JRE #211 – Ari Shaffir (Part 1)

This podcast delves into the world of Ari Shaffir with Joe Rogan, exploring themes of sex, drugs, and the human condition. Provocative topics include controversial opinions, the potential for human evolution, and the complexities of religion, war, and celebrity culture.

Topics

1. The Power of Sex Toys

   • Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir enthusiastically discuss the merits of a specific sex toy, comparing it to a “great vagina” and emphasizing its realistic feel.
   • The conversation delves into the importance of nighttime masturbation and the challenges of traveling with sex toys.
   • They discuss the cultural stigma surrounding sex toys and the discomfort many people experience in admitting their use.
   • This segment highlights the often-taboo aspects of sexuality and the comedic potential of exploring these topics.

2. Nootropics and Brain Enhancement

   • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the use of nootropics, supplements designed to enhance brain function, and the controversial nature of these substances.
   • They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with nootropics and the potential benefits they have observed, including improved mental clarity and performance in video games.
   • The conversation touches upon the complexities of human biology and the individual variations in response to supplements.
   • This segment raises questions about the ethical implications of brain enhancement and the potential for unintended consequences.

3. The Future of Human Evolution

   • Rogan and Shaffir speculate on the potential for human evolution, suggesting that technology may be altering our biology and reducing the need for strong emotional connections.
   • They discuss the addictive nature of technology, particularly the constant checking of social media platforms, and how it might be influencing our behavior and mental state.
   • They envision a future where humans are more symbiotic with machines, with less dependence on traditional social interaction and a potentially less emotional existence.
   • This segment prompts reflection on the impact of technology on our humanity and the possibility of a future where our relationship with technology is deeply intertwined.

4. The Trial of Charles Taylor

   • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the trial and conviction of Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia, for war crimes.
   • They question the effectiveness of such trials in deterring future tyrants and highlight the complexities of justice in the context of war.
   • The conversation delves into the disturbing allegations of Taylor’s actions, including cannibalism, and the surprising forgiveness he received after converting to Christianity.
   • This segment provokes contemplation on the nature of redemption, forgiveness, and the potential for change even in the face of extreme atrocities.

5. The Dalai Lama and Relationships

   • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the Dalai Lama’s stance on relationships, particularly his aversion to romantic entanglements due to the perceived complexities and troubles they bring.
   • They acknowledge the Dalai Lama’s wisdom and insights while playfully questioning his celibacy and the potential for him to experience love.
   • The conversation touches upon the cultural differences in how individuals approach relationships and the complexities of navigating intimacy.
   • This segment offers a humorous perspective on the challenges and rewards of human connection, while acknowledging the varied ways individuals choose to engage with them.

6. Jimmy Kimmel’s Talk Show Prowess

   • Rogan and Shaffir discuss Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show hosting style, praising his ability to seamlessly blend humor, analysis, and professionalism.
   • They contrast Kimmel’s approach with other late-night hosts, highlighting his skill in navigating sensitive topics and finding comedic opportunities within seemingly serious discussions.
   • They express admiration for Kimmel’s talent and believe he deserves more recognition for his unique brand of comedic storytelling.
   • This segment examines the evolution of late-night television and the importance of finding humor and insight in the face of current events.

7. The “War y” in Israel

   • Shaffir shares a personal anecdote about his girlfriend’s experience traveling to Israel and being subjected to intense scrutiny by authorities due to her non-Jewish background and travel plans.
   • He recounts the story of a Jewish photographer whose laptop was destroyed by Israeli TSA officials for containing photos of Palestinian graffiti, highlighting the tensions and potential for conflict in the region.
   • Shaffir discusses the stark differences between Jewish communities in America and Israel, emphasizing the heightened security measures and cultural context in Israel.
   • This segment delves into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showcasing the impact of political tensions on individual experiences and highlighting the precariousness of navigating such a sensitive situation.

8. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

   • Shaffir discusses the historical roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the Palestinians’ desire to “drive the Israelis into the sea” as a core tenet of their movement.
   • He highlights the complexities of achieving peace in the region, noting the need to appease enough Palestinians to secure land for them while simultaneously preventing further escalation of the conflict.
   • Shaffir acknowledges the Armenian genocide as a parallel tragedy that has received less attention, highlighting the importance of understanding different struggles for historical justice.
   • This segment explores the complexities of international conflicts, showcasing the historical, cultural, and political factors at play, and prompting reflection on the potential for lasting peace.

9. The Rise of Celebrity Culture

   • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the phenomenon of “professional celebrity,” individuals who gain fame for no apparent reason other than their desire for attention.
   • They analyze the rise of Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, both of whom gained notoriety through explicit content and media manipulation, highlighting the changing landscape of celebrity culture.
   • They question the validity of such fame and express skepticism about the perceived value these figures bring to society.
   • This segment explores the evolving dynamics of celebrity culture, highlighting the impact of social media and the potential for fame to be achieved through manufactured content and attention-grabbing strategies.

10. The Dangers of Drug Overdose

    • Shaffir recounts a personal experience with an overdose on mushrooms, describing the hallucinatory effects, physical incapacitation, and the potential for danger associated with high doses.
    • He emphasizes the importance of responsible drug use and urges listeners to approach psychedelics with caution, highlighting the potential for negative consequences, particularly in extreme cases.
    • The conversation delves into the nature of psychedelics, explaining their effects on human neurochemistry and the potential for both positive and negative experiences.
    • This segment highlights the importance of understanding the risks and limits of drug use, emphasizing the need for responsible consumption and awareness of individual tolerances.

11. The Horrifying Reality of Crocodil

    • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the devastating effects of Crocodil, a dangerous and highly addictive drug that has gained notoriety for causing severe skin rot and ultimately leading to death.
    • They share the disturbing details of Crocodil’s effects on the body, emphasizing the horrific nature of the drug and the potential for long-term suffering.
    • The conversation explores the reasons why individuals might choose to use such a destructive substance, highlighting the complexities of addiction and the desperation that can drive people to seek dangerous alternatives.
    • This segment serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help for those struggling with addiction.

12. The Perils of Mad Cow Disease

    • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the ongoing threat of Mad Cow disease, a deadly neurological disorder that can be transmitted to humans through contaminated beef.
    • They highlight the reckless and unethical practice of feeding cows their own brain matter, a cost-cutting measure that has resulted in outbreaks of Mad Cow disease in the past.
    • They emphasize the importance of ethical and sustainable agricultural practices, condemning the practices that led to Mad Cow outbreaks and urging consumers to be aware of the origins of their food.
    • This segment serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over ethical practices and the need for increased transparency and accountability within the food industry.

13. The Importance of Exercise and Joint Health

    • Shaffir shares his personal approach to fitness, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise, particularly weightlifting, for maintaining bone density and joint health as we age.
    • He discusses the importance of seeking out specialized doctors who understand athletic injuries and can provide appropriate rehabilitation.
    • He highlights the potential for injury if we neglect our physical strength and coordination, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures and consistent training.
    • This segment encourages listeners to prioritize their physical health, highlighting the benefits of regular exercise and the importance of addressing any potential injuries with proper care.

14. The Risks and Realities of Nuclear Power

    • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the inherent risks of nuclear power, highlighting the potential for catastrophic meltdowns, such as those that occurred at Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima.
    • They question the wisdom of relying on a technology that has proven to be so dangerous, particularly given the potential for long-term environmental contamination and health consequences.
    • They explore the challenges of shutting down nuclear reactors and the potential for radiation to linger for centuries, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for more responsible energy solutions.
    • This segment encourages listeners to critically examine the risks and benefits of various energy sources and to advocate for more sustainable and environmentally sound practices.

