JRE #1310 – Sober October 2019 Preview

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4-Jun-19






Joe Rogan Podcast #1310 – Sober October 2019 Preview

This podcast features Joe Rogan, Ari Shaffir, Tom Segura, and Bert Kreischer, discussing the Sober October challenge. They explore their individual experiences, challenges, and humorous anecdotes, touching on themes of personal growth, self-discipline, addiction, and navigating the complexities of fame and comedy.

Major Topics:

  1. Sober October Challenge: This year’s Sober October is explored, with the group contemplating the challenges and potential benefits of abstaining from alcohol for the month.
    • Joe Rogan’s past struggles with dehydration while attempting sobriety.
    • The potential for heightened self-awareness and introspection.
    • The difficulty of maintaining sobriety within the demanding world of comedy touring.
    • The group’s shared experience of intense physical discomfort during last year’s challenge.
  2. The Ups and Downs of Comedy Success: The podcast dives into the group’s individual journeys in comedy, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and insights gained along the way.
    • Tom Segura’s rapid rise to success, with Rogan acknowledging his fast progress.
    • The challenges of navigating fame and maintaining a work-life balance.
    • The importance of mentors and support systems in the comedy world.
    • The transformative power of taking chances and pushing boundaries.
  3. The Wild World of Travel: Rogan’s past experiences on the Travel Channel are discussed, highlighting the allure and drawbacks of a seemingly glamorous job.
    • The unique challenges of traveling constantly, both physically and mentally.
    • The potential for burnout and feeling trapped despite the exciting opportunities.
    • Rogan’s personal journey away from stand-up and back again, reflecting on his career path.
    • The impact of travel on personal relationships and lifestyle choices.
  4. Morning Television: The group unanimously condemns the “lowest rung” of show business, highlighting the awkwardness and inauthenticity of morning television.
    • Tom Segura’s hilarious DJ Dad Mouthe character, designed to disrupt the typical morning show format.
    • The inherent absurdity of performing for a largely unengaged audience.
    • The power dynamics between comics and morning show producers, showcasing limitations and control.
    • The shared experience of being subjected to forced interactions and unwanted interventions.
  5. The Impact of Drugs and Alcohol: The conversation touches on the impact of substances on their lives, both personally and professionally.
    • Joe Rogan’s concerns about cocaine’s potential for violence and its role in facilitating sexual encounters.
    • The use of cocaine as a performance enhancer, leading to a distorted perspective of reality.
    • The cyclical nature of addiction, where substance use can lead to a vicious cycle of dependence and withdrawal.
    • The group’s shared experiences of the negative consequences of substance abuse.
  6. The “Fat-Shaming” Debate: Rogan’s past experiences with weight-shaming are discussed, with a nuanced discussion of its ethical implications and the complexities of body image.
    • The double-edged sword of public scrutiny, where comedians are both admired and criticized for their appearance.
    • The impact of societal pressures on body image, particularly for public figures.
    • The challenge of navigating personal health concerns within a culture of body shaming.
    • The group’s collective awareness of the need for sensitivity and understanding when discussing body image.
  7. The Legacy of Tom Green: The podcast reminisces about Tom Green’s iconic career, exploring his impact on the comedy landscape and the evolution of online content.
    • Tom Green’s early forays into online content creation, predating the mainstream rise of YouTube.
    • His influence on Rogan’s own desire to create online content, specifically his podcast.
    • Green’s transition from shocking humor to more serious ventures.
    • The lasting impact of his unique brand of comedy and his pioneering work in online entertainment.
  8. Howard Stern’s Influence: The podcast delves into the impact of Howard Stern on the world of radio, exploring his impact on the medium and his bold approach to content.
    • Stern’s role in revitalizing SiriusXM radio, attracting a massive audience and driving subscriptions.
    • His bold and controversial approach to content, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
    • His influence on the podcasting landscape, paving the way for more unconventional and free-flowing conversations.
    • The group’s shared admiration for Stern’s business acumen and his ability to create a unique and successful platform.
  9. The Transformation of Times Square: The group reminisces about Times Square’s past, highlighting its evolution from a seedy and dangerous place to a heavily commercialized and tourist-focused area.
    • The nostalgic view of Times Square’s past, with its grittier and more authentic character.
    • The impact of gentrification and commercialization on the city’s landscape.
    • The loss of some of the unique elements that once made New York City distinct.
    • The group’s shared sense of loss for the city’s previous character and its transformation into a more sterile environment.
  10. The Reality of Homelessness: The podcast touches on the reality of homelessness in New York City, highlighting the challenges and struggles faced by those living on the streets.
    • The raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of homelessness.
    • The unique challenges of navigating street culture and survival.
    • The impact of societal attitudes towards homelessness.
    • The group’s shared experience of encountering homelessness in their own lives.
  11. The Dangers of “Virtue Signaling”: The group discusses the trend of “virtue signaling” in the comedy world, exploring the complexities of social activism and the potential for performative behavior.
