JRE #583 – Bill Burr

This podcast throws down on a wide range of topics, revealing Burr’s unique brand of humor and thought-provoking opinions. From controversial conspiracy theories and the perils of technology to the evolution of stand-up comedy and the unexpected allure of female MMA fighters, Burr tackles it all with his signature wit and irreverence.

Underlying themes explore the tension between innovation and its unintended consequences, the power of social conditioning, the enduring appeal of conspiracy theories, and the importance of pushing boundaries in comedy.

Topics:

1. The Perils of Technology and HD:
   • Bill Burr expresses his dislike for HD technology, arguing that it makes things “too real” and takes away the natural imperfections that make life interesting.
   • He shares an anecdote about a Dallas Cowboys game where the giant HD screen made the game look less real than the actual players on the field.
   • Burr believes that technology is not always beneficial and can lead to a disconnect from reality, making people more reliant on electronic devices.
   • He argues that we are constantly bombarded with new technology that quickly becomes outdated, creating a cycle of consumerism and waste.
2. Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking:
   • Bill Burr challenges the notion that believing in conspiracy theories is a sign of “moronic thought,” arguing that everyone engages in conspiracies in some form, from making plans with friends to advertising products.
   • He uses the example of the marijuana prohibition, attributing it to William Randolph Hearst’s desire to protect his paper mill business from hemp paper competition.
   • Burr believes that conspiracies are often dismissed as “tin foil hat” thinking, but many real conspiracies exist, like the Enron scandal.
   • He highlights the 9/11 attacks as a prime example of a conspiracy, arguing that people conspired to hijack planes and fly them into buildings.
3. The Unexpected Rise of Female MMA Fighters:
   • Bill Burr initially resisted the idea of women fighting in the UFC, but has come to embrace the sport and its unique dynamics.
   • He finds women’s fights more entertaining than men’s fights because they rely more on technique and strategy due to their lack of overwhelming physical strength.
   • Burr highlights the incredible athleticism and power of female fighters, stating that he couldn’t take down a single woman in the house during the Ultimate Fighter show.
   • He humorously envisions the challenges of dating a female fighter, imagining the power dynamics and the need for a “knockdown stool” for protection.
4. The Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy and the “Simmer Moment”:
   • Bill Burr discusses the differences between physical comedy and stand-up comedy, pointing out that stand-up is more accessible because it involves simply talking.
   • He emphasizes the importance of timing and pauses in stand-up, using the example of Michael Jackson’s “simmer moment” after a dance move.
   • Burr believes that comics should not apologize for jokes unless they were malicious, and that manufactured controversy is a common tactic in the media.
   • He argues that stand-up comedy is inherently controversial and will always be open to interpretation, making it important to focus on the humor and not get caught up in the noise.
5. The Power of Social Conditioning and the Impact of Environment:
   • Bill Burr explores the concept of social conditioning, suggesting that spending too much time around a certain group can influence your personality and even your physical appearance.
   • He speculates that being surrounded by strong and assertive women for an extended period could lead to a loss of masculinity and potentially even a desire to transition genders.
   • Burr shares his own experience with getting a manicure, highlighting how even seemingly trivial things can be influenced by social norms.
   • He emphasizes the importance of being aware of how environment and social pressures can shape our beliefs and behaviors.
6. The Importance of Pushing Boundaries and Embracing the Unexpected:
   • Bill Burr advocates for pushing boundaries in comedy, arguing that the best comics are those who are willing to say things that others won’t.
   • He uses the example of Judas Priest, who embraced a “gay S&M” aesthetic, subverting audience expectations and pushing the boundaries of rock music.
   • Burr highlights the importance of embracing the unexpected and not being afraid to challenge conventions.
   • He believes that comedy should be a force for good, prompting discussion and challenging societal norms.
7. The Perils of Fame and the Destructive Power of Greed:
   • Bill Burr expresses his concerns about the destructive power of fame and fortune, using the example of Bill Cosby’s downfall as a cautionary tale.
   • He believes that people are often blinded by success and can lose their sense of morality, leading to tragic consequences.
