JRE #1775 – Dave Smith

10-Feb-22

This podcast features Dave Smith, a stand-up comedian and political commentator, who dives into various provocative topics with Joe Rogan. The conversation explores the nature of truth, the dangers of manufactured outrage, and the complexities of navigating a society bombarded with information. Underlying themes include the limitations of traditional media, the importance of independent thought, and the need for genuine dialogue in an increasingly polarized world.

Topics:

1. The Rise of “Woke” Culture and Its Role as a Distraction

   • Dave Smith argues that “woke” culture serves as a distraction from real problems facing society, such as economic decline and political corruption.
   • He highlights the absurdity of manufactured outrage, exemplified by Adele’s criticism for expressing her love for being a woman at a “gender neutral” awards show.
   • The podcast emphasizes the ease of outrage over genuine introspection, allowing individuals to avoid confronting their own role in societal issues.
   • Smith contends that the corporate media and large corporations actively promote “woke” culture to divert attention from their own shortcomings.

2. The Erosion of Trust in Traditional Media

   • The podcast criticizes traditional media outlets, specifically CNN, for their blatant bias and dishonesty, which has eroded public trust.
   • Joe Rogan’s popularity is attributed to his authenticity and willingness to engage in open-minded conversations, even when challenging established narratives.
   • The conversation highlights the disconnect between the corporate media’s perspective and the concerns of everyday people.
   • Dave Smith points out the irony of traditional media accusing Rogan of spreading misinformation while actively engaging in propaganda and pushing false narratives.

3. The Importance of Independent Journalism and Alternative Voices

   • The podcast champions independent journalists and alternative media platforms that provide unfiltered information and diverse perspectives.
   • Smith and Rogan praise individuals like Glenn Greenwald, Matt Taibbi, and the team at antiwar.com for their dedication to exposing truth and holding power accountable.
   • The conversation emphasizes the value of dissenting voices and the dangers of silencing those who challenge established narratives.
   • They highlight the growing popularity of independent platforms like Breaking Points and Jimmy Dore, indicating a shift in public trust towards sources that prioritize honesty and transparency.

4. The Dangers of Authoritarianism and the Erosion of Individual Freedom

   • The podcast delves into the authoritarian tendencies emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
   • Smith and Rogan express concern over the erosion of basic freedoms, including the right to leave one’s home and make personal health choices.
   • They criticize the overreach of medical expertise into the realm of public policy, arguing that individual liberty should not be sacrificed for perceived public health benefits.
   • The conversation highlights the dangerous precedent set by governments using public health emergencies to justify restrictions on individual liberties.

5. The Role of “Contrarian” Voices and the Value of Open Dialogue

   • The podcast emphasizes the importance of “contrarian” voices, even when they express controversial or offensive opinions.
   • Smith argues that silencing these voices hinders intellectual progress and stifles open dialogue, preventing society from confronting challenging issues.
   • He advocates for a spirit of liberty and tolerance, where individuals can disagree without resorting to censorship or personal attacks.
   • The conversation suggests that the best way to address incorrect opinions is through open dialogue, debate, and reasoned argument, rather than silencing dissenting voices.

6. The Hypocrisy of “Woke” Elites and the Limits of Corporate Media

   • The podcast exposes the hypocrisy of “woke” elites who promote restrictive policies while living above the rules they impose on others.
   • Smith and Rogan point out examples like Stacey Abrams and Kamala Harris, who advocate for strict COVID-19 measures while ignoring them personally.
   • They criticize the corporate media for perpetuating these narratives and failing to hold these elites accountable for their inconsistencies.
   • The conversation highlights the disconnect between the rhetoric of progressive movements and the realities of everyday life.

7. The Profound Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Society

   • The podcast explores the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise of authoritarianism, social division, and economic hardship.
   • Smith and Rogan acknowledge the severity of the virus while questioning the effectiveness and rationale behind government responses, particularly lockdowns.
   • They highlight the negative societal impacts of these measures, such as increased childhood obesity, mental health issues, and economic devastation.
   • The conversation suggests that the pandemic has exposed the fragility of our societal structures and the dangers of unchecked government power.

8. The Importance of Individual Responsibility and Informed Decision-Making

   • The podcast emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, particularly in the context of health choices.
   • Smith and Rogan encourage listeners to question the dominant narratives and make informed decisions based on their own research and critical thinking.
   • They highlight the dangers of blindly following government directives without considering the potential downsides and unintended consequences.
   • The conversation promotes a sense of individual agency and empowerment, encouraging listeners to take control of their own health and well-being.

