JRE #1303 – Tommy Chong

This podcast features a conversation with Tommy Chong, a Canadian-American actor, writer, director, musician, cannabis rights activist, and comedian, known for his comedic work with Cheech Marin. This episode delves into various topics, ranging from his personal life and career to his views on cannabis, society, and the world at large. The conversation is peppered with humor, anecdotes, and insightful perspectives.

Podcast Topics:

1. Tommy Chong’s Longevity and Health:
   • Chong attributes his health and vitality to his active lifestyle and a regular tango dancing routine, claiming that “the fountain of youth is the pussy.”
   • He shares his experiences with prostate and rectal cancer, highlighting the importance of addressing health concerns and seeking professional medical advice.
   • Chong emphasizes the role of exercise and a healthy lifestyle in maintaining physical well-being.
   • He advocates for a holistic approach to health, incorporating physical activity, healthy eating habits, and a positive mindset.
2. The Art of Tango:
   • Chong’s passion for tango dancing shines through as he explains the history, technique, and intimacy of the dance.
   • He emphasizes the importance of connection and communication through dance, highlighting the role of subtle cues and nonverbal expression.
   • Chong credits tango dancing with improving his physical coordination and balance, even benefiting his golf game.
   • He contrasts his amateur tango skills with his wife’s expertise, highlighting the dedication and passion required to become a professional dancer.
3. The Power of Pauses in Comedy and Life:
   • Chong explores the significance of pauses in comedy, emphasizing their ability to build anticipation and engage the audience.
   • He connects this concept to the importance of timing and waiting in tango, highlighting the role of deliberate pauses in creating impactful moments.
   • He uses his own experiences on “Dancing with the Stars” as an example, revealing the intense training and preparation required for performance.
   • Chong’s discussion of pauses highlights the value of reflection, contemplation, and allowing space for thought in both artistic expression and everyday life.
4. Chong’s Experience with Cancer:
   • Chong shares his personal experience with cancer, detailing his diagnosis and treatment journey.
   • He questions the role of his decision to quit smoking cannabis during his “Dancing with the Stars” stint in contributing to his cancer.
   • He criticizes the delay in his diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive medical care.
   • Chong’s story raises questions about the potential impact of lifestyle choices and the importance of seeking second opinions from medical professionals.
5. The Tommy Chong Cannabis Case and its Impact:
   • Chong reflects on his arrest and subsequent imprisonment for selling cannabis paraphernalia, highlighting the injustice and absurdity of the situation.
   • He discusses the pressure his family faced during the trial and his inability to consume cannabis during his 9-month incarceration.
   • Chong’s case became a rallying point for cannabis legalization, making him an icon for the movement and highlighting the hypocrisy of the war on drugs.
   • His experience sheds light on the disproportionate impact of drug laws on individuals and communities, highlighting the need for criminal justice reform.
6. The Trump Presidency and Political Intrigue:
   • Chong offers his own perspective on the Trump presidency, expressing his belief that the FBI may have orchestrated Trump’s election to gain leverage over him.
   • He discusses Trump’s alleged ties to Russia and the possibility of financial impropriety, raising questions about foreign interference and the potential for corruption.
   • Chong analyzes Trump’s base of support, attributing it to fear and ignorance, and contrasting it with the values of those opposed to him.
   • He criticizes Trump’s policies and rhetoric, highlighting their potential to further divide society and undermine democratic principles.
7. The Dangers of Gun Culture and Paranoia:
   • Chong expresses his concern about gun culture in the United States, arguing that gun ownership is a sign of fear and paranoia.
   • He criticizes the idea of arming teachers, highlighting the potential for unintended consequences and the need for alternative solutions to school safety.
   • He uses the example of a man kicking a raccoon off his boat as a metaphor for the irrational fear that fuels gun violence, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding.
   • Chong’s discussion encourages a re-examination of gun laws and public safety policies, advocating for solutions that address the root causes of violence.
8. The Impact of Comedy on Society:
   • Chong discusses the role of comedy in reflecting and challenging societal norms, highlighting the evolution of humor from “reefer madness” to more progressive and inclusive representations of cannabis.
   • He credits his comedic work with Cheech Marin for popularizing cannabis culture and normalizing its use, influencing generations of viewers.
   • He criticizes the comedy establishment for their resistance to his brand of humor, highlighting the importance of challenging traditional norms and pushing boundaries in the arts.
   • Chong’s insights offer a reflection on the power of humor to shape perceptions, dismantle taboos, and promote social change.
9. The Legalization of Cannabis and its Impact:
   • Chong celebrates the progress made in cannabis legalization, highlighting the stark contrast between his arrest for selling paraphernalia and the current legal landscape.
   • He reflects on his legacy as a cannabis pioneer, acknowledging the price he paid for his activism and the positive impact it has had on the movement.
   • He emphasizes the importance of quality and purity in cannabis products, promoting his own “Chong’s Choice” brand as a standard of excellence.
