JRE #531 – Nick Youssef

8/5/2014

This podcast features stand-up comedian, writer, and actor Nick Youssef. It covers a wide range of topics, from the benefits of using Squarespace and Ting to the complexities of the internet and the dark realities of police brutality. Youssef also dives into the fascinating world of bugs, showcasing the ruthless and often unexpected nature of the insect world.

Podcast Topics

1. Squarespace and Ting:
   1. Youssef and Rogan enthusiastically endorse Squarespace, highlighting its user-friendliness, professional design, and 24/7 support.
   2. They discuss the benefits of Ting’s pay-per-minute mobile service, contrasting it with traditional, expensive cell phone plans.
   3. The conversation explores the changing landscape of technology and the evolution of services like roaming.
   4. Rogan shares his skepticism regarding the true cost of internet data and the complex workings of internet infrastructure.
2. The Internet’s Genius and Our Technological Ignorance:
   1. Rogan marvels at the intelligence required to develop the internet, comparing it to a “super genius” surpassing human comprehension.
   2. He reflects on his own technological limitations, acknowledging his ignorance about how the internet functions.
   3. The conversation touches on the concept of “super geniuses” like those depicted in “Good Will Hunting” and the potential for seemingly ordinary individuals to possess extraordinary minds.
   4. The topic segues into a discussion about the importance of appreciating those who contribute to technological advancements, even if their work remains beyond our understanding.
3. The Importance of Health and Nutrition:
   1. Youssef and Rogan discuss Onnit.com, a human optimization website promoting strength and conditioning, as well as healthy snacks and foods like warrior bars.
   2. They touch on the topic of nitrates, emphasizing the need for research and understanding of their potential effects on the body.
   3. Rogan stresses the importance of critical thinking and researching both sides of any controversial health topic, referencing Dr. Rhonda Patrick.
   4. The conversation highlights the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the importance of getting regular blood work to assess overall health and nutritional levels.
4. The Complexities of Police Brutality and Accountability:
   1. Youssef and Rogan delve into the disturbing trend of police brutality, particularly the instance of a cop beating a woman on the side of a freeway.
   2. They discuss the use of GoPro cameras on police officers as a means of increasing accountability and potentially reducing instances of violence.
   3. The conversation explores the inherent stress and demands of being a police officer, emphasizing the challenges they face in dealing with difficult situations.
   4. They argue for a balanced perspective on police brutality, acknowledging the potential for abuse while also considering the difficult circumstances faced by officers.
5. The Nature of Violence and the Importance of Rules:
   1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the recent altercation between John Jones and Daniel Cormier, exploring the dynamics of violence in sports and the potential for it to escalate into street fights.
   2. They emphasize the importance of no-contact policies in professional sports to prevent these kinds of incidents and maintain a positive public image.
   3. The conversation highlights the different types of violence, contrasting the controlled violence of a sport with the unpredictable violence of street fights.
   4. They acknowledge the inherent tension between the allure of violence and the need for professionalism and respect in sports.
6. The Allure of Horror and the Evolution of the Genre:
   1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the current state of horror movies and television shows, lamenting the decline of traditional monster movies and the rise of more story-driven horror.
   2. They reminisce about classic horror films from the 1950s, specifically “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” and its campy, yet entertaining, qualities.
   3. The conversation touches on the evolution of the horror genre, from the simplicity of classic slashers to the more complex narratives of modern horror.
   4. They discuss the potential for new monster movies, exploring ideas like genetically engineered lizard soldiers and the possibility of a “Creature from the Black Lagoon” remake set in Miami.
7. The Perils of Celebrity and the Reality of Insanity:
   1. Youssef and Rogan discuss Tom Cruise’s career and his reputation for being “wacky,” questioning whether this reputation affects how his films are perceived.
   2. They explore the concept of insanity within the entertainment industry, suggesting that a certain level of “insanity” might be required to succeed in high-profile roles.
   3. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on celebrity culture, highlighting how easily information about their personal lives can be disseminated.
   4. They touch on the history of celebrity scandals, citing the case of Roscoe Arbuckle and the lasting impact of the accusations against him.
8. The Unseen Infrastructure of the Internet:
   1. Rogan emphasizes the incredible feat of laying fiber optic cables across the Pacific Ocean to provide internet access to Hawaii.
   2. The conversation explores the often-overlooked infrastructure that makes the internet possible, from underwater cables to the vast network of servers.
   3. They discuss the complexities of international internet access, including licensing agreements and bandwidth limitations.
   4. Rogan speculates on the potential for future advancements in internet infrastructure, acknowledging the constant evolution of technology.
9. The Reality of War and the Importance of Perspective:
   1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the conflict between Israel and Palestine, drawing a parallel to a hypothetical war between the US and Mexico.
   2. They reflect on the impact of living in a constant state of war, citing the experiences of Israelis and Palestinians.
