JRE #172 – Bryan Callen

1/3/2012

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Joe Rogan Experience #172 – Bryan Callen: Topic Breakdown

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features a hilarious and insightful conversation with comedian Bryan Callen. The podcast dives deep into various topics, ranging from the absurd to the thought-provoking, leaving listeners entertained and perhaps a little bit wiser. From bizarre personal anecdotes to insightful reflections on societal issues, Callen’s wit and Rogan’s probing questions create a captivating dynamic. The podcast touches on themes of human nature, the pursuit of knowledge, and the enduring power of laughter in a complex world.

1. The Flashlight: Sex Toy Commercial

The podcast begins with Rogan and Callen discussing a sex toy commercial for a product called the “Flashlight.” This seemingly innocuous topic quickly takes a wild turn as they delve into the various shapes and sizes of the device, creating a humorous and somewhat awkward moment for the listeners.

• Rogan launches into a playful and slightly inappropriate ad for the “Flashlight” sex toy, highlighting its different features and suggesting its use as an alternative to masturbation.
• Callen initially responds with humor, suggesting that it might be a good alternative to “alien vaginas.”
• The conversation becomes increasingly humorous and absurd as Rogan and Callen brainstorm increasingly outrageous product concepts, such as a “bunny vagina” flashlight.
• This seemingly lighthearted exchange serves as an entertaining entry point into a discussion that will explore a wide range of topics, including sexuality, human behavior, and even the nature of consciousness.

2. Animal Sex

The conversation takes a shocking turn when Callen recounts a story about a cop who witnessed a man engaging in sexual activity with a chicken. This unexpected anecdote leads Rogan and Callen down a rabbit hole exploring the bizarre world of zoophilia and its psychological implications.

• Callen tells the story of a police officer who discovered a man having sex with a chicken, sparking a discussion about the existence of people who are sexually attracted to animals.
• Rogan and Callen explore the world of zoophilia, discussing the term “zephilia” and a documentary that explored this phenomenon.
• Callen reveals a tragic story about a man who died after having sex with a horse, raising questions about the dangers of zoophilia and the complexities of sexual attraction.
• The conversation explores the potential psychological reasons behind such behaviors, suggesting that some people who engage in zoophilia may have a diminished capacity for feeling emotional intimacy.

3. Alpha Brain and Shroom Tech

Rogan and Callen delve into the realm of supplements and cognitive enhancers, specifically Alpha Brain and Shroom Tech. They debate the effectiveness of these products, sharing personal experiences and anecdotal observations, and exploring the broader implications of nootropics for cognitive function and human potential.

• Rogan promotes Alpha Brain and Shroom Tech, two supplements marketed for cognitive enhancement, while Callen expresses mixed feelings about their effectiveness.
• Callen shares his own experience with Alpha Brain, suggesting that he didn’t feel a significant difference, but admits that he only tried it once.
• Rogan emphasizes the potential benefits of these supplements for improving focus, memory, and mental clarity, even if they don’t have dramatic effects on immediate experiences.
• The conversation touches on the potential impact of these supplements on dreams, raising questions about the link between supplements and REM sleep and the broader scientific understanding of dreaming.

4. Sugar and Insulin

The conversation takes a turn towards health and wellness as Rogan and Callen discuss the detrimental effects of sugar and the importance of managing insulin levels. Rogan delves into the scientific research behind sugar’s negative impact on health, highlighting its role in inflammation and various health issues. Callen, despite his love for sweets, acknowledges the validity of this information and the importance of consuming sugar in moderation.

• Rogan expresses his belief that sugar is bad for you, citing research by doctors Robert Lustig and Gary Taubes, who argue that sugar is a toxin and has serious implications for health beyond just causing tooth decay.
• Callen admits to his love of sugar but acknowledges the research, particularly regarding the harmful effects of sugar on insulin levels and its potential to cause inflammation.
• Rogan highlights the importance of maintaining neutral insulin levels, emphasizing the role of insulin in various health issues and the benefits of consuming foods that don’t spike blood sugar.
• The conversation touches on the importance of making informed choices about dietary habits, particularly regarding the potential downsides of excessive sugar consumption.

