JRE #563 – David Choe

This podcast features an eclectic mix of topics with David Choe, ranging from his unique comedic style to controversial opinions and the challenges of being a successful artist navigating the world of fame and fortune. Throughout the conversation, Joe Rogan and David delve into a variety of topics, exploring themes of identity, self-expression, the pursuit of pleasure, and the challenges of finding balance in life’s extremes.

1. David Choe’s Comedic Style and Hong Dynasty:

• David Choe discusses his 15-second comedic skits on Instagram, dubbed “Hong Dynasty,” which feature absurdist humor and often involve his friend, actor Bobby Lee.
• He emphasizes the fast-paced nature of contemporary media consumption and his desire to create content that engages a short attention span.
• This comedic style reflects his willingness to push boundaries and embrace the unexpected, much like his art.
• The popularity of his Hong Dynasty skits highlights a growing appreciation for unconventional humor that challenges traditional comedic norms.

2. David Choe’s Wrestling Match with Steve Lee:

• David Choe details a wrestling match against his friend, Steve Lee, a “thousand times funnier” than Bobby Lee, where Steve’s job was on the line.
• Choe, who outweighs Lee by 60 pounds, initially dismisses Steve’s wrestling prowess before being surprisingly defeated.
• The story highlights the unexpected nature of life, the importance of not underestimating anyone, and the potential for humor in unexpected situations.
• The story serves as a metaphor for Choe’s own career trajectory, demonstrating his willingness to confront challenges head-on, even those that initially seem daunting.

3. David Choe’s Unique Business Practices:

• Choe candidly discusses his unorthodox approach to managing his wealth and business, emphasizing his distrust of people and his preference for hiring individuals outside of his close circle.
• He details his decision to fire all Asian employees, including family members, and hire only white people, a move he acknowledges as “very racist,” but a deliberate experiment to try something different.
• This decision highlights Choe’s unconventional thinking and his desire to challenge societal norms, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths.
• The story underscores the challenges of navigating success, the importance of clear boundaries, and the need to find a balance between personal relationships and professional expectations.

4. David Choe’s Passion for Food and Culinary Indulgence:

• Choe’s love for food and fine dining is evident as he describes his extravagant meals, his fascination with sushi, and his mercury poisoning from consuming excessive amounts of fish.
• He discusses his struggles with diabetes and his unorthodox approach to weight management through chewing and spitting.
• This discussion explores the complexities of maintaining a healthy lifestyle when facing conflicting desires and the allure of indulgence.
• Choe’s candidness about his dietary habits and his willingness to experiment with unconventional methods highlights his self-awareness and his embrace of his flaws.

5. David Choe’s Experience with Blood-Based Therapies:

• Choe describes his experience with Regenacine, a blood-based therapy that involves extracting and injecting serum from one’s blood to combat inflammation.
• He credits the therapy with improving his energy levels and healing his injuries.
• This discussion delves into the intersection of technology, health, and wellness, highlighting the potential for innovative medical treatments that harness the body’s natural healing capabilities.
• Choe’s interest in such treatments reflects his willingness to embrace new ideas and his desire to optimize his physical and mental well-being.

6. David Choe’s Views on Gluttony and Pleasure:

• Choe expresses a philosophy of embracing gluttony and pleasure, believing that suffering can enhance the appreciation for life’s delights.
• He describes his approach to diet as a balance of healthy eating with occasional indulgences, acknowledging that moderation is key.
• This perspective challenges conventional notions of self-discipline and embraces the human need for both pleasure and self-care.
• Choe’s philosophy resonates with a growing cultural movement that encourages individuals to find joy in all aspects of life, even those that might be considered unconventional.

7. David Choe’s Experience with Art Censorship:

• Choe discusses the challenges of publishing his graphic novel, filled with watercolors and controversial imagery, and the pressure he faced from publishers to censor certain content.
• He ultimately decided to self-publish the book, unwilling to compromise his artistic vision.
• This story highlights the tension between artistic expression and commercial considerations, as well as the challenges of navigating a world where censorship often prevails.
• Choe’s defiance of censorship underscores his commitment to freedom of speech and his desire to create art that pushes boundaries and provokes thought.