9. The Role of the Military Industrial Complex and the Dangers of Endless Wars

   • The podcast discusses the influence of the military-industrial complex and its role in perpetuating endless wars for profit.
   • Smith and Rogan criticize the US government’s involvement in wars in the Middle East, particularly in Yemen, citing the devastating humanitarian consequences and lack of tangible benefits.
   • They argue that these wars are motivated by financial gain, geopolitical influence, and the desire to maintain a dominant military presence in the region.
   • The conversation highlights the need for a drastic reduction in military spending and a shift towards a more peaceful and diplomatic approach to foreign policy.

10. The Psychology of Obsession and the Quest for Status

    • The podcast explores the psychological factors driving human obsession, particularly regarding status symbols and exclusivity.
    • Smith and Rogan discuss the phenomenon of counterfeit wine and the high-stakes world of art auctions, highlighting the desire for rare and valuable items as a means of social validation.
    • They highlight the absurdity of spending exorbitant sums on items whose value is often subjective and inflated by marketing and hype.
    • The conversation delves into the human tendency to prioritize status over genuine enjoyment and the potential for this to lead to disappointment and even fraud.

11. The Importance of Genuine Dialogue and Respectful Disagreement

    • The podcast emphasizes the importance of respectful disagreement and open-minded dialogue, even when confronting challenging or polarizing topics.
    • Smith and Rogan promote a culture where individuals can engage in meaningful conversations without resorting to censorship or demonizing those with differing viewpoints.
    • They advocate for a more nuanced approach to understanding complex issues, acknowledging the limitations of simplistic narratives and the need for diverse perspectives.
    • The conversation encourages listeners to challenge their own biases, engage with different viewpoints, and strive for a more tolerant and understanding society.

12. The Role of Humor and Entertainment in Navigating Societal Issues

    • The podcast utilizes humor and entertainment to engage listeners and present serious topics in a more digestible and relatable way.
    • Smith and Rogan use satire and lighthearted banter to critique societal trends and expose hypocrisy while avoiding overly preachy or didactic approaches.
    • The conversation demonstrates the power of humor as a tool for social commentary and its ability to challenge established norms without resorting to anger or hostility.
    • The podcast highlights the potential of entertainment to foster critical thinking and inspire meaningful dialogue.

13. The Significance of Individual Identity and the Power of Choice

    • The podcast underscores the importance of individual identity and the right to make choices without undue pressure or judgment.
    • Smith and Rogan advocate for a society that respects diverse perspectives, personal beliefs, and individual preferences.
    • They challenge the notion of a monolithic “correct” opinion and encourage listeners to embrace their own unique values and beliefs.
    • The conversation celebrates the richness of human diversity and the importance of individual freedom in a pluralistic society.

14. The State of UFC and the Rise of Israel Adesanya

    • The podcast discusses the upcoming UFC fights, highlighting the highly anticipated middleweight bout between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whitaker.
    • Smith and Rogan analyze Adesanya’s fighting style, praising his striking prowess and strategic approach, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Whitaker’s wrestling and resilience.
    • They discuss the emergence of Alex Pereira as a potential contender for the middleweight title and the potential for a highly anticipated matchup against Adesanya.
    • The conversation showcases Rogan’s passion for MMA and his insights into the sport, offering in-depth analysis and predictions for upcoming fights.

15. The Importance of Authenticity and Genuine Connection

    • The podcast emphasizes the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional endeavors.
    • Smith and Rogan value honest communication and genuine connection, both with their audience and with each other.
    • They critique the artificiality and insincerity often prevalent in corporate media and political discourse.
    • The conversation underscores the power of genuine human interaction and the need for authenticity in building meaningful relationships.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “Doesn’t it just serve as a distraction? Like, while everything’s crumbling and there’s so many real things.” – Dave Smith on the role of “woke” culture in diverting attention from societal problems.
• “They are objectively the mouthpieces for war criminals. That’s that’s what they do.” – Dave Smith on the corporate media’s role in promoting war propaganda.
• “It’s almost objectively wrong about the lockdowns. They were so it’s so understood that they were wrong now, that let’s just put it this way. The Biden administration is blaming the Trump administration for the lockdowns at this point.” – Joe Rogan on the widespread acknowledgement of the failures of lockdown policies.
• “The most catastrophically wrong things that have really led to real world catastrophes have all been coming out of CNN and MSNBC and the White House and Doctor Fauci and all of them.” – Dave Smith on the responsibility of government officials and corporate media for misleading information.
• “We need Liberty. That’s like the answer. It’s the answer to all of this.” – Dave Smith on the importance of individual freedom and limited government as a path towards a more prosperous and peaceful society.