   • Burr highlights the importance of staying grounded and not letting success go to your head.
   • He argues that wealth and fame can create a dangerous sense of entitlement and make people susceptible to corruption.
8. The Enduring Power of Classic Music and the Perils of Plagiarism:
   • Bill Burr discusses the enduring power of classic music, using Led Zeppelin as an example of a band that continues to be influential despite controversy.
   • He expresses his disappointment over allegations of plagiarism against Led Zeppelin, specifically the song “Stairway to Heaven,” which he believes tarnishes their legacy.
   • Burr acknowledges the interconnectedness of music and the influence of one artist on another, but believes there is a line that should not be crossed when it comes to plagiarism.
   • He argues that plagiarism undermines creativity and takes away from the hard work of original artists.
9. The Reality of Talk Shows and the Importance of Authenticity:
   • Bill Burr shares his perspective on talk shows, highlighting the pressures of having to cater to guests and the network, which can sometimes lead to inauthenticity.
   • He contrasts the dynamic of talk shows with podcasts, which he prefers because they allow for more authentic and organic conversations.
   • Burr highlights the importance of authenticity in comedy and the need to stay true to oneself, even in the face of pressure to conform.
   • He believes that authenticity is crucial to connecting with audiences and creating lasting impact.
10. The Uncertain Future of Humanity and the Potential for Disaster:
    • Bill Burr explores the uncertain future of humanity, expressing his anxieties about the potential for ecological disaster, societal collapse, and even extraterrestrial threats.
    • He discusses the irony of humans being on the verge of colonizing Mars while simultaneously destroying Earth, questioning the long-term sustainability of our species.
    • Burr acknowledges the inevitability of death, both individual and societal, and embraces a nihilistic perspective on the future.
    • He humorously envisions a dystopian future where society has devolved back to a primitive state, emphasizing the fragility of civilization and the importance of living in the present.
11. The Importance of Personal Growth and Self-Awareness:
    • Bill Burr shares his own journey of personal growth and self-awareness, acknowledging his past insecurities and the importance of being honest with himself.
    • He discusses the need to overcome fear and embrace challenges, using the example of his own experience with stand-up comedy.
    • Burr emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and constantly striving to improve as a person.
    • He encourages listeners to embrace their own unique personalities and not be afraid to be themselves.
12. The Power of Laughter and the Importance of Finding Humor in the Face of Adversity:
    • Bill Burr highlights the power of laughter as a coping mechanism for dealing with life’s challenges.
    • He believes that humor can help us to see the absurdity of life and find joy in the midst of pain.
    • Burr emphasizes the importance of finding humor in unexpected places, even in the face of tragedy.
    • He encourages listeners to embrace a playful and lighthearted approach to life, even when things get tough.
13. The Importance of Finding Meaning in Life and Leaving a Positive Impact:
    • Bill Burr discusses the search for meaning in life, acknowledging the challenges of finding purpose in a world that can often feel meaningless.
    • He highlights the importance of leaving a positive impact on the world, even if it’s just through humor.
    • Burr encourages listeners to find their own unique path and create something meaningful in their lives.
    • He believes that life is about making the most of the time we have and striving to leave the world a better place than we found it.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I don’t like seeing somebody’s pores as they’re talking to me. Like, HD at this point was great, and then it got to a point where it was too real. It’s clearer than real life.”
• “People who don’t believe in conspiracies is funny to me. It’s like, dude, you conspire. You go to a bar, you see two hot chicks, you come up with a game plan. Yeah, it’s a conspiracy.”
• “I just don’t wanna see a jab, a g, a breath and shit. It’s just I didn’t wanna see it. And now I don’t even notice it anymore, and it’s it’s unbelievably fucking entertaining.”
• “There is not one woman in this house that I could even get on the floor. Like, these women would all just mop the flow with me.”
• “I think that’s just the lack of it’s just the the the different mentality that a comic has versus there’s definitely like a place you can go where it’s not fun anymore or you’ve added too many jokes. are you ruined the original joke?”