5. Don Barris’ Airband

Callen shares a hilarious story about his involvement in Don Barris’ Airband, a comedy group that performs air instrument renditions of popular songs. This segment is filled with absurdity and laughter, highlighting the power of humor to create a sense of community and to break down barriers.

• Callen details his membership in the “Barris Kennedy Overdrive,” an air band led by comedian Don Barris, known for his comedic performances at the Comedy Store.
• The conversation becomes humorous and absurd as Callen describes the air instruments he plays, including a baby that he throws into the audience, and a 13-year-old Filipino boy who he uses to mock sodomy.
• Callen and Rogan discuss the comedic appeal of Don Barris’ airband, highlighting the absurdity of the performances and the way they create a shared sense of humor.
• This comedic segment underscores the importance of laughter and shared experiences in creating a sense of community and in finding humor in the unexpected.

6. The Sketch with Don Barris

Callen reveals a recurring comedic sketch he performs with Don Barris, involving a humorous and exaggerated portrayal of a debt-ridden individual begging for his “money” while being physically and verbally abused by Barris. This segment explores the creative process of comedy, the boundaries of humor, and the power of shared experiences to create a unique comedic dynamic.

• Callen describes a recurring sketch he does with Don Barris at the Comedy Store, where he pretends to demand money from Barris, only to be verbally and physically abused in a humorous and exaggerated manner.
• The sketch involves Callen being shoved against a wall, mock-mouthed-raped, and slapped to the floor, all while pretending to be terrified of Barris’ larger-than-life persona.
• The conversation explores the creative process behind this sketch, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared comedic sensibilities.
• The segment touches on the boundaries of humor, examining the comedic appeal of physical and verbal abuse when portrayed in a heightened and exaggerated way.

7. The Great White Invasion

The conversation shifts to a fascinating and somewhat unsettling topic: the presence of great white sharks near the Santa Monica Pier. Rogan and Callen discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon and the implications for human safety, highlighting the inherent dangers of the natural world and the constant reminder of our vulnerability.

• Rogan discusses the presence of a large concentration of great white sharks near the Santa Monica Pier, a popular tourist destination.
• Callen and Rogan speculate about the reasons for this phenomenon, suggesting that it may be a sign of a healthy ecosystem but also acknowledging the potential risks to surfers and swimmers.
• The conversation takes a humorous turn as Rogan shares his own fear of sharks and Callen playfully mocks his apprehension.
• The segment underscores the precarious balance between human activity and the natural world, highlighting the inherent dangers of the ocean and reminding listeners of their vulnerability.

8. Shark Encounters

Callen and Rogan share personal anecdotes about their encounters with sharks, ranging from unsettling experiences to humorous observations. This segment highlights the primal fear of sharks and the human instinct to both be fascinated and terrified by these powerful predators. They also delve into the realities of shark attacks and the importance of understanding the behavior of these creatures.

• Callen recounts his own unsettling experience snorkeling in Hawaii, where he felt a primal fear of being eaten by a shark.
• Rogan shares a story about a parasailer who told him about the presence of bull sharks and spinner sharks in West Palm Beach, Florida.
• Callen and Rogan discuss the prevalence of shark attacks in Palm Beach, highlighting the real danger posed by these predators, even in seemingly safe waters.
• The conversation underscores the importance of understanding shark behavior and taking necessary precautions to minimize the risk of attacks.

9. Piranhas and Burmese Pythons

Callen shares his past experiences keeping piranhas and a Burmese python as pets, providing a glimpse into the strange and often unsettling world of exotic pet ownership. This segment explores the human fascination with dangerous animals, the responsibilities of pet ownership, and the ethical implications of keeping potentially harmful creatures as companions.

• Callen details his past experiences keeping a tank of piranhas and a Burmese python, illustrating the human fascination with potentially dangerous creatures.
• Callen shares a humorous anecdote about how he used to feed his piranhas goldfish, creating a sort of “death row” scenario for the unfortunate fish.
• Callen describes the challenges of caring for a Burmese python, including the need to stun rats before feeding them to the snake, and the python’s tendency to become aggressive when handled.
• The conversation explores the ethical implications of keeping exotic animals as pets, raising questions about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the potential risks involved in caring for potentially dangerous creatures.

