JRE #1346 – Zuby

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Zuby, an independent rapper, creative entrepreneur, speaker, and podcast host. The conversation touches on a wide range of topics, including Zuby’s unique cultural background, the absurdity of contemporary gender ideology, the prevalence of Nigerian scammers, the phenomenon of mega churches, and the impact of social media on modern society.

Major Topics

Here’s a breakdown of the major topics covered in the podcast:

1. Zuby’s Unique Cultural Background

• Zuby shares his diverse cultural upbringing, having been born in England, raised in Saudi Arabia, and with family roots in Nigeria.
• He discusses his experiences growing up in an expat community in Saudi Arabia and the contrasts between the Western and Saudi Arabian cultures.
• Zuby’s exposure to these vastly different cultures has given him a unique perspective on the world and its complexities.
• He highlights the stark differences in cultural norms, laws, and societal structures, particularly when it comes to gender roles and religious practices.

2. The Nigerian Scammer Phenomenon

• Joe and Zuby discuss the infamous Nigerian scammers, exploring their cleverness and audacity in pulling off elaborate cons.
• The conversation centers around a particularly remarkable scam involving a non-existent airport, sold for an astronomical sum of money in the 1990s.
• They ponder the reasons behind Nigeria’s seeming dominance in the world of scams, attributing it to resource scarcity and a sharp entrepreneurial spirit.
• The discussion also touches on the darker side of scams, highlighting the emotional toll they can take on their victims, especially when it comes to romance scams.

3. The Rise of Mega Churches and the Prosperity Gospel

• Joe and Zuby delve into the phenomenon of mega churches in the United States, specifically focusing on the exploitative nature of the prosperity gospel.
• They discuss the astronomical sums of money generated by these churches, the luxurious lifestyles of their pastors, and the troubling practice of using religion for financial gain.
• The conversation centers around the ethical implications of using the power of faith for personal enrichment, questioning the morality of those who exploit their followers’ belief systems.
• They explore the susceptibility of certain individuals to this type of manipulation and the dangers of falling prey to charlatans who use religious rhetoric to control and exploit.

4. Social Media and Its Impact on Society

• Joe and Zuby discuss the pervasive influence of social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, highlighting both their potential and their pitfalls.
• The conversation touches on the issue of censorship, focusing on the selective deplatforming of individuals with certain political views and the seeming double standards employed by social media companies.
• They discuss the dangers of online echo chambers, emphasizing the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives and the harm caused by tribalistic thinking.
• They delve into the negative psychological effects of social media, including increased depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, particularly among younger generations.

5. The Absurdity of Contemporary Gender Ideology

• Zuby recounts his experience with the backlash he received for identifying as a woman for a brief period while competing in powerlifting.
• The conversation explores the growing trend of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports and the scientific and ethical implications of this phenomenon.
• Joe and Zuby discuss the US Powerlifting Federation’s decision to ban transgender women from competing against cisgender women, highlighting the debate surrounding inclusivity and fairness in sports.
• The conversation touches on the broader ideological battles surrounding gender identity, questioning the validity of contemporary gender ideology and its impact on society.

6. The Role of Politics in Modern Society

• Joe and Zuby discuss the highly polarized state of modern politics, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
• They explore the growing trend of political tribalism and the use of derogatory labels, such as “racist,” “Nazi,” and “transphobe,” to silence opposing viewpoints.
• They examine the impact of these divisive tactics on discourse and the erosion of civil dialogue.
• They emphasize the importance of finding common ground and fostering empathy in a world increasingly defined by political and ideological divisions.

7. The Future of Science and Technology

• Joe and Zuby ponder the potential and ethical implications of rapidly advancing technologies like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.
• They discuss the prospect of creating “superhuman” athletes through genetic modifications and the potential for a new era of eugenics.
• The conversation touches on the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the need for responsible ethical guidelines.
• They also discuss the potential for technological advancements to positively impact society, but also caution against the potential for unintended consequences.

8. The Importance of Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

• Joe and Zuby discuss the importance of self-improvement and the pursuit of personal growth, emphasizing the potential that lies within each individual.
• They draw inspiration from individuals like David Goggins and Jordan Peterson, who advocate for pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.
• The conversation encourages listeners to identify their own potential and strive for self-improvement, regardless of their starting point.
• They emphasize the importance of humility and the recognition that everyone has something to offer and learn from one another.

Memorable Quotes

• “If there are [problems in Saudi Arabia], then you don’t really see them.”
• “I think if you’re not as progressive as seemingly possible, you’re alright.”
• “It’s more ideologically driven than I think it is actual inclusion driven.”
• “It’s one thing ripping people off or doing some kind of scam or deception or something. It’s another one using the power of religion to do so.”
• “I think we’re just right now in the middle of sort of the biggest experiment amongst humankind that’s ever taken place, and we’re all getting pigs in it.”