JRE #1438 – Andrew Santino

This podcast features comedian Andrew Santino, known for his stand-up and roles in shows like “Dave.” Joe Rogan and Santino delve into a wide range of topics, showcasing their comedic chemistry and shared interests. They discuss everything from politics and social issues to personal experiences and observations about the world.

Here are some of the major topics explored in the podcast:

• Gun Culture and Bernie Sanders: Rogan and Santino discuss the Second Amendment and Bernie Sanders’ apparent contradiction in being pro-gun control despite his close relationship with Killer Mike, who is a strong supporter of gun ownership. They highlight the complexity of gun control discussions and the political nuances involved.
• The “Sleepy Joe” Phenomenon: Rogan and Santino comment on the “Sleepy Joe” nickname that Trump uses to attack Biden, recognizing its comedic potential. They discuss Biden’s age, potential cognitive decline, and his performance on the campaign trail.
• The OxyContin Epidemic and the Pharmacist Documentary: They explore the documentary “The Pharmacist,” which investigates the distribution of OxyContin and its devastating impact on the East Coast, particularly in New Orleans. They discuss the role of Purdue Pharma, corrupt doctors, and the government’s complicity in the opioid crisis.
• Redheads and Pain Tolerance: Santino shares his experiences with medication and reveals the scientific research suggesting that redheads have a higher tolerance for pain. They discuss the MC1R gene and its association with both red hair and higher pain thresholds, leading to humorous reflections on the cultural perception of redheads.
• The Advantage of Being Handsome: Rogan and Santino discuss how physical attractiveness can lead to privilege and ease in life, using David Hasselhoff as an example. They debate whether being handsome can be a disadvantage due to a lack of challenge and a potential reliance on appearance over substance.
• The Legacy of Bruce Lee: Rogan and Santino discuss Quentin Tarantino’s portrayal of Bruce Lee in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and debate whether it was disrespectful. They delve into Bruce Lee’s legacy as a martial arts innovator and his influence on modern fighting styles, acknowledging his brilliance and unique talent.
• Bo Jackson’s Humility and Athleticism: They discuss Bo Jackson’s remarkable athleticism and his ability to excel in both baseball and football. They contrast his quiet, humble demeanor with athletes who boast and seek attention, highlighting the importance of humility in success.
• The Difficulty of Leaving a Passion: Rogan and Santino explore the struggle of leaving behind a passion like stand-up comedy, drawing parallels to the feeling of missing a sport you once loved. They reflect on the enduring nature of artistic pursuits and the difficulty of truly retiring from a craft.
• The Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy: Rogan and Santino discuss the evolution of stand-up comedy from its early days to the present. They examine the rise of stand-up as an art form, the increased professionalism of comedians, and the role of social media in shaping the industry.
• The Importance of Pushing Boundaries: They discuss the significance of comedians pushing boundaries and exploring controversial topics. They critique the current climate of “woke” culture and the fear of being canceled for jokes, arguing for the importance of freedom of expression and the distinction between offensive humor and genuine malice.
• The Diversity of Comedy at the Comedy Store: Rogan and Santino address the criticism that the Comedy Store lacks diversity, highlighting the variety of comedians who perform there, including those from different backgrounds and with different styles. They defend the store’s commitment to promoting a diverse range of voices and comedic styles.
• The Process of Creating Comedy: They discuss the process of crafting jokes, emphasizing the importance of observation, experimentation, and refining material. They acknowledge the alchemy of comedy and the thrill of finding a punchline that connects with an audience.
• The Importance of Forgiving People: Rogan and Santino discuss the difficult topic of forgiveness and how to reconcile with someone who has done wrong. They use Louis CK as an example, arguing that while his actions were wrong, he has acknowledged his mistakes and should be allowed to move forward.
• The Culture of Outrage and Social Media: Rogan and Santino explore the culture of outrage on social media and the constant stream of contentious topics. They discuss the dangers of getting caught up in endless debates and the importance of choosing your battles wisely. They advocate for prioritizing mental health and avoiding the pitfalls of constant engagement with online negativity.
• The Humiliation of Billionaires: They find amusement in seeing powerful figures like Oprah Winfrey stumble, suggesting it humanizes them and provides a sense of balance. They discuss the cultural fascination with seeing the powerful fall from grace, highlighting the inherent human tendency to revel in the downfall of those perceived as perfect.
• The Debate on Running and Knee Health: Rogan and Santino discuss the debate on whether running is good or bad for knee health. They explore contradictory scientific studies, highlighting the lack of definitive answers. They ultimately suggest that individual experiences and body types play a significant role.
• The Problem of Overeating in America: They discuss the overabundance of food and the ease of unhealthy eating in America. They express concern about the cultural overconsumption of food and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a society with readily available unhealthy options.
• The Unique Nature of Stand-Up Comedy: Rogan and Santino discuss the unique nature of stand-up comedy, emphasizing the importance of performing live and connecting directly with an audience. They contrast stand-up with television and film, arguing that nothing can compare to the thrill of being on stage and receiving an immediate response from the crowd.
