JRE #1129 – Tom Papa

This podcast features comedian, actor, writer, and television/radio host Tom Papa, discussing his new book “Your Dad Stole My Rake: And Other Family Dilemmas.” Papa shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of writing a book, and the joy of family, sprinkled with humorous anecdotes and observations. Underlying themes explore the power of perseverance, the importance of embracing authenticity, and the complexities of human relationships.

1. Tom Papa’s Journey to Authorship:
   • Papa’s long-held desire to write a book, finally coming to fruition after a publisher approached his agent.
   • The pressure of meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations, driving him to work diligently on the book.
   • The anxiety of releasing a permanent piece of work, contrasting with the immediate feedback he receives from audiences during stand-up routines.
   • The positive response to the book, alleviating his initial anxieties and solidifying his confidence as a writer.
2. Balancing Stand-Up and Book Writing:
   • Papa’s disciplined approach to writing, dedicating specific time each morning to the book.
   • His strategy of writing without judgment, allowing himself to freely explore ideas and then refine them later.
   • The similarities between writing stand-up bits and essays, both requiring concise expression and a focus on punchlines.
   • His admiration for Jordan Peterson’s meticulous writing process, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and revision.
3. Family as a Source of Inspiration:
   • Papa’s focus on family dynamics and relatable family experiences in his book.
   • His personal stories and comedic observations of family life, reflecting his own upbringing and the universal nature of family relationships.
   • The joy and aggravations of family, providing rich material for his comedic work.
   • His acknowledgment that family is a central theme in his stand-up routine, allowing him to draw from his personal experiences.
4. The Rise of the Sourdough Sultan:
   • Papa’s passion for sourdough bread, fueled by his appearances on Joe Rogan’s podcast, leading to a dedicated fan base and a surge in bread-making enthusiasts.
   • His journey from baking enthusiast to television personality, receiving an offer from Food Network to host a show about bread and baked goods.
   • His upcoming show “Baked with Tom Papa” showcasing his travels across the country, meeting talented bakers and sharing their stories.
   • His gratitude towards Joe Rogan for inadvertently sparking his success in the culinary world, highlighting the serendipitous nature of life.
5. The Untimely Death of Anthony Bourdain:
   • Papa’s personal connection to Anthony Bourdain, acknowledging his close friendship and the deep impact his death had on him.
   • His description of Bourdain’s passion for food and his ability to capture the essence of different cultures through his travels.
   • Bourdain’s impact on Papa’s view of food as an art form, appreciating its craftsmanship and the passion behind it.
   • The tragic nature of Bourdain’s death, highlighting the hidden struggles of even those who appear to be successful and happy.
6. Mental Health and Prescription Medication:
   • Papa’s concern about the prevalence of mental health issues and the role of prescription medication in addressing them.
   • His recognition of the potential dangers of medication, including suicidal thoughts, and the lack of conversation about its side effects.
   • His discussion of Robin Williams’s diagnosis with Louis Body Disease, and the impact of anesthesia on depression, emphasizing the complex interplay of physical and mental factors.
   • His belief that exercise can be a powerful tool for mental well-being, potentially as effective as medication, highlighting the importance of physical activity and holistic health.
7. The Power of Perseverance:
   • Papa’s personal story of coping with the news of Anthony Bourdain’s death, highlighting the importance of support systems and resilience.
   • His ability to carry on with his work and commitments despite experiencing grief and emotional turmoil.
   • His acknowledgment that stand-up comedy can be a therapeutic outlet, providing a distraction and a platform for connecting with others.
   • His emphasis on the importance of facing challenges head-on, pushing through difficult situations to find a path forward.
8. The Evolution of Art and Culture:
   • Papa’s fascination with the artistry of baking and cooking, appreciating the passion and skill behind it.
   • His recognition of the difference between mass-produced goods and those made with artistry and care, highlighting the value of craftsmanship.
   • His observation that Bourdain’s perspective transformed his view of food, showcasing its potential as an art form.
   • His belief that the stories behind food, the people who create it, and the cultures it represents, make it an incredibly rich and engaging subject.
9. The Impact of Technology on Society:
   • Papa’s discussion of 3D printing and its potential to revolutionize manufacturing and consumption, creating a future where goods are downloaded and created on demand.
   • His acknowledgment of the growing trend towards handcrafted and artisanal goods, reflecting a desire for quality and authenticity.
   • His humorous take on the potential downsides of 3D printing, including the possibility of creating headless humans for organ harvesting.
   • His awe at the rapid advancements in technology, recognizing its potential to both enhance and disrupt our lives.
10. Navigating the Shifting Sands of Social Norms:
    • Papa’s observations about changing social norms, particularly regarding women’s body hair and the pressure to conform to beauty standards.
    • His humorous commentary on the absurdity of some grooming standards, highlighting the cultural influences on body image and self-perception.
    • His belief that it’s important to celebrate diversity and embrace individual choices regarding appearance.
    • His acknowledgment that even those who advocate for progressive views may still engage in practices that perpetuate traditional beauty norms, highlighting the complexities of social change.
11. The Dangers of Social Media and Mob Mentality:
    • Papa’s concerns about the rise of social media and its potential for negativity and mob mentality, creating a platform for hate and condemnation.
    • His emphasis on the importance of considering the source when encountering criticism or outrage online, recognizing the potential for bias and lack of nuance.
    • His belief that the online world can be both a force for good and a breeding ground for negativity, urging listeners to be discerning in their consumption of information.
