JRE #1563 – Tony Hinchcliffe

This podcast explores the comedic mind of Tony Hinchcliffe, known for his stand-up and co-hosting the podcast "Kill Tony". The conversation touches on a variety of topics, from his love of golf and pool, to his views on current events and celebrity culture.

Hinchcliffe’s comedic approach offers insights into his experiences and perspectives on the world, sometimes pushing the boundaries of provocative and controversial topics.

• The Differences between Texas and California: Tony Hinchcliffe describes Texas as a more relaxed and less populated place compared to California. He attributes this to the differences in government policy and the general vibe of the people.
  • Hinchcliffe observes a sense of normalcy in Texas, contrasting with the fear he perceives in California.
  • The governor of Texas emphasizes keeping businesses open, whereas California has implemented stricter lockdowns.
  • Hinchcliffe finds Texas to be less populated and more relaxed, attributing this to the lower number of people.
  • He contrasts the vibe and atmosphere of Texas with California, emphasizing the stark differences in their experiences.
• The Benefits of Golf as a Meditative Activity: Tony Hinchcliffe shares his newfound passion for golf and its meditative qualities.
  • He describes golf as a time-consuming activity but one that provides mental clarity and energy.
  • He appreciates the concentration required in golf, finding it similar to a meditative practice.
  • Hinchcliffe highlights the mental focus required for each shot, which he finds beneficial for clearing his mind.
  • He shares his personal experience of feeling more energized and focused after a day of golf, contrasting it with the usual evening crash.
• The Intricacies of Pool and the Skills of Manny Pacquiao: Tony Hinchcliffe discusses the game of pool, highlighting the technical aspects and the skills of Manny Pacquiao.
  • Hinchcliffe emphasizes the importance of technique and finesse in pool, especially when it comes to putting.
  • He describes the unique playing style developed by Filipino pool players, influenced by the humidity and conditions of the tables.
  • He shares his fascination with Efren Reyes, a legendary pool player, and highlights Manny Pacquiao’s exceptional pool skills.
  • He acknowledges Manny Pacquiao’s potential to succeed as a professional pool player, showcasing his admiration for his skills.
• The Brilliance of Floyd Mayweather and the Evolution of Boxing: Tony Hinchcliffe analyzes Floyd Mayweather’s boxing style and strategy, praising him as a master of the sport.
  • Hinchcliffe emphasizes Mayweather’s strategic brilliance, minimizing damage and finding openings to dominate his opponents.
  • He highlights Mayweather’s intelligence and ability to adapt to his opponent’s styles, as seen in his fights with Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor.
  • He acknowledges Conor McGregor’s explosive and fast style but attributes Mayweather’s victory to his strategic ability to wear him down.
  • Hinchcliffe compares Mayweather’s intelligence and strategic mastery to that of Bernard Hopkins, another legendary boxer known for his defensive skills and discipline.
• The Headbutt Controversy and Holyfield’s Willpower: Tony Hinchcliffe discusses the controversial headbutt incident in the Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield fight.
  • He highlights the intentional headbutts Holyfield landed on Tyson, leading to Tyson’s infamous ear bite.
  • He acknowledges the debate surrounding the headbutts, whether they were intentional or part of Holyfield’s fighting style.
  • He emphasizes Holyfield’s remarkable willpower, showcasing his ability to withstand immense pressure and pain.
  • Hinchcliffe contrasts the mental strength of Holyfield with Tyson’s emotional response, leading to the infamous ear bite.
• The Chimp Attack and the Nature of Jealousy: Tony Hinchcliffe shares a chilling story of a chimpanzee attack, exploring the nature of jealousy and its potential for violence.
  • He discusses the intelligence and complex social dynamics of chimpanzees, particularly their sense of fairness and potential for extreme rage.
  • He shares the story of a man who was attacked by a chimpanzee after he brought a birthday cake to the chimp, highlighting the chimp’s perception of unfairness.
  • He contrasts the chimp’s primal reaction to jealousy with human behavior, suggesting that humans have developed more sophisticated ways to cope with these emotions.
  • Hinchcliffe draws parallels between the chimp’s violent outburst and human behaviors like "eat the rich," suggesting a primal aspect to jealousy that can manifest in destructive ways.
• The “Animal Prison” at the Zoo and the Intelligence of Orcas: Tony Hinchcliffe expresses his concern for animals kept in captivity, specifically addressing the LA Zoo and SeaWorld.
  • He describes his personal experience at the LA Zoo, feeling a sense of sadness and recognizing the limitations of the animal enclosures.
