JRE #1331 – Alonzo Bodden

by

6-Aug-19






Joe Rogan Experience #1331 – Alonzo Bodden

Joe Rogan Experience #1331 – Alonzo Bodden

Alonzo Bodden, a seasoned stand-up comedian and winner of Last Comic Standing Season 3, joins Joe Rogan to discuss a range of topics. The conversation navigates through the realities of aging, the complexities of climate change, the burgeoning weed industry, the evolving landscape of comedy specials, the magic of jazz music, the perils of social media, and the allure of powerful cars. Dive into the nuances of these topics and the deep underlying themes explored in this engaging discussion.

Major Topics Discussed

  1. Alonzo’s New Comedy Special “Heavy Lightweight”

    1. Alonzo’s new special “Heavy Lightweight” premiers on Amazon Prime on August 23rd.
    2. He explores a mix of serious and lighthearted topics, offering a balanced comedic experience.
    3. His perspective on climate change reflects a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the potential impact but also acknowledging his own limited lifespan.
    4. The special incorporates themes of aging, humor, and social commentary, offering a relatable perspective on current issues.

  2. Climate Change and its Impact

    1. Alonzo and Joe discuss the realities of climate change, acknowledging the scientific evidence and potential consequences.
    2. The conversation delves into the debate surrounding the impact of increased CO2 levels on vegetation, highlighting the complexities of climate change.
    3. The urgency of climate change is emphasized, particularly for younger generations who will face its consequences more directly.
    4. The potential societal impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and altered weather patterns, are discussed.

  3. The Weed Industry and its Unforeseen Challenges

    1. The legalization of weed has created a new industry with challenges related to money laundering and banking regulations.
    2. Alonzo shares his experience renting to a weed dealer who struggled financially due to banking restrictions.
    3. The discussion highlights the security concerns for weed businesses, leading to the hiring of former military personnel to protect cash.
    4. The impact of legalization on Amsterdam’s tourism, particularly related to the ban on mushrooms, is examined.

  4. The Changing Landscape of Comedy Specials

    1. The rise of streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix has shifted the distribution and consumption of comedy specials.
    2. Alonzo’s perspective on the shift from cable networks to streaming services, emphasizing the broader reach and potential for greater visibility.
    3. The competition among platforms like Comedy Central, HBO, and Showtime for securing successful comedy specials is discussed.
    4. The role of promotion and marketing in driving success for comedy specials on streaming platforms is highlighted.

  5. The Evolution of Stand-up Comedy and its Virality

    1. The role of YouTube in catapulting comedians like Russell Peters to international fame is acknowledged.
    2. The discussion explores the unpredictable nature of viral content and the difficulty in predicting what will resonate with audiences.
    3. The challenges of creating viral content are discussed, highlighting the importance of finding a unique voice and connecting with audiences authentically.
    4. The impact of television on comedy, often resulting in censorship and limitations on creative expression, is examined.

  6. The Montreal Comedy Festival and its Cultural Impact

    1. Alonzo and Joe reminisce about their early experiences at the Montreal Comedy Festival, sharing stories of shared gigs and friendships.
    2. The festival’s evolution from a platform for development and discovery to a content-driven event, with increased focus on television filming, is discussed.
    3. The cultural significance of the festival as a gathering place for comedians, fostering camaraderie and networking opportunities, is acknowledged.
    4. The unique atmosphere of the festival, characterized by a more relaxed and less politically correct environment, is highlighted.

  7. The Power of Improvisation in Comedy and Music

    1. Alonzo shares his appreciation for the improvisational nature of jazz music, recognizing the artistry and skill of jazz musicians.
    2. The conversation explores the evolution of jazz, including the integration of hip-hop and other genres into its sound.
    3. The role of improvisation in both comedy and jazz is highlighted, emphasizing the spontaneity and creativity that defines these art forms.
    4. Alonzo’s perspective on how improvisation is seen as a compliment from jazz musicians, recognizing its origins in this musical genre.

  8. The Impact of Social Media on Public Discourse

    1. The conversation delves into the complexities of social media, examining its benefits and drawbacks.
    2. Alonzo shares his perspective on the rise of authoritarian behavior online, where individuals demand conformity and express outrage without understanding context.
    3. The tendency of social media algorithms to favor outrage, leading to echo chambers and limited exposure to diverse perspectives, is discussed.
    4. The importance of critical thinking and the need for a more nuanced and less reactive approach to online discourse is emphasized.

