JRE #1251 – Tim Dillon

21-Feb-19

“`html

This podcast features comedian Tim Dillon, known for his dark humor and often controversial views, joining Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation exploring various topics, including conspiracy theories, politics, comedy, and the nature of fame. The podcast delves into the complex realities of modern culture, highlighting the influence of social media, the absurdity of political polarization, and the inherent contradictions of success in an entertainment-driven world.

Topics:

1. Ancient Aliens and Ancient Civilizations: Dillon and Rogan discuss the theories of Erich Von Daniken and Graham Hancock, exploring the possibility of ancient alien intervention and cataclysmic events shaping human history. Dillon shares his skepticism while acknowledging the intriguing nature of the evidence presented.
   • Dillon’s initial curiosity about ancient aliens stemmed from his interest in Zecharia Sitchin’s work.
   • Rogan’s skepticism is rooted in his belief that humanity likely achieved a high level of civilization before being wiped out by a catastrophic event, requiring rebuilding.
   • Robert Schoch’s geological evidence supporting Graham Hancock’s theories is presented, suggesting the Sphinx’s age is much older than previously thought.
   • Gobekli Tepe, a 12,000-year-old structure, challenges mainstream narratives of early civilization and supports the idea of a lost advanced civilization.
2. Conspiracy Theories and Political Correctness: The discussion turns to the demonization of conspiracy theorists in the post-Trump era, questioning the oversimplification of complex political situations. Dillon argues that a perfect storm of factors, including political correctness fatigue and disillusionment with the political system, contributed to Trump’s election.
   • Dillon believes that conspiracy theories have become demonized due to their perceived association with Trump’s rise to power.
   • He argues that the demonization of conspiracy theorists is not a new phenomenon, but has intensified in recent years.
   • He suggests that the rise of social media and the internet has contributed to the spread of conspiracy theories, making it difficult to discern truth from fiction.
   • Dillon advocates for critical thinking and the examination of diverse perspectives, warning against blindly accepting narratives.
3. Trump’s Success and the Deep State: The conversation explores the nature of Trump’s political appeal, examining the disconnect between his policies and the public’s perception of him. Dillon suggests that Trump’s success is rooted in his ability to disrupt the established order and his rebellious persona, while acknowledging the significant role of the “deep state” in shaping policies.
   • Dillon believes that Trump’s success is partly due to his unconventional style and his willingness to defy norms.
   • He highlights the contrasting personalities of Trump and Hillary Clinton, suggesting that Trump’s entertaining persona captivated the public.
   • The discussion examines the concept of the “deep state” and its impact on government policies, suggesting that the permanent political class exerts significant influence.
   • Dillon posits that while Trump may be an unconventional figure, he is ultimately constrained by the established political structures and institutions.
4. The Absurdity of Government Agencies: Rogan and Dillon dive into the bewildering world of government agencies, questioning the purpose and effectiveness of organizations like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The discussion highlights the lack of transparency and accountability in these institutions, prompting skepticism and humor.
   • The discussion focuses on the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, questioning its mission and purpose.
   • Dillon and Rogan express their amusement at the agency’s motto and its seemingly vague functions.
   • The discussion touches upon the general lack of transparency and accountability in government agencies, highlighting their potential for waste and inefficiencies.
   • Dillon’s comedic perspective brings a sense of absurdity to the conversation, prompting further introspection about the nature of government power.
5. The Ethics of Comedy and Cancel Culture: Dillon and Rogan address the changing landscape of comedy and the rise of cancel culture, particularly in relation to Louis C.K.’s downfall. Dillon argues that cancel culture often leads to disingenuous critiques and careerism, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who selectively condemn artists.
   • The conversation centers on the controversy surrounding Louis C.K. and the rise of cancel culture, exploring the ethical implications of judging artists based on their personal conduct.
   • Dillon criticizes the hypocrisy of those who selectively condemn artists, highlighting the inconsistency in their moral outrage.
   • He suggests that cancel culture can create an environment where careerism and opportunism prevail, suppressing genuine creativity and artistic expression.
   • The discussion underscores the importance of separating an artist’s work from their personal behavior, advocating for a nuanced approach to criticism.
6. Trump’s Personality and the Power of Entertainment: Rogan and Dillon delve into Trump’s personality, exploring his seemingly boundless energy, his penchant for controversy, and his mastery of the media. The conversation highlights the role of entertainment in shaping political discourse and influencing public opinion.
   • Dillon and Rogan speculate about Trump’s energy levels, questioning his reliance on medication and his disregard for personal health.
   • The conversation examines Trump’s ability to captivate and infuriate the public through his provocative statements and actions.
   • Dillon highlights the role of entertainment in shaping political narratives, suggesting that Trump’s success is partly due to his ability to entertain.
   • The discussion raises concerns about the blurring lines between entertainment and politics, questioning the consequences of prioritizing spectacle over substance.
7. The Role of Wealth and Power in Shaping Society: Dillon and Rogan explore the impact of wealth and power on shaping society, discussing the influence of wealthy individuals and corporations on politics, the media, and the economy. The conversation highlights the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a select few, raising concerns about inequality and social justice.
   • The discussion delves into the influence of wealthy individuals and corporations in shaping political discourse and social policies.
   • Dillon and Rogan express their concerns about the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, highlighting the potential for corruption and undue influence.
   • The conversation examines the role of foreign investment in driving up real estate prices in major cities, contributing to economic inequality.
   • Dillon and Rogan raise questions about the ethical responsibilities of wealthy individuals and corporations, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and transparency.
8. The Paradox of Fame and Success: Dillon and Rogan explore the paradox of fame and success, particularly in the entertainment industry, where achieving recognition often comes at the cost of personal sacrifices and compromises. Dillon shares his own experiences with the challenges and pitfalls of a public career, highlighting the pressure to maintain a specific image and the potential for disillusionment.
   • Dillon shares his own experiences with the demands of a public career, revealing the challenges of managing fame and navigating the entertainment industry.
   • He discusses the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the potential for disillusionment with the pursuit of success.
   • The conversation highlights the inherent contradictions of a career driven by attention and validation, where authenticity can often be sacrificed for the sake of advancement.
   • Dillon’s perspective provides a candid look at the complexities of navigating a career in the public eye, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal integrity and authenticity.
9. Social Media’s Influence on Political Discourse: The conversation turns to the impact of social media on political discourse, particularly in the context of the outrage machine and the spread of misinformation. Dillon and Rogan discuss the rise of social media trolls and the potential for manipulation, highlighting the challenges of discerning truth from fiction in a hyper-connected world.
   • Dillon and Rogan explore the role of social media in shaping political discourse, highlighting its potential for both empowerment and manipulation.
   • They discuss the rise of social media trolls and the challenges of discerning truth from fiction in a hyper-connected world.
   • The conversation touches upon the potential for social media to amplify outrage and create echo chambers, contributing to polarization and division.
   • Dillon and Rogan emphasize the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating the complex world of online information.
10. The Dark Underbelly of the Entertainment Industry: Dillon and Rogan dive into the darker aspects of the entertainment industry, highlighting instances of sexual abuse, exploitation, and the manipulation of power dynamics. The conversation addresses the importance of accountability and the need to address these issues within the industry.
    • The conversation addresses the prevalence of sexual abuse and exploitation within the entertainment industry, particularly in relation to the case of Harvey Weinstein.
    • Dillon and Rogan express their disgust at the behavior of those in positions of power who exploit their influence.
    • The discussion emphasizes the importance of accountability and the need for systemic change to address these issues.
    • Dillon and Rogan acknowledge the complexities of power dynamics in the industry, urging for greater transparency and protection for vulnerable individuals.
11. The Influence of Social Media Trolls and Fake News: The podcast explores the phenomenon of social media trolls and the manipulation of online narratives through fake news and disinformation campaigns. Dillon and Rogan discuss the deliberate spread of misinformation and the challenges of combating its influence in a digital age.
    • The conversation focuses on the role of social media trolls and fake news in manipulating public opinion and spreading misinformation.
    • Dillon and Rogan discuss the deliberate use of disinformation campaigns to sow discord and undermine trust in institutions.
    • The discussion highlights the impact of these online manipulations on political discourse and social cohesion.
    • Dillon and Rogan emphasize the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating the complexities of online information.
12. The Role of the Catholic Church in Modern Society: Dillon and Rogan discuss the ongoing scandals involving the Catholic Church and its history of child abuse. Dillon, a former Catholic, shares his personal perspective on the hypocrisy and corruption within the institution, while Rogan reflects on the complexities of faith and the need for accountability.
    • Dillon and Rogan discuss the ongoing scandals involving the Catholic Church and its history of child abuse.
    • Dillon, a former Catholic, shares his personal perspective on the hypocrisy and corruption within the institution, questioning the Church’s authority and its moral claims.
    • The conversation touches upon the complexities of faith and the need for accountability within religious institutions.
    • Dillon and Rogan express their disgust at the Church’s continued cover-up of abuse, emphasizing the need for justice and transparency.
13. The Future of Political Discourse and Social Change: The podcast concludes with reflections on the future of political discourse and the potential for positive social change. Dillon and Rogan discuss the challenges of navigating an increasingly polarized and fragmented society, while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, open dialogue, and a commitment to justice.
    • Dillon and Rogan reflect on the challenges of navigating an increasingly polarized and fragmented society, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and a commitment to common ground.
    • They express their hope for a future where open communication and critical thinking prevail, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
    • The podcast concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to actively engage in social and political issues, while remaining critical of those in power and advocating for a more just and equitable society.

