JRE #332 – Tom Segura

This podcast takes listeners on a comedic exploration of various topics ranging from social commentary to pop culture, all filtered through the unique lenses of Joe Rogan and Tom Segura. The conversation touches on themes of race, class, personal experiences, and the absurdity of modern life. With both comedians known for their unfiltered approach, the discussion delves into provocative areas of humor, touching on sensitive issues like racism and sexism, while highlighting the importance of understanding context in humor.

Major Topics:

1. White Girls with Cornrows:

Tom Segura, known for his edgy humor, introduces his latest CD, titled “White Girls with Cornrows,” sparking a discussion about the cultural appropriation of hairstyles. Segura emphasizes his focus on a particular demographic, highlighting the cultural complexities of Baltimore and other East Coast cities.

• Segura’s comedic perspective on cultural appropriation.
• The diversity and integration of East Coast cities.
• Gentrification and its impact on urban landscapes.
• The role of humor in navigating cultural sensitivity.

2. Ethical Business Practices and Ting:

Joe Rogan highlights the ethical business model of Ting, a cell phone company, contrasting it with the profit-driven approach of many corporations. He praises Ting’s commitment to fairness and its customer-centric approach.

• The ethical considerations of maximizing profits.
• The role of ethics in business.
• The impact of corporate practices on employees and consumers.
• The emergence of ethically-driven business models.

3. The Power of Passionate Communication:

Rogan and Segura discuss Neil deGrasse Tyson’s unique ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible manner. They highlight the importance of both vocal quality and a deep understanding of the subject matter for effective communication.

• The impact of vocal quality on communication.
• The importance of passion and knowledge in effective communication.
• The power of science communication in engaging audiences.
• The role of educators in inspiring future generations.

4. The Absurdity of the Moon and Martian Exploration:

The discussion veers into the realm of existential humor as Rogan and Segura ponder the moon’s existence and the ambitious goal of sending humans to Mars. They question the practicality and potential dangers of colonizing another planet, while marveling at the moon’s presence in the sky.

• The moon’s significance in Earth’s ecosystem.
• The challenges and potential consequences of Martian colonization.
• The importance of perspective in appreciating natural phenomena.
• The role of humor in confronting existential questions.

5. The Limits of Intelligence in the Ocean:

Segura proposes a thought-provoking question: why hasn’t intelligent life emerged in the ocean? They consider the limitations of aquatic life and debate whether dolphins and whales truly qualify as intelligent beings.

• The unexplored potential of intelligence within the ocean.
• The limitations of aquatic life and its impact on development.
• The definition of intelligence and its application to different species.
• The potential for unexpected forms of intelligence in the natural world.

6. The Creature from the Black Lagoon and Special Effects:

Rogan and Segura delve into the nostalgia of classic horror movies, specifically the Creature from the Black Lagoon. They discuss the limitations of special effects in the 1950s and how the movie’s themes have evolved over time.

• The evolution of special effects in cinema.
• The enduring appeal of classic horror movies.
• The social context of horror films and their portrayal of monsters.
• The changing cultural perceptions of gender roles and sexuality in media.

7. The Evolution of Sitcoms and Comedy:

The conversation turns to the evolution of sitcoms and the changing landscape of comedy. Rogan and Segura discuss the cultural impact of shows like “Father Knows Best” and “All in the Family,” highlighting how societal norms have shaped humor and its reception.

• The impact of cultural shifts on sitcoms and comedy.
• The use of humor to address societal issues and taboos.
• The evolution of comedic sensibilities and audience expectations.
• The potential consequences of censoring humor and its impact on creative expression.

8. The Rise of the “Unhappy” and Political Correctness:

Rogan and Segura explore the phenomenon of political correctness and its impact on comedy. They discuss the “righteous indignation” of those who find offense in humor, particularly in the context of celebrity culture.

• The role of political correctness in shaping comedic boundaries.
• The impact of social media and online platforms on humor.
• The complexities of navigating humor in a diverse and sensitive society.
• The importance of understanding context and intention in comedy.

9. The Importance of Humor and Context:

Rogan and Segura emphasize the importance of understanding context in humor. They argue that a joke’s effectiveness depends on the delivery, the audience, and the shared understanding of the comedic intent. They discuss the potential for misinterpretation and the need for a critical understanding of humor.

• The subjective nature of humor and its cultural context.
• The importance of understanding intention in humor.
• The role of delivery and audience in shaping comedic reception.
• The potential for misunderstanding and the need for critical analysis of humor.

