JRE #300 – Joey Diaz

This podcast explores the wide-ranging and often unconventional thoughts of comedian Joey Diaz. From his personal experiences with violence and drugs to his opinions on mental health, parenting, and the comedy scene, Diaz offers a raw and unfiltered perspective on life. Provocative topics are discussed, including the use of psychotropic drugs, drug abuse among celebrities, and the potential for social unrest. Underlying themes delve into the impact of personal history, the nature of addiction, the importance of self-awareness, and the complexities of social dynamics.

Major Topics

1. Psychotropic Drugs and School Shootings

   • Joey Diaz discusses a map showing connections between school shootings and psychotropic drug use among the shooters.
   • Diaz raises questions about the potential role of drugs in contributing to mental instability, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
   • The topic sparks discussion about the overprescription of psychotropic medications and the potential for unintended consequences.
   • Diaz argues that the focus on medication shouldn’t overshadow the importance of parenting and addressing underlying mental health issues.

2. The Impact of Upbringing on Behavior

3. Diaz shares a deeply personal story about being given a gun by his stepfather at the age of eight.
4. He highlights how his upbringing instilled a desensitization to violence, but he was able to navigate difficult situations without resorting to violence.
5. Diaz believes that while his upbringing played a role in shaping his personality, it doesn’t excuse violent behavior in others.
6. The discussion delves into the influence of parental behavior and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to violence.

7. Drug Abuse and Mental Health in Celebrities

8. Diaz discusses the potential role of Adderall in contributing to the erratic behavior of comedian Katt Williams.
9. He speculates on the potential for mixing drugs and the impact of sleep deprivation on mental health.
10. The discussion extends to other celebrities who have struggled with drug addiction, highlighting the prevalence of the issue in the entertainment industry.
11. Diaz advocates for a more holistic approach to addressing mental health issues, emphasizing the need for support and resources rather than just medication.

12. The Nature of Reality and Perception

13. Diaz discusses the impact of marijuana on perception and the potential for paranoia to be a heightened form of awareness.
14. He highlights the unique perspective that cannabis can provide, allowing for a deeper connection with reality and heightened sensitivity to experiences.
15. The discussion emphasizes the importance of personal experience and individual responses to drugs, highlighting the subjective nature of perception.
16. Diaz encourages a more open dialogue about the potential benefits of cannabis, beyond its recreational use, particularly for individuals dealing with pain and anxiety.

17. The Importance of Self-Awareness and Humor

18. Diaz emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the ability to laugh at oneself as crucial elements of personal growth.
19. He highlights the dangers of taking oneself too seriously and the importance of finding humor in challenging situations.
20. The discussion delves into the role of humor in coping with life’s complexities, offering a coping mechanism for dealing with adversity and imperfection.
21. Diaz suggests that embracing self-deprecation can foster a more grounded and relatable perspective on life, promoting self-acceptance and understanding.

22. The Comedy Scene and its Dynamics

23. Diaz reflects on the unique characteristics of performing in front of a black audience, emphasizing the importance of showmanship and good delivery.
24. He discusses the evolution of the comedy scene and the growing role of social media in shaping public perception of comedians.
25. Diaz highlights the challenges of navigating the comedy world, particularly the pressures to constantly create new material and the potential for burnout.
26. He celebrates the camaraderie and support within the comedy community, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and mutual respect among fellow comedians.

27. The Impact of Social Media on Privacy

28. Diaz discusses the potential ramifications of Instagram’s new policy, which allows the company to sell user photos to third parties.
29. He highlights the importance of online privacy and the need for individuals to be aware of the terms and conditions they agree to when using social media platforms.
30. The discussion delves into the complex relationship between social media companies, their users, and the potential for exploitation of personal information.
31. Diaz encourages users to be proactive in protecting their privacy and to be mindful of the potential consequences of sharing personal information online.

