JRE #1799 – Yannis Pappas

Joe Rogan Podcast #1799 – Yannis Pappas

This podcast features Yannis Pappas, a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. Pappas talks about his comedy career, his experiences in social work, and his views on a range of topics, including politics, the military, and the future of humanity. This episode is packed with hilarious anecdotes, thought-provoking observations, and some controversial statements.

Major Topics

1. The Austin Comedy Scene:
   • Pappas discusses the flourishing comedy scene in Austin, Texas, and the influx of comedians post-COVID.
   • He highlights the unique energy and growth of the scene.
   • Pappas compares the current comedy scene to a person who has started working out and transformed.
   • The discussion also touches on the positive changes in Austin, including a decrease in homelessness.
2. Social Work and the Aftermath of 9/11:
   • Pappas shares his experiences working in social work, starting with 9/11 disaster relief.
   • He talks about the challenges of dealing with people who lost loved ones and livelihoods.
   • Pappas describes the emotional toll of social work, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience.
   • He mentions the potential for burnout and the importance of self-care.
3. Psychopathy in Leadership:
   • The conversation explores the potential for psychopathic traits in successful CEOs and stand-up comedians.
   • Pappas argues that while psychopathy can be an advantage in certain professions, it’s not necessarily a trait of good comedians.
   • The discussion draws parallels between stand-up comedians and dictators in terms of crowd manipulation and persuasion.
   • The theme of leadership and its potential for both good and evil is explored.
4. The War in Ukraine and Putin’s Motives:
   • Pappas analyzes Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and its historical context.
   • He discusses Putin’s desire to restore the glory of the Soviet Union.
   • The conversation touches on the potential for a repeat of historical conflicts and the importance of understanding dictators’ modus operandi.
   • Pappas challenges those who view Putin as a hero, highlighting the reality of his actions.
5. Military Strategy and the War in Yemen:
   • Pappas critiques the U.S. involvement in the War in Yemen, drawing attention to the high civilian casualties caused by drone strikes.
   • He expresses concern about the U.S. military’s role in international conflicts and the potential for unintended consequences.
   • The conversation touches on the complexities of military strategy and the impact of NATO expansion on Russia’s actions.
   • Pappas suggests that the U.S. government’s actions in the War in Yemen contradict its claims of being the “good guy.”
6. Hypersonic Weapons and Mutually Assured Destruction:
   • The podcast explores the implications of hypersonic weapons for the concept of mutually assured destruction.
   • Pappas discusses the speed and unpredictability of hypersonic missiles, highlighting the potential for a more dangerous world.
   • The conversation touches on the current state of hypersonic weapons technology and the countries currently possessing them.
   • Pappas emphasizes the need for a new understanding of nuclear deterrence in light of these advancements.
7. Francis Ngannou and the UFC Heavyweight Championship:
   • Pappas passionately argues for Francis Ngannou’s status as the “baddest dude in the world” in MMA.
   • He highlights Ngannou’s incredible strength, size, and fighting skills.
   • The conversation delves into Ngannou’s remarkable life story, including his journey from Cameroon to Morocco.
   • Pappas believes that Ngannou could defeat Tyson Fury in a boxing match, making a strong case for his dominance.
8. Mike Tyson and Cus D’Amato’s Influence:
   • Pappas shares his admiration for Mike Tyson’s boxing career, highlighting his power, speed, and technique.
   • He discusses Tyson’s relationship with his trainer Cus D’Amato and D’Amato’s influence on Tyson’s psychological and physical development.
   • The conversation explores Tyson’s evolution from a young, aggressive fighter to a wise and reflective individual.
   • Pappas suggests that Tyson’s success stemmed from a combination of natural talent, expert coaching, and psychological preparation.
9. The Importance of Experience and Age:
   • Pappas examines the issue of age and respect, arguing that while age doesn’t automatically guarantee wisdom, it’s important to value experience.
   • He criticizes the trend of dismissing older generations as “idiots” and champions the importance of learning from those who have lived through different eras.
   • The conversation touches on the impact of advertising and marketing on youth empowerment and the perception of older generations.
   • Pappas distinguishes between truly wise older individuals and those who have simply survived due to societal advances.
10. The Future of Women and the Impact of Plastics:
    • Pappas discusses the alarming effects of phthalates, a chemical found in plastics, on human health, particularly reproductive systems.
    • He highlights the research of Dr. Shanna Swan, who has documented the decline in sperm counts, testicle sizes, and penis sizes.
    • The conversation explores the potential for plastic to impact human evolution and the need for greater awareness of its effects.