10. The Impact of the Podcast on Comedy:

Segura highlights the positive impact of the “Your Mom’s House” podcast on his career, acknowledging the growing audience and the positive feedback he receives. He also reflects on the impact of podcasts on the comedy world overall.

• The growing influence of podcasts on the comedy industry.
• The accessibility and democratization of comedy through podcasts.
• The potential for podcasts to build communities and fan bases.
• The impact of podcasting on the evolution of comedy.

11. The Power of Unfiltered Humor:

Both Rogan and Segura embrace a comedic style that pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms. They acknowledge the risks and potential consequences of their humor but maintain a commitment to expressing themselves authentically.

• The importance of authentic self-expression in comedy.
• The risks and rewards of pushing comedic boundaries.
• The potential for humor to challenge societal norms and spark conversation.
• The evolution of comedic sensibilities and audience expectations.

12. The “Suitcase Pimp” and The Porn Industry:

The conversation touches upon the slang term “suitcase pimp” and its implications within the porn industry. Segura and Rogan discuss the dynamics of power and control within the industry and the exploitation of performers.

• The exploitation and control within the porn industry.
• The complexities of consent and agency in the adult entertainment industry.
• The role of humor in confronting sensitive and controversial topics.
• The importance of critical analysis and understanding the nuances of power dynamics.

13. Tattoos, Body Modification, and Cultural Appropriation:

Segura and Rogan discuss the trend of tattoos and body modification, exploring the cultural significance and personal expression associated with them. They also touch on the potential for cultural appropriation in the context of body art.

• The cultural significance and personal expression of tattoos.
• The evolution of tattoo trends and styles.
• The potential for cultural appropriation in body modification.
• The importance of respecting cultural traditions and the origins of body art.

14. The Myth of the “Broke” Athlete:

Rogan and Segura discuss the financial mismanagement of professional athletes, particularly in the NFL, where a high percentage of players face bankruptcy after retirement. They explore the factors contributing to this phenomenon and the lack of financial literacy among athletes.

• The financial challenges faced by professional athletes.
• The lack of financial literacy and education among athletes.
• The allure of luxury and the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle.
• The importance of financial planning and responsible money management.

15. The Power of Music:

The conversation explores the impact of music on culture and personal experiences. Rogan and Segura discuss the influence of various genres, from classic rock to hip-hop, and the power of music to evoke memories and emotions.

• The role of music in shaping culture and identity.
• The power of music to evoke emotions and memories.
• The influence of different music genres on society.
• The impact of music on personal experiences and relationships.

16. The Reality of the UFO Community and “Sirius”:

Segura and Rogan discuss the UFO community and the challenges of distinguishing between genuine encounters and hoaxes. They explore the “Sirius” documentary and the claims of Dr. Steven Greer, questioning the validity of his evidence and his motives.

• The complexities of researching and understanding UFO phenomena.
• The challenges of discerning genuine encounters from hoaxes.
• The potential for confirmation bias and the allure of the extraordinary.
• The importance of critical thinking and evidence-based analysis in evaluating claims.

17. The Connection between Politics, Wealth, and UFOs:

The conversation explores the potential connections between political figures, wealthy families, and the secrecy surrounding UFO information. They discuss the alleged meetings between Hillary Clinton and the Rockefeller family, highlighting the interest of the wealthy elite in UFOs and their potential impact on global power dynamics.

• The potential influence of wealth and power on UFO disclosure.
• The historical connections between wealthy families and government secrecy.
• The complexities of navigating government transparency and public access to information.
• The potential impact of UFO disclosure on global power structures.

Memorable Quotes:

• “White girls with cornrows, they’re very dangerous. They’re very dangerous. That’s the that’s the cover. That’s the name of your your latest CD. Right?” – Joe Rogan introducing Tom Segura’s latest CD.
• “Baltimore is so rough. And the d. Holy shit. Oh, the d scary right now. I just did 3 weeks in a row in the d.” – Tom Segura commenting on the roughness of Baltimore and Detroit.
• “You gotta get one of them boy scout knives. It has, like, a bunch of different things. Like, it’s a spoon and a magnifying the line. I think you guys can make it 3 weeks.” – Joe Rogan joking about the equipment needed for a one-way trip to Mars.
• “The fact that they were embracing was so crazy to stream. And and you had so many detractors. They had people you would say that to, and they were like, are you fucking stupid?” – Joe Rogan discussing the reaction to the idea of sending humans to Mars.
• “I’m not gonna be the 1st guy on Mars, bitch. Are you crazy? No. Do you know how bad Mars could suck?” – Joe Rogan expressing his aversion to being the first person on Mars.