9/15/2014
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Joe Rogan Podcast #549 – Big Jay Oakerson Topics
This episode features Big Jay Oakerson, a stand-up comedian and host of the “Legion of Skanks Podcast,” sharing his comedic insights and personal anecdotes with Joe Rogan. The conversation explores a range of topics, from the intricacies of stand-up comedy and the entertainment industry to reflections on social issues, personal experiences, and even a deep dive into the world of martial arts. The podcast brims with Big Jay’s signature humor and offers a glimpse into his unique perspective on life and the world around him.
Topics:
- E-Cigarettes and Product Placement:
- Big Jay’s use of nicotine-free e-cigarettes as a crutch for his smoking habit.
- New York’s recent decision to allow paid e-cigarette commercials during movies, reversing a 16-year ban on tobacco product placements.
- Discussion about the prevalence of product placements in movies and television shows, showcasing brands like Sony and Apple.
- Big Jay’s experience with a television show, “P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy,” where he was contractually obligated to wear Sean John Clothing, highlighting the control certain brands can exert on entertainers.
- The Nature of Reality Shows and Contractual Obligations:
- Critique of reality show contracts that aim to own a portion of participants’ future earnings, even after the show’s end.
- Comparison of reality stars to actors, discussing the skill required to perform and navigate a camera-driven environment.
- Arguments for and against the validity of reality shows, highlighting the scripted nature of many productions and the blurred lines between performance and real life.
- Discussion on the potential exploitation of reality show participants, emphasizing the power dynamics and contractual obligations that often leave individuals vulnerable.
- The Ethics of Violence and Aggression in Martial Arts:
- Discussion about the proper response to physical aggression, emphasizing the importance of self-defense without resorting to unnecessary violence, particularly in scenarios involving women.
- Analysis of a video showcasing a school teacher’s adept defense against a student’s physical attack, highlighting the importance of martial arts training and self-control.
- Exploration of the potential triggers for violence, including anger, rage, and the desire to protect loved ones, drawing parallels to real-life incidents and Worldstar Hip Hop videos.
- Reflection on the complexities of human behavior, acknowledging the presence of individuals who inflict violence due to their own experiences and lack of values, leading to a discussion on the influence of environment and upbringing.
- The World of Martial Arts Schools and Confrontations:
- Big Jay’s personal experiences with individuals who would disrupt martial arts classes due to mental health issues or delusions of grandeur, highlighting the challenges instructors face in handling such situations.
- Exploration of the potential dangers of untrained individuals with martial arts skills, emphasizing the importance of formal training and discipline in addition to physical ability.
- Discussion about the common practice of “challenge matches” in martial arts schools, where individuals from different schools would spar or compete, showcasing the historical context before the rise of the UFC.
- Big Jay’s own journey in Taekwondo, discussing his dedication, training, and experience with challenge matches, highlighting the intensity and potential risks involved.
- The Connection Between Martial Arts and Stand-Up Comedy:
- Discussion about the surprising intersection of martial arts training and stand-up comedy, challenging the stereotype that disciplined individuals are not naturally comedic.
- Big Jay’s personal journey as a comedian, reflecting on his origins, his commitment to the craft, and the evolution of his style.
- Comparison of comedic styles, highlighting the differences between self-deprecating white comedy and more aggressive, in-your-face black comedy.
- Exploration of the concept of “punching up” in comedy, challenging the idea that it is the only valid form of humor and discussing the legitimacy of “punching down” as a comedic tool.
- The Science and Psychology of Comedy:
- Discussion about the scientific aspects of comedy, suggesting that there is a certain formula or psychology behind what makes people laugh.
- Mention of comedy hypnotists, highlighting the susceptibility of certain individuals to suggestion and the potential for creating laughter through hypnosis.
- Exploration of the dynamics between comedians and audiences, discussing the potential for “hacky” comedians to still be successful in certain environments.
- Big Jay’s personal experiences with comedians who have “fallen off” or become less funny over time, highlighting the evolving nature of comedy and the importance of staying fresh and relevant.
- The Role of Managers in Comedy and the Entertainment Industry:
- Big Jay’s appreciation for his manager, Jeff Sussman, highlighting the importance of guidance and support in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.
- Discussion about the responsibility of managers to nurture and develop comedic talent, ensuring that artists are ready for their big break and not rushed into situations where they are ill-prepared.
- Critique of the tendency for entertainment companies to prioritize immediate success over long-term development, showcasing the potential downsides of quick fame and the need for strategic growth.
- Emphasis on the value of patience and dedication in building a successful comedy career, highlighting the importance of honing one’s craft and finding the right opportunities.
- The Prevalence of Racism and Social Justice:
- Big Jay’s contemplation on the possibility of racism influencing the perception and popularity of athletes, specifically John Jones, a mixed martial arts fighter.
- Discussion about the complexities of judging individuals based on their race, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and nuance when addressing issues of social justice.
- Analysis of the potential for misinterpretations and misconstrued intentions when discussing sensitive topics like racism on social media, highlighting the limitations of 140-character communication.
- Big Jay’s personal experiences with racism, sharing his perspective on the subject and acknowledging the reality of racial biases in society.
- The Power of Performance and the Role of Characters:
- Discussion about the importance of performance in comedy and the way comedians create characters to engage audiences.
- Analysis of the role of characters in both comedy and movies, highlighting the distinction between an actor portraying a character and the actor’s personal beliefs.
- Exploration of the potential for characters to be perceived as real, even if they are fictional, discussing the emotional impact they can have on audiences.
- Big Jay’s perspective on the role of comedians and their responsibility to entertain, even when tackling controversial topics, emphasizing the importance of humor and satire.
- The Impact of Social Media and the Culture of Outrage:
- Discussion about the influence of social media in shaping public discourse and the ease with which opinions can be shared and amplified.