32. The Power of Storytelling and Personal Connection

33. Diaz emphasizes the power of storytelling to connect with audiences and build a sense of shared experience.
34. He reflects on the impact of his personal stories on his audience, acknowledging the vulnerability involved in sharing deeply personal experiences.
35. The discussion highlights the importance of authenticity and honesty in storytelling, fostering a sense of connection and empathy between the storyteller and their audience.
36. Diaz believes that sharing personal stories can create a sense of community and shared understanding, breaking down barriers and promoting human connection.

37. The Importance of Family and Community

38. Diaz emphasizes the importance of family and community in providing support and guidance, particularly during challenging times.
39. He acknowledges the impact of his own upbringing on his personality and the importance of having a strong support system.
40. The discussion underscores the role of family and community in shaping personal values and providing a sense of belonging.
41. Diaz encourages individuals to cultivate strong relationships and to seek support from loved ones when facing difficult challenges.

42. The Legacy of Bruce Lee and the Chinese Connection

43. Diaz reflects on the cultural impact of Bruce Lee’s film “The Chinese Connection” and its influence on popular culture.
44. He highlights the movie’s significance in breaking down cultural barriers and introducing audiences to a new perspective on martial arts.
45. The discussion explores the enduring legacy of Bruce Lee and his influence on generations of martial artists and film enthusiasts.
46. Diaz shares his own personal experience with Bruce Lee’s films and how they shaped his early perception of martial arts and Chinese culture.

47. The UFC and the Fight Scene

48. Diaz discusses his admiration for the UFC and its fighters, emphasizing the dedication and discipline required to compete at the highest level.
49. He highlights the importance of physical and mental toughness in the fight scene and the intense training regimens involved.
50. The discussion delves into the world of martial arts, exploring the various styles and techniques, as well as the potential for injury and risk.
51. Diaz emphasizes the importance of respect and sportsmanship within the fight scene, acknowledging the inherent risks and rewards involved in combat sports.

52. The Power of Social Movements and Online Activism

53. Diaz discusses the role of online activism and the potential for groups like Anonymous to hold corporations accountable.
54. He highlights the importance of online platforms as tools for raising awareness and mobilizing public opinion.
55. The discussion delves into the complexities of online activism, exploring the potential for both positive and negative outcomes.
56. Diaz emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and responsible use of online platforms to promote positive social change.

Memorable Quotes

• “If you look at the history of school shootings from, you know, I mean, it goes all the way back to 1992, kids that were on drugs that were in in the 1990s that were putting people on on different different meds. And some of these kids wanted being school shooters. Does that mean the kid wasn’t already fucked up and wasn’t already really trouble to begin with?”
• “I was raised around weapons. So for them to say it’s a weapons fault, breaks my fucking heart. That’s not fair. I was raised around weapons, and I’m unstable. We’ve all agreed on that situation in the fucking world. Yeah.”
• “You’ve given these like I told Joe, you’ve given these kids pills, and it really is because you’re not you’re not working on parenting. You’re cutting yourself short. You’re bit whenever the fuck it is, your kid needs attention. Somebody told me that with children, you have to put the time in now or not. You have to put the time in later.”
• “We all know the difference between people that we hang out with that smoke weed and that don’t smoke weed. There’s a difference. And one of the differences is the people that don’t smoke weed, there’s a level of reality that they don’t operate in. You don’t go there with You don’t have conversations with them in that level. You don’t. There’s a there’s a place of vulnerability and respect to the great awe of it all that they don’t really possess.”
• “The whole the whole mechanics of it is getting weirder and weirder, but I love it more now than that Don’t you feel like the more you do it, the better it gets, but the more out of your hands it is. It’s like, oh, this fucking crazy thing’s gonna life it’s all. Yes. Keep doing it. Keep doing it. Keep doing it. Keep getting up there. Right. You’re talking. There’s so much shit going on that you, you know, you don’t you just I don’t know. It it comedy is a lot of fun lately. I’ve been having a lot of fucking fun with it. It’s no shows. It’s the best job ever, man. It’s the best job ever. This for us, it’s the best job ever.”