JRE #1892 – Sober October 4 Recap

2-Nov-22

This podcast delves into the experiences of three stand-up comedians, Ari Shaffir, Tom Segura, and Bert Kreischer, as they recount their journey through Sober October, a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol. The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, insightful commentary on personal growth, and provocative discussions on various social and cultural topics. Underlying themes explore the complex relationship with substance use, the power of personal challenges, and the dynamics of friendship and humor.

Major Topics and 4-Point Summaries

1. Ari Shaffir’s New Special “Jew”:
   • Ari Shaffir’s new special, “Jew,” is released on YouTube and is lauded by his friends as his best work.
   • The special is a club special that captures Shaffir’s raw, thematic humor.
   • The special was delayed due to the pandemic, but Shaffir believes it is now better due to the added time for reflection and refinement.
   • Shaffir highlights the importance of writing material that he himself finds funny, emphasizing the growth of his comedic voice over time.
2. Sobriety and Its Impact:
   • The comedians celebrate the end of Sober October, sharing their personal experiences and reflections on the challenge.
   • While they all enjoyed the benefits of sobriety, Kreischer emphasizes the deeply ingrained role alcohol plays in his identity and lifestyle.
   • The episode explores the diverse perspectives on sobriety, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of abstaining from alcohol.
   • The discussion delves into the social and cultural norms surrounding alcohol consumption, highlighting its often-celebrated role in social situations.
3. The Power of Marijuana for Creativity:
   • Kreischer discusses his use of marijuana to stimulate creativity, particularly for writing new material.
   • He describes his writing process as a stream-of-consciousness exercise, exploring various topics without the constraint of structured comedy.
   • Kreischer compares his writing process to the multi-faceted approach of South Park, where all sides of an issue are presented.
   • He emphasizes the iterative nature of his writing, revisiting and refining ideas to extract the best material.
4. The Evolving Nature of Comedy:
   • The comedians discuss the evolution of their comedic styles, from early days of focusing purely on getting laughs to a more deliberate approach of crafting humor they personally enjoy.
   • They reflect on the process of discovering their comedic voice, recognizing the importance of honing their craft and developing a unique perspective.
   • The discussion touches upon the challenge of creating original and funny material in a world saturated with hot takes and political commentary.
   • They emphasize the importance of finding what is truly funny and authentic to their own comedic sensibilities.
5. The Controversial Nature of Kanye West:
   • Kanye West’s recent controversial statements and behavior are discussed, with the comedians offering their interpretations and insights.
   • Kreischer acknowledges West’s artistic genius, highlighting his creative prowess in music, fashion, and design.
   • The conversation explores the potential link between West’s creative drive and his tendency to dominate conversations and enforce his perspectives, even when they are controversial.
   • Kreischer suggests that West’s artistic approach of pushing boundaries and defying expectations may also manifest in his interpersonal interactions.
6. The Hypocrisy of Corporate Accountability:
   • The discussion turns to the hypocrisy of corporations and their stances on social issues, particularly in light of Kanye West’s public criticism.
   • They highlight the double standards applied to individuals versus corporations, particularly when issues of public accountability arise.
   • The comedians discuss the complex history of brands like Adidas, whose founders were associated with Nazi Germany, questioning the ethical implications of consumer loyalty.
   • The conversation delves into the complexities of “Made in America” labeling, questioning the authenticity of claims and the ethical implications of sourcing materials from different countries.
7. The Changing Landscape of Sweatshops:
   • Kreischer recounts a personal experience working on Fear Factor, where he witnessed a sweatshop in downtown Los Angeles.
   • The discussion explores the changing nature of sweatshops, acknowledging the complex relationship between global economics, worker rights, and consumer demand.
   • The comedians raise questions about the ethics of buying products made in sweatshops, even if workers are supposedly protected by American laws.
   • The conversation delves into the challenges of promoting ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices while balancing consumer costs and accessibility.
8. The Growing Issue of Homelessness:
   • The conversation touches upon the growing issue of homelessness in Los Angeles, particularly the expansion of Skid Row.
   • The comedians express concern about the lack of effective solutions and the increasing visibility of homelessness throughout the city.
   • They reflect on the social and political complexities surrounding homelessness, acknowledging the challenges of addressing the issue effectively.
   • The discussion touches upon the diverse perspectives on homelessness, including the potential for differing ideological approaches.
9. The Blurred Lines of Education and Indoctrination:
   • The conversation explores the blurred lines between education and indoctrination, particularly in the context of addressing social and cultural issues in schools.
   • The comedians discuss the ongoing debate about the role of educators in exposing children to diverse perspectives and potentially challenging their parents’ beliefs.
   • They highlight the controversial practice of requiring students to sign pledges against racism, questioning its effectiveness and the appropriateness of imposing such a concept on young children.
