JRE #17 – Ari Shaffir, Eddie Bravo

This podcast, featuring Joe Rogan with Ari Shaffir and Eddie Bravo, explores a diverse range of topics, from the controversial brawl at Strikeforce to the complexities of human nature and the philosophical implications of psychedelics. Provocative discussions on celebrity culture, religion, and the nature of reality emerge, making for an engaging and thought-provoking listen.

1. The Strikeforce Brawl and MMA Culture:

• Joe Rogan criticizes Strikeforce’s security and lack of control during the Jake Shields vs. Dan Henderson fight, blaming the organization for the post-fight brawl.
• The conversation delves into the psychology of MMA fighters, highlighting the importance of loyalty and the consequences of disrespect within the community.
• Joe emphasizes the Diaz brothers’ “psychos” and “savages” nature, acknowledging their aggressive fighting style and willingness to back their teammates.
• The discussion touches on the role of commentary in MMA, with Joe expressing his opinion on Frank Shamrock’s performance and critiquing another commentator’s lack of passion for the sport.

2. The Iceland Volcano and Earth’s Fragility:

• The eruption of the Icelandic volcano and its impact on air travel serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our world and how easily disruptions can occur.
• Joe highlights the potential consequences of volcanic activity, emphasizing its role in shaping the earth throughout history.
• The conversation shifts to Hawaii’s volcanic history, with Joe describing a helicopter tour over an active volcano, showcasing the raw power of nature.
• The discussion concludes with a reflection on the resilience of life, highlighting how volcanic eruptions and other catastrophic events have shaped the evolution of the planet.

3. Celebrity Death and Mortality:

• The recent death of Guru from the rap group Gang Starr triggers a discussion on mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
• Joe reflects on the impact of death, particularly at a relatively young age, prompting a conversation on the inevitability of passing.
• The conversation delves into the changing landscape of fame, with Joe suggesting that social media has created a culture where more people are considered celebrities.
• The discussion touches on the perceived trend of celebrity deaths, leading to a reflection on how media and social media contribute to the perception of these events.

4. The Controversial World of Plastic Surgery:

• The conversation tackles the cultural obsession with thinness and the prevalence of plastic surgery, with Joe expressing his aversion to anorexic ideals and highlighting the natural beauty of women’s curves.
• Joe raises questions about the role of plastic surgery in achieving beauty, suggesting that it often leads to artificial and unnatural appearances, even when attempting to enhance natural features.
• The discussion explores the phenomenon of “celebrity for celebrity’s sake,” exemplified by Heidi Montag’s numerous plastic surgeries.
• The conversation touches on the ethical and psychological implications of plastic surgery, questioning the motives behind these procedures and their impact on individual self-esteem.

5. The Power of Nature and Its Mysterious Forces:

• Joe discusses the existence of megalodon sharks in ancient oceans, illustrating how dramatically the planet has changed over time.
• The conversation delves into the topic of super volcanoes and their impact on Earth’s history, highlighting the devastating effects of Yellowstone’s eruptions.
• Joe speculates on the possibility of a Yellowstone eruption in the near future, drawing attention to the increased seismic activity in the area.
• The discussion broadens to encompass the vastness and complexity of the universe, with Joe suggesting that a deeper understanding of nature might challenge traditional religious beliefs.

6. The Mystery of Psychedelics and Altered States of Consciousness:

• Joe shares his personal experience with mushrooms, describing the profound visual and sensory experiences he encountered.
• The conversation delves into the nature of psychedelics and their potential to unlock hidden dimensions of consciousness, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination.
• Joe references Alex Grey’s psychedelic art and its connection to ancient religious symbolism, suggesting a possible link between altered states of consciousness and the origins of spiritual beliefs.
• The discussion explores the potential for psychedelics to enhance creativity and imagination, highlighting the complex interplay between perception and reality.

7. The Role of Competition in Human Progress and Societal Evolution:

• Joe questions the underlying reasons for human behavior, suggesting that our competitive nature might be a driving force behind technological advancements and societal progress.
• The conversation explores the idea that competition, while often leading to conflict and negative consequences, might be an essential catalyst for innovation and growth.
• Joe compares human behavior to that of animals, suggesting that our competitive instincts are a natural part of our existence.
• The discussion touches on the complexities of human nature, questioning whether our innate drive to compete is inherently good or bad.

