JRE #575 – Matt Fulchiron

11/13/2014

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Joe Rogan Podcast #575 – Matt Fulchiron: Topics and Summary

This Joe Rogan podcast with comedian Matt Fulchiron delves into a variety of topics, exploring the world of stand-up comedy, navigating the pitfalls of social media, and pondering the oddities of human behavior. From the raucous world of the Comedy Store to the absurdity of social justice warriors, Fulchiron delivers a blend of insightful commentary and hilarious anecdotes, offering a refreshingly honest perspective on contemporary life. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the podcast’s major themes:

The Comedy Store and the Evolution of Stand-Up

1. The Comedy Store’s Resurgence: Fulchiron shares his enthusiasm for the Comedy Store’s recent revitalization, noting a shift towards a more professional and upbeat environment. He highlights the popularity of the “Roast Battle” show, a comedic clash that pushes boundaries and provides audiences with a unique experience.
2. The Art of Pushing Boundaries: Fulchiron acknowledges the Comedy Store’s history of pushing comedic limits, emphasizing the importance of going “over the top” and embracing the ridiculous in the name of humor. He suggests that the “Roast Battle” format, despite its provocative nature, functions as a joke-writing contest, encouraging creative risk-taking and pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in comedy.
3. Navigating the Comedy Scene: Fulchiron discusses the challenges of navigating the comedy scene, particularly the delicate balance of being funny while respecting the audience and fellow comedians. He recounts instances where fellow comedians have advised him not to tell certain jokes, highlighting the complexities of navigating these relationships and the potential for paranoia.
4. The Road Trick: Fulchiron reveals a common practice on the comedy circuit: “the road trick,” where comedians subtly acknowledge prior jokes or discussions to avoid plagiarism accusations or uncomfortable overlaps in their material. This reveals a practical strategy for managing creative boundaries within a collaborative and sometimes competitive environment.

Social Media, Censorship, and the Culture Wars

1. The Rise of Social Justice Warriors: Fulchiron expresses concern over the growing influence of social justice warriors, highlighting their tendency to focus on trivial matters and engage in outrage over perceived slights. He argues that their hyper-sensitivity often stems from an underlying fear of death and a desire to control narratives, leading to unnecessary conflicts and a preoccupation with minutiae.
2. The Dangers of Twitter Wars: Fulchiron warns against the detrimental effects of engaging in prolonged online conflicts, particularly on Twitter, where constant engagement can lead to a cycle of negativity and a decline in mental well-being. He advocates for letting go of online arguments, even when faced with provocations, to avoid falling into a trap of negativity.
3. Gamergate and the “Extreme Left”: Fulchiron delves into the Gamergate controversy, examining the opposing viewpoints and the underlying issues of ethics in game journalism, gender representation, and the harassment of women in gaming. He contends that while the death threats and online attacks are unacceptable, some individuals may be exaggerating the extent of harassment to discredit Gamergate.
4. The Objectification of Women in Media: Fulchiron discusses the double standard surrounding the objectification of women in media, suggesting that the portrayal of women as objects in video games, movies, and even clothing is often seen as more problematic than similar representations of men. He argues that while objectification can be harmful, focusing solely on women while ignoring the objectification of men creates an unhealthy imbalance.

The Absurdities of Modern Life

1. The “Peanut Butter and Jelly” Controversy: Fulchiron humorously addresses the absurdity of a Portland Oregon teacher who considers peanut butter and jelly sandwiches inherently racist, highlighting the escalation of social justice concerns into trivial and nonsensical territory. This illustrates the phenomenon of hyper-sensitivity and the tendency to find offensive meaning in seemingly innocuous situations.
2. The “Comet Shirt” Incident: Fulchiron shares the story of a scientist who was criticized for wearing a shirt with images of scantily clad women while landing a spacecraft on a comet, highlighting the absurdity of applying social justice standards to seemingly unrelated situations. This exemplifies the tendency to scrutinize and condemn actions based on subjective interpretations of “sexist” or “offensive” behavior.
3. The “Jizz in the Coffee” Case: Fulchiron recounts the bizarre incident of a man who allegedly ejaculated in his coworker’s coffee, illustrating the bizarre and disturbing nature of some human behavior. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable and sometimes unsettling aspects of human interaction.
4. The “Fear Factor” and the Power of Distraction: Fulchiron reflects on his experiences hosting the reality show “Fear Factor,” acknowledging its absurdity and suggesting that its popularity stemmed from a desire for distraction and a need to escape from the complexities of life. This highlights the role of entertainment in providing escapism and serving as a temporary respite from reality’s burdens.