   • The discussion delves into the complexities of addressing sensitive topics like racism and aggression in a way that promotes understanding and unity rather than fostering conflict and division.
10. The Impact of Bullying and Aggression:
    • The conversation touches upon the lasting impact of bullying, particularly experiences in high school.
    • The comedians acknowledge the psychological scars that bullying can leave on individuals, even those who achieve significant success in life.
    • They emphasize the importance of understanding and managing aggression in children, recognizing its potential for both destructive and constructive behavior.
    • The discussion explores the complexities of addressing aggression, particularly in the context of trying to prevent racism through encouraging confrontational behavior.
11. The Power of Jiu-Jitsu and its Impact on Bullying:
    • Kreischer discusses the transformative effect of Jiu-Jitsu on his personal outlook, particularly in relation to bullying.
    • He describes how Jiu-Jitsu instilled a sense of fearlessness and respect for everyone, regardless of their size or physical strength.
    • He highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of power and aggression, particularly in situations where individuals feel empowered by their physical dominance.
    • The conversation touches upon the potential for Jiu-Jitsu to empower individuals and create a more equitable environment, particularly in the context of bullying and intimidation.
12. The “Omaplata” Story and its Comedic Value:
    • Kreischer recounts a hilarious story about a confrontation involving his friend, Tate Fletcher, a professional Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, who skillfully subdued an aggressive man in a hotel hallway.
    • The story highlights the unexpected nature of comedy, where seemingly serious situations can be turned into humorous anecdotes.
    • The comedians emphasize the importance of finding humor in unexpected places, particularly in situations where tension and potential conflict arise.
    • The story showcases the unique comedic dynamic of the group, where personal experiences and shared humor create a captivating narrative.
13. The Evolution of Podcasts and the “Joe Rogan Experience”:
    • Kreischer reflects on the evolution of podcasts, reminiscing about his early experiences recording from his living room with limited resources.
    • He describes the transition from a casual, conversational style to a more conscious and deliberate approach to creating engaging content.
    • The conversation touches upon the impact of the “Joe Rogan Experience” on the podcasting landscape, acknowledging its popularity and influence.
    • Kreischer emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and passion in podcasting, recognizing its potential for both entertainment and social impact.
14. The Importance of Taking Risks in Comedy:
    • The conversation shifts to the importance of taking risks in comedy, particularly in the context of creating bold and memorable content.
    • Kreischer and Shaffir discuss the increasing pressure for comedians to conform to social and political expectations, leading to a decline in edgy and provocative humor.
    • They emphasize the importance of pushing boundaries and challenging norms, highlighting the need for more audacious and unfiltered comedy in today’s landscape.
    • They discuss the risks of taking such an approach in a world increasingly sensitive to offensive content, acknowledging the potential consequences for their careers.
15. The Collaborative Nature of Filmmaking:
    • Shaffir teases a movie he’s working on with Segura, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative process and creative energy.
    • The conversation explores the unique dynamics of collaboration in filmmaking, highlighting the importance of shared vision and creative synergy.
    • Shaffir expresses his desire to create a bold and unconventional comedy that defies current trends in the industry.
    • The discussion touches upon the challenges of navigating the complexities of studio deals, production schedules, and the pressures of creating commercially viable content.
16. The Power of “Outlaw” Energy in Comedy:
    • Shaffir discusses the concept of “outlaw” energy in comedy, highlighting the appeal of comedians who defy expectations and challenge conventional norms.
    • He contrasts this approach with the more cautious and conformist behavior of many comedians in today’s industry, who are afraid of potential backlash and criticism.
    • He acknowledges the risks involved in embracing this “outlaw” persona, but also recognizes its potential to create more authentic and compelling comedy.
    • Shaffir highlights the importance of finding joy and freedom in creative expression, regardless of the potential consequences.
17. The “Talisker Cross Atlantic Challenge”:
    • The conversation culminates in a hilarious and ambitious proposal: a rowing challenge across the Atlantic Ocean.
    • The comedians discuss the potential for this challenge to test their physical and mental limits, while also raising money for charity.
    • The episode concludes with a surge of excitement and camaraderie as the friends embrace the absurdity and the potential for adventure.
    • The challenge serves as a symbolic representation of the shared spirit of pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected, a core theme throughout the episode.

Memorable Quotes

• “It’s weird when you see a shirt you haven’t seen in a while. You’re like, I love this.”
• “The first draft of anything is shit. Hemingway.”
• “I’m not gonna attack you. I’m not gonna claim you’re crazy. What you got, bro?”
• “Just put it to a fucking beat, dude. Give us what we want.”
• “I’m gonna be sick now. I’m gonna throw up. If you throw up, I’m gonna throw up.”