8. The Unseen Forces of Nature and Their Impact on Human Behavior:

• Joe discusses the phenomenon of parasites manipulating animal behavior, highlighting the example of a worm that influences a grasshopper’s suicide.
• The conversation delves into the potential impact of parasites on human behavior, specifically referencing a parasite that may make women more docile and men more aggressive.
• Joe presents a humorous take on the potential for parasites to influence societal dynamics, suggesting that they might be a contributing factor to the differences between male and female personalities.
• The discussion ends on a thought-provoking note, suggesting that our understanding of human behavior might be incomplete and that unseen forces could be influencing our actions in ways we don’t fully comprehend.

9. The Illusion of Control and the Quest for Meaning in Life:

• Joe reflects on his own mortality and the challenges of navigating life without a clear manual or set of instructions.
• The conversation explores the idea that we are constantly learning and evolving, even as we face the inevitable reality of death.
• Joe discusses the potential for a better way to live, suggesting that a more collaborative and less competitive approach might be more beneficial for both humanity and the planet.
• The discussion delves into the complexities of human nature, questioning whether our current societal structures and systems are truly optimal or simply reflect a flawed but natural state of being.

10. The Contradictions of Religious Beliefs and the Quest for Historical Truth:

• Joe explores the discrepancies between different religious perspectives, focusing on the contrast between Jewish and Christian beliefs about Jesus.
• The conversation delves into the historical evidence for Jesus’ existence, highlighting the ongoing debate among scholars and the potential implications for religious faith.
• Joe discusses the possibility that Jesus might not have been a historical figure, questioning the foundation of Christian faith and the potential impact on interfaith relations.
• The discussion touches on the nature of faith and the inherent challenges of accepting stories that might be based on mythology or misinterpretations of history.

11. The Power of Storytelling and the Search for Meaning:

• Joe discusses the importance of understanding the context and origins of stories, using the example of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the debate over their interpretation.
• The conversation highlights the potential for stories to hold hidden meanings and reveal deeper truths, particularly when analyzed through a more critical and objective lens.
• Joe explores the theory that the Dead Sea Scrolls might be about psychedelic mushrooms, suggesting that the ancient stories could be a form of coded knowledge about these substances.
• The discussion touches on the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to shape our understanding of the world, even when those stories are rooted in mythology or ancient beliefs.

12. The Controversial Nature of Marijuana and its History:

• Joe delves into the history of marijuana prohibition, exposing the role of William Randolph Hearst and the paper industry in its illegalization.
• The conversation highlights the racially motivated propaganda used to demonize marijuana, with Hearst using his newspapers to spread false information about its effects.
• Joe argues for the legalization of marijuana, highlighting its medicinal benefits and the absurdity of its prohibition compared to the widespread acceptance of alcohol.
• The discussion touches on the enduring legacy of misinformation and the need for a more balanced and informed approach to marijuana policy.

13. The Rise of MMA and the Future of the Sport:

• Joe discusses the upcoming fight between Jose Aldo and Urijah Faber, highlighting the growing popularity of MMA and the potential for this fight to be a major event.
• The conversation delves into the strategic differences between fighters and the importance of adapting to various styles and approaches.
• Joe analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of different fighters, emphasizing the importance of guard passing and submission defense in MMA.
• The discussion touches on the evolving nature of MMA and the constant search for new techniques and strategies, highlighting the dynamism of the sport.

14. The Future of Technology and the Potential for Neural Implants:

• Joe speculates on the future of technology, suggesting that neural implants might become commonplace, allowing for direct communication between brains.
• The conversation explores the potential for neural implants to enhance our abilities, including memory retrieval and even thought transference.
• Joe raises concerns about the ethical implications of these technologies, questioning how they might be used and the potential for abuse.
• The discussion touches on the increasing blurring of lines between humans and technology and the potential for these advancements to reshape our understanding of consciousness and identity.

