JRE #492 – Dave Attell

by

4/29/2014






Joe Rogan Podcast #492 – Dave Attell

Joe Rogan Podcast #492 – Dave Attell

Joe Rogan sits down with Dave Attell, a stand-up comedian, writer and actor, to discuss various topics ranging from the comedy world to societal issues. The conversation dives into provocative and controversial themes, reflecting Rogan’s signature style.

  • Dollar Shave Club:

    • Joe Rogan highlights Dollar Shave Club’s humorous and edgy advertising campaign.
    • They discuss the high cost of razors and the innovative approach Dollar Shave Club takes in offering affordable alternatives.
    • The conversation delves into the varying qualities of razors, including the “Lovers Blade,” which leads to playful banter and jokes.
    • Joe Rogan emphasizes the value proposition of Dollar Shave Club, highlighting their monthly subscriptions and quality products.

  • Manly Butt Wipes:

    • Joe Rogan introduces Doctor Carver’s EV’s EZ Shave Butter and One Wipe Charlie’s, a line of manly butt wipes.
    • The discussion revolves around the need for hygienic solutions for men, especially when traveling or in inconvenient situations.
    • Joe Rogan proposes the idea of single-use, business card-sized One Wipe Charlie’s for easy portability.
    • They share personal anecdotes about using wipes for various purposes, showcasing their practical and humorous applications.

  • Adam Corolla’s Man Cave:

    • Joe Rogan and Dave Attell discuss Adam Corolla’s impressive man cave, which features a soundproof podcast studio and various woodworking projects.
    • They praise Corolla’s skills as a carpenter and his dedication to building a high-tech podcasting environment.
    • They acknowledge Corolla’s multi-faceted talents, including his knowledge of cars, boxing, and woodworking.
    • The conversation touches on Corolla’s show “To Catch a Contractor,” where he exposes incompetent contractors.

  • The Role of Butlers:

    • The discussion takes an unexpected turn as they ponder the role of butlers in contemporary society.
    • They debate the appeal of traditional English butlers compared to more modern, less formal counterparts.
    • Joe Rogan suggests a new gig for comedians: temporary butler services, offering entertaining personalities for parties.
    • They touch on the vast number of service jobs in LA, contrasting it with the more condensed nature of East Coast cities.

  • The Kiosk Industry:

    • Joe Rogan and Dave Attell analyze the kiosk industry, particularly the prevalence of cell phone sales kiosks in strip malls and malls.
    • They poke fun at the seemingly random presence of these kiosks and the unusual products they sell.
    • They joke about Dave Attell potentially taking a job as a kiosk worker, selling glittery cell phone covers and remote control helicopters.
    • They imagine a humorous TV show based on Dave Attell’s experiences working at a kiosk, interacting with customers and finding comedic moments.

  • The Evolution of Comedy:

    • They discuss the history of stand-up comedy, highlighting the influence of Red Fox and his comedy club.
    • They reminisce about the rise of Richard Pryor and his improvisational style, emphasizing the importance of small clubs for developing comedic talent.
    • They explore the relationship between Red Fox and Flip Wilson, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of Black comedians in a segregated era.
    • The conversation touches on the impact of segregation on comedy, particularly the experiences of Black comedians during that period.

  • The Donald Sterling Controversy:

    • Joe Rogan and Dave Attell discuss the Donald Sterling controversy, where Sterling was banned from the NBA after racist remarks were leaked.
    • They debate the complexities of judging someone’s character based on a few comments and acknowledge the potential for people to harbor hidden prejudices.
    • They discuss the irony of the Winter Olympics and its predominantly white participants, highlighting the potential for unconscious biases.
    • They address the potential for Alzheimer’s disease to contribute to racist behavior in older individuals.

  • The Nature of Relationships:

    • They analyze the relationship dynamics between Donald Sterling and his girlfriend, V. Stiviano, who leaked the recordings of his racist remarks.
    • They discuss the potential motivations behind Stiviano’s actions, considering her relationship with Sterling and his wealth.
    • They touch on the legal implications of prostitution, suggesting that its legalization could have prevented Sterling’s downfall.
    • They conclude that the relationship between Sterling and Stiviano was likely strained, leading to her desire to expose him.

