JRE #401 - Doug Benson

10/8/2013

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Joe Rogan Podcast #401 – Doug Benson Topics

This podcast features a relaxed conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Doug Benson, touching on various topics ranging from health and wellness to comedy and pop culture. The episode offers a glimpse into their personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives on a range of subjects. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key topics explored:

Joe’s Health Struggles

Joe details his recent illness, highlighting his discomfort and concern over the duration.
He explores potential causes of his illness, including parasites, food poisoning, and even a possible reaction to marijuana.
He emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention when experiencing prolonged illness.
Joe’s health issues lead to a discussion about organ donation, specifically liver donation, and how Squarespace could be used to create a platform for connecting potential donors and recipients.

Squarespace Sponsorship

Joe and Doug discuss their experiences with Squarespace, highlighting the company’s user-friendly website builder and its generous sponsorship of their podcasts.
They recount an amusing anecdote about Squarespace employees at a podcast festival, showcasing the company’s laid-back culture.
Joe and Doug delve into the company’s slogan, “Come make a website, fox,” emphasizing Squarespace’s accessibility and ease of use.
Joe provides a detailed explanation of Squarespace’s features and encourages listeners to create their own websites, offering a 10% discount code.

Lumacity: A Brain Gym

Joe introduces Lumacity, a brain training website, as a sponsor of the podcast, emphasizing its role in enhancing cognitive function.
He discusses the concept of neuroplasticity and how Lumacity’s games can help exercise and improve brain function, particularly in areas like memory and attention.
Joe compares Lumacity to other brain-training tools like Chris Maguire’s video game and Candy Crush, highlighting the growing popularity of brain fitness.
He encourages listeners to try Lumacity, highlighting its accessibility on various platforms and offering a free trial.

Hemp & Onnit

Joe excitedly discusses the legalization of hemp for industrial use in California, praising its potential economic benefits.
He highlights the versatility of hemp, promoting its use for protein, textiles, and paper production, emphasizing its positive impact on agriculture.
Joe promotes Onnit, a company focused on human optimization, featuring hemp-based products like their hemp protein powder.
He emphasizes the benefits of Onnit’s products and promotes their various strength and conditioning equipment, including kettlebells, battle ropes, and primal bells.

Functional Strength & Conditioning

Joe delves into the importance of functional strength, advocating for exercises that engage the entire body rather than isolating specific muscle groups.
He criticizes exercises like preacher curls, deeming them unnatural and ineffective for building true functional strength.
He highlights the benefits of full-body movements like deadlifts, squats, cleans, and presses, emphasizing their applications in various sports and activities.
Joe promotes Onnit’s strength and conditioning equipment as tools for achieving functional strength and improving overall fitness.

Food & Dietary Habits

Joe and Doug discuss their experiences with food, acknowledging their love of food and the pleasure it brings, particularly after a successful stand-up show.
Doug shares his experience with going gluten-free, highlighting the positive impact on his energy levels and overall health.
They discuss the potential dangers of excessive gluten consumption and the importance of mindful eating habits.
Joe emphasizes the importance of incorporating vegetables into a diet rich in protein, particularly for individuals seeking optimal health.

Veganism & Vegetarianism

Joe and Doug explore the debate surrounding veganism and vegetarianism, highlighting the potential health benefits and ethical considerations of different dietary choices.
Joe expresses his opinion on the practicality of a vegan diet, specifically questioning the exclusion of eggs and fish in certain cases.
They discuss the complexities of veganism, acknowledging the varying levels of adherence and the potential for contradictions.
Joe advocates for responsible animal husbandry and ethical sourcing of eggs and other animal products.

The Importance of Fun & Indulgence

Joe and Doug discuss the importance of fun and indulgence in their lives, particularly as comedians who are constantly working in nightlife environments.
Joe acknowledges the potential impact of substance abuse on creativity and the desire to maintain a balance between indulgence and responsibility.
They explore the complexities of addiction and the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms and sources of enjoyment.
Joe shares his perspectives on the dangers of physically addictive substances like cocaine and emphasizes the importance of being mindful of personal vulnerabilities and limits.

The Power of Observation & Perspective

Joe and Doug explore the importance of observation and perspective in understanding the world around them.
Joe discusses his habit of avoiding touching his face to prevent the spread of germs, particularly in environments like poker games where hand-to-hand contact is common.
They discuss the dangers of complacency and the need to challenge assumptions about social issues like pollution and inequality.
Joe criticizes the tendency to dismiss serious concerns with dismissive phrases like “it’s not that big a deal,” emphasizing the importance of taking a critical and informed perspective on important matters.

Kombucha & the Environment

Joe and Doug discuss their love of kombucha, highlighting the benefits of this fermented beverage and its refreshing taste.
Joe encourages listeners to try different kombucha flavors, particularly those with unique combinations of ingredients.
They discuss the importance of sourcing raw coconut water for optimal taste and the environmental impact of different packaging choices.
Joe raises concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollution, particularly its harmful effects on marine life.

The Prison System & Social Inequality

Joe and Doug discuss the troubling aspects of the private prison system, highlighting concerns about its influence on legislation and its treatment of prisoners.
Joe expresses outrage over the practice of profiting from incarceration, emphasizing the moral implications of this practice.
They discuss the racial disparities in incarceration rates and the systemic issues that contribute to the overrepresentation of certain demographics in prisons.
Joe advocates for addressing social inequality and poverty as means of reducing crime and improving the lives of those living in marginalized communities.