   • Chong’s perspective offers a historical and personal reflection on the journey of cannabis legalization, highlighting the enduring struggle for social justice and personal freedom.
10. The Role of Art and Creation:
    • Chong advocates for the transformative power of art, highlighting its ability to inspire, create community, and provide a path to enlightenment.
    • He uses the pyramids as an example of functional art, showcasing its potential to generate employment, tourism, and a sense of collective purpose.
    • He challenges conventional views on the existence of extraterrestrial life, suggesting that aliens could be humans from other universes.
    • Chong’s perspective encourages a holistic view of the world, emphasizing the interconnectedness of creativity, spirituality, and social progress.
11. The Future of Artificial Intelligence:
    • Chong expresses his skepticism towards fears surrounding artificial intelligence, arguing that AI is inherently incapable of enslaving or harming humanity.
    • He believes that AI could actually help solve human-made problems like environmental destruction and social inequality, highlighting its potential to improve the world.
    • He compares AI to a tool like a hammer, capable of both building and destroying, emphasizing the importance of ethical development and responsible use.
    • Chong’s perspective encourages a more optimistic outlook on the future of AI, emphasizing its potential for positive change and the need for human collaboration.
12. The Importance of Spirituality and Self-Discovery:
    • Chong emphasizes the importance of spirituality and connecting with the divine, using the Bible as an example of a coded text that offers metaphysical insights.
    • He discusses the concept of eternity, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings and the cyclical nature of existence.
    • He emphasizes the value of solitude and introspection, encouraging listeners to use time alone for self-reflection and spiritual growth.
    • Chong’s perspective suggests that life is a journey of learning and that personal growth occurs through both external experiences and internal exploration.
13. The Reality of Prison Life:
    • Chong recounts his experience in prison, describing it as a religious retreat and a time for introspection and self-discovery.
    • He highlights the social aspects of prison life, emphasizing the importance of community and camaraderie among inmates.
    • He shares a poignant story of an inmate who tragically took his own life upon release, highlighting the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and societal pressures.
    • Chong’s experiences shed light on the complexities of the prison system, raising questions about rehabilitation, mental health support, and the broader societal implications of incarceration.
14. The Power of Intuition and Communication with the Spirit World:
    • Chong discusses the practice of “itching,” a form of divination using a book of coded messages, highlighting its potential for self-discovery and understanding.
    • He shares personal experiences with itching, emphasizing its ability to offer insights into the past, present, and future.
    • He connects itching to the concept of communication with the spirit world, suggesting that spirits can communicate through various mediums.
    • Chong’s perspective encourages an exploration of alternative modes of knowledge and understanding, embracing the possibility of communication beyond the physical realm.
15. The Joys and Challenges of Fame and Success:
    • Chong discusses the benefits and drawbacks of fame, highlighting the recognition and opportunities it provides while acknowledging the burdens and limitations.
    • He emphasizes the value of freedom and personal autonomy, preferring to have experiences rather than material possessions.
    • He shares his experiences with running nightclubs in Vancouver, highlighting the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
    • Chong’s reflections offer a balanced perspective on the pursuit of success, encouraging listeners to prioritize personal fulfillment and authentic connections.
16. The Genesis of Cheech and Chong’s Comedy:
    • Chong recounts the origins of his comedy partnership with Cheech Marin, tracing their journey from improvisational comedy clubs to mainstream success.
    • He describes the impact of their early work on the comedy landscape, highlighting their influence on other comedians like John Belushi.
    • He shares anecdotes about their early performances and the evolution of their comedic style, emphasizing the importance of improvisation and audience connection.
    • Chong’s story offers a glimpse into the creative process and the dynamic interplay of humor, improvisation, and cultural context.
17. The Importance of Authenticity and Staying True to Oneself:
    • Chong emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, regardless of societal pressures or expectations.
    • He highlights the role of personal experiences in shaping his comedic voice and the importance of finding humor in the unexpected.
    • He encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and celebrate the unique perspectives they bring to the world.
    • Chong’s message underscores the power of authenticity and the importance of living a life that aligns with one’s true self.

Memorable Quotes:

• “The fountain of youth is the pussy.”
• “The only reason Trump did it is because you’ll have put in so much money.”
• “If you have a gun and you think you need a gun for your house, for whatever. And if you think you have something that’s where someone else’s life, then you are ignorant.”
• “I always say that pot is like any other tool. It’s like a hammer. You could build a house with a hammer, or you could just hit yourself in the dick if you’re fucking crazy.”
• “Art is gonna save the world.”