  • The Importance of Supporting Comedians:

    • Joe Rogan and Dave Attell emphasize the importance of supporting emerging comedians, particularly those with more edgy or unconventional styles.
    • They highlight the difficulty of finding outlets for these comedians and the role that platforms like Comedy Underground play in providing a space for them.
    • They acknowledge that comedians like Joe Diaz and Ari Shafir faced challenges in gaining recognition due to their “rough” comedy.
    • They express their dedication to fostering a supportive environment for comedians, recognizing the importance of audience engagement and appreciation for different comedic styles.

  • The Impact of Social Media:

    • They discuss the evolving landscape of comedy, acknowledging the impact of social media and the digital age on reaching audiences.
    • They highlight the advantages and disadvantages of social media for comedians, recognizing its ability to connect with fans but also its potential to create echo chambers.
    • They acknowledge that social media can make it difficult for comedians to reach audiences who may not be actively seeking them out.
    • They express a sense of nostalgia for a time when audiences were less informed about comedians and their material.

  • The Importance of Live Comedy:

    • They emphasize the importance of live comedy, particularly the unique energy and interaction that occurs between comedians and audiences.
    • They distinguish between the experience of watching comedy on a screen and experiencing it live, noting the absence of direct interaction in the digital age.
    • They acknowledge that live comedy can provide a sense of community and shared experience that is difficult to replicate digitally.
    • They express concern about the potential for audiences to become more passive and less engaged due to the availability of content online.

  • Prom Shows and Comedy:

    • Dave Attell discusses his early experiences doing comedy at prom shows, highlighting the challenging nature of performing for high school students.
    • He describes the duality of these shows, where young audiences can be both uninhibited and rowdy, presenting unique challenges for comedians.
    • He reflects on the evolution of these audiences, from the “bad kids” who were rebellious to the current generation who are more subdued and connected to their phones.
    • He shares a technique he used to win over prom audiences, appealing to their sense of rebellion and questioning authority.

  • The Comedy Store and Club Culture:

    • They discuss the iconic Comedy Store in LA, noting its distinctive clubby atmosphere and relaxed vibe.
    • They acknowledge the differences in audience demographics and expectations between LA and New York, with LA audiences being more passive and less interactive.
    • They touch on the prevalence of heckling at the Comedy Store, attributing it to the presence of comics and LA’s culture of self-promotion.
    • They compare the Comedy Store to the Comedy Cellar in New York, noting the differences in audience energy and interaction.

  • The Comedy Magic Club:

    • They discuss the Comedy Magic Club, highlighting its unique and highly supportive environment for comics.
    • They mention that the club has a strict policy against hecklers and disruptive behavior, creating a respectful atmosphere for both comics and audiences.
    • They praise the club’s long history and its role in fostering comedic talent, mentioning legendary comics like Shandling and Lionel.
    • They share their appreciation for the club’s owner, Mike, and his dedication to comedy.

  • Jay Leno’s Comedy Club:

    • They discuss Jay Leno’s comedy club, mentioning his Sunday night gigs and his current focus on touring.
    • They debate the pricing of tickets for Leno’s shows, considering the high price of VIP seats and the overall cost of attending a comedy club.
    • They compare the pricing of tickets for Leno’s shows to their own, highlighting the disparity in pricing based on fame and audience demand.
    • They touch on the economics of comedy, discussing the challenges of balancing ticket prices with audience accessibility.

  • The Power of Impressions:

    • They discuss the art of impressions, acknowledging Jay Moore’s uncanny Colin Quinn impression.
    • They highlight the importance of impressions as a comedic tool, noting their ability to capture the essence of a person’s personality and voice.
    • They recognize the difficulty of performing good impressions, emphasizing the need for both accuracy and comedic timing.
    • They suggest that Colin Quinn himself is a master of accents and that he would be a great subject for impressions.

