JRE #1585 - Michael Kosta

28-Dec-20

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features standup comedian Michael Kosta, known for his appearances on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” and his podcast “Tennis Anyone?” It’s a wide-ranging conversation that touches on topics relevant to both comedians and Rogan’s diverse audience. From the evolving nature of comedy and the role of social media to the complexities of the pandemic and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, the discussion explores themes of creativity, resilience, and self-discovery.

Major Topics:

The Craft of Standup Comedy:

Kosta discusses the importance of developing new material and the constant process of refining jokes through repetition and performance.
He shares anecdotes about the ups and downs of standup, emphasizing the importance of persistence and developing a thick skin.
The conversation delves into the impact of social media on comedy, highlighting the potential for both exposure and pressure.
Kosta’s personal journey in comedy is explored, emphasizing his evolution from early days on the road to his current success.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Comedy:

Kosta shares his experience of having to adapt to a new normal in the comedy world, where live performances were initially impossible.
He reflects on the challenges faced by comedians during the pandemic, including financial struggles and the loss of community.
The conversation explores the rise of virtual comedy shows, both as a necessity and a potential avenue for new creative opportunities.
Kosta discusses the importance of finding new ways to connect with audiences during a time of social distancing.

The Role of Capitalism and Public Health:

Rogan and Kosta engage in a critical discussion about the US government’s response to the pandemic, questioning the effectiveness of lockdowns and the impact on small businesses.
They discuss the complexities of balancing public health concerns with economic realities, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals and businesses.
The conversation delves into the role of capitalism in driving innovation, but also points out its potential to exacerbate inequalities and create unintended consequences.
They discuss the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining personal health, recognizing the limitations of government intervention.

The Importance of Trusting Your Instincts:

Rogan emphasizes the value of following your own passions and not letting external pressures dictate your creative path.
He shares his experience with creating “The Joe Rogan Experience,” emphasizing the importance of staying true to his vision, even when facing criticism or skepticism.
Kosta reflects on his own career trajectory, highlighting the power of staying true to his comedic voice and trusting his instincts, even when facing challenges.
The discussion explores the allure of “playing it safe” in the face of uncertainty, but ultimately advocates for embracing risk and pursuing personal fulfillment.

The Power of Physical Discipline:

Rogan and Kosta discuss the benefits of physical discipline, drawn from their own experiences in sports and martial arts.
They emphasize the transferability of discipline from one area of life to another, highlighting its value in pursuing success in any endeavor.
They discuss the importance of understanding and respecting the limits of the human body, emphasizing the need to balance ambition with safety.
The conversation touches on the impact of physical activity on mental health, highlighting its ability to improve resilience and manage stress.

The Evolving Nature of Sex and Relationships:

Rogan and Kosta discuss the impact of technology on human relationships, particularly the rise of online platforms for connection and intimacy.
They explore the complexities of virtual relationships, including the potential for both connection and deception.
The conversation touches on the changing landscape of sex and intimacy in a digital age, discussing the implications for social norms and personal boundaries.
They speculate on the future of sex and intimacy in a world of virtual reality and augmented reality, considering the potential for both positive and negative consequences.

The Allure and Dangers of Cults:

Rogan and Kosta discuss the recent HBO documentary “The Vow,” which explores the controversial NXIVM cult.
They delve into the psychology of cults, exploring the factors that attract individuals and the mechanisms of control employed by cult leaders.
The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly those seeking community and belonging.
They discuss the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority, particularly in situations that promise easy answers or rapid transformation.

The Importance of Community and Belonging:

Rogan and Kosta discuss the importance of community and belonging in navigating life’s challenges, particularly during times of isolation and uncertainty.
They explore the role of shared experiences and common interests in fostering connection and support.
The conversation touches on the power of finding a “tribe” that understands and accepts you, emphasizing the role of personal identity and self-acceptance.
They discuss the importance of building genuine connections with others, both online and offline, recognizing the limitations of superficial interactions.

The Nature of Obsession and Addiction:

Rogan and Kosta discuss the nature of obsession and addiction, drawing from their own experiences and observations.
They explore the psychology of addiction, highlighting the factors that drive individuals to seek escape or solace in substances or activities.
The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of exploiting vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of gambling and drug use.
They discuss the importance of self-awareness and seeking help when struggling with addiction, recognizing the potential for both personal and societal harm.

The Role of Physical Appearance and Social Status:

Rogan and Kosta engage in a lighthearted but insightful discussion about the role of physical appearance and social status in different sports and communities.
They explore the ways in which society judges individuals based on their physical attributes and perceived social standing.
The conversation touches on the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing the limitations of external validation.
They discuss the potential for both positive and negative consequences of focusing on physical appearance and social status.

The Importance of Humility and Perspective:

Rogan and Kosta discuss the importance of humility and perspective, particularly in the context of human achievements and the vastness of the universe.
They explore the ways in which nature can humble and inspire us, recognizing the limitations of our own understanding and control.
The conversation touches on the dangers of hubris and the importance of recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things.
They discuss the potential for finding peace and contentment in acknowledging our own insignificance and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Power of Storytelling:

The episode concludes with a discussion about the power of storytelling, particularly in comedy and film.
Rogan and Kosta explore the ways in which stories can connect with audiences on an emotional level, providing a sense of shared experience and understanding.
They discuss the importance of creating relatable characters and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with viewers.
The conversation highlights the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world and inspiring us to connect with others.

Memorable Quotes:

“Tell everybody dumb luck and persistence and just working at it, you know, just conversations.” – Rogan summarizes his own approach to success, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and dedication.
“There’s a skill to it. It just doesn’t, it doesn’t seem like there’s a skill to it, but there’s a skill to it.” – Kosta underscores the importance of developing conversational skills, particularly in the context of podcasting.
“You gotta let funny people to trust their instincts.” – Rogan emphasizes the importance of allowing creative individuals to follow their own vision, even when it deviates from conventional wisdom.
“You gotta be tough enough to advance through it. And I think that really helped me with comedy because I’ve transitioned over to comedy and it’s like, Oh, fuck, I failed. Am I going to cry to myself for three days? I want to. It feels that personal. Or do we got to get back out there?” – Kosta shares his personal experience with overcoming failure and the importance of resilience.
“I was like so peaceful. I was like, what are you doing, man? He’s like, I’m sorry. I didn’t see. And I’m like, fuck, he didn’t have it. He didn’t have a driver’s license. He’s from Mexico. He’s illegal. And I was like, dude, and I was like, okay, listen, the cops are coming, get the fuck out of here. I just told him to get out of there.” – Kosta shares a surprising anecdote about remaining calm in a stressful situation, possibly due to his yoga practice.