   3. Youssef shares his experiences visiting Lebanon, highlighting the normalization of violence and the stark contrast to his upbringing in the suburbs of LA.
   4. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding the realities of war and the psychological effects it can have on individuals and societies.
10. The Terrifying Potential of Infectious Diseases:
    1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the Ebola outbreak, highlighting the high mortality rate and the rapid spread of the disease.
    2. They explore the lack of a cure for Ebola and the potential for it to become a global pandemic.
    3. They discuss the development of experimental drugs and the financial incentives driving research into cures.
    4. The conversation touches on the potential for both natural and man-made outbreaks of deadly diseases, emphasizing the need for preparedness and awareness.
11. The Georgia Guide Stones:
    1. Rogan introduces the Georgia Guide Stones, a mysterious monument with 10 guidelines for managing civilization.
    2. They discuss the controversial guidelines, particularly the one advocating for maintaining humanity under 500 million, potentially referencing eugenics.
    3. The conversation explores the possibility of both nefarious and well-intentioned motivations behind the guide stones, highlighting the complexities of human nature.
    4. Rogan acknowledges the limitations of the guide stones as a blueprint for managing a complex world, while also appreciating their intriguing nature.
12. The Evolution of Payment Methods and the Era of Digital Transactions:
    1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the decline of checks as a form of payment and the rise of digital transactions.
    2. They highlight the convenience and efficiency of mobile payment apps like Square, which allow businesses to accept credit cards directly on their phones.
    3. The conversation explores the potential for future changes in signature methods as cursive becomes less prevalent in education.
    4. They touch on the complexities of online agreements and the often-overlooked terms and conditions that users agree to when accessing websites and apps.
13. The Case of Brian Dunning and the Complexities of Online Business:
    1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the case of Brian Dunning, a former podcast guest who was sentenced to prison for creating an app that exploited eBay’s affiliate program.
    2. The conversation explores the ethical considerations of online business practices, highlighting the potential for manipulation and fraud.
    3. They analyze Dunning’s personality and his tendency towards conspiracy theories, suggesting a potential link between his upbringing and his worldview.
    4. The topic touches on the impact of fundamentalist religious beliefs on individuals’ ability to critically evaluate information and navigate the complexities of modern society.
14. The Fascinating and Ruthless World of Bugs:
    1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the phenomenon of “rods” in video footage, questioning whether these strange objects are evidence of alien life or simply video artifacts.
    2. They delve into the controversy surrounding hydraulic fracturing, exploring the potential environmental impact and the debate over its benefits and risks.
    3. The conversation then shifts to the ruthless nature of the insect world, specifically the deadly battles between Japanese hornets and honeybees.
    4. They discuss the incredible strength and predatory behavior of praying mantises, highlighting their ability to kill and devour other insects, birds, and even small mammals.
15. The Importance of Community and Camaraderie in Comedy:
    1. Youssef and Rogan discuss the historical significance of the Comedy Store in Los Angeles and the role it played in fostering a community of comedians.
    2. They reflect on the importance of open mic nights and the role they play in developing new talent.
    3. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among comedians and the unique challenges they face in navigating the world of stand-up comedy.
    4. Youssef expresses his appreciation for the support he received from the Comedy Store and its staff, particularly Mitzy, who helped him during his early days as a comedian.
16. Nick Youssef’s New Album “Stop Not Owning This”:
    1. Youssef promotes his new album, “Stop Not Owning This,” available on iTunes and AllThingsComedy.com.
    2. He shares his excitement about releasing his first album and his journey as a stand-up comedian.
    3. Youssef encourages listeners to rate and review his album, emphasizing the importance of audience feedback.
    4. Rogan expresses his support for Youssef’s comedy career and encourages listeners to check out his work.

Memorable Quotes

1. “We should be so happy that there are people out there that are way smarter than us that figure that fucking thing out. We should be so happy. You know? We would have never figured out the Internet.”
2. “The sheer numbers of idiosyncrasies that you get, the the just the numbers of morons that come out of Florida. It’s it’s almost hard to believe. I’ve watched almost every single episode of Cops, and Florida is always the best episode.”
3. “You gotta look at the cops too. Like, what are these guys being subjected to? It’s not just that these cops are are lashing out and and attacking people. It’s like, what’s making them ramp up their their violence?”
4. “People that don’t think you need a military or don’t think you need law enforcement, you’re really kinda underestimating the evil that human beings are capable of. We’ve just been in a nice place here in America for a few 100 years. Pretty sweet as far as world history goes.”
5. “It’s a very unfortunate, but it’s a realistic aspect. Like, it’s a realistic subject. It needs to be breached. It’s very unfortunate that people are capable of things like that, but they are. And to not plan on it, and to not be prepared in case it happens, There’s a lot of civilizations that don’t exist anymore because of that.”