JRE #1407 – Michael Malice

7-Jan-20

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This podcast features Michael Malice, an author and podcaster known for his contrarian views, discussing a range of provocative topics with Joe Rogan. They delve into the nature of reality, explore the depths of human behavior, challenge conventional wisdom, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about politics, culture, and society. Underlying themes examine the complexities of human nature, the power of skepticism, and the importance of critical thinking in a world saturated with information.

Major Topics

The Strangeness of Nature:

• Joe and Michael discuss the fascinating, bizarre, and often grotesque aspects of nature, highlighting the unexpected ways in which organisms interact and adapt.
• The discussion features examples like the tarantula hawk wasp, the parasitic Rafflesia flower, and the deceiving White Sloane plant that emits a foul odor to attract flies.
• They touch on the prevalence of parasitism in the natural world, suggesting that it is a more efficient survival strategy than predation.
• The conversation highlights the constant discovery of new and strange creatures in the deep sea, emphasizing the immense diversity and mystery of the natural world.

The Animal Kingdom:

• Joe and Michael explore the brutal and often fascinating aspects of animal behavior, including sexual predation, infanticide, and the complex mating rituals of various species.
• They discuss the intelligence of octopuses, highlighting their ability to solve problems, use tools, and even escape captivity.
• The conversation delves into the unique behavior of koalas, including their unusual brain-to-body ratio and their violent mating practices.
• They explore the intriguing question of whether animals engage in sexual activity for pleasure, focusing on primates like bonobos and dolphins, and raising questions about the evolutionary reasons behind these behaviors.

Climate Change and the “Woke” Culture:

• The conversation centers on the controversial figure of Greta Thunberg, a young environmental activist, raising questions about her methods and the broader climate change debate.
• They discuss the role of social media in amplifying and shaping public discourse, focusing on the prevalence of “woke” culture and the potential for manufactured outrage and misinformation.
• Joe and Michael debate the validity of “woke” activism, highlighting the potential for hypocrisy and the dangers of promoting identity politics over practical solutions.
• The conversation touches on the complexities of addressing climate change, acknowledging the role of both human activity and natural cycles, and exploring alternative perspectives beyond the mainstream narrative.

The Perils of Child Abuse:

• Joe and Michael engage in a somber discussion about the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and support for victims.
• They discuss the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the challenges victims face in coming forward, highlighting the societal stigma and fear of judgment.
• They raise concerns about the normalization of pedophilia as a sexual orientation, arguing that it is a harmful and dangerous concept that should not be accepted.
• The conversation underscores the importance of fostering a culture of awareness and accountability, ensuring that victims have a safe space to speak out and that perpetrators are held responsible for their actions.

The Art World and the “Hustle”:

• Joe and Michael critique the often absurd and pretentious nature of the art world, challenging the perceived value of contemporary art and questioning the motives behind its inflated prices.
• They discuss the phenomenon of “art as an investment,” highlighting the potential for tax evasion and the role of wealthy individuals in shaping the market.
• The conversation touches on the importance of personal connection and genuine appreciation in art, suggesting that true value lies in the emotional impact and artistic merit of a piece rather than its monetary worth.
• They explore the power of branding and marketing in the art world, highlighting the ways in which certain artists and pieces gain prominence through social media and cultural trends.

The Internet Research Agency and Propaganda:

• Joe and Michael discuss the Russian Internet Research Agency (IRA), a state-funded organization responsible for spreading misinformation and influencing public discourse online.
• They explore the IRA’s tactics, including the creation of fake social media accounts, the dissemination of divisive content, and the manipulation of public opinion.
• They discuss the potential for the IRA and similar organizations to undermine democratic institutions and sow discord within societies.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in navigating a complex and often manipulated online world.

The Epstein Case and Conspiracy Theories:

• Joe and Michael discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in prison under suspicious circumstances.
• They delve into the numerous conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s death, including the possibility of murder and the potential for a larger cover-up.
• They explore the implications of Epstein’s alleged connections to powerful individuals, including politicians, celebrities, and other prominent figures, raising questions about the extent of his network and the potential for further investigations.
• The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating a world where truth and falsehood can be difficult to discern, emphasizing the need for skepticism and critical analysis.

The Nature of Power:

• Joe and Michael explore the dark side of power, highlighting the ways in which individuals in positions of authority can abuse their influence and engage in immoral or illegal behavior.
• They discuss the phenomenon of “moral hypocrisy,” where individuals publicly espouse values they do not personally adhere to.
• The conversation touches on the ways in which institutions like the government, corporations, and even the media can be corrupted by power, leading to a loss of trust and accountability.
• They emphasize the need for individuals to be vigilant and critical of those in power, holding them accountable for their actions and resisting the temptation to blindly follow authority.

The Future of Humanity:

• Joe and Michael discuss the potential for artificial intelligence to surpass human intelligence, raising concerns about the future of humanity and the possibility of technological singularity.
• They explore the ethical implications of advanced technologies, including the use of drones in warfare and the potential for mass surveillance.
• They discuss the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States, Russia, China, and other nations, highlighting the potential for conflict and the need for diplomacy.
• The conversation concludes with a sense of both hope and trepidation for the future, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities facing humanity in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Memorable Quotes

• “Nature is, I mean, I could go down this rabbit hole for hours.” – Joe Rogan expresses his fascination with the strange and unexpected aspects of the natural world.
• “It’s a weird thing to be a person, my friend.” – Joe Rogan reflects on the unique and often confusing experience of being human.
• “Weather is when it contradicts your bullshit. Climate is when it supports your bullshit.” – Michael Malice offers a humorous and insightful definition of the difference between weather and climate.
• “We should kill pedophiles.” – Joe Rogan’s blunt statement underscores the intense societal disgust and anger towards child abuse.
• “These people are merchants of doubt. Like, their job is to go on these talk shows and talk over people.” – Joe Rogan exposes the tactics used by those who deliberately spread misinformation and sow confusion about important issues.

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