JRE #626 – Trevor Moore

3/17/2015

This podcast features a wide-ranging conversation with comedian Trevor Moore, covering topics from vaping and conspiracy theories to the dangers of parenting and the potential of artificial intelligence. Moore’s comedic perspective, combined with Rogan’s insightful questioning, explores various cultural and societal issues.

Podcast Topics:

1. Vaping Culture and Nicotine’s Effects:

• Moore’s early adoption of vaping and his experience ordering nicotine liquids from England.
• The evolution of vaping devices from blue cigarette jammies to high-tech, often oddly shaped devices.
• The debate surrounding nicotine’s potential cognitive benefits and its possible role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Moore’s personal experience with vaping as a potential cognitive enhancer, drawing from Stephen King’s writing advice.

2. HIV/AIDS Controversy and Dusberg’s Theory:

• The scientific consensus on HIV as the cause of AIDS and the contrasting view put forth by Peter Duesberg, a controversial biologist.
• Duesberg’s argument that AIDS is linked to excessive drug use and partying within the gay community, a controversial position that has been largely rejected by the scientific community.
• The challenges faced by Duesberg, who has been ostracized by his peers due to his views and struggles to secure funding for his research.
• Rogan’s acknowledgment of the potential impact of drug use on the immune system, even if it does not directly cause AIDS, adding complexity to the discussion.

3. Conspiracy Theories and Faked Deaths:

• The fascination with conspiracy theories, particularly the belief that Lady Gaga is John Benét Ramsey and that Magic Johnson never actually had HIV.
• The discussion of famous cases of faked deaths, including those of Andy Kaufman and Tupac Shakur, prompting speculation about their whereabouts and lives in hiding.
• The real-life story of Robert Durst, the subject of the documentary “The Jinx,” who faked his identity and committed murder, illustrating the lengths people will go to evade justice.
• The exploration of various methods for faking one’s death, including the use of bears in Alberta, Canada, as a means of ensuring anonymity.

4. Child Beauty Pageants and the Exploitation of Children:

• The disturbing nature of child beauty pageants, with young children adorned in makeup, high heels, and forced into a competitive environment.
• Moore’s personal experience witnessing a child beauty pageant in Dallas, highlighting the inappropriateness of exposing children to such intense scrutiny at a young age.
• The potential psychological impact on children who are judged on their appearance and forced to perform for an audience at a young age.
• The discussion of overprotective parenting in sports, drawing parallels to the pressure placed on children in pageants, underscoring the importance of letting children enjoy their childhood.

5. The Risks and Realities of Everest Climbing:

• The perilous nature of Everest climbing, with the dangers of avalanches, icefalls, and extreme altitudes putting climbers at significant risk.
• The reliance on Sherpas, who carry heavy loads and face immense dangers, often sacrificing their well-being for the pursuit of wealthy adventurers.
• The increasing commercialization of Everest climbing, with companies offering luxurious expeditions, further highlighting the disparity between the risks faced by Sherpas and the motivations of climbers.
• The unsettling presence of deceased climbers along the trail, adding an eerie dimension to the pursuit of the summit, further challenging the romanticism associated with Everest.

6. The Dangers of Skiing and Snowboarding:

• Moore’s personal fear of skiing and the dangers associated with high-speed runs and navigating treacherous courses.
• The prevalence of injuries among skiers, especially professionals, with the case of Steve Ronaldo, a former US Ski Team member who has undergone 28 knee surgeries.
• The prevalence of knee and hip replacements among skiers, illustrating the long-term consequences of the sport, even for those who seek cosmetic procedures.
• The discussion of hip replacements, highlighting the rapid recovery process associated with the procedure and its growing popularity among wealthy individuals.

7. Medical Practices and the Ethics of Surgery:

• Moore’s experience with a back injury and his decision to pursue alternative treatments over surgery, expressing skepticism towards medical professionals’ quickness to operate.
• The discussion of disc fusion surgery, a common procedure for back injuries, and its potential limitations and long-term consequences.
• The emergence of artificial discs as a promising alternative to disc fusion, offering a more natural range of motion and potentially reducing long-term complications.
• The shocking case of a doctor who was arrested for misdiagnosing patients with cancer and giving them chemotherapy for profit, highlighting the potential for unethical practices in the medical field.

8. The Power of Social Media and the Fetishization of Outrage:

• The transformative impact of the iPhone and subsequent rise of social media on human communication and interaction.
• The constant availability of social media, leading to distractions and a potential decline in genuine communication and human connection.
• The trend of people manipulating their online personas and seeking validation through social media engagement.
• The fetishization of outrage on both sides of the political spectrum, with individuals using social media to express extreme views and perpetuate outrage as a personality trait.

9. The Future of Technology and Human Evolution:

• The rapidly evolving nature of technology and its potential impact on human evolution, with the emergence of nanobots and brain-to-brain communication.
• The potential for nanobots to revolutionize medical treatments and enhance human abilities, such as holding breath for extended periods.
• The possibility of direct data download into the brain, blurring the lines between human and machine and ushering in a new era of human-computer symbiosis.
• Moore’s playful speculation about the future of humanity, imagining a world where humans become primarily virtual entities or even artificial creations.

10. The Perils of the Prison Industry and the Marijuana War:

• The disproportionate number of nonviolent drug offenders incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses.
• The potential for dismantling the drug war through marijuana legalization, which would significantly reduce prison populations.
• The comparison of marijuana with cigarettes, highlighting the hypocrisy of marijuana’s illegality in light of cigarettes’ legal status despite their far greater harm.
• The discussion of the documentary “The Culture High,” which explores the prison industry and the demonization of marijuana.

