19-Aug-22
#1860 – Tim Dillon
Joe Rogan and Tim Dillon discuss a range of topics, from the absurdities of Hollywood to the complexities of the American political landscape. Dillon’s sharp wit and provocative observations create a blend of humor and commentary that delves into controversial issues. The podcast explores the hypocrisy of celebrities, the absurdity of societal trends, and the looming anxieties about the future.
- The Hypocrisy of Hollywood:
- Dillon and Rogan question the political activism of actors who promote gun control while profiting from movies filled with violence.
- They highlight the cognitive dissonance among actors who prioritize wealth and privilege while simultaneously advocating for social justice.
- They suggest that the performative nature of acting leads to actors lacking authentic opinions and embracing popular narratives.
- Dillon and Rogan use the Johnny Depp trial as a prime example of actors exhibiting questionable behavior and challenging societal norms.
- The Rise of the “Unwoke”:
- Dillon observes a growing trend among young people who are rejecting the current woke ideology, finding solace in traditional values and even embracing religion.
- He argues that the constant bombardment of progressive messaging and the relentless pace of change has created a spiritual void for many, leading them to seek grounding in traditional beliefs.
- Dillon and Rogan express a sense of humor about the absurdity of the current social climate, suggesting that the only way to be truly rebellious is to become a devout Catholic or an anti-woke figure.
- They discuss the desire for spiritual connection and a sense of belonging, which religion provides for some individuals.
- The Corruption of Power:
- Dillon and Rogan express deep skepticism towards politicians and institutions, highlighting the corruption and self-serving nature of those in power.
- They point to the insider trading scandals involving Nancy Pelosi’s husband as evidence of the disconnect between politicians’ rhetoric and their actions.
- Dillon speculates that politicians like Pelosi stay in office to protect themselves from potential investigations into their activities.
- They fear that the current political system is pushing towards a more authoritarian form of government, potentially through the implementation of social credit scores and centralized digital currencies.
- The Limits of Money:
- Dillon and Rogan acknowledge the irony of living in a society with immense wealth and persistent problems, suggesting that money alone cannot fix societal issues.
- They point to the example of California’s large budget surplus and its ongoing struggles with homelessness and other social problems.
- They discuss the complexities of human behavior and the challenges of implementing effective solutions, even with abundant resources.
- Dillon, despite his own wealth, recognizes the limitations of money and expresses a desire for true societal change.
- The “Uncensored” World of Live Leak:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the shocking content of a pay-per-view livestream featuring a duo known for their outrageous and often disturbing content.
- They highlight the unsettling nature of the videos, which depict acts of violence and sexual exploitation, often with a sense of humor that can be both unsettling and fascinating.
- Dillon acknowledges the potential for addiction to such content, describing a visceral reaction to the graphic visuals.
- They note the irony of the livestream’s success, as it reflects the dark side of the internet and the appetite for extreme content.
- The Disillusionment with America:
- Dillon and Rogan lament the constant political polarization and ideological battles within America, suggesting that the country is becoming increasingly divided and dysfunctional.
- They criticize the lack of compromise and the tendency to focus on extreme positions, hindering progress on important issues.
- Dillon expresses concern about the influence of social media and the rapid pace of change, which create a sense of chaos and uncertainty for many.
- They question the future of America, considering its size and diverse population, and wonder if it will be able to maintain its unity in the face of these challenges.
- The Rise of China:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss China’s growing influence and its technological advancements, particularly in the area of surveillance technology.
- They express concern about the potential for China to dominate the global technological landscape, leading to a more authoritarian world order.
- Dillon criticizes the hypocrisy of American politicians who condemn China’s human rights abuses while relying on Chinese-made products.
- They express skepticism towards the government’s claims about China’s intentions and believe that China’s ambitions are more far-reaching than publicly acknowledged.
- The 9/11 Conspiracy Theories:
- Dillon and Rogan delve into conspiracy theories surrounding the 9/11 attacks, questioning the official narrative and highlighting inconsistencies in the evidence.
- They express skepticism towards the government’s handling of the investigation and the lack of transparency surrounding certain aspects of the event.
- Dillon points to the video footage of the plane hitting the Pentagon, which he believes raises questions about the official explanation.
- They acknowledge the potential for bias and manipulation within government agencies, suggesting that the full truth about 9/11 may never be known.
