JRE #1401 – Iliza Shlesinger

16-Dec-19

“`html

Joe Rogan Podcast Topics: #1401 – Iliza Shlesinger

This episode features comedian Iliza Shlesinger, known for her sharp wit and insightful observations on life, relationships, and the entertainment industry. It dives into a range of topics, from the unique culture of Los Angeles to the absurdities of the legal system and the challenges of navigating success in comedy.

1. The Unique Culture of Los Angeles

• The observation that many people in LA seem to exist in a nebulous age range, somewhere between 25 and 45, due to a lack of traditional responsibilities and a focus on self-expression.
• The prevalence of “unfunny” people who continue to exist in the periphery of the comedy world, often clinging to the myth of “the hang” while lacking real ambition or talent.
• The debate about whether comedy is a natural talent or a learnable skill, with Rogan and Shlesinger arguing that true comedic talent is innately present.
• The challenges of navigating the “walking dead of unfunny,” constantly encountering individuals who don’t possess the comedic ability to truly succeed.

2. Navigating Boundaries and Alpha Behavior

• The importance of setting boundaries and asserting oneself, as exemplified by Shlesinger’s firm stance against an intrusive fan at a comedy club.
• The vulnerability of women facing potentially dangerous situations, with Shlesinger highlighting the creepy and sometimes aggressive behavior men can exhibit.
• The concept of alpha behavior being defined by setting boundaries and being assertive without seeking to disempower or make others feel bad.
• The importance of recognizing and responding to personal discomfort and not dismissing it as “crying wolf,” even for confident individuals.

3. The Absurdity of the Legal System and Professional Plaintiffs

• Shlesinger’s personal experience being sued for two years by a professional plaintiff, Alfred Rava, who targeted her “Girls Night Inn” event at Largo.
• Rava’s history of suing organizations that offered events or opportunities exclusively for women, highlighting the use of the Unruh Act to exploit technicalities and target safe spaces.
• The disconnect between the letter of the law and common sense, questioning why a judge wouldn’t recognize the absurdity of Rava’s lawsuit.
• The financial burden and emotional toll of defending oneself against frivolous lawsuits, demonstrating the limitations of the legal system and the vulnerability of individuals facing such attacks.

4. The Importance of Having a Safe Space and the Concept of “Men’s Rights”

• The importance of creating and maintaining safe spaces for women, particularly in the face of harassment and potentially dangerous situations.
• Shlesinger’s critique of the “Men’s Rights” movement, comparing it to “White Lives Matter” and highlighting its tendency to be fueled by a desire for attention and a lack of self-awareness.
• The role of true masculinity and the absence of genuine male allies in supporting women facing unjust legal battles or harassment.
• The need for a conversation about men’s rights, acknowledging the potential for issues like unfair treatment in divorce, but emphasizing that avoiding marriage might be the best solution.

5. The Power and Reach of Comedy

• The universality of comedy, with Shlesinger sharing her experience encountering a fan who recognized her voice in Sweden.
• The impact of Netflix and other streaming services in expanding the global reach of comedy, allowing comedians to connect with audiences around the world.
• The power of comedy to validate the unique voice and experiences of individuals, making them feel seen, heard, and less alone.
• The importance of diverse voices and perspectives in comedy, allowing audiences to find comedians who resonate with their experiences and offer different perspectives on life.

6. The Comedy World: A Tight-Knit Community with a Dark Side

• The unique dynamics of the LA comedy scene, particularly at the Comedy Store, where a close-knit community fosters a distinct energy and camaraderie.
• The challenges of navigating the competitive and sometimes cutthroat nature of comedy, particularly for newer comics.
• The importance of mentorship and passing down knowledge and experience from established comics to newer generations, emphasizing the importance of integrity and respect.
• The lack of written rules or formal education in comedy, emphasizing the importance of experience, dedication, and personal development in mastering the craft.

