JRE #485 – Amy Schumer

This podcast features a lively conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Amy Schumer. They explore a wide range of topics, from the world of stand-up comedy to the complexities of human relationships, sprinkled with humorous anecdotes and insightful reflections.

Here are the key topics explored in this episode:

Comedian Culture & The Stand-Up Life

1. Riders & Backstage Demands: Schumer shares her minimalist rider, contrasting it with the often outlandish requests of other performers, leading to a discussion about the culture of demands and the stories backstage crew members have witnessed.
2. The Art of Small Talk: Schumer credits comedian Colin Quinn for helping her embrace small talk on the road, highlighting the unexpected value of these seemingly mundane interactions.
3. The Uniqueness of New Orleans: Schumer shares a hilarious anecdote about her driver, who casually cracks open another beer while being questioned by a police officer, emphasizing the unique culture of New Orleans.
4. The Challenges of Being a Woman in Comedy: Schumer candidly discusses the pressures and challenges faced by female comedians, including the constant scrutiny of their appearance and the expectations to be self-deprecating.
5. The Importance of Staying Authentic: Schumer reflects on the potential pitfalls of becoming overly concerned with image and appearance, highlighting the importance of maintaining authenticity in a world obsessed with appearances.
6. The Unpredictability of Comedy: Schumer discusses the unpredictable nature of comedy, acknowledging that even the most seasoned comedians can bomb and that it’s often a matter of finding the right vibe and moment.
7. The Role of hecklers: Schumer views hecklers as a necessary part of the stand-up experience, highlighting their ability to challenge and sharpen a comedian’s skills, but also discusses the importance of handling them effectively.
8. The Power of Bombing: Schumer reflects on how bombing can ultimately lead to growth and resilience, emphasizing that the ability to overcome a bad set can make a comedian stronger.

Relationships & Human Nature

1. The Importance of Sexual Compatibility: Schumer and Rogan discuss the importance of sexual compatibility in relationships, acknowledging that it’s a key factor in happiness, but also recognizing the complexities of finding that balance.
2. The Allure of the “Unattainable”: Schumer explores the societal fascination with thinness, particularly among women, suggesting that we sometimes celebrate the ability to suppress natural biological urges.
3. The Dangers of “Gold Diggers”: Schumer discusses the phenomenon of women taking advantage of men, often for financial gain, and the challenges it presents in navigating relationships.
4. The Impact of Family Dynamics: Schumer explores how family dynamics can influence romantic relationships, particularly with regards to observing healthy and unhealthy patterns in her parents’ marriage.

Diversity & Social Commentary

1. The Nature of Racism: Schumer and Rogan delve into the realities of racism, particularly in the entertainment industry, sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on the challenges faced by Black individuals in society.
2. The Power of Representation: Schumer discusses the impact of representation in media, highlighting the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in challenging harmful stereotypes.
3. The Value of Selflessness: Schumer shares the inspiring story of her friend, Justin Ren, who dedicated his life to helping the Pygmy people in the Congo, emphasizing the transformative power of selfless actions.
4. The Global Inequality: Schumer and Rogan discuss the stark disparities in living conditions around the world, highlighting the challenges faced by those born into poverty and the importance of raising awareness.

Controversies & Societal Shifts

1. The Evolution of Comedy: Schumer reflects on the evolution of comedy in the internet age, acknowledging the increased accessibility and the changing landscape of humor.
2. The Role of Social Media: Schumer acknowledges the impact of social media on comedy, both positive and negative, highlighting the potential for increased exposure but also the heightened scrutiny and potential for backlash.
3. The “What’s Funny is Funny” Debate: Schumer delves into a heated conversation about the “what’s funny is funny” debate, triggered by Jerry Seinfeld’s comments on diversity in comedy. This discussion explores the complexities of humor, subjectivity, and the potential for unconscious biases.
4. The Importance of Consent and Boundaries: Schumer discusses the importance of consent and respecting boundaries, particularly in the context of her own experiences with unwanted attention and the challenges of navigating fame as a woman.
5. The Future of Comedy: Schumer muses on the potential impact of technology on the future of comedy, particularly in the context of the Singularity and its potential implications for human connection and creativity.

This episode is a rich tapestry of conversations, offering humor, insight, and an exploration of complex issues. Through their candid exchanges, Amy Schumer and Joe Rogan shed light on the challenges and joys of navigating life in the public eye.

Memorable Quotes

• “I look like I’m gonna be a dumb bitch.”
• “It’s not that I’m, like, oh my god. Like, I can’t believe there’s not something in my body right now. I mean, I feel like I have a totally normal sexual appetite.”
• “I’m just, like, less stressed by some things, but I am having, like, sort of more pressure on me. But I think it’s just, like, COVID’s pressure.”
• “I’ve been, like, trying to break down forget my childhood insecurity is, like, what happened just the first times I went out on the road. So I’m afraid my defenses got so built up that I had to really, like, break them down so that I could sort of let the right ones in.”
• “You gotta know what to let in and what not to let in right before you go on stage. Super important. Especially when people pay to see you.”