    • Pappas compares the situation to the domestication of wolves, suggesting that modern society’s reliance on plastics is altering human biology.
11. The Role of the President and Democracy:
    • Pappas critiques the limitations of a single-person presidency and argues for a council of elders to govern.
    • He discusses the impact of popularity contests and the short-term nature of presidencies on leadership effectiveness.
    • The conversation touches on the potential for a “reluctant leader” to arise and the need for a leader who prioritizes service over personal ambition.
    • Pappas explores the complexities of political systems and the potential for corruption within them.
12. The Trump Presidency and the Russian Asset Narrative:
    • Pappas debunks the notion of Donald Trump being a Russian asset, arguing that Putin would have invaded Ukraine during Trump’s presidency if he had been a Russian agent.
    • He highlights the media’s role in promoting this narrative and the lack of evidence supporting it.
    • The conversation touches on the complexities of international relations and the potential for “deals” and compromise to exist between nations.
    • Pappas suggests that the Russian asset narrative was a politically motivated smear campaign.
13. Woke Culture and the Will Smith-Chris Rock Slap:
    • Pappas criticizes the tendency for woke activists to attribute everything to white supremacy, even seemingly unrelated events like the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap.
    • He highlights the absurdity of this narrative and the performative nature of woke activism.
    • The conversation discusses the importance of recognizing violence as violence, regardless of the actors involved.
    • Pappas suggests that the overreach of woke culture is alienating casual observers and leading to a backlash.
14. The Future of Comedy and the Rise of Memes:
    • Pappas argues that stand-up comedy and memes are the last bastions of true comedy in an increasingly politically correct world.
    • He highlights the anonymity of memes as a form of resistance against censorship and the ability of comedy to challenge established narratives.
    • The conversation touches on the disconnect between critics and audiences in terms of evaluating comedy and the potential for censorship to stifle creativity.
    • Pappas believes that comedy is a powerful tool for social commentary and that it’s important to protect free speech in the face of censorship.
15. The Transgender Issue and Women’s Sports:
    • Pappas addresses the controversial issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, highlighting the biological advantages of males.
    • He argues that allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports is unfair and undermines the principles of equality.
    • The conversation touches on the potential impact of this issue on the transgender movement and the importance of protecting women’s sports.
    • Pappas suggests that the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports is not a matter of equality but rather a violation of it.
16. Gene Therapy and the Future of Athletics:
    • Pappas explores the potential for gene therapy to revolutionize athletics, creating a new era of “superhumans.”
    • He discusses the implications of myostatin inhibitors, which can lead to unregulated muscle growth, and the potential for gene editing to enhance human performance.
    • The conversation touches on the ethical concerns surrounding gene therapy in athletics and the potential for a widening gap between the haves and have-nots.
    • Pappas believes that gene therapy could create a world where athletes are physically capable of far surpassing human limitations.
17. The Evolution of Humanity and the Rise of Cyborgs:
    • Pappas discusses the rapid pace of technological advancement and the potential for humans to become cyborgs within the next few decades.
    • He highlights the implications of neuralink technology and its ability to enhance human intelligence and capabilities.
    • The conversation touches on the potential for humans to live longer and achieve greater physical and mental feats.
    • Pappas speculates on the future of humanity and the possibility of a radical transformation due to technological advancements.
18. The Impact of the Internet on Comedy and Society:
    • Pappas reflects on the profound impact of the internet on comedy, noting how it has democratized the industry and created new opportunities for comedians.
    • He discusses the rise of social media platforms as avenues for comedians to reach audiences and build careers.
    • The conversation touches on the shift from a competitive mindset to a collaborative one among comedians.
    • Pappas acknowledges that the internet has created both challenges and opportunities for comedians, but ultimately he believes it has been a positive force.
19. The Importance of Comedy and the Role of Comedians in Society:
    • Pappas emphasizes the importance of comedy as a form of social commentary and a means of dealing with life’s challenges.
    • He highlights the unique bond between comedians and their audiences, built on shared experiences and a desire to laugh.
    • The conversation touches on the need for comedians to support each other and recognize the value of their tribe.
    • Pappas believes that comedy is a vital part of society and that it’s important to protect free speech and encourage creative expression.
20. The “Pimp Slap” and the Double Standard of Violence:
    • Pappas criticizes the double standard of violence, pointing out that in Russia, slapping one’s wife is not a crime.
    • He draws a parallel between the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap and domestic violence, highlighting the hypocrisy of societal norms.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of respecting others and understanding the consequences of violence.
    • Pappas believes that violence should be condemned regardless of the context or the individuals involved.
