JRE #1086 - Rory Albanese

2/28/2018

Joe Rogan Podcast – #1086 – Rory Albanese

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features comedian, comedy writer, and television producer Rory Albanese. The conversation touches upon various intriguing topics, ranging from the absurdities of modern society to the fascinating world of animals and even delves into the complexities of human behavior and the role of technology in shaping our lives.

1. The Absurdity of Modern Society:

The conversation kicks off with a discussion about the evolving nature of marijuana, highlighting the advancements in genetics and the creation of new, potent strains.
The topic shifts to the bizarre world of dog cloning, where a wealthy individual like Barbra Streisand spends a hefty sum to create identical copies of her beloved pet.
Rory’s personal experience with pound dogs and their potential for aggression leads to a debate about the importance of rehabilitation and the need for responsible pet ownership.
The conversation then dives into the controversial topic of animal consumption, specifically the cultural differences in what animals are considered acceptable to eat, prompting a humorous comparison between the “karma-free” act of consuming eggs and the moral complexities of other food choices.

2. The Evolution and Manipulation of Animals:

Rory and Joe discuss the historical manipulation of animal genetics, highlighting how humans have selectively bred dogs for specific purposes, resulting in a diverse range of breeds.
The conversation explores the fascinating fact that all dogs are ultimately descended from wolves, prompting a discussion about the selective breeding process that has shaped their behaviors and appearances.
Rory humorously argues that the “bitch ass” wolf was the one that was most amenable to domestication, leading to the development of a wide array of dog breeds.
This topic segues into a humorous examination of the absurdity of dog grooming and the excessive, and sometimes cruel, practices that people engage in to alter the appearances of their pets.

3. The Problem with “Nerf Padding” and Cultural Sensitivity:

Rory recounts an experience where he encountered a group that requested the term “auction” be replaced due to its potential sensitivity, leading to a comical and thought-provoking discussion about the concept of “nerf padding” and the increasing sensitivity surrounding language.
This leads to a reflection on the evolution of language and the changing perception of words like “gay” and “pussy,” emphasizing how language becomes politically charged and how societal norms dictate what is considered acceptable.
Rory and Joe discuss the societal implications of an overabundance of free time and how it might contribute to the rise of sensitivity and the focus on “nerf padding.”
The conversation highlights the irony of individuals who advocate for a smaller government yet simultaneously believe in grand conspiracies, highlighting the inherent inconsistencies in certain ideologies.

4. The Fragility of Human Civilization and The Fear of Missing Out:

Rory and Joe delve into the human tendency to worry about potential apocalyptic scenarios, highlighting how awareness of natural disasters and threats like supervolcanoes and asteroid impacts has heightened our sense of vulnerability.
Rory shares a humorous anecdote about a coyote sneaking into his backyard and stealing a chicken, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the natural world and the need to accept our limitations.
The conversation touches upon the concept of “fear of missing out” (FOMO) and how it might contribute to our anxieties about the future, leading to a desire to witness every significant event before our death.
The discussion shifts to the rapid pace of technological advancements and the possibility of missing out on groundbreaking discoveries like immortality or the ability to download our consciousness.

5. The Rise of the “Idiot” and The Inevitability of Change:

The conversation explores the idea of a societal shift where the “idiot” population is growing due to a lack of education and the decline of traditional skills, referencing the film “Idiocracy” as a humorous reflection of this trend.
Rory and Joe discuss the fascination of ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and the mysteries surrounding their architectural achievements, prompting speculation about lost technologies or potential alien involvement.
The conversation touches upon the limitations of carbon dating and how it can sometimes hinder our understanding of the true age of ancient structures.
Rory and Joe emphasize the importance of questioning established narratives and accepting the possibility of unknown events and technologies that might have been lost to history.

6. The Importance of Gun Control and The Second Amendment:

Rory and Joe engage in a discussion about the complexities of gun control in the United States, questioning the effectiveness of the Second Amendment in modern society.
Rory suggests that the Second Amendment, written in a time when assault rifles did not exist, requires reinterpretation in light of current realities and the potential for mass shootings.
The conversation delves into the influence of the NRA and its role in obstructing gun control legislation, highlighting the power of lobbyists and their impact on policy decisions.
Rory proposes a tiered licensing system for gun ownership, arguing for more stringent regulations and a greater emphasis on safety and competency, similar to the licensing system for driving vehicles.

7. The Role of Technology in Shaping Society:

Rory and Joe discuss the impact of technology on communication, information dissemination, and the ease with which lies can be spread through social media platforms.
The conversation delves into the ethical complexities of abortion and the challenges of finding common ground between opposing viewpoints, emphasizing the importance of understanding the perspectives of all parties involved.
Rory and Joe acknowledge the human tendency to prioritize ideological loyalty over factual accuracy, highlighting the need for critical thinking and a willingness to engage with different viewpoints.
Rory suggests that society is still grappling with the implications of widespread internet access and the need to find new ways to govern and regulate information in this digital age.

8. The Perils of the CIA and The Absurdity of Conspiracies:

Rory and Joe recount the Iran-Contra affair, highlighting the role of Barry Seal, a pilot who inadvertently became involved in a complex smuggling operation.
Rory questions whether these instances are merely isolated incidents of “sloppy government employees” or part of a larger, systematic pattern of government misconduct.
The conversation touches upon the absurdity of conspiracy theories, emphasizing the irony of individuals who distrust government competence while simultaneously believing in elaborate cover-ups.
Rory and Joe discuss the challenges of discerning truth from misinformation in a world where information is readily available but often unreliable, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking.