    • The growing trend of comedians publicly voicing opinions on social issues, sometimes perceived as performative.
    • The potential for using social activism to advance careers and garner attention.
    • The importance of authenticity and sincerity when engaging in social activism.
    • The group’s shared experience of witnessing and navigating these trends within the comedy industry.
  12. The Controversial Figure of Milo Yiannopoulos: The podcast discusses Milo Yiannopoulos, exploring his controversial views, his impact on free speech debates, and the complexities of cancel culture.
    • Yiannopoulos’s provocative and often offensive rhetoric, designed to challenge mainstream ideologies.
    • The debate surrounding free speech and the boundaries of acceptable expression.
    • The impact of cancel culture on public figures and the complexities of balancing free speech with social responsibility.
    • The group’s varied perspectives on Yiannopoulos’s views and the challenges of engaging with controversial figures.
  13. The Importance of Mental Health: The podcast highlights the growing awareness of mental health issues, particularly in the context of the comedy industry, and explores the challenges of prioritizing mental wellbeing.
    • The pressure and stress faced by comedians, often leading to burnout and mental health challenges.
    • The importance of seeking support and addressing mental health concerns.
    • The group’s shared experiences of the complexities of mental health in their own lives and careers.
    • The normalization of discussing mental health and breaking down stigmas.
  14. The Power of Online Content: The podcast discusses the impact of online content, specifically podcasts and YouTube, on the entertainment landscape and the evolution of media consumption.
    • The rise of podcasting as a primary source of entertainment and information.
    • The accessibility and diverse nature of online content, catering to a wide range of interests.
    • The influence of online platforms on shaping public opinion and cultural discourse.
    • The group’s shared experiences of navigating the ever-changing world of online content creation and consumption.
  15. The Importance of Physical Fitness: The conversation explores the importance of physical fitness, highlighting the benefits of exercise and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
    • The group’s shared experiences with intense workout regimens, both during Sober October and in their personal lives.
    • The transformative impact of exercise on physical and mental health.
    • The challenges of staying motivated and finding the time for consistent exercise.
    • The group’s shared appreciation for the importance of physical fitness and their desire to promote a healthy lifestyle.
  16. The Ethics of “Secret Shoppers”: The group discusses the use of “secret shoppers” in comedy clubs, exploring the ethical implications of this practice and its impact on performers.
    • The use of secret shoppers to assess the quality of a comedian’s performance.
    • The potential for unfair and subjective evaluations.
    • The pressure it places on comedians to constantly perform at a high level.
    • The group’s shared frustration with the use of secret shoppers in the comedy industry.
  17. The Power of Storytelling: The podcast highlights the transformative power of storytelling, emphasizing its ability to connect with audiences, evoke emotions, and share experiences.
    • The group’s shared passion for storytelling and their appreciation for its ability to connect with people.
    • The importance of using humor to explore challenging and sensitive topics.
    • The impact of personal stories on shaping public perception and understanding.
    • The group’s shared commitment to using storytelling to entertain, inform, and inspire their audiences.
  18. The Role of Comedy in Society: The podcast delves into the role of comedy in society, exploring its power to challenge norms, provoke laughter, and foster critical thinking.
    • The unique ability of comedy to tackle sensitive and controversial topics in a humorous and relatable way.
    • The importance of humor in navigating the complexities of modern society.
    • The group’s shared belief in the power of comedy to promote dialogue, challenge assumptions, and inspire change.
    • Their commitment to using their platform to explore important social and cultural issues through the lens of humor.
  19. The Challenges of Navigating Fame: The podcast reflects on the challenges of navigating fame, exploring the complexities of maintaining personal relationships, managing public scrutiny, and protecting one’s privacy.
    • The intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with public recognition.
    • The challenges of balancing career ambitions with personal life.
    • The importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and protecting privacy.
    • The group’s shared experiences of navigating the complexities of fame and its impact on their lives.

Memorable Quotes

  • “You don’t want ice? Why don’t I try it without a person? You’re crazy.” – Joe Rogan’s humorous response to a suggestion about Sober October.
  • “Dude, like, I get texts from you guys and panic sits in my heart, and I go, ‘Wait, what is my wife?’ She gets it. She thinks I’m crazy.” – Joe Rogan’s relatable struggles with sobriety and its impact on his personal relationships.
  • “I moved, and I just set his wives. So you’re the only one who didn’t… they got ruined the home life.” – Joe Rogan’s humorous take on the negative impact of Sober October on relationships.
  • “I tried shitting on the last night when it’s a Cleveland. It was the normal. That’s why I don’t really ship still fine.” – Bert Kreischer’s hilariously candid anecdote about his experiences with morning television.
  • “I’m gonna be like, ‘I’ve made you this one. It gives you a rock. It gives you a sense of it.’ I’m gonna shoot some hot ones into you. I love you so much. I got my dick fixed.” – Ari Shaffir’s bizarre and hilarious anecdote about a potential gift for his wife, showcasing his unique comedic style.