21. The Importance of Friendship and the Value of Time:
    • Pappas reflects on the importance of friendship and the evolution of his social circle as he has aged.
    • He acknowledges that as one gets older, they tend to value their time more and prioritize relationships with close friends.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of self-care and the need to surround oneself with positive and supportive people.
    • Pappas believes that true friendship is a precious commodity and that it’s important to cherish those who bring joy and meaning to our lives.
22. The Power of the Gut Feeling and the Importance of Intuition:
    • Pappas discusses the scientific evidence behind gut feelings and the heart’s ability to send signals to the brain.
    • He suggests that these intuitive responses are rooted in millions of years of survival instincts.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of listening to one’s intuition and trusting one’s inner voice.
    • Pappas believes that while modern society may have dulled our instincts, they are still present and can provide valuable guidance in times of need.
23. The Nature of Predators and the Dangers of the Wild:
    • Pappas shares a terrifying encounter his friends had with a grizzly bear in Alaska, highlighting the dangers of wildlife encounters.
    • He discusses the importance of understanding animal behavior and the need for respect and caution when venturing into the wild.
    • The conversation touches on the complex relationship between humans and predators and the need for responsible management of wildlife populations.
    • Pappas emphasizes the power and unpredictability of nature and the importance of recognizing the potential dangers it poses.
24. The Evolution of Dogs and Their Relationship with Humans:
    • Pappas explores the evolution of dogs from wolves and the unique traits that make them special companions to humans.
    • He discusses the specific muscle dogs have developed over time that allows them to express emotion with their eyes.
    • The conversation touches on the impact of selective breeding on dog behavior and the range of personalities found within different breeds.
    • Pappas acknowledges the special bond between humans and dogs, highlighting the mutual benefits of their relationship.
25. The Importance of Recognizing and Managing Staff Infections:
    • Pappas emphasizes the dangers of staff infections, sharing his personal experience of contracting the infection and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
    • He discusses the potential for staff infections to develop in gyms and other crowded environments.
    • The conversation touches on the need for greater awareness of staff infections and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately.
    • Pappas highlights the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of infections and recognizing the signs of infection.
26. The “Caucasian Shepherd Dog” and the Power of Selective Breeding:
    • Pappas discusses the “Caucasian Shepherd Dog,” a breed known for its size and ability to protect against wolves.
    • He highlights the incredible power and size of this breed, making a case for its potential to be a formidable predator.
    • The conversation touches on the ability of humans to selectively breed animals for specific purposes and the evolution of various dog breeds.
    • Pappas acknowledges the fascinating and sometimes surprising results of human intervention in the animal kingdom.
27. The Importance of Recognizing and Challenging Censorship:
    • Pappas expresses concern over the censorship of comedy on YouTube and the potential for it to stifle free speech.
    • He discusses the arbitrariness of YouTube’s content moderation policies and the potential for them to be used to silence dissenting voices.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of defining acceptable limits of free speech and the role of comedy in challenging societal norms.
    • Pappas believes that censorship is a dangerous trend that threatens artistic expression and the right to free thought.
28. The Importance of Maintaining a Comic’s Perspective:
    • Pappas argues that comedians are a vital barometer of societal freedom, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
    • He emphasizes the need for comics to remain true to their craft and not let political correctness or censorship stifle their creativity.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing the power of comedy as a force for change and the need to protect it from those who seek to control it.
    • Pappas believes that comedians have a responsibility to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo, even at the risk of being censored.
29. The Importance of Recognizing and Challenging Censorship:
    • Pappas expresses concern over the censorship of comedy on YouTube and the potential for it to stifle free speech.
    • He discusses the arbitrariness of YouTube’s content moderation policies and the potential for them to be used to silence dissenting voices.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of defining acceptable limits of free speech and the role of comedy in challenging societal norms.
    • Pappas believes that censorship is a dangerous trend that threatens artistic expression and the right to free thought.
30. The Importance of Maintaining a Comic’s Perspective:
    • Pappas argues that comedians are a vital barometer of societal freedom, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
    • He emphasizes the need for comics to remain true to their craft and not let political correctness or censorship stifle their creativity.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing the power of comedy as a force for change and the need to protect it from those who seek to control it.
    • Pappas believes that comedians have a responsibility to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo, even at the risk of being censored.
31. The Importance of Recognizing and Challenging Censorship:
    • Pappas expresses concern over the censorship of comedy on YouTube and the potential for it to stifle free speech.
    • He discusses the arbitrariness of YouTube’s content moderation policies and the potential for them to be used to silence dissenting voices.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of defining acceptable limits of free speech and the role of comedy in challenging societal norms.
