JRE #605 – Barry Rothbart

1/28/2015

Joe Rogan Podcast #605 – Barry Rothbart: Topics and Themes

This Joe Rogan podcast features comedian, actor, and writer Barry Rothbart, known for his appearances on Comedy Central’s “This Is Not Happening.” The conversation dives into a diverse array of topics, from the effects of marijuana to the nature of human evolution, touching on provocative themes of societal norms, conspiracy theories, and the absurdity of modern life.

Key Topics:

1. The Effects of Marijuana:
   1. Rothbart discusses how marijuana enhances his appreciation for everyday experiences, attributing it to time dilation.
   2. He believes marijuana promotes calmness and wonder, leading to a deeper understanding of the world.
   3. The conversation explores the perception of “stoner talk,” arguing that it’s a reflection of heightened awareness.
   4. The podcast touches on the contrast between marijuana’s effects and the perceived acceleration of time as one ages.
2. Human Evolution and Diet:
   1. The conversation delves into the topic of children reaching puberty earlier due to factors such as hormone-filled meat and antibiotics.
   2. They discuss the significant size difference between humans from a century ago and modern individuals, attributing it to improved food access and resources.
   3. The podcast explores the impact of advanced nutrition and training on modern athletes, highlighting the dominance of current athletes over historical figures.
   4. The discussion touches on the potential implications of modern diet and resources on human evolution.
3. Animal Encounters and Morality:
   1. Rothbart recounts a deep sea fishing experience where he accidentally caught a pelican, highlighting the unexpected realities of fishing.
   2. The podcast explores the morality of killing animals for food, particularly in modern society where convenience has distanced us from the act.
   3. The conversation raises the question of whether humans have become overly sentimental about animals, losing sight of their place in the natural order.
   4. The podcast explores the ethical considerations surrounding the use of animal products in clothing and other everyday items.
4. Urban Living and Human Behavior:
   1. The podcast features a discussion about the relationship between city population and human pace, referencing a radio lab podcast on urban life.
   2. The conversation delves into the impact of fast-paced city life on physical and mental well-being.
   3. The podcast explores the concept of “creative atrophy” that can occur when individuals are exposed to limited environments and interactions.
   4. The conversation highlights the potential benefits of relocating to new places to stimulate creativity and personal growth.
5. Global Warming and Climate Change:
   1. The podcast tackles the controversial topic of global warming, acknowledging the scientific evidence while acknowledging uncertainty about its severity.
   2. The conversation explores the human tendency to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths, particularly those with potentially catastrophic consequences.
   3. The podcast touches on the history of apocalyptic predictions, drawing parallels between the current global warming discourse and past fears.
   4. The discussion delves into the potential societal and personal implications of global warming.
6. The Nature of Diseases and Fear:
   1. Rothbart shares his personal experience with AIDS testing in the 1990s, highlighting the fear and anxiety surrounding the disease at that time.
   2. The conversation explores the evolution of AIDS and the development of treatments, showing how a once-deadly disease has become manageable.
   3. The podcast delves into the discussion of diseases as a constant threat, referencing the emergence of Ebola and other infectious diseases.
   4. The conversation touches on the human propensity to fear the unknown and the challenges of responding to emerging threats.
7. The Importance of Vaccination:
   1. The podcast raises concerns about the resurgence of diseases like measles due to anti-vaccination sentiment.
   2. The conversation explores the potential consequences of vaccine hesitancy, including the risk of re-emerging diseases that were once eradicated.
   3. The discussion tackles the ethical complexities of balancing individual freedom with public health concerns.
   4. The podcast emphasizes the importance of scientific evidence and the potential consequences of ignoring public health recommendations.
8. The Role of the Government and Covert Operations:
   1. The conversation delves into the nature of power and the potential for abuse, referencing historical examples like Stalin’s regime.
   2. The podcast touches on the potential for covert operations and the secrecy surrounding government activities.
   3. The discussion explores the potential influence of powerful individuals and organizations on political decisions.
   4. The podcast highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