15. The Power of Podcasts

    • Rogan and Shaffir discuss the impact of podcasts on the stand-up comedy scene, suggesting that they have fostered a resurgence in the art form.
    • They highlight the benefits of podcasting as a platform for comedians to build their audience, share their work, and connect with fans.
    • They acknowledge the unique power of podcasts to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and accessible comedy landscape.
    • This segment celebrates the evolving role of podcasts in the entertainment industry and their potential to empower creators and engage audiences in new and meaningful ways.

16. The Future of Desk Squad

    • Shaffir and Rogan engage in a spirited debate about the future of Desk Squad, with Shaffir advocating for a more collaborative and inclusive approach.
    • Shaffir argues that the network should be more than just a collection of Rogan’s shows and should include a broader representation of the Desquad community.
    • Rogan maintains that his role as producer and the network’s branding are essential to the success of the platform, emphasizing the benefits of a centralized model.
    • This segment explores the complexities of building and maintaining a successful network, highlighting the potential for both creative collaboration and power dynamics.

17. The Desquad Festival

    • Shaffir and Rogan discuss the idea of hosting a Desquad Festival, a multi-day event featuring stand-up comedy, music, and other forms of entertainment.
    • They brainstorm potential locations and logistical challenges, considering the need for sufficient accommodation and a vibrant atmosphere to attract attendees.
    • The conversation touches upon the importance of selecting artists and performers who represent the Desquad brand and who can contribute to a unique and engaging experience.
    • This segment showcases the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive within the Desquad community, highlighting their desire to create something bigger and more impactful.

18. The Moon Landing Conspiracy

    • Shaffir and Rogan briefly touch upon the ongoing debate surrounding the moon landing, acknowledging the conspiracy theories that persist despite overwhelming evidence.
    • They playfully mock the absurdity of these theories and express confidence in the authenticity of the historic event.
    • The conversation highlights the prevalence of skepticism and conspiracy thinking in modern society and the importance of critically evaluating information.
    • This segment serves as a reminder that even seemingly settled historical events can become subject to scrutiny and debate in a world where information is readily available but often interpreted through polarized lenses.

19. The Importance of Kindness and Respect

    • Shaffir expresses his frustration with online negativity and the prevalence of hateful and abusive language, particularly directed at him and Rogan.
    • He argues that engaging with these individuals in a hostile manner is counterproductive and encourages a more constructive and respectful approach to communication.
    • He uses the example of Adolf Hitler to illustrate that engaging with individuals even those who hold abhorrent beliefs in a respectful and understanding manner can be more productive than resorting to insults.
    • This segment highlights the importance of kindness, empathy, and respectful discourse, even in the face of challenging perspectives and heated debates.

20. The Power of Laughter and Connection

    • Shaffir and Rogan reflect on the power of stand-up comedy to connect with audiences, provide an escape from difficult realities, and offer a sense of shared joy.
    • They acknowledge the unique bond that forms between comedians and their fans, particularly in intimate settings where laughter and shared experiences create a sense of community.
    • They celebrate the enduring power of humor to bring people together, offering a moment of respite from the world’s challenges.
    • This segment emphasizes the importance of laughter, connection, and the shared experience of live performance, highlighting the value of humor as a tool for human connection and understanding.

Memorable Quotes

• “It feels like a great vagina. Not just a good vagina, a great vagina.” – Joe Rogan’s enthusiastic description of the sex toy.
• “It takes me 2 hours to go just start taking a shower because I’m gonna need to check this again. The Facebook and the Twitter and It’s something unhealthy.” – Ari Shaffir on the addictive nature of technology.
• “He had to change his heart soon enough. Yeah. He found the lord. Wow.” – Rogan’s reaction to Charles Taylor converting to Christianity.
• “I just know. Like, you’re just saying it loud and I’m pretty sure we went. What does that mean silly?” – Rogan’s response to a listener who claims to “know” the moon landing was fake.
• “Sometimes, Brian, when you get really mad at something, it’s because people are right. And it doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person. It means they might have a point and you stay No.” – Rogan’s insight into Shaffir’s reaction to criticism.