  • He highlights the intelligence of orcas, suggesting that their complex communication and cognitive abilities are often underestimated.
  • He emphasizes the lack of understanding regarding the true intelligence of orcas, questioning the human-centric perspective that overlooks their mental capabilities.
  • He expresses his concern about the detrimental effects of captivity on orcas, particularly the development of fin droop as a sign of stress and depression.
• The “Tiny Person” Adoption Scandal: Tony Hinchcliffe discusses the shocking case of a woman who posed as a child for years, highlighting the dangers of deception and the fragility of human perception.
  • He shares the story of a couple who adopted a woman who was actually much older than they believed, highlighting the woman’s ability to deceive and manipulate.
  • He describes the woman’s alleged history of violent behavior and exploitation, further amplifying the horror of the situation.
  • Hinchcliffe suggests that the woman’s ability to perpetrate this deception for so long reflects a deeper societal issue of overlooking warning signs and trusting in appearances.
  • He explores the potential for exploitation and manipulation that arises from a lack of critical thinking and blind faith.
• The Societal Shift in Tolerance and the Impact on Film: Tony Hinchcliffe examines the changing landscape of societal tolerance and its impact on film-making, highlighting the challenges of creating certain content in today’s environment.
  • He discusses the scene in the movie “Poltergeist,” where a construction worker makes a suggestive gesture towards the teenage daughter, a scene that would likely be considered unacceptable today.
  • He suggests that the movie reflects a different societal standard of acceptable behavior in the early 1980s, highlighting the evolution of social norms.
  • Hinchcliffe points out the potential backlash filmmakers face today when depicting potentially offensive or controversial content, illustrating the challenges of navigating changing sensitivities.
  • He suggests that the changing landscape of societal tolerance has impacted film-making, requiring filmmakers to consider the potential consequences of their creative choices.
• The Tragic Fate of Poltergeist Cast Members: Tony Hinchcliffe discusses the unfortunate deaths of several cast members from the movie “Poltergeist,” fueling speculation about a curse associated with the film.
  • He explores the mysterious deaths of Heather O’Rourke, who played the young Carol Anne in the movie, and Dominique Dunne, who played the older sister Dana.
  • Hinchcliffe highlights the unsettling nature of these deaths, fueling speculation about a curse associated with the film, emphasizing the lingering questions surrounding the tragedies.
  • He discusses the deaths in the context of the film’s themes of the supernatural and the unknown, suggesting a connection between the film and the real-life tragedies.
  • Hinchcliffe’s discussion raises questions about the potential influence of art on reality and the enduring power of myths and legends.
• The Dangers of Choking and the Psychology of Consent: Tony Hinchcliffe explores the dangerous and controversial topic of choking during sexual activity.
  • He discusses the risks associated with choking, highlighting the potential for serious injury or even death.
  • Hinchcliffe emphasizes the importance of clear consent and communication when engaging in any form of sexual activity.
  • He warns against the potential for escalating behaviors, suggesting that initially harmless acts can lead to more dangerous ones.
  • He reflects on the potential for misunderstandings and misinterpretations, highlighting the importance of clear communication and respect for individual boundaries.
• The Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme and the Sociopathic Nature of Deception: Tony Hinchcliffe delves into the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme, examining the impact of massive financial fraud and the psychology of the perpetrator.
  • Hinchcliffe discusses the scope of Madoff’s fraud, highlighting the impact on numerous individuals, including celebrities and charitable organizations.
  • He describes Madoff’s lack of remorse and sociopathic tendencies, emphasizing his disregard for the consequences of his actions.
  • He explores the allure of easy money and the potential for manipulation that exists in the financial world, highlighting the dangers of trusting blindly.
  • Hinchcliffe’s discussion raises questions about the nature of greed, the psychology of deception, and the vulnerability of individuals to manipulation.
• The Drive for More and the Never-Ending Pursuit of Success: Tony Hinchcliffe explores the human drive for success and the potential for it to become a destructive force.
  • He discusses the idea that success can become addictive, fueling a constant desire for more, even when it comes at a personal cost.
