JRE #1604 - Jamar Neighbors

30-Jan-21

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Joe Rogan Podcast: #1604 – Jamar Neighbors

This episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast features comedian Jamar Neighbors, offering insights into the world of stand-up, the LA comedy scene, and Jamar’s unique experiences. Provocative topics include the rise of violence, economic instability, government overreach, and the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Underlying themes explore the power of resilience, the pursuit of creativity, and the enduring value of community in the face of adversity.

Major Topics

1. The Comedy Store and its Role in Jamar’s Career

Jamar’s journey to get his name on the Comedy Store’s wall, a coveted stamp of approval for aspiring comedians.
The significance of the Comedy Store as a breeding ground for comedic talent and a hub of stand-up culture.
The influence of Tommy, a gatekeeper who controlled access to the Comedy Store’s coveted stages.
Jamar’s perspective on the adversity he faced, reflecting on how it ultimately made him a stronger comedian.

2. The Challenges of the LA Comedy Scene

Jamar’s experiences with “bringer shows,” a common practice in LA where comics are required to bring a certain number of people to their gigs.
The drawbacks of bringer shows, where comics are essentially performing for their friends, hindering their growth and exposing them to less authentic audience feedback.
The competitive nature of the LA comedy scene, with countless clubs and a large pool of comedians vying for stage time.
The importance of building community and networking within the LA comedy scene to gain access to gigs and opportunities.

3. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Comedy Industry

Jamar’s creative response to the pandemic, launching “apartment shows” out of his own home.
The challenges and unique dynamics of performing in unconventional spaces, like apartments and hostels.
The uncertainty and financial hardships faced by comedians during the pandemic, highlighting the need for resilience and adaptability.
The evolution of comedy gigs, with outdoor shows and drive-in venues emerging as alternative performance spaces.

4. The Power of Confidence and Boldness in Comedy

Jamar’s admiration for Tony Hinchcliffe’s confidence and boldness, highlighting how it translates to comedic success.
The significance of embracing individuality and not conforming to perceived standards in comedy.
The liberating power of live comedy, where audiences embrace wildness and spontaneity, breaking down barriers and creating a space for true comedic expression.
Jamar’s belief in the importance of establishing a persona that allows for creative freedom and pushing boundaries.

5. The Rise of Violence and Economic Instability

Jamar’s personal experience with violence in Austin, highlighting the increasing concern over crime rates.
The connection between economic instability, unemployment, and rising crime rates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government’s role in exacerbating economic hardship through lockdowns and stimulus packages, potentially leading to dependency and societal unrest.
Jamar’s perspective on the role of government overreach in restricting freedom and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

6. The Rise of Social Media and its Impact on Comedy

The influence of social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter in connecting comedians and promoting their work.
The challenges of online criticism and the importance of maintaining a thick skin in the face of negativity.
Jamar’s experience with social media censorship, particularly on Twitter, where his parody account was suspended.
The impact of social media trends on comedic performance, with platforms like Reddit influencing stock market trends and influencing public discourse.

7. The Evolution of Comedy Clubs

The significance of small, intimate clubs like the Comedy Store’s “belly room” in fostering experimentation and creativity.
The need for a diverse range of comedy venues to cater to different styles and audiences.
Jamar’s vision for a comedy club run by comedians, providing a space for creative freedom and fostering a sense of community.
The contrast between the traditional model of comedy clubs, focused on profitability and headliners, and Jamar’s desire for a more artist-driven environment.

8. Jamar’s Physical Fitness Journey

Jamar’s rigorous workout routine, reflecting his dedication to physical fitness and mental preparation for comedy.
Jamar’s unconventional approach to training, including a self-taught boxing style and a focus on core strength and flexibility.
The importance of maintaining physical health and well-being for comedic performance.
The benefits of a holistic approach to fitness, including incorporating diverse exercise styles and focusing on recovery.

9. The Role of Clowning in Jamar’s Comedy

Jamar’s experience attending clown school and how it influenced his comedic approach.
The importance of exploring the “inner clown” in finding one’s comedic voice and embracing silliness.
The significance of embracing mistakes and embracing the unexpected in comedic performance.
The parallels between the clown and the stand-up comedian, both striving to create a sense of wonder and elicit laughter through humor and absurdity.

10. The Art of Acting and Finding One’s Talent

Jamar’s experience taking acting classes from a terrible actor, emphasizing the importance of finding a good teacher.
The distinction between natural talent and learned skills in acting, highlighting how some individuals possess an innate ability to connect with audiences.
Jamar’s perspective on the wide range of talent within the acting profession, from commercial actors to renowned performers like Denzel Washington.
The importance of recognizing and developing one’s unique talents, regardless of the specific field or profession.