    • His observation that the pursuit of attention and virality can drive harmful behavior online, emphasizing the need for responsible social media engagement.
12. The Perpetuation of Racism and Discrimination:
    • Papa’s discussion of the Roseanne Barr controversy, highlighting the complexity of race and the consequences of insensitive comments.
    • His exploration of the fine line between humor and hate, recognizing that even seemingly harmless jokes can be hurtful when delivered in a context of prejudice.
    • His concern about the lack of understanding and forgiveness for those who make mistakes, particularly when mental illness is involved.
    • His belief that the history of racism in America is still deeply embedded in our culture, creating ongoing tensions and challenges.
13. The Limits of Political Correctness:
    • Papa’s humorous account of a stand-up routine where he used the word “faggot” to describe his dog, leading to a heated discussion about political correctness.
    • His exploration of the complexities of language and its evolving meaning, particularly when it comes to historically offensive terms.
    • His belief that intent should be considered when assessing the use of language, but acknowledging that some words are inherently charged and potentially hurtful.
    • His concern about the “word game” aspect of political correctness, where individuals can be trapped in a cycle of accusation and condemnation, even when their intentions are good.
14. The Cultural Appropriation Debate:
    • Papa’s discussion of the backlash against Bruno Mars for alleged cultural appropriation, highlighting the complexities of music and the subjective nature of cultural ownership.
    • His argument that music is inherently a mix of different influences, making it difficult to draw clear lines around cultural appropriation.
    • His concern about the mob mentality that can arise in the online world, leading to the condemnation of individuals without full understanding or consideration of context.
    • His belief that the pursuit of social justice can sometimes lead to the silencing of creative expression, urging for a more nuanced and understanding approach to cultural exchange.
15. The Importance of Kindness and Understanding:
    • Papa’s call for more kindness and understanding in our interactions with each other, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion.
    • His rejection of “gotcha” culture and the tendency to attack individuals for perceived transgressions, urging for a more nuanced and forgiving approach to communication.
    • His belief that negativity and hate are detrimental to discourse and community, highlighting the need for constructive and respectful conversations.
    • His emphasis on the importance of recognizing the complexity of human interactions, acknowledging the nuances of individual experiences and intentions.
16. The Enigma of Elon Musk:
    • Papa’s discussion of Elon Musk’s ambitious projects, including the Model 3, flamethrowers, tunnel systems, and the hyperloop, showcasing his extraordinary ambition and innovation.
    • His awe at Musk’s drive and determination, recognizing his unique ability to translate ideas into reality.
    • His humorous observation that Musk’s ventures seem to push the boundaries of what’s considered “normal,” highlighting his unconventional approach to business and technology.
    • His fascination with Musk’s impact on the world, acknowledging his potential to shape the future of transportation and exploration.
17. The Mysteries of Ancient Civilizations:
    • Papa’s discussion of the Great Sphinx and its potential for predating the Great Pyramids, based on geological evidence and the theories of Dr. Robert Schoch.
    • His fascination with the possibility of a lost civilization in Egypt, suggesting that advanced technology and sophisticated structures existed long before the established timeline.
    • His discussion of the potential for a cataclysmic event, like a mass coronal injection, to have caused a major extinction and societal collapse, explaining the gaps in our understanding of ancient history.
    • His recognition that there is still much to learn about ancient civilizations, and that ongoing discoveries continue to challenge our assumptions about the past.
18. The Evolution of Humanity:
    • Papa’s observation that Cleopatra lived closer to the creation of the iPhone than to the construction of the Pyramids, highlighting the vastness of time and the rapid pace of human advancement.
    • His acknowledgement that the events of the Wild West, including clashes with Native Americans, took place less than 200 years ago, demonstrating the recency of significant historical events.
    • His reflection on the differences between Native American cultures and those of Europeans, showcasing the diverse ways humans have lived and interacted with the world.
    • His belief that humanity has a long history of both progress and regression, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and reflection as we navigate the complexities of our past and present.
19. The Power of Laughter:
    • Papa’s emphasis on the importance of laughter in human connection, sharing anecdotes about his children’s comedic talents and the joy of making them laugh.
    • His observation that the ability to make others laugh can be a powerful form of communication, building bonds and fostering understanding.
    • His belief that laughter can be a source of strength and resilience, helping us to navigate challenges and find joy in everyday life.
    • His recognition that laughter can be a powerful tool for social change, bringing people together and challenging social norms.
20. The Importance of Following Your Passion:
    • Papa’s advice to listeners to pursue their passions, regardless of conventional wisdom or financial considerations.
    • His belief that finding a career that aligns with your interests and talents is essential for personal fulfillment and happiness.
    • His emphasis on the importance of self-awareness and recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to make informed choices about your path.
    • His encouragement to embrace risk and pursue your dreams, reminding listeners that happiness is often found in following your heart.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “People gonna refer to this for a long time.” – Papa reflects on the permanence of his book and the potential for it to be read and reviewed for years to come.
• “Hard times make tough men. Easy times make weak men. But hard men make easy times.” – Papa shares Tim Kennedy’s insightful observation about the cyclical nature of strength and adversity.
• “No 1 gets into baking because they’re an asshole.” – Papa humorously highlights the inherently kind nature of bakers, suggesting that food brings people together.
• “You can’t force it. It’s just organic.” – Papa emphasizes the importance of authenticity and following your passions, suggesting that true success often stems from organic pursuits.
• “We need to be nice to each other.” – Papa urges listeners to cultivate kindness and understanding in our interactions, highlighting the importance of empathy and compassion.