7. The Importance of Dedication and Commitment in Comedy

• The necessity of a complete commitment to comedy, particularly in the early stages, requiring significant dedication of time, energy, and resources.
• The value of consistent practice and performance, emphasizing that “pretty regularly” is the key to building comedic skill and confidence.
• The distinction between writing as a hobby and writing as a craft, emphasizing the importance of taking it seriously to achieve meaningful results.
• The importance of finding a personal writing style and process that works best for each comedian, acknowledging that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

8. The Rise of Podcasts and their Impact on Comedy

• The growing influence of podcasts in shaping the comedy landscape, with Rogan’s podcast serving as a platform for showcasing comedians and amplifying their reach.
• The accessibility and affordability of podcasting as a platform for emerging comedians, offering an opportunity to build a following and share their work.
• The role of podcasts in creating a sense of community and attracting audiences to live comedy shows, making them a vital promotional tool.
• The challenge of standing out in the increasingly saturated podcasting landscape, emphasizing the need for unique content and a dedicated audience.

9. The Culture of “Calling Out” and the Need for Conversation

• Shlesinger’s critique of the tendency to “call out” individuals for perceived transgressions without engaging in open dialogue or seeking to understand different perspectives.
• The importance of fostering open and respectful conversation, even when disagreements exist, emphasizing the value of critical thinking and open-mindedness.
• The potential for “activism fatigue” and the need for strategic and thoughtful engagement in social and political issues, avoiding constant barrage of “calls to action.”
• The dangers of judging individuals based on isolated incidents or “snapshots” of their behavior, highlighting the importance of considering the whole person and their intentions.

10. The Dangers of Extremism and the Need for Nuance

• Shlesinger’s perspective on the dangers of extremism on both the far left and far right, emphasizing that both sides can be equally problematic in their pursuit of ideological purity.
• The importance of embracing nuance and recognizing that individuals may hold a mix of viewpoints and values, rather than fitting neatly into pre-defined categories.
• The dangers of vilifying individuals based on their political affiliations or views, emphasizing that open dialogue and understanding are crucial to progress.
• The distinction between holding strong beliefs and being a “shitty person,” highlighting that even those with good intentions can act in harmful ways if their approach is aggressive and intolerant.

11. The Importance of Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

• Shlesinger’s emphasis on self-reflection and self-awareness, encouraging listeners to examine their own biases and motivations when encountering others.
• The recognition that sometimes our negative reactions to others stem from our own insecurities and anxieties, highlighting the need to address these before projecting them onto others.
• The importance of not letting our competitive nature or jealousy undermine our ability to appreciate the successes of others, emphasizing the value of genuine support and encouragement.
• The potential for growth and self-improvement, emphasizing that we can all learn from our interactions with others and strive to be better versions of ourselves.

12. The Evolution of Feminism and the Need for Intersectionality

• Shlesinger’s experience being attacked for her feminist views, even though she emphasizes that her primary goal is equality for all.
• The historical weight of the word “feminist” and the need to move beyond simplistic definitions, embracing a broader and more nuanced understanding of gender equality.
• The importance of intersectionality, recognizing that individuals experience oppression based on multiple factors, including gender, race, class, and sexual orientation.
• The need to move beyond simplistic binaries and “us vs. them” mentality, recognizing the shared experiences of humanity and the potential for common ground.

13. The Dangers of Speaking for “All” and the Importance of Granularity

• The dangers of making generalizations about entire groups of people, highlighting the importance of considering individual perspectives and avoiding sweeping statements.
• Shlesinger’s critique of “sex podcasts” and the tendency to speak for “all women” or “all men,” emphasizing the need for nuance and an understanding of diverse experiences within those groups.
• The importance of granular thinking, recognizing that individuals are complex and diverse, rather than fitting neatly into pre-defined categories.
• The potential for harm when making generalizations, perpetuating stereotypes and dismissing the unique experiences of individuals.

14. The Social Stigma Surrounding Prostitution and the Need for Decriminalization

• Shlesinger’s humorous and thought-provoking argument for state-issued prostitution as a way to address societal issues and promote sexual liberation.
• The hypocrisy of a society that both condemns prostitution and profits from it, highlighting the disconnect between moral pronouncements and economic reality.
• The potential for harm caused by the criminalization of prostitution, including increased risk of violence, exploitation, and unsafe practices.
• The possibility of decriminalizing prostitution and regulating it similar to weed, arguing that it could lead to safer practices, improved working conditions, and a decrease in societal stigma.