11. The Stock Market and the Rise of Retail Investors

Jamar’s exploration of the GameStop stock market phenomenon, highlighting the growing power of retail investors.
The impact of social media platforms like Reddit in organizing investors and influencing stock prices.
The conflict between institutional investors and retail investors, with Wall Street attempting to limit the power of individual traders.
Jamar’s view on the potential for retail investors to manipulate the stock market and challenge traditional financial structures.

12. The Uncertainty of the Future

Jamar’s concerns about the potential for government overreach and societal collapse, referencing the concept of a “Mad Max” future.
Jamar’s perspective on the economic and social challenges facing cities like Los Angeles, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of the pandemic on various industries, including restaurants, bars, and small businesses.
Jamar’s hopes for a brighter future, emphasizing the importance of community and creativity in rebuilding and overcoming adversity.

13. The Role of Supplements and Vitamins

Jamar’s personal experience with various supplements and vitamins, including Alpha Brain and Athletic Greens.
The importance of maintaining optimal health and well-being, especially for individuals who maintain active lifestyles and face high-stress situations.
The benefits of incorporating supplements and vitamins into a healthy diet to address potential nutrient deficiencies.
Jamar’s perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding supplements and the need for more research to fully understand their benefits and potential side effects.

14. The Role of COVID-19 Testing and its Uncertainties

Jamar’s exploration of different COVID-19 testing methods, including nose swabs and antibody tests.
The ongoing debate surrounding the accuracy and reliability of COVID-19 testing, especially the potential for false positives and negatives.
The impact of COVID-19 testing on social and economic activities, highlighting the role of testing in determining public health measures and individual behavior.
Jamar’s perspective on the evolving nature of the pandemic and the need for a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing its effects.

15. The Role of Social Responsibility and Individual Freedom

Jamar’s perspective on the tension between social responsibility and individual freedom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jamar’s personal approach to managing risk and making individual choices regarding safety measures.
The debate surrounding the efficacy of masks and vaccines, highlighting the importance of scientific evidence and individual decision-making.
Jamar’s concerns about potential government overreach and the need for a balance between public health and personal liberties.

16. The Legacy of Mitch Hedberg

Jamar’s admiration for Mitch Hedberg’s unique comedic style, known for its non sequiturs and unexpected punchlines.
Jamar’s personal experience with Mitch Hedberg, highlighting his influence on the comedy world.
The lasting impact of Hedberg’s comedic brilliance on generations of comedians, with his signature tone and one-liners still inspiring contemporary artists.
Jamar’s appreciation for Hedberg’s mastery of non-sequitur humor, where the juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated ideas creates comedic effect.

17. The Potential of Austin, Texas, as a Comedy Hub

Jamar’s excitement about the emerging comedy scene in Austin, Texas, and its potential as a hub for creative talent.
Jamar’s desire to establish a comedy club in Austin, offering a space for comedians to experiment and flourish.
The growing popularity of Austin as a destination for artists and entrepreneurs, attracting a diverse and dynamic community.
Jamar’s belief that Austin’s unique culture and atmosphere make it an ideal location for comedic expression.

18. The Power of Creativity and Playfulness

Jamar’s exploration of his “Dino Stamp Monopolists” character, showcasing his creative approach to comedy.
Jamar’s belief in the importance of embracing playfulness and experimentation in comedic performance.
The power of creative expression in breaking down barriers and challenging expectations.
Jamar’s dedication to developing his comedic voice and pushing boundaries through creative exploration.

Memorable Quotes

“I actually appreciate how hard he made it for me though. You know what I’m saying? Adversity makes you stronger.” – Jamar reflects on the challenges he faced at the Comedy Store, recognizing how they shaped his resilience.
“That’s the dope thing about the wave is that people never ever knew what the fuck we were gonna do. So we would get away with shit like that because of the error of the of the error from predictability.” – Jamar highlights the unpredictable nature of “The Wave,” a comedic troupe known for its spontaneous antics.
“It’s not like the people don’t comment interesting shit. on on YouTube videos or Instagram. They do. There’s some people that do. But the people that complain all the time, most of them 99% of them are making that number up. Are fucking losers?” – Jamar offers his perspective on the nature of online negativity and the importance of focusing on positive feedback.
“That show is one of the best creations of the store. Yeah. And Moses is the perfect guy to host it. Yeah. He’s so nice. Yeah. He’s so funny, and he’s so nice. And then he makes everybody hug it out. If you can, you hug it out. Like, you his there’s no meanness coming from Moses.” – Jamar expresses his appreciation for Moses, the host of “Roast Battle,” and his role in creating a positive and welcoming environment.
“The one thing that that’s beautiful about live comedy is you add a few drinks. People are smoking weed. The place is dark. The spotlight comes on the comic. You say wild shit. Everyone’s laughing and you find yourself laughing. It breaks down all these walls. And you realize, no, this is just fun. This is not what he really means about anything. Yeah. This is just being wild and it’s fun to watch. It’s fun.” – Jamar captures the liberating nature of live comedy and how it allows for a release of inhibitions and a connection between performer and audience.

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