15. The Impact of Social Media and the Changing Landscape of Human Connection:

• Joe explores the phenomenon of online addiction, highlighting the real-life consequences of spending excessive time in virtual worlds.
• The conversation touches on the dangers of social media and its potential to isolate individuals from real-world interactions.
• Joe questions the future of human connection in an increasingly digital world, exploring the potential for technology to both enhance and diminish our relationships with others.
• The discussion delves into the complex interplay between technology and human behavior, examining the ways in which technology can both empower and enslave us.

16. The Humorous and Unexpected Side of Life:

• Joe shares a hilarious anecdote about his experience with a production assistant who passed out after taking a single hit of weed, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cannabis.
• The conversation delves into the world of celebrity reality shows, with Joe discussing his experience watching an episode of “Celebrity Rehab” and the uncomfortable nature of some of the revelations.
• Joe discusses the phenomenon of “shredding,” a comedic approach to music editing that involves adding distorted vocals and out-of-tune instruments to popular songs, creating a hilarious and absurd result.
• The discussion highlights the unexpected and humorous side of life, showcasing the ability to find laughter and absurdity in everyday situations.

17. The Unexpected Encouters with Wrestling Legends:

• Joe shares his experience meeting Hulk Hogan, describing his initial nervousness and the surprising encounter with the wrestling legend.
• The conversation touches on the nature of wrestling and its blurring of lines between reality and entertainment.
• Joe discusses the challenges of interviewing wrestling legends, highlighting the potential for unexpected encounters and the need to navigate complex personalities.
• The discussion highlights the enduring popularity of professional wrestling and its ability to captivate audiences with its theatricality and larger-than-life characters.

18. The Controversial Nature of Sexual Assault and the Importance of Justice:

• Joe discusses the case of a woman who was sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault against a 14-year-old boy, highlighting the harshness of the sentence and raising questions about the justice system.
• The conversation delves into the complexities of sexual assault and the importance of addressing these issues in a sensitive and informed way.
• Joe critiques the tendency to over-punish women who commit sexual assault, suggesting that more nuanced and rehabilitative approaches might be more effective.
• The discussion touches on the broader issue of how society handles sexual assault, highlighting the need for justice and compassion for both victims and perpetrators.

19. The Limits of Free Speech and the Role of Education:

• Joe discusses a case of high school girls who were suspended for posting provocative pictures on MySpace, raising questions about the limits of free speech and the role of schools in regulating student behavior.
• The conversation critiques the tendency of schools to overstep their bounds in policing student behavior, particularly when it comes to online activities.
• Joe argues for a more liberal approach to student expression, suggesting that schools should focus on education rather than acting as moral guardians.
• The discussion highlights the importance of free speech and the need to protect individual rights, even when those rights are exercised in unconventional ways.

20. The Enduring Power of Passion and the Pursuit of Excellence:

• Joe discusses the importance of having a passion and pursuing excellence, using the example of his own journey in comedy and the dedication of MMA fighters.
• The conversation delves into the complex relationship between passion, skill, and dedication, emphasizing the need for constant improvement and the pursuit of new challenges.
• Joe discusses the importance of finding joy in the process of learning and training, suggesting that the pursuit of excellence should be motivated by a deep love for the craft.
• The discussion highlights the importance of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles, emphasizing the role of passion in driving us toward our goals.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” – Joe reflects on his mother’s wisdom, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect in communication.
• “People have no idea what volcanoes are all about. Volcanoes have reshaped this earth.” – Joe highlights the powerful impact of volcanic activity on the planet’s history.
• “Nature is absolutely ridiculous, completely unpredictable.” – Joe emphasizes the vastness and complexity of nature, challenging the idea of a simple and controlled universe.
• “It’s almost like you don’t really achieve unless there’s competition.” – Joe suggests that competition might be a driving force behind human progress and innovation.
• “I think we have to look at human nature as being natural. And I think that if we look at everything else being natural, if we look at the way wolves behave, and the way monkeys behave…Why don’t we look at the course of humanity as being natural?” – Joe questions the idea that human behavior is inherently flawed and explores the possibility that our actions are simply a reflection of our natural instincts.