15. The Influence of Drugs and the Need for Open Dialogue

• Shlesinger’s humorous perspective on the impact of drugs, highlighting the potential for both negative and positive effects.
• The need for open and honest conversations about drugs, acknowledging the harmful effects of certain substances but also recognizing the potential for personal growth and societal benefit.
• The dangers of stigmatizing drug use and criminalizing individuals who choose to use drugs recreationally, emphasizing that a more humane and evidence-based approach is needed.
• The potential for harm caused by the drug war, including violence, incarceration, and the spread of dangerous and unregulated substances.

16. The Importance of Environmental Awareness and Responsibility

• Shlesinger’s commitment to environmental responsibility, highlighted by her choice to drive a hybrid car and her advocacy for reducing plastic consumption.
• The dangers of plastic pollution and the need for individuals to make conscious choices to reduce their impact on the environment.
• The importance of considering the broader consequences of our actions, emphasizing that our individual choices have a collective impact on the planet.
• The need for systemic change and corporate accountability, acknowledging that individual efforts alone are not enough to solve the environmental crisis.

17. The Power of Individual Choice and the Pursuit of Happiness

• Shlesinger’s rejection of societal expectations and pressures to conform, emphasizing the importance of making choices that align with personal values and aspirations.
• The dangers of seeking validation through material possessions, particularly in a culture obsessed with status and success.
• The importance of finding joy and fulfillment in the simple things, recognizing that happiness is not solely dependent on external factors.
• The importance of personal responsibility and taking control of one’s life, rather than passively accepting societal dictates.

18. The Absurdity of Societal Norms and the Importance of Challenging Them

• Shlesinger’s humorous observations on seemingly insignificant social norms, such as the use of straws and the obsession with “hot” celebrities.
• The need to question societal expectations and assumptions, recognizing that many norms are arbitrary and often based on outdated and harmful ideas.
• The importance of embracing individuality and challenging conventional wisdom, encouraging listeners to think critically and question the status quo.
• The potential for humor to act as a catalyst for social change, challenging norms and sparking meaningful conversations.

19. The Power of Authenticity and the Importance of Staying True to Oneself

• Shlesinger’s advice to embrace authenticity and be true to oneself, even in the face of criticism and judgment.
• The dangers of conforming to societal expectations and the importance of finding one’s own path and pursuing one’s passions.
• The need to resist the temptation to be someone you’re not, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and celebrating individuality.
• The power of vulnerability and sharing one’s authentic self with the world, acknowledging that connection and empathy are built on shared experiences.

20. The Importance of Connection and Empathy

• Shlesinger’s emphasis on the importance of connection and empathy, highlighting the need to build bridges and understand different perspectives.
• The value of genuine relationships and the power of shared experiences to foster understanding and connection.
• The importance of recognizing the common humanity we share, despite our differences in background, beliefs, and experiences.
• The need to move beyond division and conflict, emphasizing the power of collaboration and mutual respect in creating a more just and compassionate world.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “It’s totally true. Right? Because they don’t have the responsibility of having to, like, shovel snow and prepare for the winter and get up and scrape your windshield because there’s ice on it. Or prepare for life.”
• “I don’t think there’s any respect for the idea that, like, sometimes you feel scared and it’s not like a cry wolf thing. Like, I’m a tough chick. I don’t walk around like afraid, but everyone’s in a while.”
• “I’m a total what you said, but you say that. If you say, I’m an ally. I’m an ally. You’ve seen anything I’m an entrepreneur? Not buying it. No. I vote tonight. It’s Missus Downfar.”
• “I think the the there’s obviously issues that women need more equality in in this country. I think the issue with the concept of being a masculineist or even the concept of being a feminist is that everyone automatically thinks. You care about that more than you care about genuine general humanity.”
• “I’m just saying, we waste a lot of these things. You got a yeti? That thing is awesome. Yeah. I have one. Pretty good. Can I have one of yours too? Fuck? Are you still gonna get a free one? No. A free one for you. 100%. It’s got my face on it. Yeah.”

“`