11. The Importance of Community and the Dangers of Isolation:

• The importance of community and connection in mitigating madness and ensuring accountability.
• The prevalence of unrecognized and unchecked madness within large, urban environments where people are less connected to their neighbors.
• The alarming trend of people seeking validation and connection through social media, often at the expense of genuine human interaction.
• The discussion of the “Safe Haven Law,” which allows parents to anonymously drop off unwanted babies at designated locations, highlighting the challenges faced by isolated individuals.

12. The Dynamics of Parental Influence and Rebellion:

• The impact of strict religious upbringing on individuals, often leading to rebellion and a rejection of those beliefs in adulthood.
• Moore’s personal experience growing up in a Christian family and his later embrace of a more secular worldview.
• The dangers of overbearing parenting, which can lead to resentment and rebellion in children.
• The contrast between Moore’s own upbringing and the experiences of others, illustrating the diverse ways in which individuals navigate religious and parental influences.

13. The Nature of Comedy and the Power of Humor:

• Moore’s use of humor to address sensitive topics, including religion, history, and politics, often drawing from his own upbringing and experiences.
• The importance of laughter in coping with difficult situations and challenging societal norms.
• The power of comedy to expose hypocrisy, spark critical thinking, and bring about social change.
• Moore’s unique comedic style, which blends observational humor with absurdist elements, creating a distinct and engaging voice.

14. The Evolution of Entertainment and the Impact of the Internet:

• The decline of traditional music industry practices, such as record labels and radio, due to the rise of the internet and digital streaming services.
• The accessibility of music for artists and audiences, breaking down barriers and empowering independent musicians.
• The rise of online platforms like YouTube and Spotify as avenues for artists to share their work and connect with fans.
• The challenges faced by artists in navigating the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and finding sustainable sources of income.

15. The Reality of War and the Cost of Conflict:

• The grim realities of war, as experienced by a friend of Moore who was embedded with troops in Afghanistan.
• The psychological impact of war, leading to PTSD and a distorted view of the world.
• The complexities of international conflict and the political motivations driving military interventions.
• The use of Viagra as a means of influencing Afghan warlords, highlighting the dark and often overlooked aspects of international relations.

16. The Absurdity of Television Testing and the Power of Instinct:

• The practice of testing television pilots with focus groups, often composed of random people, to gauge audience reaction.
• Moore’s skepticism towards the validity of television testing, arguing that it is often unreliable and can stifle creativity.
• The importance of trusting instincts and relying on the judgment of creative professionals in developing and producing quality entertainment.
• The evolution of television production with the rise of streaming services, which allows for more direct audience engagement and feedback.

17. The Future of Delivery and 3D Printing:

• Moore’s prediction that 3D printing will revolutionize the delivery industry, potentially making physical stores obsolete.
• The potential for 3D printing to create personalized products, such as clothing and electronics, on demand.
• The ethical concerns surrounding 3D printing, including the potential for piracy and unauthorized replication.
• The discussion of Amazon drones and the likelihood of their limited success due to security concerns and potential theft.

18. The Prevalence of Fetishes and the Diversity of Human Desire:

• Moore’s personal experience with foot fetishes, highlighting the diversity and often perplexing nature of human desire.
• The discussion of various fetishes, including those involving large women, furry costumes, and garter belts, highlighting the wide spectrum of sexual preferences.
• The exploration of the reasons behind certain fetishes, including the appeal of authority figures, unconventional aesthetics, and the thrill of taboo.
• The emphasis on consent and voluntariness in sexual expression, recognizing the importance of individual agency and respecting diverse desires.

19. The Nature of Madness and the Unseen Realities of Society:

• The prevalence of unrecognized madness and instability within large populations.
• The challenges of identifying and addressing mental health issues in a society that often overlooks or dismisses them.
• The discussion of the “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” television show, which showcases the extreme experiences of women who were unaware of their pregnancies.
• The exploration of the various motivations for participating in reality television shows, highlighting the allure of fame, validation, and the desire to have one’s life documented.

20. The Potential for Political Satire and the Role of Humor in Society:

• The discussion of Chuck Woolery, a former game show host, and his politically charged Twitter feed, highlighting the absurdity of online political discourse.
• The potential for using satire and humor to challenge political ideologies and expose hypocrisy.
• Moore’s humorous perspective on the absurdity of political systems and the limitations of presidential power.
• The exploration of the intersection of comedy, politics, and social commentary, highlighting the role of humor in shaping public discourse.

Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s so fucking stupid. And so you you you take it’s it’s tobacco. and you, you know, you press the button. The bottom has a button, and you take a it’s like it doesn’t even look where you’re supposed to be sucking on that thing. It looks like like an exhaust for a very small car.” – Moore describes his vape.
• “I think it’s kinda like debating hall cost in ire. It’s a controversial yeah. It’s a you don’t wanna You don’t wanna give him a credit. You know?” – Rogan talks about Duesberg’s theory on AIDS.
• “I just it’s one of my my favorite things in the world are this conspiracy theories. Like, even ones I don’t believe in, I just love like, my favorite one ever is there’s a whole bunch of people out there who actually think that Lady Gaga is John Benoit Ramsey.” – Moore shares his favorite conspiracy theory.
• “So the idea that you could take someone that age and then judge them on their looks. That’s fucking insane.” – Moore expresses his disgust with child beauty pageants.
• “It’s almost like they set a trap and then didn’t realize that a trap had heroin in it. Like, oh, wait a minute. This isn’t you left all that great hair. Forget what I said. Forget what I said. It’s Let’s try one more time, but do it right and grow heroin. Okay?” – Rogan talks about the US’s involvement in Afghanistan.