8. David Choe’s Unique Relationship with the Internet:

• Choe expresses a desire to be free from the constraints of traditional media platforms, preferring to control his own content and create directly for his audience.
• He discusses his use of Vidme as an alternative platform for sharing his work, enabling him to circumvent censorship and reach his audience without intermediaries.
• This discussion underscores the changing landscape of media, the power of independent content creators, and the increasing demand for uncensored expression.
• Choe’s embrace of alternative platforms showcases his adaptability and his willingness to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

9. David Choe’s Reflections on Fame and Fortune:

• Choe expresses his skepticism towards the notion of “freedom” for wealthy individuals, arguing that even billionaires are still subject to constraints and pressures, often from shareholders and business partners.
• He describes his own experiences with being pressured to compromise his artistic vision in exchange for lucrative deals and opportunities.
• This discussion challenges the romanticized view of wealth and explores the complexities of navigating fame and fortune.
• Choe’s perspective highlights the importance of maintaining one’s values and principles, regardless of the allure of success and recognition.

10. David Choe’s Views on the Entertainment Industry:

• Choe criticizes the cookie-cutter approach to television programming, lamenting the pressure to conform to industry standards and avoid controversial topics.
• He contrasts the creative freedom he enjoys with his podcast and art with the limitations he faces when working within the traditional entertainment industry.
• This discussion explores the tension between artistic expression and commercial viability, highlighting the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world driven by profits.
• Choe’s perspective underscores the importance of seeking out platforms that allow for genuine self-expression and challenge the status quo.

11. David Choe’s Experience with Dave Chappelle’s Departure from “Chappelle’s Show”:

• Choe discusses the story of Dave Chappelle’s departure from “Chappelle’s Show,” citing it as an example of how the entertainment industry can compromise an artist’s vision.
• He highlights the pressure Chappelle faced to censor his material in exchange for greater financial success and recognition.
• This story emphasizes the importance of artistic integrity and the need to prioritize personal fulfillment over commercial gain.
• Choe’s analysis of Chappelle’s decision resonates with artists and individuals who strive for authenticity and reject the compromises often demanded by the mainstream.

12. David Choe’s Perspective on Art and Its Value:

• Choe emphasizes the intrinsic value of art, highlighting the profound experience of creating something unique and expressing oneself authentically.
• He believes that art is a solitary pursuit, best experienced without the constraints of commercial pressures or external expectations.
• This perspective challenges the common perception of art as solely a commodity, emphasizing its potential for personal expression and fulfillment.
• Choe’s views on art align with a growing movement that celebrates the power of individual expression and creativity.

13. David Choe’s Views on the Role of Debt and Education:

• Choe expresses concern over the burden of student debt and the pressure on young people to conform to traditional educational paths.
• He argues that the current education system often fails to prepare individuals for the real world and can create unnecessary financial burdens.
• This discussion explores the challenges of navigating the modern education system and the importance of finding paths that align with individual passions and aspirations.
• Choe’s perspective encourages young people to question conventional wisdom and to explore alternative routes to success.

14. David Choe’s “Thumbs Up” Hitchhiking Adventure:

• Choe details his experiences hitchhiking across America for his show “Thumbs Up,” highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of traveling without money and relying on the kindness of strangers.
• He discusses a social media experiment in Detroit where he hid $10,000 and challenged people to find it, sparking controversy and highlighting the complexities of social media and charitable giving.
• This story showcases Choe’s willingness to push boundaries and his desire to engage with the world in unexpected ways.
• Choe’s experience with hitchhiking and his social media experiment illustrate his adventurous spirit and his desire to connect with people on a genuine level.

