JRE #1823 - Neal Brennan

25-May-22

Joe Rogan Experience #1823 – Neal Brennan Topics

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features comedian Neal Brennan. Here are some major topics covered:

Fame and Its Impact

Brennan discusses his gradual rise to fame, contrasting it with the intense pressure experienced by young celebrities who gain prominence quickly.
He emphasizes the importance of incremental fame, allowing one to develop coping mechanisms and antibodies to the demands of public attention.
The downsides of fame include constant requests for time, investment opportunities, and attention, which can be overwhelming and stressful.
Brennan highlights how fame can lead to isolation, forcing individuals to navigate social interactions and public spaces in unconventional ways to avoid unwanted attention.

The State of Hollywood and Comedy Central

Brennan discusses the changing landscape of Hollywood, suggesting that “regular Hollywood” is becoming less relevant.
He points to the dominance of streaming services and the decline of traditional networks like Comedy Central, which has sold much of its library to streaming platforms.
He shares a story about Ari Shaffir’s experience with Comedy Central, where the network threatened to cancel his show if he accepted a more lucrative deal with Netflix.
Brennan reflects on the evolving relationship between comedians and networks, highlighting the increasing power of streaming services and the challenges faced by traditional platforms.

The Comedy Central Improv Lab

Brennan discusses the history of the Comedy Central Improv Lab, a space where he and Ari Shaffir honed their comedic skills.
He describes the lab’s evolution from a “shitty little dark room” to a bar-filled space that he considers to be a “nightmare” for comedians.
He shares his experiences bombing at the lab, highlighting the challenging nature of performing in that specific room.
Brennan expresses his belief that the lab’s design is flawed and could be improved by reducing the size of the bar and optimizing the seating arrangement.

Ari Shaffir’s “This is Not Happening”

Brennan discusses the creation and success of Ari Shaffir’s storytelling show “This is Not Happening.”
He credits Shaffir’s brilliance in developing the show, which eventually was picked up by Comedy Central.
Brennan criticizes Comedy Central for mishandling the show, suggesting they ultimately “fucked it up” with a “petty little move.”
He reflects on the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry and the importance of supporting creatives in their endeavors.

The Rise of Podcasts

Brennan discusses the rapid growth of podcasts and how Howard Stern’s initial dismissal of the medium proved to be wrong.
He shares his perspective on the unique position of Joe Rogan’s Spotify podcast, highlighting its vast reach and influence.
He discusses the potential downsides of Rogan’s success, including the pressure of managing a massive audience and the potential for being “un-unified” from mainstream culture.
Brennan analyzes the evolution of media consumption, highlighting the shift from satellite radio to mobile apps and the accessibility of podcasts.

The Unnecessary Complexity of Los Angeles

Brennan discusses the overwhelming traffic and unnecessary complexity of Los Angeles, contrasting it with the friendlier and less congested atmosphere of Austin.
He shares his experience of a three-hour drive from Los Angeles to Newport Beach, highlighting the frustration of navigating LA’s traffic.
Brennan’s move to Austin signifies a desire for a simpler lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
He emphasizes the impact of population density on the quality of life, reflecting on the burdens and frustrations associated with large cities.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Comedy

Brennan discusses the impact of COVID-19 on comedy, highlighting how the pandemic led to a surge in podcast consumption due to increased free time.
He acknowledges the role of COVID-19 in accelerating the shift from traditional networks to streaming platforms.
He reflects on the challenges of writing and performing new material during a time of significant societal change and uncertainty.
Brennan suggests that the pandemic has forced comedians to adapt and re-evaluate their comedic strategies and approaches.

The Power of Microdosing

Brennan discusses the potential benefits of microdosing, sharing his personal experience and observing the positive impacts on Ron White and Jim Jefferies.
He acknowledges that alcohol can alleviate fear but also dull the senses, while microdosing may offer a different approach to managing fear and enhancing creativity.
He advocates for moderation when consuming alcohol, suggesting that it can be beneficial in small doses.
Brennan explores the evolving understanding of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic applications.