5 Memorable Quotes:

1. “The problem with anybody that is involved with like a book like this is that you’re so all in. You’re so committed to this idea.” – Dillon expresses skepticism towards those who become deeply invested in conspiracy theories.
2. “Trump was the guy that came out and just ripped. Yeah. He went out there with no material. He just went out there and ripped.” – Dillon compares Trump’s political style to that of a stand-up comedian who breaks all the rules.
3. “I just wanna know geospatial intelligences. Right. It’s probably something simple and now I’m gonna look like an idiot.” – Rogan’s humorous frustration with the seemingly vague and complex nature of government agencies.
4. “I think greatness is something you have to risk constantly to to get to that level. Yeah. So a lot of these people do very well. They make money. They’re they’re successful, but they are careerist and they’re looking for comfort.” – Dillon’s critique of those who prioritize career advancement over artistic integrity.
5. “The whole thing is the best. Weird. The entire thing is agents were, like, 22 years old. Yep. They’re like embryos, they’re so young, the agents. Yeah. Agents and managers for the most part, excluding mine who I love. But agents and managers, they’re rich kids. Who can’t do tack refinance? Let’s be a lot of them. These are quite a few. Let’s be honest. These are rich kids whose parents go, hey, Can you do something? Because I don’t wanna look at you anymore, and they’re not gonna get a job at Jollybee.” – Dillon’s humorous take on the demographic of agents and managers in the entertainment industry.

“`