9. The Abnormality of Normality:
   1. Rothbart discusses the strange fascination with “normal” bodies, highlighting how deviations from common standards can trigger discomfort.
   2. The conversation delves into the social implications of body image and the pressure to conform to idealized standards.
   3. The podcast explores the underlying fear of the unknown and the tendency to categorize and judge based on appearance.
   4. The discussion touches on the importance of acceptance and inclusivity, recognizing the diversity of human experiences and appearances.
10. The Ethics of Prostitution and Sex Work:
    1. The podcast engages in a discussion about the legalization of prostitution, exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks.
    2. The conversation examines the societal stigma surrounding sex work and the hypocrisy associated with its illegality.
    3. The podcast explores the potential impact of legalization on public health, safety, and social norms.
    4. The discussion touches on the broader themes of personal autonomy, freedom of choice, and the complexities of human sexuality.
11. The Nature of Crime and Family History:
    1. Rothbart shares a personal story about his father’s involvement with organized crime and gambling, highlighting the influence of family history.
    2. The podcast delves into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring the challenges of navigating a complex family legacy.
    3. The conversation touches on the nature of crime and the potential for individuals to be drawn into illicit activities.
    4. The podcast highlights the often-hidden aspects of family life and the impact of personal experiences on identity.
12. The Perpetuation of Racism and Societal Norms:
    1. Rothbart discusses the prevalence of casual racism in his family, highlighting the lasting impact of societal norms.
    2. The podcast explores the evolution of racism and the changing nature of social taboos.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of confronting prejudice and the challenges of breaking free from ingrained biases.
    4. The podcast emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and challenging outdated beliefs.
13. The Nature of Dictatorship and Human Atrocities:
    1. The podcast delves into the history of dictatorships, referencing figures like Stalin and Hitler.
    2. The conversation explores the potential for human atrocities and the dangers of unchecked power.
    3. The podcast touches on the complexities of historical understanding and the challenges of confronting uncomfortable truths.
    4. The discussion highlights the importance of vigilance and the need to learn from past mistakes.
14. Body Modification and Social Acceptance:
    1. The podcast addresses the growing trend of extreme body modifications, exploring the reasons behind these choices.
    2. The conversation delves into the potential motivations for body modification, including body dysmorphia and the desire for individuality.
    3. The podcast explores the social implications of extreme body modification and the challenges of navigating differing standards of beauty.
    4. The discussion touches on the broader themes of personal freedom, self-expression, and the boundaries of social acceptance.
15. The Power of Massage and Physical Well-being:
    1. Rothbart discusses his newfound appreciation for massage, highlighting its physical and mental benefits.
    2. The conversation explores the cultural differences surrounding massage and the perception of touch.
    3. The podcast touches on the importance of self-care and the pursuit of well-being.
    4. The discussion highlights the potential of non-traditional therapies to address physical and mental health concerns.

5 Memorable Quotes:

1. “Movies are great. Ice cream is delicious. Who knew that movies were amazing?” – Rothbart expresses his newfound appreciation for everyday experiences after discovering marijuana.
2. “It’s a weird thing with the people that don’t like the effects of pot, because the effects of pot is just like you become calmer and like super appreciative of everything.” – Rothbart describes the positive impact of marijuana on his perspective.
3. “I just feel like it’s so scary that we are just like, I don’t wanna deal with that right now.” – Rothbart reflects on the human tendency to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths, particularly those with potential consequences.
4. “If you’re just seeing the same people every day, you just feel like, like, your mind is dying.” – Rothbart discusses the importance of experiencing new things to maintain mental stimulation and prevent creative atrophy.
5. “I think a lot of it is too, a politician would never stand behind changing that law. Like, I think everyone thinks it’s kinda crazy, but I don’t think you can get a politician to be like, I’m fighting for prostitute rights.” – Rothbart highlights the political complexities and social stigma associated with the legalization of prostitution.