10. The Crocodile Man

Callen and Rogan discuss a man who swims with a 17-foot crocodile, exploring the extremes of human interaction with dangerous animals and the potential risks involved in such endeavors. They delve into the reasons behind this unusual behavior and the distinctions between different crocodile species, showcasing their fascination with both the dangers and the allure of the natural world.

• Callen and Rogan discuss a man who swims with a 17-foot crocodile, highlighting the human fascination with and willingness to engage with dangerous creatures.
• Callen explains the different levels of aggression and danger posed by various crocodile species, contrasting the timid nature of Costa Rican crocodiles with the more aggressive Nile crocodiles.
• Rogan and Callen discuss the potential dangers of interacting with crocodiles, sharing stories about their predatory behavior and the threat they pose to humans and other animals.
• The segment underscores the importance of respecting the power of nature and understanding the risks involved in interacting with potentially dangerous creatures.

11. The NDAA and Government Overreach

The conversation takes a serious turn as Rogan and Callen discuss the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a controversial piece of legislation that grants the military expanded powers to detain individuals indefinitely and to suppress civil unrest. They express their concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for government overreach, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and the need to protect individual freedoms.

• Rogan expresses his concern about the NDAA, a law signed by President Obama that allows the military to detain individuals indefinitely and to intervene in domestic situations.
• Callen and Rogan discuss the implications of this law for civil liberties and the potential for government overreach, expressing their apprehension about the erosion of individual freedoms.
• The conversation highlights the importance of vigilance and the need to protect civil liberties, particularly in the face of expanded government powers.
• The segment touches on the delicate balance between security and liberty, highlighting the potential consequences of unchecked government authority.

12. The Holocaust and Human Evil

Callen and Rogan discuss the Holocaust, offering a somber and thought-provoking examination of one of the most horrific events in human history. They explore the roots of prejudice, the dangers of unchecked power, and the importance of remembering the past to prevent future atrocities.

• Callen discusses the Holocaust, highlighting the systematic extermination of six million Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II.
• Rogan and Callen explore the roots of prejudice and the dangers of unchecked power, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust as a cautionary tale.
• The conversation touches on the pervasiveness of human evil and the need for vigilance in protecting individual freedoms and preventing future atrocities.
• The segment underscores the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and the responsibility to stand up against injustice.

13. The Power of the Internet

The conversation shifts to the positive impact of the internet, exploring its potential to connect people, spread information, and foster empathy. They discuss the role of social media in empowering individuals, promoting transparency, and challenging established power structures. They also acknowledge the challenges of misinformation and the need for responsible use of this powerful tool.

• Rogan and Callen discuss the positive impact of the internet in connecting people globally, spreading information, and promoting transparency.
• Callen highlights the role of social media in empowering individuals, particularly in situations of oppression and violence, such as the protests in Kenya and the fight against drug cartels in Mexico.
• The conversation touches on the challenges of misinformation and the need for responsible use of the internet to ensure its positive effects are maximized and its negative consequences minimized.
• The segment explores the potential of the internet to democratize power, promote accountability, and create a more just and equitable world.

14. The Potential of the Human Race

Rogan and Callen discuss the unrealized potential of the human race, expressing frustration with the current state of affairs and lamenting the lack of progress in addressing major societal challenges. They express their belief in the ability of humanity to achieve greater things, highlighting the need for a shift in consciousness and a commitment to achieving a more just and equitable future.

• Rogan and Callen discuss the unrealized potential of the human race, expressing frustration with the current state of affairs and lamenting the lack of progress in addressing issues such as war, poverty, and inequality.
• Callen expresses his belief in the capacity of humanity to achieve greater things, emphasizing the need for a shift in consciousness and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable future.
• The conversation touches on the dangers of complacency and the need for individuals to take responsibility for shaping a better world.
• The segment underscores the importance of hope, vision, and the unwavering belief in humanity’s potential for positive change.

