on YouTube and whether or not you can get credit for this or put that up or that up. Like, a radio station if it just wanted to appear right now and and do like that kind of a thing, it’d probably be almost impossible. Like, how many radio stations are there in the world? They would let you just play a whole Bruce Bruce Springsteen album from the beginning to the end.” – Stanhope’s nostalgic reflection on the golden age of radio and the impact of digital media on music consumption.
• “And, like, you know, when you get older, 2 men meet each other and just say this to a baby. I think you could easily and this is gonna sound fucked up. I think you can easily convince a young kid that, like, sex with males as normal if everyone’s doing it.” – Stanhope’s comedic take on the complexities of sexuality and gender identity, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.