  • The Impact of Mimicry in Comedy:

    • They discuss the phenomenon of comedians mimicking other comedians, acknowledging its prevalence in the early stages of a career.
    • They debate whether mimicry is flattering or lazy, acknowledging that it can be a helpful tool for learning but also a sign of a lack of originality.
    • They emphasize the importance of developing a unique comedic style and moving beyond mimicry to establish a distinct identity.
    • They acknowledge that even experienced comedians may have habits that are influenced by others, but it is crucial to be self-aware and make adjustments.

  • The Patrice O’Neal Controversy:

    • They discuss the controversy surrounding Patrice O’Neal and his imitator, a YouTuber who was accused of exploiting O’Neal’s work.
    • They express their disapproval of the imitator’s actions, criticizing his lack of originality and his aggressive response to criticism.
    • They acknowledge the importance of respecting the work of deceased comedians and avoiding exploitative behavior.
    • They highlight the humor and audacity of O’Neal’s comedic style, suggesting that he would have become even more popular had he lived longer.

  • The Influence of Bill Hicks:

    • They discuss the impact of Bill Hicks on Dave Attell’s comedic journey, recognizing his influence on their desire to become a comedian.
    • They highlight Hicks’s unique approach to comedy, his ability to handle crowds, and his fearless delivery of edgy material.
    • They discuss Hicks’s evolution as a comedian, from a wild and drug-addled individual to a more focused and intentional artist.
    • They acknowledge Hicks’s enduring legacy and the relevance of his political and social commentary to current events.

  • The Impact of Dennis Leary:

    • They discuss Dennis Leary’s influence on Dave Attell’s early comedic career, acknowledging his initial admiration for Leary’s style.
    • They reveal that Attell’s admiration for Leary was challenged when he discovered that Leary was potentially mimicking Bill Hicks’s material.
    • They acknowledge the disappointment of discovering that a comedian one admires may not be as original as one believes.
    • They discuss the lasting impact of Bill Hicks on comedy and the ways in which he influenced other comedians.

  • The Power of Sam Kinison:

    • They discuss Sam Kinison, a comedian who tragically passed away at a young age, and express a desire to have seen him perform live.
    • They highlight Kinison’s raw energy and comedic power, acknowledging his influence on the comedy scene.
    • They reflect on the challenges of adapting to new material after gaining fame, as Kinison did after his HBO special.
    • They acknowledge Kinison’s pioneering approach to discussing personal experiences and his ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level.

  • The Importance of New Material:

    • They discuss the importance of constantly developing new material, particularly when touring and performing in front of different audiences.
    • They acknowledge that audiences can become familiar with a comedian’s material, making it essential to keep things fresh and engaging.
    • They highlight the challenges of balancing new material with crowd favorites, finding the right balance between innovation and familiarity.
    • They emphasize the ongoing nature of a comedian’s work, constantly striving for improvement and evolution.

  • The Comedy Underground:

    • Joe Rogan and Dave Attell discuss Dave Attell’s new show, “Comedy Underground,” a showcase for emerging comedians.
    • They highlight the show’s uncensored format, allowing comedians to perform raw and unfiltered sets.
    • They discuss the importance of providing a platform for comedians who may not fit into traditional comedy formats.
    • They acknowledge the show’s similarities to the Ronnie Dangerfield Show and its focus on showcasing new talent.

  • The Impact of 80s Animation:

    • They discuss the influence of 80s animation, particularly “Heavy Metal” and “Wizards,” on their childhoods.
    • They reminisce about the unique style of animation used in these films, which involved drawing over real footage, creating a distinctive visual aesthetic.
    • They acknowledge the role of 80s animation in pushing boundaries and exploring adult themes, challenging traditional norms.
    • They discuss the evolution of animation, from the hand-drawn and stop-motion techniques of the past to the advanced CGI of today.

  • The Power Glove:

    • They reminisce about the Power Glove, a video game controller from the 80s, which was notorious for its poor design.
    • They discuss the cultural phenomenon of video games in the 80s, particularly the excitement surrounding the Power Glove.
    • They highlight the contrast between the simplicity of early video games and the complex graphics of modern gaming.
    • They acknowledge the cultural impact of video games on society, from their early days as novel entertainment to their current status as a mainstream industry.