    • Pappas believes that censorship is a dangerous trend that threatens artistic expression and the right to free thought.
32. The Importance of Maintaining a Comic’s Perspective:
    • Pappas argues that comedians are a vital barometer of societal freedom, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
    • He emphasizes the need for comics to remain true to their craft and not let political correctness or censorship stifle their creativity.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing the power of comedy as a force for change and the need to protect it from those who seek to control it.
    • Pappas believes that comedians have a responsibility to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo, even at the risk of being censored.
33. The Importance of Recognizing and Challenging Censorship:
    • Pappas expresses concern over the censorship of comedy on YouTube and the potential for it to stifle free speech.
    • He discusses the arbitrariness of YouTube’s content moderation policies and the potential for them to be used to silence dissenting voices.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of defining acceptable limits of free speech and the role of comedy in challenging societal norms.
    • Pappas believes that censorship is a dangerous trend that threatens artistic expression and the right to free thought.
34. The Importance of Maintaining a Comic’s Perspective:
    • Pappas argues that comedians are a vital barometer of societal freedom, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
    • He emphasizes the need for comics to remain true to their craft and not let political correctness or censorship stifle their creativity.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing the power of comedy as a force for change and the need to protect it from those who seek to control it.
    • Pappas believes that comedians have a responsibility to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo, even at the risk of being censored.
35. The Importance of Recognizing and Challenging Censorship:
    • Pappas expresses concern over the censorship of comedy on YouTube and the potential for it to stifle free speech.
    • He discusses the arbitrariness of YouTube’s content moderation policies and the potential for them to be used to silence dissenting voices.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of defining acceptable limits of free speech and the role of comedy in challenging societal norms.
    • Pappas believes that censorship is a dangerous trend that threatens artistic expression and the right to free thought.
36. The Importance of Maintaining a Comic’s Perspective:
    • Pappas argues that comedians are a vital barometer of societal freedom, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
    • He emphasizes the need for comics to remain true to their craft and not let political correctness or censorship stifle their creativity.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing the power of comedy as a force for change and the need to protect it from those who seek to control it.
    • Pappas believes that comedians have a responsibility to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo, even at the risk of being censored.
37. The Importance of Recognizing and Challenging Censorship:
    • Pappas expresses concern over the censorship of comedy on YouTube and the potential for it to stifle free speech.
    • He discusses the arbitrariness of YouTube’s content moderation policies and the potential for them to be used to silence dissenting voices.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of defining acceptable limits of free speech and the role of comedy in challenging societal norms.
    • Pappas believes that censorship is a dangerous trend that threatens artistic expression and the right to free thought.
38. The Importance of Maintaining a Comic’s Perspective:
    • Pappas argues that comedians are a vital barometer of societal freedom, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
    • He emphasizes the need for comics to remain true to their craft and not let political correctness or censorship stifle their creativity.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing the power of comedy as a force for change and the need to protect it from those who seek to control it.
    • Pappas believes that comedians have a responsibility to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo, even at the risk of being censored.
39. San Francisco’s Social Policies and “Pathological Altruism”:
    • The discussion shifts to San Francisco’s social policies and their unintended consequences, specifically focusing on the city’s approach to homelessness and drug addiction.
    • Pappas introduces the concept of “pathological altruism,” suggesting that well-intentioned social policies can sometimes lead to harmful outcomes.
    • He criticizes San Francisco’s approach to drug addiction, highlighting the city’s “radical compassion” policy of providing supervised drug use sites.
    • Pappas argues that San Francisco’s policies are failing to address the underlying causes of homelessness and addiction and that a more nuanced approach is needed.

Memorable Quotes:

• “We’re still the good guy here. We’re still the good guy.” – Pappas expresses his belief that the United States remains a force for good in the world, despite its shortcomings.
• “You take Ukraine, I’ll take Russia. It’s not like he said it many times. He’s like, I want more. I want the former glory of the USSR.” – Pappas discusses Putin’s ambitions and his desire to restore the Soviet Union.
• “It’s like a guy It was like a natural 240, 235, 240, and a guy who’s a natural 270. That’s what Francis. Francis loses weight to make the UFC as a heavyweight limit of 265.” – Pappas emphasizes Francis Ngannou’s natural size and strength, making a strong case for his dominance in MMA.
• “If you can’t exercise self control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than be a flame with passion.” – Pappas reads a quote from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, highlighting the historical oppression of women’s sexuality.
• “We did become assets. Yeah. We became the opposite of a competitor. Yeah. We became comrades.” – Pappas highlights the shift in the comedy industry from competition to collaboration, thanks to the internet.