15. David Choe’s Gambling Addiction and Rehab Experience:

• Choe candidly discusses his struggle with gambling addiction, his high-stakes gambling experiences in Las Vegas, and his eventual decision to seek rehab.
• He describes the allure of gambling, the thrill of winning and losing, and the destructive nature of the addiction.
• This story offers a glimpse into the dark side of success and the challenges of managing personal demons.
• Choe’s honesty about his addiction and his willingness to confront his struggles highlights his self-awareness and his commitment to personal growth.

16. David Choe’s Facebook Controversy:

• Choe recounts a controversial story he shared on his podcast about a massage therapist who allegedly gave him a blowjob.
• He acknowledges his role in exaggerating the story and the ensuing backlash he received online, including accusations of rape.
• This discussion highlights the potential for misinterpretation in online communication, the complexities of consent and sexual boundaries, and the dangers of perpetuating harmful narratives.
• Choe’s candid admission of his mistake and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions showcase his commitment to learning and growing.

17. David Choe’s Unique Perspective on Sex and Relationships:

• Choe openly discusses his experiences with sex workers, emphasizing his preference for relationships with women who are not in the sex industry.
• He details a social experiment where he offered a woman $10,000 to have sex with him, only to be rejected and then later have a relationship with her without accepting the money.
• This discussion explores the complexities of sex, relationships, and power dynamics, highlighting the nuances of human connection and desire.
• Choe’s willingness to experiment and challenge societal norms around sex and relationships underscores his adventurous spirit and his desire to explore the full spectrum of human experience.

18. David Choe’s Views on the Nature of Creativity and Inspiration:

• Choe believes that great art often arises from periods of suffering, isolation, and adversity, suggesting that discomfort can fuel creativity.
• He contrasts his most productive periods in jail and remote locations with his current situation of wealth and comfort, arguing that the latter can stifle inspiration.
• This discussion explores the connection between pain, creativity, and personal growth, highlighting the complexities of finding inspiration in both challenging and comfortable circumstances.
• Choe’s perspective challenges the romanticized view of artists as solely driven by joy and pleasure, acknowledging the role of darkness and struggle in fueling artistic expression.

19. David Choe’s “Critters Cross Country Cash Contest”:

• Choe describes his “Critters Cross Country Cash Contest,” a scavenger hunt where he hides clues across the United States, leading to a $100,000 prize.
• He discusses his motivations for creating the contest, including a desire to challenge people to embrace adventure and to offer a helping hand to those in need.
• This discussion highlights Choe’s unconventional philanthropy and his desire to connect with people in meaningful ways.
• Choe’s contest embodies his willingness to experiment with new ideas and his desire to create a sense of community and engagement.

20. David Choe’s Plans for a 24-Hour Live Event:

• Choe announces his plans for a 24-hour live event on November 2nd, featuring a live podcast, an AMA on Reddit, a live musical performance, and a party.
• He aims to push the boundaries of live entertainment and to engage with his audience on an unprecedented scale.
• This ambitious project showcases Choe’s drive, his dedication to pushing boundaries, and his desire to create a unique and immersive experience for his fans.
• Choe’s 24-hour event reflects his adventurous spirit, his desire to challenge himself and his audience, and his commitment to embracing the chaos and unpredictability of life.

Memorable Quotes:

• “The shit most of everything I do cost little or nothing.” – David Choe on his comedic skits and his philosophy of keeping things simple and inexpensive.
• “I literally send him all over the world to fuck as many whores as possible. Like, that’s his job.” – David Choe on his friend Steve Lee’s unique job, showcasing Choe’s unconventional approach to business and his sense of humor.
• “I’m gonna make a serious commitment to my diabetes. I’m gonna eat donuts.” – David Choe’s humorous take on his diabetes, highlighting his acceptance of his flaws and his willingness to embrace the unexpected.
• “The more you suffer, the more you’ll enjoy pleasure.” – David Choe’s philosophy of embracing suffering to enhance appreciation for life’s delights.
• “I’m not on this planet to make really expensive art for rich people. You know?” – David Choe’s perspective on art, emphasizing its intrinsic value and his desire to create for the people.