  • The Allure of the Past:

    • They discuss the desire to travel back in time, particularly to eras like the Wild West or medieval times.
    • They acknowledge the appeal of historical periods with romanticized notions, contrasting them with the perceived boredom of colonial times.
    • They discuss the impossibility of truly experiencing the past and the potential for romanticizing its challenges.
    • They acknowledge the evolution of societal norms and the limitations of viewing history through a modern lens.

  • The Holocaust Sitcom:

    • They touch on the controversial topic of a sitcom set in a concentration camp, highlighting the absurdity of such a concept.
    • They discuss the historical context of “Hogan’s Heroes,” a sitcom that depicted German soldiers as incompetent buffoons, raising questions about its sensitivity.
    • They analyze the potential for comedy to address sensitive topics, acknowledging the need for careful consideration and execution.
    • They highlight the evolution of humor and social norms, recognizing the challenges of viewing past comedic works through a modern lens.

  • The “Hitler Knows Best” Sitcom:

    • They discuss the idea of a sitcom featuring Hitler as a family man, highlighting the absurdity of such a concept.
    • They mention a British sitcom that featured a retired Hitler, emphasizing the cultural differences between British and American humor.
    • They discuss the cultural impact of Mel Brooks’s film “The Producers,” which featured a musical about Hitler and its surprising success.
    • They analyze the potential for comedy to satirize sensitive figures, recognizing the need for skillful execution and a clear understanding of audience sensibilities.

  • The Importance of Work Ethic:

    • They discuss the importance of work ethic in comedy, recognizing the dedication required to succeed in the industry.
    • They highlight the need to constantly refine material and push boundaries, emphasizing the importance of practice and self-improvement.
    • They acknowledge that success in comedy often involves a combination of talent, perseverance, and a willingness to work hard.
    • They express their admiration for comedians who are passionate about their craft and committed to their craft.

  • The Role of Stress and Addiction:

    • They discuss the role of stress in their lives and the challenges of managing it.
    • They acknowledge the appeal of cigarettes as a stress reliever, despite their detrimental health effects.
    • They discuss the cyclical nature of addiction and the difficulty of quitting.
    • They highlight the importance of self-care and finding healthy ways to manage stress.

  • The Perception of Accents:

    • They discuss the cultural impact of accents, acknowledging the tendency to make assumptions about people based on their speech patterns.
    • They debate whether it is racist to make observations about accents, recognizing the need for sensitivity and avoiding harmful stereotypes.
    • They acknowledge the homogenization of accents over time, particularly in the US, due to factors like radio and television.
    • They discuss the enduring appeal of regional accents and the importance of recognizing cultural diversity.

  • The Power of Crowd Work:

    • They discuss the importance of crowd work in comedy, recognizing its ability to create a dynamic and engaging performance.
    • They highlight the skills required for successful crowd work, including the ability to read audiences, adapt to situations, and improvise.
    • They acknowledge that crowd work can be a risky endeavor, but it can also lead to some of the most memorable comedic moments.
    • They discuss the influence of comedians like Colin Quinn on their own approach to crowd work.

  • The Future of Comedy:

    • They discuss the future of comedy, acknowledging the ongoing evolution of the industry.
    • They discuss the impact of social media and the digital age on reaching audiences.
    • They express optimism about the future of comedy, recognizing the enduring power of humor and the importance of supporting emerging talent.
    • They emphasize the importance of adapting to changing trends while maintaining the core principles of comedic storytelling and audience engagement.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “You gotta have a rugged face on for everybody else.” – Joe Rogan on the importance of a good shave.
  • “Gentlemen use wipes. The problem is gentlemen don’t have purses to carry these fucking wipes around.” – Joe Rogan on the challenges of carrying hygiene products.
  • “I think if you watch the Winter Olympics, you’re a racist. Because that is the whitest thing. You know what I’m saying?” – Dave Attell on the potential for unconscious biases.
  • “I think it’s important point though to to get the guy out of the NBA. I think that’s a important point. I think it’s awesome that they did that. They banned them for real.” – Joe Rogan on the importance of holding people accountable for their actions.
  • “If you’re gonna go back through time, you wanna go, like, Cowboys in India — good air — fun time. That’s a good time.” – Dave Attell on his ideal time travel destination.


 

Leave a Comment