Exploring the Nuances of Human Nature

1. The Importance of Empathy: Fulchiron advocates for understanding and empathy, particularly in situations where individuals exhibit inappropriate or disturbing behavior, suggesting that these actions often stem from deeply rooted personal struggles or trauma. This perspective highlights the importance of compassion and considering the complex factors that contribute to individual actions.
2. The Cycle of Poverty and Violence: Fulchiron examines the cycle of poverty and violence, drawing on Michael Irvin’s insights about the impact of early childhood trauma on the development of aggression and violent tendencies. He suggests that individuals raised in challenging environments may be “hardwired” differently, making it harder for them to make sound choices and break free from destructive patterns.
3. The Role of Environment in Shaping Behavior: Fulchiron emphasizes the significant influence of environment on behavior, arguing that while personal responsibility is crucial, circumstances and upbringing play a significant role in shaping individual choices. This encourages a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to both positive and negative outcomes.
4. The Disparity of Privilege and Opportunity: Fulchiron addresses the issue of privilege and opportunity, drawing attention to the stark disparities between those living in affluent neighborhoods and those living in marginalized communities. He acknowledges the systemic disadvantages faced by individuals in disadvantaged areas, highlighting the need for systemic change to address these inequalities.

The Unpredictability of the World

1. The Chinese Hacking of US Weather Systems: Fulchiron discusses the news of Chinese hackers allegedly gaining access to US weather systems, raising concerns about the potential for disruption and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. This discussion highlights the ever-present threat of cyberattacks and the growing importance of cybersecurity measures.
2. The “Tiger on the Loose” Incident: Fulchiron shares the story of a tiger roaming free in the suburbs of Paris, demonstrating the unpredictability of nature and the potential for seemingly remote dangers to encroach on everyday life. This episode serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world and the surprising ways in which nature can impact human society.
3. The Bee Die-Off and the Consequences of Interference: Fulchiron addresses the alarming phenomenon of bee die-offs, linking the decline to the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops. He expresses concern over the potential consequences of interfering with natural ecosystems and the unintended consequences of technological advancements.
4. The Wildness of Nature and the Human-Animal Relationship: Fulchiron delves into the raw and sometimes brutal aspects of nature, recounting stories of wolves tearing apart moose calves and coyotes eating deer while they are still alive. He highlights the stark reality of the food chain and the inherent dangers of the natural world.

The Evolution of Comedy and the Power of Memes

1. The Impact of Memes: Fulchiron touches on the phenomenon of memes, recognizing their relatively recent emergence and their influence on contemporary humor. He discusses the Bill Cosby meme generator incident, highlighting the quick and sometimes vicious nature of internet humor, demonstrating the power of memes to spread both laughter and outrage.
2. The History of Stand-Up Comedy: Fulchiron reflects on the evolution of stand-up comedy, noting its relatively young history compared to other forms of art. He draws parallels between the stand-up comedy of the 1960s, as exemplified by Woody Allen, and the comedy of today, highlighting the enduring themes and techniques that have shaped the genre.
3. The Importance of Historical Context: Fulchiron emphasizes the value of understanding the historical context of comedy, encouraging listeners to explore the work of early stand-up comedians like Woody Allen to gain a deeper appreciation for the genre’s evolution. This perspective encourages a more informed and comprehensive understanding of comedic traditions.

The Power of Authenticity and Self-Expression

1. The Full Charge Power Hour: Fulchiron promotes his own podcast, “The Full Charge Power Hour,” emphasizing its authenticity and willingness to tackle a wide range of topics. He encourages listeners to check out the podcast, suggesting that it provides a platform for open and honest conversations.
2. The Importance of Self-Expression: Fulchiron’s journey as a comedian underscores the importance of self-expression and finding one’s voice. He advocates for embracing authenticity and taking risks in the pursuit of creative fulfillment. This message encourages listeners to follow their passions and pursue their dreams.
3. The Future of Entertainment: Fulchiron reflects on the changing landscape of entertainment, suggesting that podcasts are becoming increasingly popular as a platform for creative expression and engagement. He envisions a future where television shows are less dominant, as audiences embrace the freedom and accessibility of podcasts.

This podcast offers a thought-provoking exploration of humor, social commentary, and the complexities of the human condition. Through Fulchiron’s engaging and insightful observations, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, the challenges we face, and the absurdity that often pervades our lives.

Memorable Quotes:

• “The Comedy Store’s not the same sadness that it turned into when you left. No. It’s way more upbeat.” – Fulchiron shares his positive observation of the Comedy Store’s transformation.
• “The whole thing is pretty much progressing anyway. Very in a lot of ways. It’s which is one of the reasons why HingeClip fucking Absolutely. Battle. Battle. Battle. It’s fucking great. Love it. Great goddamn show.” – Fulchiron celebrates the progress of the comedy scene and the impact of shows like “Roast Battle.”
• “If you really think about how many people there are on earth, and think about how little actual conflict there is. Everybody was always wants to dwell on the horrible aspects of our our current existence.” – Fulchiron encourages a more balanced perspective on the world’s state of affairs.
• “This is where we are, ladies and gentlemen, in 2000 and fucking 14. They’re saying black people can’t afford it. I mean, I don’t even I mean, I don’t know. Why is that white red blood? That’s that’s why that’s why trash, isn’t it? Peanut butter and jelly? Okay.” – Fulchiron humorously mocks the absurdity of the “peanut butter and jelly” controversy.
• “You gotta do something for a living. most people don’t get to do what they want for 11. Poor bastard.” – Fulchiron empathizes with individuals who feel trapped in unfulfilling jobs, acknowledging the pressure to make a living in a challenging world.

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