The Role of Government & Social Responsibility

Joe and Doug delve into the complexities of American politics, expressing their frustration with the government shutdown and its impact on citizens.
They discuss the challenges of navigating political discourse, emphasizing the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and understanding complex issues.
Joe challenges the tendency to prioritize political agendas over the needs of the people, questioning the rationale behind obstructing legislation that could benefit citizens.
Joe advocates for social responsibility and calls for greater investment in public services and programs that could improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of society.

Sugar Daddies & Social Dynamics

Joe and Doug discuss the rise in popularity of sugar daddy websites, exploring potential reasons for the surge in traffic during the government shutdown.
They question the motivations behind the use of such websites, acknowledging both the potential for financial gain and the possibility of genuine romantic connections.
They explore the complexities of social dynamics and the varying perspectives on relationships that involve significant financial discrepancies.
Joe emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices and recognizing that relationships can be complex and multifaceted.

The Impact of Fame & Responsibility

Joe and Doug discuss the challenges of navigating fame and the responsibility that comes with it.
They explore the potential for misinterpretations and the tendency for fans to project their own assumptions onto celebrities, particularly regarding substance use.
Joe acknowledges the importance of setting a positive example and using their platform to advocate for positive change.
They discuss the importance of being mindful of the impact of their words and actions, particularly in a world where social media and online platforms have amplified their reach.

Charity & The Need for Due Diligence

Joe and Doug discuss the importance of supporting charitable causes, while acknowledging the need for due diligence to ensure that donations go to legitimate organizations.
They recount examples of fraudulent charities and scams, highlighting the importance of verifying the credibility of organizations before donating.
They discuss the complexities of charitable giving and the potential for misuse of donations, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Joe encourages listeners to be cautious and informed when supporting charities, emphasizing the importance of researching organizations before donating.

Comedy & The Power of Laughter

Joe and Doug discuss the power of comedy and its role in providing escapism, commentary, and social critique.
They acknowledge the importance of laughter in coping with difficult realities and the transformative power of humor in challenging societal norms.
Joe emphasizes the importance of finding joy and laughter in everyday life, even in the face of adversity.
They celebrate the unique comedic voices of various artists, recognizing the diversity and richness of the comedic landscape.

The World of Stand-up Comedy

Joe and Doug discuss the unique challenges and rewards of stand-up comedy, emphasizing the importance of finding a voice and connecting with audiences.
They explore the importance of crafting compelling stories and building a strong comedic persona.
Joe and Doug share their experiences with performing in various venues, from intimate clubs to large theaters, highlighting the different dynamics and challenges of each setting.
They discuss the importance of maintaining a sense of authenticity and passion for their craft.

The World of Movies

Joe and Doug discuss their love of movies and the impact they have on their lives.
They explore the diverse genres of film and the importance of finding movies that resonate with their personal tastes.
They discuss the importance of recognizing the artistry and craft involved in filmmaking, from writing to directing to acting.
Joe and Doug share their perspectives on the role of movie stars and the impact they have on the success of films.

The Evolution of Technology

Joe and Doug discuss the rapid advancements in technology and their impact on society.
They express their fascination with the development of advanced weapons like railguns and their potential implications for warfare and security.
They discuss the growing popularity of social media and its influence on public discourse and the spread of information.
Joe and Doug reflect on the evolving relationship between humans and technology and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

The Power of Transformation

Joe and Doug discuss the transformative power of personal growth and the challenges of confronting and changing negative habits.
They explore the importance of self-awareness and the need to acknowledge and address personal weaknesses.
Joe shares his admiration for individuals who have successfully overcome challenges and transformed their lives.
They discuss the importance of finding support systems and resources to aid in personal growth and change.

The Importance of Curiosity & Open-mindedness

Joe and Doug emphasize the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in exploring the world and challenging assumptions.
They discuss the value of seeking out new experiences and perspectives, even when they challenge their own beliefs.
Joe and Doug encourage listeners to be open to new ideas and to embrace the potential for growth and learning.
They highlight the importance of questioning authority and challenging conventional wisdom.

5 Memorable Quotes

“You can’t redline your system forever.” – Joe Rogan highlights the importance of balance and moderation in all aspects of life, including substance use.
“There’s a lot of liars out there pretending, ‘Well, I just enjoy a drink.’ You enjoy getting fucked up.” – Joe Rogan humorously challenges the notion that people can moderate their alcohol intake without experiencing any effects.
“If you just eat nothing but salads for a couple days, your shits will be magnificent.” – Joe Rogan enthusiastically advocates for the benefits of a high-fiber diet, emphasizing the importance of gut health.
“It’s not that hard. You can take athletes and they can act and do a really fucking good job.” – Joe Rogan questions the notion that acting is an exclusive talent, highlighting the ability of athletes to excel in different fields.
“We’re not gonna have to put up with the dog, we’re not gonna have to put up with the guy.” – Joe Rogan humorously acknowledges the absurdity of allowing emotional support animals on planes, suggesting a solution for avoiding uncomfortable situations.

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JRE #401 – Doug Benson