31-May-24
#2159 – Sal Vulcano
Joe Rogan and Sal Vulcano dive deep into a range of topics, spanning from comedy and career to health, psychology, and even a touch of the paranormal. This podcast is a rollercoaster ride of humor, introspection, and bizarre anecdotes that leave you questioning the world around you.
1. Sal Vulcano’s Stand-Up Comedy and “Impractical Jokers”:
Sal opens up about his stand-up career and his iconic role in the comedy show “Impractical Jokers”. He talks about the challenges of creating comedy, the dynamics of working with friends, and the unexpected success of a show built around humiliating pranks.
2. Sal Vulcano’s Mental Health and ADHD:
Sal candidly discusses his struggles with ADHD, exploring the difficulties it brings to everyday life. He shares how he manages his condition, the challenges he faces with focusing, and the impact it has on his work and personal life.
3. Joe Rogan’s Interest in Vitamins and Supplements:
Joe Rogan’s fascination with vitamins and supplements takes center stage, as Sal shares his own regimen and Joe dives into the benefits and controversies surrounding these products. This conversation explores the power of personal health choices, the growing popularity of alternative therapies, and the skepticism surrounding such practices.
4. The Perils of Monocrop Agriculture and the Corn Industry:
The podcast ventures into the surprising realm of agriculture, with a focus on the corn industry. Joe and Sal delve into the historical reasons for corn subsidies, the health implications of widespread corn consumption, and the environmental impact of monocrop agriculture.
5. The Unexpected Dangers of Haunted Houses and Jump Scares:
Sal reveals his unexpected fear of haunted houses and jump scares, prompting a discussion about the psychology of fear. He recounts hilarious and terrifying experiences from his time on “Impractical Jokers”, highlighting the paradoxical nature of being both a prankster and a person easily scared.
6. The Unpredictable Nature of Animals and the “Roar” Movie:
The podcast takes a wild turn as Joe and Sal share stories about their encounters with dangerous animals, including tigers, lions, and alligators. Sal recounts a harrowing experience from “Impractical Jokers” where he was locked in a motel room with a white tiger. This conversation explores the inherent unpredictability of nature, the risks involved in working with animals, and the fascination humans have with both fear and danger.
7. The Mysterious World of Ghosts and the Paranormal:
The conversation delves into the realm of the paranormal, with Joe and Sal discussing their beliefs and experiences with ghosts. Sal recounts a personal experience in his home that leaves him questioning his own skepticism. This discussion explores the enduring fascination with the supernatural, the struggle between logic and belief, and the difficulty of explaining unexplainable events.
8. The Rise of AI and Its Implications for the Future:
Joe and Sal discuss the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, touching on its potential impact on various aspects of life, from language barriers to job security. This discussion explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, the potential benefits and dangers it poses, and the existential questions it raises about the future of humanity.
9. The Mystery of Consciousness and the Human Connection:
Joe and Sal delve into the philosophical question of consciousness, exploring the nature of human experience and the possibility of a shared consciousness. This conversation prompts a deeper reflection on the nature of reality, the limitations of our current understanding, and the elusive nature of the human mind.
10. The Inconvenient Truth About Death:
Joe and Sal confront the inevitability of death, discussing the different ways it can occur, the fear it evokes, and the strange fascination with it. This discussion explores the universal human experience of mortality, the anxieties it creates, and the ways we try to cope with it.
11. The History of Rabies and Its Bizarre Treatments:
Joe and Sal dive into the history of rabies, exploring the origins of the disease and the bizarre and often ineffective treatments used before modern medicine. This conversation reveals the fascinating and often disturbing history of human attempts to understand and control disease, highlighting the power of scientific progress and the limitations of pre-scientific approaches.
12. The Curious Case of “Persistent Genital Arousal Syndrome”:
The podcast takes a hilariously uncomfortable turn with a discussion about “Persistent Genital Arousal Syndrome”, a rare condition that causes constant arousal and frequent ejaculations. Joe and Sal discuss the condition, the challenges it poses for those who experience it, and the stigma attached to it. This discussion explores the complexities of human sexuality, the challenges of rare conditions, and the sensitivity surrounding such topics.
13. The Controversial Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs:
Joe and Sal discuss the use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as modafinil, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their use. This discussion explores the desire for human optimization, the risks and benefits of such drugs, and the ongoing debate about their use in various fields, from athletics to aviation.
14. The Culture of Comedy and the Evolution of Stand-Up:
Joe and Sal share their perspectives on the world of stand-up comedy, discussing the evolution of the art form, the role of influential comedians like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin, and the differences between comedy in the past and present. This discussion explores the impact of social change on comedy, the evolving nature of humor, and the importance of pushing boundaries.
15. The Fascinating World of Fighter Pilots and G-Forces:
Joe and Sal discuss the incredible world of fighter pilots, exploring the physical and mental demands of the job, the intense G-forces they experience, and the unique training required to withstand these forces. This discussion highlights the extraordinary skills of fighter pilots, the physical and mental capabilities of human beings, and the technological advancements that have made such feats possible.
16. The Enigmatic World of UFOs and the “Submarine Theory”:
Joe and Sal touch on the topic of UFOs, exploring the growing evidence of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and the various theories about their origin. This discussion delves into the ongoing debate about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the role of the government in concealing information, and the potential implications of such discoveries for humanity.
17. The Allure of “Walkabouts” and Disconnection from Nature:
Joe and Sal discuss the fascination with “walkabouts”, exploring the desire to disconnect from modern society and reconnect with nature. This discussion explores the motivations behind such journeys, the psychological benefits and dangers, and the ways in which our modern lifestyles have distanced us from the natural world.
18. The Power of Belief Systems and the Importance of Critical Thinking:
Throughout the podcast, Joe and Sal touch on the power of belief systems, both in positive and negative contexts. From Sal’s experience with ADHD to Joe’s interest in vitamins, the conversation explores the importance of critical thinking, the dangers of blind faith, and the necessity of questioning accepted truths.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “The edgiest stuff I do isn’t even that edgy.” – Sal jokes about his own comedy style.
- “I just know that if I put myself in the way of…if someone sneezes, if I put myself in that, sometimes I can get a common cold.” – Sal humorously reveals his germophobia.
- “We’re so bitch ass like as an animal. Even if you’re fit and in shape, even if you’re a UFC fighter, you’re like Islam Akhachev. To compare to the nature world, our animal species is so bitch ass.” – Joe Rogan ponders humanity’s vulnerability compared to other animals.
- “I was like I know you’re a little girl, but I will fucking punch you.” – Sal’s humorous yet threatening response to being jump-scared in a haunted cornfield.
- “If you raise a tiger from the time it’s a baby, it realizes like, oh my god, that life is so much better than this bullshit life of chasing gazelles.” – Joe and Sal joke about the benefits of a domesticated life for wild animals.