15. The Military Industrial Complex

Rogan and Callen express their concerns about the influence of the military-industrial complex on American foreign policy, highlighting the role of profit-driven interests in perpetuating conflict and the challenges of challenging this powerful force.

• Rogan and Callen discuss the influence of the military-industrial complex on American foreign policy, highlighting the role of profit-driven interests in perpetuating conflict.
• They express their concerns about the billions of dollars spent on weapons systems and the way this industry influences political decisions.
• The conversation touches on the challenges of challenging this powerful force and the need for greater transparency and accountability in military spending.
• The segment underscores the importance of questioning the motives behind military interventions and the need to prioritize diplomacy and peaceful solutions to international conflicts.

16. The Future of Technology

Callen and Rogan engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the future of technology, exploring the potential impact of genetic manipulation, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies on human society. They ponder the ethical implications of these advancements, the potential risks involved, and the need for careful consideration of the consequences of technological progress.

• Rogan and Callen discuss the potential impact of emerging technologies such as genetic manipulation, artificial intelligence, and robotics on human society.
• They explore the ethical implications of these advancements, raising questions about the potential risks involved in tampering with human biology and the need for careful consideration of the consequences of technological progress.
• The conversation touches on the potential for these technologies to reshape the human experience, from altering physical characteristics to blurring the lines between humans and machines.
• The segment underscores the need for thoughtful dialogue and responsible development of these technologies to ensure they serve humanity’s best interests.

17. The Importance of Humor

Throughout the podcast, Callen and Rogan emphasize the importance of humor as a coping mechanism and a source of strength in navigating the complexities of life. They highlight the power of laughter to connect people, to challenge societal norms, and to provide a sense of perspective and resilience in the face of adversity.

• Callen and Rogan highlight the importance of humor as a coping mechanism and a source of strength in navigating the complexities of life.
• They discuss the power of laughter to connect people, to challenge societal norms, and to provide a sense of perspective and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The conversation underscores the importance of finding humor in the unexpected and using laughter as a way to deal with difficult situations.
• The segment emphasizes the positive impact of humor on mental well-being and its ability to bring joy and connection into people’s lives.

18. The Importance of Human Connection

The podcast concludes with Rogan and Callen reflecting on the importance of human connection, emphasizing the need for empathy, compassion, and a shared sense of humanity to create a better world. They highlight the role of relationships in providing support, meaning, and purpose in life.

• Rogan and Callen reflect on the importance of human connection, emphasizing the need for empathy, compassion, and a shared sense of humanity to create a better world.
• They discuss the role of relationships in providing support, meaning, and purpose in life.
• The conversation highlights the importance of building strong relationships, fostering understanding, and creating a sense of community.
• The segment underscores the need for individuals to recognize their interconnectedness and to work together to create a more just and compassionate society.

Memorable Quotes

• “Could you imagine with, like, art of like, real rabbit hair on it. Oh. Oh. Yeah. Or the fake rabbit hair, like, when you see those rabbit fruits that cut stops that are so creepy, it looks like there’s, like, a hard bubble gum in the middle of it.” – Rogan’s increasingly absurd suggestions for the “Flashlight” sex toy.
• “I never thought of that. in the egg hole. Jesus Christ. I didn’t even thought of that. I I didn’t even know where where you would fuck a chicken.” – Callen’s hilarious response to the story about the man having sex with a chicken.
• “You can’t tell the truth. You can’t talk. You go to jail for fucking a horse. That’s that’s weird. But you bring a dude to the hospital and his assholes bleeding and there’s some kind of sperm all over the place.” – Rogan’s humorous and thought-provoking observation about the legal system and its treatment of zoophilia.
• “The soul do you give to your child is doing your child harm It’s not just doesn’t just rot the kid’s teeth. It’s doing the child harm and here are the here are the host of reasons for it.” – Rogan’s passionate argument against the consumption of sugar, citing its detrimental effects on health.
• “The only way to fix it is to make the government the government that everybody feeds off of. there has a lot of power to make these decisions. You make the government smaller. You take away some of government’s power.” – Callen’s call for a smaller government and a reduction of its power.

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