9. The Power of Stand-Up Comedy and Pushing Boundaries:

Rory and Joe reflect on the importance of pushing boundaries in comedy, highlighting the role of comedians as social commentators and provocateurs.
The conversation explores the evolving nature of stand-up comedy, acknowledging how audiences have become more sensitive to certain topics and how the line between humor and offense is constantly shifting.
Rory discusses the dynamic of writer’s rooms, emphasizing the importance of a safe space for creative expression and the ability to push boundaries within a controlled environment.
The conversation touches upon the inherent tension between social responsibility and creative freedom, recognizing that pushing boundaries can sometimes lead to uncomfortable reactions but is ultimately necessary for comedic growth and innovation.

10. The Importance of Physical Fitness and The Absurdity of Modern Medicine:

Rory shares his personal experience with running and barefoot running, highlighting the benefits of engaging the natural strength of our feet.
The conversation touches upon the concept of “impact bracing” and how it influences the way we shoot firearms and interact with the world.
Rory discusses the importance of training for combat situations, emphasizing the need for precision and control, referencing the training techniques of Tim Kennedy, a former UFC fighter and military veteran.
The conversation explores the history of lobotomies, highlighting the horrific practices that were once considered acceptable medical treatments, emphasizing how our understanding of medicine and mental health has evolved.

11. The Perils of Addiction and The Absurdity of the “Meth Capital”:

Rory recounts his experience performing in Fresno, California, a city known for its high meth use and the visible presence of homelessness.
The conversation touches upon the complexities of addiction and the societal factors that contribute to it, highlighting the need for compassion and effective interventions.
Rory shares a humorous anecdote about encountering Dave Chappelle backstage at a comedy club, highlighting the unexpected moments that can occur in the world of comedy.
The conversation transitions into a discussion about the challenges of distributing stand-up comedy specials in a saturated market, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of entertainment consumption.

12. The Power of Music and The Importance of Uncompressed Audio:

Rory and Joe discuss the resurgence of vinyl records, exploring the reasons behind their popularity and the appeal of listening to uncompressed audio.
Rory references the elaborate audio setup of Henry Rollins, a musician and performer known for his appreciation of high-fidelity sound.
The conversation touches upon the intricacies of sound engineering and the role of harmonics in creating a rich and satisfying listening experience.
Rory and Joe discuss the importance of experiencing music in its purest form, highlighting the value of uncompressed audio and the impact it can have on the listening experience.

13. The Fascinating World of “Horns” and The Unpredictability of Nature:

Rory and Joe embark on a bizarre and humorous exploration of “horns,” a rare medical condition that can cause growths on various parts of the body.
The conversation touches upon the cultural significance of horns and their connection to superstition and the fear of the unknown.
Rory and Joe discuss the incredible resilience of nature and the unpredictable ways in which it can manifest itself, highlighting the unexpected surprises that the natural world can offer.
The conversation delves into the history of medicine and how our understanding of diseases and treatments has changed over time, prompting a reflection on the progress we have made while also recognizing the dangers of uninformed practices.

14. The Allure of the Unknown and The Search for Aliens:

Rory and Joe discuss the recent UFO sightings that have been reported and the government’s response to them.
The conversation explores the possibility of alien visitation and the challenges of discerning legitimate sightings from hoaxes or misinterpretations.
Rory and Joe discuss the role of skepticism and the need for objective analysis in evaluating potential UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of not letting our desires for the extraordinary cloud our judgment.
The conversation touches upon the allure of the unknown and the human fascination with extraterrestrial life, highlighting the persistent search for evidence of intelligent life beyond our own planet.

15. The Importance of Creativity and The Power of Satire:

Rory and Joe discuss the comedic brilliance of Team America: World Police, a satirical film that uses puppets to lampoon American foreign policy and celebrity culture.
The conversation explores the unique creative choices made by the film’s creators, highlighting the audacity of their satire and the effectiveness of their humor.
Rory and Joe touch upon the challenges of creating satire that is both funny and impactful, recognizing the delicate balance between humor and offense.
The conversation emphasizes the power of satire as a tool for social commentary and its ability to provoke thought and challenge established norms.

16. The Enduring Legacy of Comedy and The Importance of Laughter:

Rory and Joe reflect on the enduring legacy of comedy and the importance of laughter in our lives.
The conversation explores the power of comedy to bring people together, provide a sense of release, and offer a different perspective on the world.
Rory and Joe acknowledge the role of comedy in shaping our understanding of society and our place within it.
The conversation concludes with a reminder that laughter is a valuable tool for coping with the complexities of life and a reminder that even in a world full of challenges, there is always room for humor.

Memorable Quotes:

“Chemists or whatever they are. Botanists. These fucking science torques. They’ve done them They’ve wondered it out. Yeah. Jesus Christ. It’s not even the same thing anymore.” – Rory expresses his frustration with the evolving potency of marijuana.
“It’s a dog, man. The fuck are we doing? How about decorate your house? Does decorate your god damn dog.” – Rory’s incredulous response to the extreme dog grooming practices.
“You’re gonna get triggeredions — Yeah. — auctions. We’re not gonna make a joke like, we’re not gonna joke around about, like, auctioning off a black person. Oh, although Yard and I probably would have.” – Rory and Joe discuss the absurdity of being overly sensitive.
“I just think that it’s 1 of the most karma free things. Yeah. Like, you gotta exchange with these animals. Like, I have an exchange. I give the animals food. They eat the food. They lay the eggs. I’m nice to them.” – Rory advocates for the “karma-free” act of consuming eggs.
“I think the rock should be our president. I think he can pull it off. And I’m not joking.” – Rory’s humorous suggestion that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson should run for president.

JRE #1086 – Rory Albanese