JRE #623 – Ari Shaffir

This podcast explores the fascinating journey of Ari Shaffir, a stand-up comedian who has clawed his way to success despite numerous hardships. From his early days of struggling and living in a rough area of Hollywood, to achieving a Comedy Central special and even having a billboard above his old apartment, Shaffir’s story is filled with humor, resilience, and a touch of philosophical reflection. The podcast dives deep into the realities of stand-up comedy, the allure of marijuana, the dangers of drug use, and even touches upon the nature of violence and the dark side of human behavior.

Major Topics:

1. Ari Shaffir’s Humble Beginnings and Rise in Stand-Up Comedy:

   • Shaffir’s early days of struggle in Hollywood, living in a cheap apartment next to the Comedy Store.
   • The importance of persistence and dedication in pursuing stand-up comedy.
   • Shaffir’s early success and being considered one of the better comics at his level.
   • The role of mentors like Mark Maron and Joe Rogan in Shaffir’s development as a comedian.

2. The Comedy Store: A Crucible of Stand-Up Talent:

   • The unique and challenging environment of the Comedy Store, where comics are constantly tested and pushed to improve.
   • The camaraderie and mentorship amongst comics at the Comedy Store, creating a supportive community.
   • The importance of learning to handle hecklers and developing stage presence.
   • The Comedy Store as a breeding ground for some of the greatest stand-up comedians.

3. The Influence of Marijuana on Shaffir’s Comedy:

   • Shaffir’s early experiences with marijuana and its impact on his comedy.
   • The debate about the benefits and drawbacks of marijuana use in comedy.
   • The concept of the “danger zone” and the “introspective zone” when using marijuana.
   • Shaffir’s perspective on the stigma surrounding marijuana and its association with laziness and stupidity.

4. The Importance of Supporting Young Comics:

   • The importance of mentorship and encouragement for aspiring stand-up comedians.
   • The impact of influential comics on the development of new talent.
   • The unique challenges faced by young comics and the need for support.
   • The importance of fostering a strong comedy community that encourages growth and development.

5. Shaffir’s Recent Success and the Billboard Above His Old Apartment:

   • Shaffir’s recent success with his Comedy Central special, “Passive Aggressive.”
   • The surprising and symbolic placement of a billboard featuring Shaffir above his old apartment.
   • The emotional significance of the billboard as a marker of Shaffir’s journey and achievements.
   • The power of perseverance and believing in oneself, even when facing adversity.

6. The Nature of Violence and the Dark Side of Human Behavior:

   • Shaffir’s reflections on the nature of violence and the decision to harm others.
   • The complexities of human behavior and the potential for both good and evil.
   • The impact of witnessing violence and the difficulty of confronting it.
   • Shaffir’s perspective on the use of force and self-defense.

7. The Impact of Technology on Comedy and Consumption:

   • Shaffir’s decision to abandon smartphones and revert to a flip phone.
   • The pros and cons of disconnecting from social media and technology.
   • Shaffir’s experience with technology’s influence on his business and personal life.
   • The changing landscape of comedy and the role of technology in its consumption.

8. The Importance of Storytelling in Comedy:

   • The art of storytelling in stand-up comedy and its ability to connect with audiences.
   • Shaffir’s admiration for skilled storytellers like Joey Diaz and Charlie Murphy.
   • The process of developing and refining storytelling skills through practice and experience.
   • The power of storytelling to evoke emotions, create laughter, and forge connections.

9. The Role of “This is Not Happening” in Shaffir’s Career:

   • Shaffir’s experience producing and starring in “This is Not Happening” on Comedy Central.
   • The challenges and rewards of working with a major network and navigating the production process.
   • The importance of finding the right balance between comedy and storytelling in the show.
   • The impact of the show on Shaffir’s career and audience reach.

10. The Evolution of Comedy: From Radio to Podcasts:

    • Shaffir’s perspective on the evolution of comedy from radio to podcasts.
    • The impact of technology on the consumption and creation of comedy.
    • The differences between traditional radio and the podcasting landscape.
    • The future of comedy and the role of podcasts in shaping it.

11. The Debate Over Howard Stern’s Comments on Podcasts:

    • Shaffir’s criticism of Howard Stern’s comments about podcasts.
    • Stern’s perspective on the relevance of podcasts and his opinion on stand-up comedy.
    • Shaffir’s defense of the podcasting community and its significance in the world of comedy.
    • The changing dynamics of media and the evolving role of radio and podcasts.

12. The Controversies Surrounding Boxing and MMA:

    • Shaffir’s perspective on the controversies surrounding boxing and MMA, including drug use and rule violations.
    • The debate over the role of performance-enhancing drugs in combat sports.
    • The history of controversies surrounding boxing and MMA, including examples like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali.
    • The ethical considerations and the future of drug testing in combat sports.

13. The Rise of Women’s MMA:

    • Shaffir’s views on the growing popularity of women’s MMA.
    • The impact of Ronda Rousey on the sport and the potential for further growth.
    • The future of women’s MMA and the possibilities for new champions and divisions.
    • The importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in combat sports.

14. The Importance of Embracing Change and Relevancy:

    • Shaffir’s thoughts on the inevitability of change and the challenge of maintaining relevancy.
    • The impact of time on careers and the importance of adapting to new audiences.
    • The need to stay true to oneself while evolving with the changing world.
    • The importance of embracing new trends and staying connected to the current cultural landscape.

15. The Significance of Legacy and the Impact of Comedy:

    • Shaffir’s perspective on the legacy of comedians and the impact of their work.
    • The importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of comedy legends.
    • The enduring power of comedy to entertain, inform, and challenge societal norms.
    • The responsibility of comedians to use their platform for good and to promote positive change.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “As soon as I was out of money, I was out of this dream.” – Shaffir’s pragmatism and understanding of his limitations.
• “We’re all the same goddamn thing in this. We’re not gonna pretend there’s something different once you’re successful.” – Shaffir’s emphasis on the shared humanity of comics.
• “You gotta just keep going. Just gotta keep going. There’s no secrets, man.” – Shaffir’s advice for aspiring comedians.
• “It’s so fucking weird. It’s like some real weird simulation shit.” – Shaffir’s reaction to the billboard above his old apartment.
• “Once I step into that rope, I am a god.” – Mike Tyson’s powerful statement about his mental state before a fight.