JRE #1835 – Mike Judge

This podcast features a fascinating conversation with Mike Judge, a renowned filmmaker, animator, and actor. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from the creation of iconic shows like “Beavis and Butt-Head” and “Silicon Valley” to his insightful commentary on societal trends and his personal experiences in Hollywood. The podcast also dives into Mike Judge’s unique perspectives on the entertainment industry, the power of satire, and the ever-evolving landscape of media consumption.

Here are some of the major topics explored in the podcast:

Idiocracy & Its Relevance to 2022

• Mike Judge reveals that he watched “Idiocracy” for the first time in its entirety recently and was struck by its uncanny relevance to the current state of society.
• He acknowledges that the film’s depiction of a future dominated by dumbed-down individuals and corporate advertising is strikingly accurate, even though the film was released in 2006.
• The podcast touches on how the film’s themes of social media, decline in intellectual discourse, and pervasive advertising have become even more pronounced in the years since its release.
• Judge shares insights into the film’s creation, including the challenges of filming in Austin during a rainy summer, budget constraints, and the surprising cultural impact of Crocs.

Beavis and Butt-Head: From Humble Beginnings to MTV Icon

• Judge recounts the origins of “Beavis and Butt-Head,” starting with the creation of animated shorts in his home outside of Dallas.
• He shares the story of how his shorts were featured on “Liquid Television” on MTV, which ultimately led to the creation of the iconic show.
• Judge reveals the bizarre negotiation process with MTV, where he initially sold the rights to the show for $18,000, but eventually regained control through a loophole in the contract.
• He discusses the show’s lasting cultural impact and how it has aged surprisingly well, with its humor and commentary on the human condition remaining relevant.

The Power of Satire & Social Commentary

• Judge emphasizes the power of satire as a tool for social commentary, showcasing how his films and shows have tackled controversial topics with wit and insight.
• The podcast delves into the challenges of using humor to critique societal trends, especially in an increasingly polarized world.
• Judge discusses his personal approach to satire, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his own voice and perspective, even when facing criticism.
• The conversation highlights how his work has often captured the zeitgeist of its time, prompting reflection on the state of society and the power of creative expression.

The Art of Casting and Collaboration

• Judge reflects on the casting process for his films, discussing the importance of finding actors who embody the spirit of his characters.
• He shares anecdotes about the casting of iconic roles, like Terry Crews as the President in “Idiocracy,” revealing how sometimes the perfect actor emerges unexpectedly.
• The podcast explores the collaborative nature of filmmaking, emphasizing the contributions of actors, writers, and crew members in bringing his vision to life.
• Judge highlights the symbiotic relationship between writer and actor, showcasing how actors can elevate dialogue and enhance the overall impact of a film.

The Evolution of Media Consumption & Entertainment

• Judge shares his observations on the evolution of media consumption, reflecting on the shift from network television to streaming services and the rise of social media.
• He discusses how the rise of streaming services has changed the landscape of entertainment, providing greater creative freedom but also intensifying competition.
• The conversation explores the implications of these changes on the film and television industry, as well as on the way audiences consume and interact with content.
• Judge offers his insights into the future of entertainment, speculating on emerging trends and the role of technology in shaping the industry.

UFC: From Novelty to Mainstream Phenomenon

• Judge recounts his personal connection to the UFC, starting with his role as a post-fight interviewer in the early days of the sport.
• He discusses the evolution of UFC from a niche sport to a mainstream phenomenon, crediting the efforts of Dana White and the Fortiva brothers in its rise to prominence.
• Judge shares his experiences as a UFC commentator, highlighting the challenges and rewards of broadcasting such a physically demanding sport.
• He reflects on the culture of UFC and the enduring appeal of mixed martial arts, discussing the sport’s blend of athleticism, strategy, and raw human drama.

The Impact of Brain Injuries in Sports

• The podcast delves into the issue of brain injuries in contact sports, specifically CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).
• Judge expresses concerns about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma on athletes, especially in sports like boxing and football.
• He highlights the importance of athletes being aware of the risks and making informed decisions about their careers.
• The conversation explores the need for better research, prevention, and treatment options for athletes suffering from brain injuries.

Hunting: A Controversial Perspective

• The podcast delves into Mike Judge’s personal interest in hunting, showcasing a variety of perspectives on the activity.
• He discusses the ethical considerations of hunting, the role of technology in making it more efficient, and the cultural significance of hunting in certain communities.
• Judge shares his own experiences with hunting, including a story about hunting wild hogs with a rifle, and reflects on the physical and mental aspects of the activity.
• The conversation explores the various methods of hunting, from traditional bow hunting to more modern and controversial techniques, prompting discussion about the impact of hunting on wildlife populations and ecosystems.

The Fascinating Transformation of Domestic Hogs

• Judge and Joe Rogan discuss the remarkable transformation of domestic hogs when released into the wild, highlighting their ability to quickly revert to a feral state.
• They explore the physical changes that occur in these hogs, including the growth of tusks, thickening of their fur, and lengthening of their snouts.
• The podcast delves into the science behind this transformation, noting the influence of environmental factors and the hogs’ innate adaptability.
• The conversation underscores the fascinating plasticity of animal behavior and morphology, showcasing the remarkable power of nature to shape and adapt living organisms.

The Art of Cooking with Wild Game

• The podcast explores the culinary delights of wild game, featuring a discussion about Jesse Griffiths, a renowned chef who specializes in preparing wild game dishes.
• Judge shares his enthusiasm for Griffiths’ restaurant “Dai Due,” highlighting the restaurant’s focus on locally sourced, wild-caught ingredients.
• They discuss the unique flavors and textures of wild game, including antelope, elk, and wild hogs, highlighting the importance of proper preparation techniques.
• The conversation underscores the connection between food and culture, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions surrounding the consumption of wild game.

The Wildness of New Zealand

• The podcast delves into the unique ecology of New Zealand, highlighting its lack of native predators and the resulting boom in introduced species.
• Judge and Rogan discuss the challenges of managing introduced species in New Zealand, specifically the overpopulation of elk and the need for controlled culling.
• They explore the impact of human interference on ecosystems, showcasing the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of species and the potential consequences of introducing non-native animals.
• The conversation highlights the beauty and fragility of New Zealand’s natural environment, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect its unique biodiversity.

The Power of The Wild West

• The podcast concludes with a discussion of the enduring appeal of the Western genre in film, highlighting the genre’s enduring power and the mystique surrounding the Wild West.
• Judge and Rogan share their favorite Westerns, emphasizing the genre’s blend of adventure, violence, and complex moral dilemmas.
• They discuss the historical accuracy of Westerns, acknowledging that the romanticized portrayal of the Wild West often overshadows the harsh realities of frontier life.
• The conversation reflects on the enduring power of stories to shape our understanding of history and to create narratives that resonate with audiences across generations.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “It just seems too weird. But, you know, they thought, you know, anything in the future sounds fun and, like, a big broad comedy.”
• “But it it held up magically.”
• “I guarantee you he’s thinking irrationally. I guarantee you he’s very impulsive. I guarantee he has CTE. 100%.”
• “It’s like watching Mighty Python. It looks so silly, but it is it is an animal getting blown away. But, like, it’s it’s so It So.”
• “It’s a very small population and a fucking staggeringly beautiful landscape.”