JRE #1952 – Michael Malice

by

8-Mar-23

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This podcast dives deep into the mind of Michael Malice, a controversial cultural commentator known for his sharp wit and provocative takes on everything from politics to religion. The conversation ranges from humorous anecdotes about Malice’s personal life to thought-provoking discussions about the state of American society and the potential future of humanity.

Provocative topics explored include the rise of red states as cultural hubs, the dangers of groupthink and “mind viruses”, the inherent corruption within institutions like the FBI and CIA, and the bizarre world of cults and their impact on individuals. The podcast also delves into the intricacies of human psychology, the power of charisma and manipulation, and the nature of reality itself.

Underlying themes examine the inherent contradictions and shifting dynamics within American society, the potential for both hope and despair in the face of societal and existential challenges, and the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority.

Major Topics:

  1. Austin’s Cultural Renaissance:
    • A discussion of Austin’s emergence as a cultural center, attracting various groups like biohackers, Bitcoin enthusiasts, podcasters, and musicians.
    • Austin’s unique vibe, characterized by a lack of pretension and a genuine appreciation for the city’s offerings.
    • The potential for Austin to become a counterpoint to the established cultural centers of New York and LA.
    • A comparison of Austin’s cultural landscape to New York in the 70s and Paris in the 20s, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of the city.
  2. The Perils of Groupthink and “Mind Viruses”:
    • An exploration of the human tendency to subscribe to groupthink, particularly within political ideologies and religious cults.
    • A discussion of how social media exacerbates this tendency, leading to aggressive and unproductive communication styles.
    • The idea of “mind viruses” as a metaphor for belief systems that can influence and control individuals’ thoughts and behaviors.
    • A comparison to religious cults, where members often feel a sense of superiority and righteousness due to their insider knowledge.
  3. Corruption within Institutions:
    • A discussion about the inherent corruption within institutions like the FBI and CIA, highlighting the fact that they are comprised of human beings with fallible nature.
    • A personal anecdote about an ex-CIA operative using his connections to illegally access his ex-girlfriend’s Gmail account.
    • The potential for abuse of power within bureaucracies and the difficulties in holding individuals accountable for their actions.
    • The concept of “thin blue line” culture, where institutions often prioritize protecting their own members over upholding the law.
  4. The Allure and Danger of Cults:
    • A discussion of the real-life cult documented in the film “Holy Hell,” which had members who moved from West Hollywood to Austin and built a theater for their leader.
    • An exploration of the leader’s charisma and manipulative tactics, including using sex as a means of control and charging members for “therapy” after he slept with them.
    • The appeal of cults to lonely people seeking community and a sense of belonging.
    • The devastating consequences of being in a cult, as highlighted by the former members in “Holy Hell,” who lost years of their lives and ended up in a far less fulfilling position.
  5. The State of American Comedy:
    • A discussion of the current state of American comedy, highlighting the rise of alternative comedy and the unique sense of humor found in Austin.
    • The importance of having a supportive comedy community, encouraging growth and development among aspiring comedians.
    • The potential for Austin to become a hub for alternative comedy, providing a space for comedians to experiment and develop their craft.
    • A comparison to the traditional, more competitive comedy scene in New York and LA, where success is often seen as a zero-sum game.
  6. The Shifting Dynamics of Left and Right:
    • An analysis of the changing dynamics between the left and right in American society, highlighting how positions on certain issues have shifted over time.
    • The realization that the left has become more authoritarian in recent years, embracing policies like mandatory vaccinations and censorship of free speech, which were previously associated with the right.
    • The irony of the right now being more anti-war and critical of the military-industrial complex, a position once held by the left.
    • The potential for a new, more rational and centrist movement to emerge in the face of these polarizing ideologies.
  7. The Enduring Reality of Human Nature:
    • A discussion about the inherent fallibility of human nature and the potential for both good and evil to coexist within individuals and institutions.
    • The idea that humanity is subject to uncontrollable natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts, which have shaped the course of history.
    • The importance of humility and a recognition of the limits of human knowledge and control.
    • The potential for humanity to bounce back from catastrophic events, drawing on its resilience and technological advancements.
  8. The Role of the Media and Narrative:
    • An examination of how the media shapes public perception and controls narratives, often presenting a skewed or incomplete picture of events.
    • A discussion of the role of propaganda and the deliberate suppression of information in shaping public opinion.
    • A critical look at the “violent insurrection” narrative surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot and the presentation of a different perspective through Tucker Carlson’s reporting.
    • The importance of questioning authority and seeking out multiple sources of information to form an informed opinion.
  9. The Importance of Hope:
    • The concept of “hope” as a necessary element for navigating difficult times, even in the face of challenges and potential catastrophes.
    • A discussion of the book “The White Pill,” which Malice describes as a story of hope inspired by the rise and fall of the Soviet Union.
    • The need to balance hope with a realistic understanding of the challenges facing humanity.
    • The idea that despite the potential for darkness, there is always the possibility of renewal and progress.
  10. The Fascinating and Unpredictable Nature of Reality:
    • A discussion of the unexpected and sometimes bizarre adaptations of animals in the natural world, such as the Viper caterpillar and ant spiders.
    • The recognition that human understanding of the natural world is limited and constantly evolving, leading to new discoveries and revisions of long-held beliefs.
    • The potential for the existence of advanced civilizations that have disappeared from the historical record, leaving behind enigmatic structures like the pyramids and the Sphinx.
    • The constant reminder that the world is a complex and often perplexing place, full of mysteries and unexpected twists.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  1. “And thanks to you in large part, don’t you think?” – Joe Rogan jokingly credits Malice for Austin’s cultural shift.
  2. “If you’re opening up for Louis, because he asked you to.” – Malice highlights the unique comedic talent of those who open for Louis C.K.
  3. “I had dinner with an ex either FBI, I think it was CIA operative or FBI, but I’m not an amateur CIA.” – Malice details a surprising encounter with an ex-intelligence operative.
  4. “That’s why I’m gray.” – Malice describes his nuanced perspective on the future of the United States, acknowledging both potential hope and despair.
  5. “I don’t understand why Walter Del Rante was covering up for this genocide.” – Malice questions the motives of a journalist who downplayed the horrors of the Ukrainian famine.

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