The Importance of Difficult Things

Brennan discusses the importance of engaging in difficult things, both physically and mentally, as a way to promote personal growth and resilience.
He advocates for the benefits of activities like archery, golf, and yoga, highlighting their ability to challenge and strengthen the mind and body.
He suggests that engaging in difficult things can help individuals cope with stress and develop coping mechanisms for challenges in life.
Brennan reflects on the role of struggle in personal development and the importance of finding activities that foster a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

The Power of Shame

Brennan discusses the controversial nature of shame and its potential for both positive and negative consequences.
He acknowledges the importance of avoiding unnecessary cruelty and shaming, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding.
He argues that shame can be a catalyst for personal growth and improvement, prompting individuals to confront their shortcomings and strive for positive change.
Brennan explores the complexities of shame, highlighting its potential to be both destructive and constructive, depending on how it is approached and utilized.

The Nature of Reality and Truth

Brennan discusses the blurred lines between reality and perception, highlighting the power of narratives and the potential for manipulation.
He reflects on the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial, suggesting that both parties engaged in deception and presented distorted versions of reality.
He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and questioning narratives, especially when they are presented with an agenda.
Brennan explores the complexities of human behavior, recognizing the potential for both manipulation and self-deception.

The Evolving Perception of Beauty Standards

Brennan discusses the evolving nature of beauty standards, challenging the notion that “all bodies are beautiful” as a means of ignoring the health consequences of unhealthy lifestyles.
He argues that while it is important to celebrate diversity and promote self-acceptance, it is also crucial to acknowledge the dangers of neglecting health and well-being.
He critiques the normalization of extreme body modification, highlighting the potential for negative consequences and psychological distress.
Brennan reflects on the complexities of body image and the societal pressures that contribute to unhealthy attitudes and behaviors.

The Impact of Psychedelics

Brennan shares his personal journey with psychedelics, detailing his experiences with ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and Ayahuasca.
He describes his encounters with “machine elves” during ketamine sessions and his profound spiritual awakening during Ayahuasca ceremonies.
He discusses the potential benefits of psychedelics for addressing depression, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Brennan explores the controversial nature of psychedelics and the importance of understanding their potential both as therapeutic tools and as substances that can be misused.

The Importance of Grounding

Brennan discusses the importance of grounding oneself after intense psychedelic experiences, emphasizing the need for a sense of balance and stability.
He highlights the potential for “reactivations,” where psychedelic experiences can return unexpectedly, even months after the initial encounter.
He shares his experience with a particularly challenging DMT trip that left him feeling disoriented and struggling to comprehend reality.
Brennan explores the complexities of the mind and its ability to process and integrate intense experiences, emphasizing the importance of grounding and self-care.

The Potential of Psychedelics for Social Change

Brennan discusses the potential for psychedelics to foster social change, suggesting that they could lead to a greater understanding of human consciousness and the interconnectedness of all beings.
He advocates for the legalization and decriminalization of psychedelics, arguing that their potential for therapeutic and spiritual growth should be explored further.
He emphasizes the need for responsible research and education regarding psychedelics, ensuring that they are used safely and ethically.
Brennan envisions a future where psychedelics are integrated into mainstream society, helping individuals connect with their spirituality, confront their fears, and achieve greater personal growth.

Memorable Quotes:

“If you’re a normal person that just went right into that, you would lose your fucking mind. You wouldn’t you wouldn’t be able to just you’ve developed antibodies to…” – Brennan on the importance of gradual fame.
“The bummer is when people want things from you. Like, they wanna talk to you about some fucking thing that they’re doing a search up. And, man, you know, like, the idea that I would have enough time to do that with you.” – Brennan on the downsides of fame.
“What do you mean? He was saying, like, podcasts in the future. Well, he was I don’t remember. Well, he was he was like, yeah, he was only about basically, like, you’re a dinosaur — Yeah. — on satellite radio.” – Brennan on Howard Stern’s early dismissal of podcasts.
“You wanna your fucking minds? I was I didn’t do it, Joe, but where where Zelensky was like, hey. Can you guys come help us? And America’s like, no. We don’t wanna be involved in World War 3, and they’re like, Please. Please come be in World War 3.” – Brennan on the complexities of international conflict.
“The amount of detachment you get when you’re a fucking dictator, when you’re literally the guy can kill anyone. Yeah. Kill anyone. But I poisoned them.” – Brennan on the power and isolation of dictators.