- Critique of the culture of outrage, highlighting the tendency for individuals to become overly sensitive and easily offended, often leading to unnecessary controversies and backlash.
- Analysis of the impact of social media on comedians and the potential for their jokes to be misinterpreted and taken out of context, leading to public criticism and even career repercussions.
- Big Jay’s personal experience with online criticism, discussing his approach to handling negative feedback and emphasizing the importance of staying true to his comedic vision.
- The Nature of Characters and Performance:
- Big Jay’s admiration for Dice Clay, a comedian known for his edgy and controversial persona, highlighting the impact of Dice’s character on both his career and his personal life.
- Exploration of the duality of Dice Clay’s persona, acknowledging the real person behind the character while recognizing the power of the character itself.
- Discussion about the evolution of Dice Clay’s character and the way it has shaped his comedic career, highlighting the transition from a shock comedian to a more nuanced performer.
- Reflection on the influence of characters in stand-up comedy and the way they can be used to engage audiences, challenge social norms, and provoke reactions.
- The Reality of Gang Violence and Social Problems:
- Discussion about the prevalence of gang violence in various parts of the world, including South Africa, and the influence of media on the perception of such issues.
- Exploration of the social factors that contribute to gang violence, including poverty, lack of opportunity, and the influence of culture and environment.
- Big Jay’s perspective on the reality of gang violence and the potential dangers it poses, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying social issues to prevent such violence.
- Reflection on the complexities of gang culture and the way it can impact individuals’ lives, highlighting the challenges of escaping from such environments and achieving a more positive future.
- The Power of Belief and Self-Perception:
- Big Jay’s personal story of rooting for white athletes as a child, acknowledging his past bias and the influence of social conditioning on his perceptions.
- Discussion about the role of belief in athletic performance, highlighting the importance of self-confidence and mental strength in achieving success.
- Exploration of the concept of “underdog” status and its appeal, discussing the tendency for individuals to root for those who are perceived as less likely to win.
- Big Jay’s reflection on the evolution of his own beliefs and the way his perceptions have changed over time.
- The Ethics of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports:
- Big Jay’s opinion on the use of steroids in bodybuilding, highlighting the negative impacts on the endocrine system and the potential for addiction.
- Discussion about the misconceptions surrounding steroids, emphasizing that their use still requires significant training and dedication to achieve results.
- Exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, addressing the debate about fair play and the potential for athletes to gain an unfair advantage.
- Big Jay’s perspective on the risks associated with steroid use, acknowledging the potential for long-term health consequences and the dangers of the black market.
- The Impact of Knockouts and Brain Trauma in Sports:
- Big Jay’s personal experience with witnessing knockouts and the associated risks, highlighting the dangers of head trauma and the potential for long-term consequences.
- Discussion about the importance of rest and recovery after knockouts, emphasizing the need for athletes to allow their brains to heal properly to prevent further damage.
- Analysis of the impact of knockouts on athletes’ careers, highlighting the potential for significant changes in performance and the risk of permanent damage.
- Big Jay’s perspective on the ethical considerations surrounding knockout situations, discussing the responsibility of athletes to protect themselves and their opponents from unnecessary risks.
- The Future of Media and Entertainment:
- Discussion about the transition from traditional media to online platforms, highlighting the growing popularity of streaming services like Netflix and the decline of cable television.
- Exploration of the challenges and opportunities associated with selling content online, emphasizing the need for compelling content and effective marketing strategies.
- Big Jay’s perspective on the future of entertainment, discussing the potential for online platforms to become more dominant and the changing landscape of content creation and consumption.
- Reflection on the role of technology in shaping the media industry, highlighting the rapid pace of innovation and the evolving expectations of audiences.
- The Controversy Surrounding Pornography and Censorship:
- Big Jay’s personal experiences with pornography, discussing his evolving relationship with it and the impact of online access on the industry.
- Exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding pornography, addressing issues like consent, exploitation, and the potential for desensitization.
- Discussion about the complexities of censorship and the challenges of defining what is acceptable and unacceptable content.
- Big Jay’s perspective on the potential for pornography to be both entertaining and harmful, acknowledging the need for responsible consumption and ethical practices in the industry.
- The Importance of Mental Health and Support Systems:
- Big Jay’s reflection on the importance of friendship and support systems, acknowledging the impact of isolation and lack of connection on individuals’ well-being.
- Discussion about the challenges of maintaining friendships over time, particularly as individuals grow and evolve, and the importance of understanding and acceptance in relationships.
- Big Jay’s personal experiences with the complexities of friendship, highlighting the potential for jealousy, competition, and misunderstandings in relationships.
- Emphasis on the need for empathy and support in navigating the ups and downs of life, acknowledging the importance of fostering healthy and supportive relationships.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “The government stepping up and ending these evil ecigarettes that are stealing money from the mouths of the babies of the families that own the tobacco company. phonies.”
- “That the video is the best workout video I’ve ever had. The stream kettlebell cardio workout series. They’re so brutal. That’s all you need, folks. You don’t need a gym membership. You need a DVD cost 30 bucks. you take 1 kettlebell, a £35 kettlebell, and it will fuck you up.”
- “The reason why they want you on a show in the first place whether you’re some crazy housewives that fucking gets pulled up and starts screaming at people or whether you’re Charlie Sheen. If he ever does a reality the reason why they want you is because they think people are gonna tune into you and they’re gonna benefit from that.”
- “The only reality show is fucking cops. Okay? You know how you know it’s a reality show? because one of the guys got shot and killed the other day because it’s real.”
- “It’s just such a highly charged subject. It’s a fascinating thing that it’s so highly charged that, you know, even a mere suggestion.”
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