  • He examines the pressure individuals face in the competitive business world, highlighting the potential for jealousy and envy to drive destructive behavior.
  • Hinchcliffe explores the concept of "numbers" as a driving force, suggesting that the constant pursuit of quantitative success can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfillment.
  • He advocates for finding joy and fulfillment in the pursuit of personal goals, contrasting it with the potentially destructive nature of chasing external validation.
• The Elizabeth Holmes Theranos Scam and the Power of Narratives: Tony Hinchcliffe examines the Theranos scandal, highlighting the dangers of deception and the power of narratives in shaping public perception.
  • He describes how Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, successfully cultivated a narrative of a revolutionary and innovative company, attracting significant investment and support.
  • He exposes the lies and deception surrounding Theranos, emphasizing the potential for harm caused by false promises and misinformation.
  • Hinchcliffe explores the societal desire for success stories and the ease with which people are willing to accept narratives without critical scrutiny.
  • He emphasizes the importance of questioning narratives, particularly those that seem too good to be true, and conducting thorough research before investing in any idea or product.
• The Importance of Finding Joy in Learning and Growth: Tony Hinchcliffe advocates for the importance of continuous learning and the benefits of embracing challenges and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.
  • He highlights the benefits of learning new skills, particularly those that require starting from scratch, as it fosters growth and prevents stagnation.
  • Hinchcliffe emphasizes the importance of embracing the beginner’s mindset, encouraging individuals to constantly challenge themselves with new experiences.
  • He suggests that learning new things, even if they seem daunting, can be a source of joy and fulfillment, fostering personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.
  • He encourages individuals to find activities that spark their curiosity and motivate them to learn and improve, fostering a lifelong journey of discovery and growth.
• The Importance of Empathy and Understanding in a Divided Society: Tony Hinchcliffe emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in a time of societal division, urging individuals to find common ground and promote unity.
  • He expresses his concern about the increasing polarization in society, highlighting the dangers of demonizing those who hold differing views.
  • Hinchcliffe advocates for open dialogue and constructive engagement, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual perspectives.
  • He suggests that promoting unity and shared values, rather than perpetuating division, is crucial for the well-being of society.
  • He encourages individuals to challenge their own biases, recognize the complexity of human experiences, and foster a culture of compassion and understanding.
• The Future of Comedy and the Challenges of Live Entertainment: Tony Hinchcliffe discusses the challenges facing the live entertainment industry, particularly the comedy scene, amidst the pandemic and ongoing societal changes.
  • He expresses his concern about the closure of iconic venues like the Comedy Store and the impact on comedians and performers.
  • Hinchcliffe discusses the need for innovation and adaptation in the face of these challenges, suggesting the potential for virtual shows and other creative solutions.
  • He highlights the importance of finding ways to bring people together, even in the face of restrictions, emphasizing the enduring power of live performance.
  • Hinchcliffe’s discussion raises questions about the future of live entertainment, the role of technology in shaping the industry, and the enduring value of human connection.

5 Memorable Quotes

• "People aren’t terrified." – Tony Hinchcliffe describes the feeling of normalcy in Texas compared to the fear he perceives in California.
• "It’s very meditative." – He describes his experience of golf as a form of meditation.
• "Manny Pacquiao is good. You have to really bear down to beat him." – Tony shares a story from his friend, a professional pool player, about Manny Pacquiao’s pool skills.
• "He never felt any remorse. He was a straight up sociopath. He didn’t give a fuck." – Tony describes Bernie Madoff’s lack of remorse regarding his Ponzi scheme.
• "I really do think that that is something that we need to concentrate on. This idea that, like, people are making lists of people that voted for Trump and supported Trump and and that they’re they’re gonna put them on these lists and they’re they’re gonna send these lists out to potential employers…" – Tony expresses concern about the increasing polarization in society and the consequences of demonizing those with differing views.