• The Evolution of the Podcast: Santino discusses his podcast with Bobby Lee, “Bad Friends,” emphasizing the comedic potential of their dynamic and the enjoyment they derive from collaborating. He highlights the fun and authenticity of the podcast and its appeal to listeners.
• The Importance of the American Flag: Rogan and Santino jokingly propose that every podcast should feature an American flag in the background, adding a touch of Americana to the format. The discussion highlights the absurdity of cultural norms and the power of humor in questioning societal expectations.
• The Reality of Addiction and Recovery: They discuss the challenges of addiction and recovery, sharing their personal experiences and perspectives. They emphasize the complexities of addiction, the importance of support, and the difficulty of breaking free from destructive patterns.
• The Power of Exercise and Motivation: Rogan and Santino explore the importance of exercise and the difficulties of staying motivated. They share their strategies for maintaining a consistent workout routine and discuss the role of external factors like competition and camaraderie in pushing themselves.
• The Weirdness of Teenage Social Dynamics: Rogan and Santino discuss the awkwardness and confusion of teenage social dynamics, sharing their experiences and reminiscing about the challenges of navigating those years. They offer humorous perspectives on the hormonal rollercoaster of adolescence and the social pressures faced by teenagers.
• The Controversial Nature of Public Urination: They explore the legal and social implications of public urination, using Santino’s experience with a public exposure charge as an example. They discuss the absurdity of certain legal interpretations and the double standards that can exist.
• The Homeless Crisis in San Francisco: They discuss the homeless crisis in San Francisco, contrasting the city’s wealth and its visible homelessness. They express frustration about the lack of effective solutions and the potential for a “Giuliani-esque” crackdown on homelessness.
• The Culture of College Towns: They discuss the culture of college towns and the tensions that can arise between students and established residents. They critique the efforts to limit student-centric businesses and the perceived hostility toward young people in some college communities.
• The Value of a Hospitality Degree: Rogan and Santino jokingly discuss the value of a hospitality degree, using Bert Kreischer as an example. They reflect on the absurdity of pursuing a degree that you may not use, highlighting the commonality of this experience among college graduates.
• The Appeal of Hypebeast Culture: Rogan and Santino discuss the appeal of “hypebeast” culture and the fascination with expensive, limited-edition sneakers and fashion items. They poke fun at those who are obsessed with this subculture and its perceived extravagance, highlighting the ridiculousness of spending exorbitant amounts on clothing and accessories.
• The Controversial Nature of “Sneaker Culture”: They discuss the recent controversy surrounding sneaker collector Philip Playter and his photos of sneakers on his Ferrari. They critique Ferrari’s lawsuit against Playter, arguing that it seems unreasonable and out of touch with the reality of their customer base.
• The Importance of Good Referees and Judges: They discuss the significance of having good referees and judges in sports, highlighting the importance of fairness and accurate decisions. They address the recent controversy surrounding a UFC referee’s premature stoppage of a fight, emphasizing the impact of bad calls on the outcome of competitions.
• The Question of Betting on Yourself: They discuss the ethics of betting on yourself in a fight, recognizing that athletes often place bets on their own success. They debate the grey areas of betting, especially when there are potential conflicts of interest or the possibility of influencing the outcome of a competition.
• The Challenges of Aging and the Promise of Regenerative Medicine: Rogan and Santino discuss the challenges of aging and the potential of regenerative medicine to slow or reverse the aging process. They share their perspectives on Aubrey de Grey’s work and the potential for breakthroughs in stem cell therapy and other technologies.
• The Absurdity of Being a Baby with Adult Knowledge: They imagine the absurdity of reversing the aging process too far and ending up as a baby with adult knowledge and memories. They joke about the potential for chaos and the challenges of navigating a world as an infant with adult thoughts and experiences.

Throughout the podcast, Rogan and Santino’s comedic interplay and shared interests create a dynamic and engaging conversation. They challenge assumptions, explore controversial topics, and offer insightful perspectives on a wide range of subjects.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “I think every redhead I know has an attitude because of how you’re treated as a kid.” – Santino reflects on how societal treatment of redheads can shape their personalities.
• “Do you know what’s interesting about Bernie Sanders is his real close relationship with Killer Mike. Killer Mike is a big pro second amendment man.” – Rogan points out a seemingly contradictory aspect of Bernie Sanders’ political stance.
• “You can’t say go women if it’s women versus trans women because trans women are women.” – Santino clarifies his understanding of the complexities of gender identity and the language used to discuss it.
• “I think the earth needs to start from scratch. I think we need to get fucked off this planet, and the earth needs to start again without us.” – Santino expresses a radical and humorous view on humanity’s impact on the planet.
• “It’s a hard gig to talk, bro.” – Rogan acknowledges the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a commentator in a high-stakes sport like MMA.