- The Saudi Influence on America:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the deep financial ties between Saudi Arabia and America, highlighting the Saudi government’s investments in American companies and their influence on the political landscape.
- They criticize the Saudi government’s human rights record and their role in events like 9/11.
- Dillon highlights the hypocrisy of American politicians who condemn Saudi Arabia’s actions while simultaneously benefiting from their investments.
- They acknowledge the power of money and the ability of wealthy individuals and nations to influence government decisions and shape public opinion.
- The War in Ukraine:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the role of NATO in escalating tensions with Russia.
- Dillon expresses a critical perspective on the war, questioning the motivations behind American involvement and the potential for a wider conflict.
- He criticizes the media’s framing of the war and argues for a more nuanced understanding of the historical context and geopolitical complexities.
- Dillon and Rogan express a sense of weariness towards perpetual war and the consequences of military intervention.
- The Future of Work:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the rise of remote work and the implications for traditional office environments.
- They highlight the growing tension between companies seeking to control their employees and employees seeking more flexibility and autonomy.
- They discuss the use of software that monitors employee activity during remote work, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for over-monitoring.
- Dillon and Rogan speculate about the future of work, considering the potential for a more decentralized and independent workforce.
- The Unpredictable Future:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the anxieties surrounding the future, acknowledging the potential for climate change, societal collapse, and technological advancements to drastically alter the world.
- They express a sense of fatalism about the inevitability of change, suggesting that humanity’s trajectory is difficult to alter.
- They speculate about the potential for a totalitarian regime to emerge, controlling resources and information through advanced technology.
- Dillon and Rogan highlight the potential for a post-human future, where technology merges with humanity, creating a new form of existence.
- The Absurdity of Modern Life:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the absurdities of modern life, particularly the obsession with celebrity culture, social media, and consumerism.
- They lament the loss of traditional values and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, creating a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
- Dillon emphasizes the importance of finding joy in simple pleasures and embracing a sense of apathy towards the chaos of the world.
- They suggest that the human drive for progress and innovation ultimately leads to an unpredictable and potentially destructive future.
- The Drug War and its Consequences:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the drug war and its devastating consequences, particularly the rise of cartels, violence, and mass incarceration.
- They question the logic of prohibition and argue for a more rational approach to drug policy, potentially through legalization.
- They highlight the hypocrisy of the government’s approach to drugs, allowing for immense profits for criminals while incarcerating individuals for minor offenses.
- Dillon and Rogan express a sense of frustration towards the government’s failure to address the root causes of drug-related problems and their reliance on ineffective solutions.
- The Power of Genetic Engineering:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss the potential for genetic engineering to revolutionize humanity, highlighting both the benefits and risks of CRISPR technology.
- They discuss the Chinese government’s experimentation with CRISPR on human embryos, raising concerns about the ethical implications of gene editing.
- They speculate about the potential for CRISPR to create a more “perfect” human race, raising questions about the definition of humanity and the implications of altering genetic traits.
- Dillon and Rogan acknowledge the potential for CRISPR to cure genetic diseases, but also express concern about the potential for misuse and the unintended consequences of altering the human genome.
- The Ancient Alien Theories:
- Dillon and Rogan discuss ancient alien theories, exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial intervention in human history.
- They discuss the Sumerian texts and their depictions of advanced technology and alien figures, suggesting that these texts may hold clues to a hidden history.
- Dillon and Rogan speculate about the motivations behind potential alien intervention and the possibility that humanity’s current trajectory is part of a larger plan.
- They acknowledge the lack of conclusive evidence but express a sense of fascination with the possibilities and the potential for a cosmic connection.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Guns are not good, but in our hands, they’re great because we can craft a narrative that makes them justified to have.”
- “It isn’t about money and profit and everything has no history or tradition or there’s no there nobody everything’s so disorienting.”
- “We’re deeply selfish, monsters that have been bred to destroy all life on earth. We can’t. We have to not lose sight of that message. We’re here to fuck things up for everyone else. Not each other.”
- “It’s insane to not enjoy a McManchin, a flat screen TV, a Mcflurry. You’re not gonna pick you which blood is in the street for those things, and people act like they don’t even matter. And they’re fighting about all this bullshit.”
- “We’re gonna have giant heads, and we’re all gonna be, like, moving through space and time. This is all coming. It’s coming. It’s coming.”