  9. The Importance of STEM Cell Therapy

    1. Alonzo and Joe discuss the benefits of stem cell therapy, highlighting its potential to regenerate tissue and reduce inflammation.
    2. The conversation explores the different types of stem cell treatments available, including exosomes and Wharton’s jelly.
    3. Alonzo shares his personal experience with stem cell therapy in the United States and Panama, highlighting the regulatory differences between the two countries.
    4. The potential of stem cell therapy for treating a range of medical conditions, including arthritis and neurological disorders, is emphasized.

  10. The Allure and Risks of Powerful Cars

    1. Alonzo and Joe share their love for powerful cars, discussing their experiences with various models, including the Ford Raptor and the Corvette.
    2. The conversation highlights the risks associated with driving powerful cars, particularly for younger drivers who may not fully understand their capabilities.
    3. The discussion delves into the technological advancements in cars, including features like GPS-guided suspension adjustments and electric powertrains.
    4. The allure of owning and driving high-performance cars is acknowledged, recognizing the passion and enjoyment they bring to enthusiasts.

  11. The Future of Music and Technology

    1. Alonzo and Joe discuss the evolution of music, from the era of vinyl records and cassette tapes to the digital age of streaming services.
    2. The conversation examines the challenges faced by the music industry in adapting to digital distribution and the changing consumption patterns of music listeners.
    3. The influence of technology on music creation, including the use of sampling and electronic instruments, is explored.
    4. The discussion touches upon the standardization of charging technology for electric cars and bikes, emphasizing the need for interoperability across brands.

  12. The Importance of Comedy Clubs and their Cultural Impact

    1. Alonzo and Joe discuss the importance of comedy clubs as nurturing grounds for comedians, providing a space for honing their craft and developing their material.
    2. The conversation highlights the role of comedy clubs in fostering a sense of community among comedians, creating a shared space for support and collaboration.
    3. The unique atmosphere of iconic clubs like the Comedy Store and the Ice House, known for their supportive and encouraging environment, is discussed.
    4. The cultural significance of comedy clubs as gathering places for audiences and performers alike, providing a platform for laughter and shared experiences, is emphasized.

  13. The Impact of Technology on Privacy and Surveillance

    1. The conversation explores the erosion of privacy in the digital age, highlighting the ubiquitous nature of surveillance and data collection.
    2. Alonzo and Joe discuss the presence of black boxes in cars, enabling authorities to track speed and driving behavior, raising concerns about potential misuse.
    3. The increasing use of electronic license plates with real-time status updates raises questions about privacy and the potential for abuse.
    4. The complexities of balancing security and privacy in a world of advanced technology are examined, prompting reflection on the implications of these advancements.

  14. The Role of Influence and Responsibility in Public Discourse

    1. The conversation delves into the responsibility of influential figures, particularly politicians and public figures, to use their platforms thoughtfully and ethically.
    2. Alonzo shares his perspective on the need for nuanced communication and the importance of considering the potential impact of words and actions.
    3. The discussion highlights the dangers of social media echo chambers, where individuals may be exposed only to information that confirms their existing beliefs.
    4. The potential for influential figures to incite negative behavior, particularly in the context of divisive political issues, is acknowledged.

5 Memorable Quotes

  1. “I’m a black man, 57. I got what, like 10 years left. I don’t give a shit. You know what I’m saying? Like, statistically, God bless you millennials. I wish you luck. I had a good run.”
  2. “You gotta go to a different doctor, man. You can you can fix a lot of those problems with stem cells. A lot of those problems. Yeah. It regenerates tissue, reduces inflammation, does a lot of amazing stuff.”
  3. “I think Alexa is more of a spy. That bitch is sneaky. She’s she’s listening more. Alexa is listening all the time. Siri, you have to talk to her.”
  4. “The past 48 hours, USA horrifically lost 34 people to mass shootings. On average, across 48 hours, we also lose 500 to medical errors, 300 to the flu. 250 to suicide, 200 car accidents, 40 to homicides via handgun. Often our emotions respond more to spectacle than to data.”
  5. “If you’re gonna be upset if I’m gonna be upset at a scientist for giving me scientific data, What do I want? Yeah. I guess the timing was the issue. The timing was the issue. It wasn’t an issue with me. I mean, I get what he’s doing. I’m not a moron though.”