JRE #1271 – Billy Corben

25-Mar-19

This podcast dives into the world of Billy Corben, a documentary filmmaker known for his captivating and often outrageous tales, particularly those set in Miami. Provocative topics include the steroid scandal involving Alex Rodriguez, the unique culture of Miami, the dangers of unchecked corruption, and the controversial world of Scientology. Underlying themes explore the absurdity of human behavior, the impact of cultural influences, and the complexities of truth and deception.

Major Topics

1. The Steroid Scandal and “Screwball” Documentary:

• Billy Corben’s latest documentary, “Screwball,” examines the steroid scandal involving Alex Rodriguez, revealing the story’s true mastermind, Tony Bosch, a “fake doctor” with a penchant for cocaine and a shady operation.
• The film utilizes an unconventional and humorous approach by casting children as the key players in the scandal, adding a layer of absurdity to the story.
• The documentary highlights the central role of Miami’s culture in fueling the scandal, showcasing the city’s unique blend of wealth, ambition, and illicit activity.
• “Screwball” serves as a cautionary tale, exposing the dangers of shortcuts and the potential for devastating consequences when unchecked ambition and greed take hold.

2. Miami’s Distinctive Culture and “Florida Fuckery”:

• Miami’s unique cultural melting pot, combined with its proximity to South America and the Caribbean, attracts a diverse cast of characters, often with criminal backgrounds.
• The city’s reputation for “Florida Fuckery” stems from a pervasive culture of scams, schemes, and a constant search for a quick buck, often fueled by the allure of wealth and sunshine.
• The podcast explores the enduring presence of cocaine culture in Miami, highlighting the city’s chaotic and unpredictable nature.
• Corben emphasizes that Miami’s current state, with its focus on real estate, money laundering, and political corruption, is a harbinger of the challenges facing America as a whole.

3. The Dangers of Unchecked Corruption and Impunity:

• The podcast delves into the pervasive nature of corruption in Miami, highlighting a long-standing pattern of unchecked wrongdoing, particularly in the areas of Medicare fraud and public corruption.
• The state attorney, Kathy, is identified as a significant contributor to this environment of impunity, having not prosecuted a single police officer for non-duty killings in her 26-year tenure, despite a significant increase in such incidents.
• The podcast argues that this lack of accountability fosters a culture of cynicism and fear, further eroding trust in law enforcement and contributing to Miami’s chaotic nature.
• The podcasts suggests that Miami’s situation is a stark warning about the potential consequences of ignoring or tolerating corruption, with implications for the broader political and social fabric of America.

4. The Allure and Danger of Belief Systems and Indoctrination:

• The conversation touches on the powerful allure of belief systems, including those found in Scientology and various religious denominations, explaining how people can be drawn in by the promises of community, purpose, and answers to life’s mysteries.
• Corben highlights the dangers of rigid belief systems and the potential for indoctrination, where critical thinking and independent thought are discouraged.
• The podcast explores the complexities of deprogramming, the process of breaking free from a controlling ideology, and the challenges associated with confronting a powerful institution.
• The discussion suggests that a healthy skepticism and a willingness to challenge established narratives are crucial in navigating the complex and often manipulative world of belief systems.

5. The Morality of Shortcuts and the Pursuit of Success:

• The steroid scandal in baseball serves as a case study of the dangers of taking shortcuts in pursuit of success, highlighting the potential for both individual and collective harm.
• The podcast explores the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, arguing that the pressure to achieve at any cost creates a culture of cheating and deception.
• Corben discusses the impact of this culture on young athletes, who are often bombarded with messages promoting shortcuts and disregarding the importance of hard work, integrity, and fair play.
• The podcast raises questions about the ethical implications of these practices, arguing that the pursuit of success should not come at the expense of individual well-being or the integrity of competition.

6. The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception:

• The conversation touches on the influence of media in shaping public perception, particularly in relation to the steroid scandal and Alex Rodriguez’s public image.
• The podcast highlights how Rodriguez utilized media strategies, including public pronouncements and orchestrated meetings with filmmakers, to shape his narrative and manage his public image.
• Corben questions the effectiveness of these strategies, suggesting that despite Rodriguez’s efforts, his reputation remains tarnished in the eyes of many, underscoring the difficulty of regaining public trust after a scandal.
• The podcast suggests that media plays a significant role in shaping the narratives surrounding public figures, highlighting the need for critical evaluation of media portrayals and the potential for manipulation.

7. The Enduring Appeal of Miami’s Scandalous Nature:

• The podcast delves into the enduring fascination with Miami’s scandalous history, showcasing how the city’s unique cultural blend and its history of crime, drugs, and corruption continue to captivate audiences.
• The conversation highlights the success of Corben’s documentaries, particularly “Cocaine Cowboys,” which tap into this fascination with Miami’s gritty underbelly, revealing a powerful and enduring audience interest in these stories.
• The podcast explores the appeal of the “Florida Fuckery” narrative, suggesting that it provides a sense of both amusement and caution, offering a glimpse into the darker side of American culture.
• The conversation emphasizes that Miami’s scandalous nature is not just a matter of entertainment but also reflects a broader societal issue, prompting reflection on the factors contributing to this culture of excess and the consequences it can have on individuals and communities.

Memorable Quotes:

• “We sell the dream. We sell the sunshine. You know, it’s lies that came true.” – Corben captures the essence of Miami’s culture, highlighting its focus on selling a glamorous image while often obscuring the realities of life beneath the surface.
• “Miami is America’s Casablanca.” – This evocative comparison captures Miami’s unique appeal as a haven for those seeking a fresh start, often with a murky past, highlighting the city’s role as a melting pot of ambition, reinvention, and hidden agendas.
• “Florida elected, and in fact reelected, Rick Scott to be governor. He is the biggest Medicare fraudster in the history of the United States.” – Corben highlights the troubling reality of widespread corruption, even at the highest levels of government, underscoring the dangers of unchecked ambition and the erosion of trust in institutions.
• “You gotta let dummies get fleeced.” – Corben presents a provocative perspective on the role of ignorance in society, suggesting that while it can be frustrating, it also provides opportunities for learning and understanding the consequences of making poor choices.
• “The new American values are lie, cheat, and steal, and get rich or get ahead.” – This powerful statement encapsulates Corben’s concerns about the erosion of ethical values in modern society, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing success at any cost and the potential for long-term consequences.