JRE #1090 – Andrew Santino

by

3/13/2018

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Joe Rogan Podcast – #1090 – Andrew Santino

This podcast is a wild ride with comedian Andrew Santino, exploring everything from the absurdity of celebrity culture and the dangers of online vitriol to the intricacies of animal behavior and the ever-present threat of gentrification. Rogan and Santino dissect social issues, delve into personal experiences, and embrace the ludicrousness of life’s many oddities.

Major Topics & Underlying Themes:

1. The Absurdity of Celebrity Culture and Online Vitriol:

  • Santino discusses how celebrities are often treated as less than human, with fans feeling entitled to their time and attention.
  • They delve into the dangers of online hate speech and the tendency to label anyone who disagrees with you as a “Nazi” or “fascist,” trivializing real issues.
  • The conversation explores the overuse of “hate speech” as a catch-all term, arguing it can silence legitimate discourse and create a culture of fear.
  • The podcast highlights how social media can create echo chambers, where people are constantly bombarded with confirmation bias and rarely challenged in their views.

2. Gentrification, Anti-Gentrification, and the Shifting Landscape of Neighborhoods:

  • Santino and Rogan discuss the growing tension in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, as hipsters and artists move in and gentrify the neighborhood.
  • They examine the counter-reaction, highlighting how some residents respond with aggression and racist rhetoric, ultimately resorting to violence.
  • The podcast argues that change is inevitable, and trying to preserve neighborhoods indefinitely is unrealistic and ultimately unsustainable.
  • They challenge the idea that new residents automatically ruin neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between progress and preserving local character.

3. The Complicated Relationship with Animals:

  • Santino and Rogan discuss the importance of managing predator populations to maintain a healthy ecosystem, challenging the notion that simply leaving animals alone is sufficient.
  • They explore the complex reality of animal behavior, including the shocking practice of cannibalism among bears.
  • The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas of hunting and how it’s often politicized, with passionate opinions on both sides of the issue.
  • They highlight the absurdity of humans interfering with natural cycles, using California’s bear ban as an example of well-intentioned policies with unintended consequences.

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    4. The Dark Side of Humanity:

    • The podcast dives into the disturbing story of Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach convicted of child sexual abuse, and the subsequent disappearance of the original investigator on the case.
    • They explore the complexities of cults and how charismatic individuals can exploit the vulnerable for profit and power, using examples like the “rock and roll church.”
    • They discuss the disturbing trend of online “fucked up” content, like the website e-Fukt, showcasing the dark side of human curiosity and the desire to witness the extreme.
    • Santino and Rogan explore the concept of “lost people” and how various groups capitalize on their vulnerabilities, from religious organizations to the creators of “robot fuck dolls” for dogs.

    5. The Impact of Social Media on Society:

    • Santino and Rogan discuss how social media has amplified the “price you pay” phenomenon, where celebrities are treated as public property and constantly filmed and photographed without consent.
    • They explore how social media can create an unhealthy culture of outrage and validation-seeking, with people constantly trying to outdo each other with their “hot takes” and “shocking” opinions.
    • The conversation delves into the role of social media in the #MeToo movement and how it may have accelerated the exposure of sexual predators like Harvey Weinstein.
    • The podcast examines how social media has become a key driver for stand-up comedians to build their careers, but also poses challenges in terms of finding a niche and getting noticed amidst the vast sea of content.

    6. The Power of Humor and Absurdity:

    • Santino and Rogan find humor in the most unexpected places, from the ridiculousness of online challenges to the bizarre world of “hold my beer” videos.
    • They share anecdotes about performing at the “Puff Mama” comedy club in Toronto, where audiences are high as kites and the air is thick with marijuana smoke.
    • Santino discusses the importance of finding humor in the most challenging situations, emphasizing how laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with life’s absurdities.
    • The podcast highlights how embracing the ludicrousness of life can lead to unexpected insights and a deeper appreciation for the human condition.

    7. The Importance of Self-Awareness and Personal Growth:

    • Santino discusses the importance of self-awareness and the need to acknowledge your own flaws and biases.
    • He shares personal anecdotes about how his experiences in comedy have helped him to grow and evolve as a person.
    • The podcast highlights the value of challenging your own preconceived notions and being open to different perspectives.
    • Santino encourages listeners to embrace their own individuality and not be afraid to be different.

    8. The Future of Comedy and Entertainment:

    • Santino discusses the changing landscape of comedy, with the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional television networks.
    • They explore the potential for podcasts to become a major force in entertainment, offering a more intimate and direct connection between creators and audiences.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of finding your own voice and creating content that resonates with your audience.
    • Santino and Rogan discuss the need for comedians to constantly evolve and adapt to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

    9. The Enduring Power of Friendship and Community:

    • Santino talks about the importance of friendship and community, particularly within the stand-up comedy world.
    • He shares anecdotes about his relationships with fellow comedians, highlighting the support and camaraderie that exists within the industry.
    • The podcast underscores the importance of having a strong support system, both personally and professionally.
    • Santino discusses how laughter and shared experiences can strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging.

    Memorable Quotes:

    • “It’s still illegal to be an asshole. It’s not illegal to be a dick. If someone said something you don’t like, it’s not against the law.” – Santino argues against the overreach of social justice warriors and the tendency to label anyone who disagrees with you as a criminal.
    • “If you’re gonna have war over here, I hope we can contain it to, like, North Dakota or somewhere where I’m not near.” – Santino’s comedic take on the absurdity of war and how it’s only truly concerning when it affects you directly.
    • “You gotta be so fucking out of options to make your dog lick your lick your nuts and your assholes. There’s a Can you go hire a human? Hire a human, man.” – Santino hilariously points out the ridiculousness of resorting to such acts for affection when there are other, less bizarre options.
    • “The horniest girl I ever dated when I was young went to went to was in an all-girl Catholic school. She was a great gal. It was a fucking machine because she was, like, made a joke about her that, like, you could you could roll a dick past her like a kitten with a ball of yarn, and she would just tie She couldn’t help it.” – Santino’s hilarious and insightful observation about the pent-up sexual energy often found among girls raised in restrictive environments.
    • “We’re so protective of other people so much that we’re ruining them. We’re ruining them. We’re we’re ruining people, goddamn it.” – Santino’s somewhat cynical take on how overprotective society can stifle personal growth and resilience.



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