5/6/2015
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Joe Rogan Experience #644 – Brad Williams
This podcast features comedian Brad Williams, known for his stand-up and acting career. He discusses his new special “Fun Size” on Showtime and his podcast “About Last Night.” The conversation ranges from humorous anecdotes to insightful observations about societal issues, touching on topics that can be provocative, controversial, and even viral.
The podcast explores themes like the pressures and anxieties of show business, the complexities of fame and celebrity, and the challenges of navigating a world increasingly obsessed with social media and political correctness. Here’s a breakdown of the major topics discussed:
Topics:
- Respecting Defense in Fighting: Brad and Joe delve into their differing perspectives on boxing and mixed martial arts, particularly the value of defense over offense. They debate the inherent violence of these sports and the difficulty of expecting exemplary behavior from athletes who excel in aggression.
- Joe argues that respect for defense is often overlooked by casual fight fans who prefer knockout finishes.
- Brad highlights his wife’s opinion that fighters should be forced to get knocked down to make fights more exciting, illustrating the disconnect between casual viewers and the technical aspects of the sport.
- They discuss the difficulty of reconciling the violent nature of these sports with the expectation of model behavior from athletes off the field.
- Joe emphasizes that expecting athletes to be “sweeties” off the field ignores the inherent intensity required for their success.
- The Impact of Fame on Athletes and Entertainers: The podcast dives into how fame and constant scrutiny can affect individuals, particularly those in demanding fields like sports and entertainment. They examine the pressures of public perception and the potential for fame to lead to destructive behaviors.
- Joe points out the difficulty of expecting athletes to maintain composure after intense physical exertion and emotional highs.
- Brad shares his experience with constant auditions for television shows, highlighting the competition and the pressure to conform to Hollywood expectations.
- They discuss the impact of social media on the public image of athletes and entertainers, highlighting the constant scrutiny and criticism they face.
- Joe emphasizes the importance of recognizing that even the most famous individuals are still human and subject to the same flaws and vulnerabilities as anyone else.
- The Complexities of Dwarfism: Brad shares his personal experiences living with dwarfism, offering insights into societal perceptions, medical challenges, and the importance of self-acceptance.
- Brad explains the various types of dwarfism and how they affect individuals differently.
- He discusses the common misconception that dwarfism is a singular condition and the need for greater understanding and sensitivity.
- Brad shares his experiences with discrimination and prejudice, both subtle and overt, while also highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and embracing his unique perspective.
- He discusses the ongoing debate surrounding genetic engineering and the ethical considerations of preventing dwarfism, particularly in light of the challenges and opportunities it presents.
- The Perils of Plastic Surgery and Body Dysmorphia: The podcast explores the cultural obsession with physical appearance and the potential pitfalls of plastic surgery and body image disorders.
- Joe and Brad discuss the pressure to maintain youthfulness in Hollywood and the often-unrealistic expectations placed upon celebrities.
- They examine the psychological impact of aging and the potential for body dysmorphia to manifest in individuals striving to achieve unattainable beauty standards.
- Brad shares his observations of celebrities who have undergone plastic surgery, both those who have achieved natural-looking results and those whose procedures have been less successful.
- They discuss the importance of embracing natural aging and the dangers of pursuing unrealistic beauty standards that can lead to negative mental and physical consequences.
- The Impact of Social Media on Society: Joe and Brad examine the pervasive influence of social media and its potential to exacerbate negative behaviors like complaining, cancel culture, and the pursuit of validation.
- Joe and Brad discuss the tendency for individuals to use social media as a platform for negativity and complaining, often over trivial matters.
- They explore the phenomenon of “cancel culture” and the pressure to conform to social media norms, even when it comes to fictional characters or artistic expressions.
- Brad shares his experience with receiving negative feedback on his social media accounts and the challenges of navigating a world obsessed with public opinion.
- They emphasize the importance of promoting open dialogue and critical thinking, encouraging individuals to engage in meaningful conversations rather than simply seeking validation or perpetuating negativity.
- The Controversy of “Bossy” and Language Policing: Joe and Brad discuss the debate surrounding language policing, specifically the attempt to eliminate the word “bossy” as sexist and the broader implications of controlling language to promote inclusivity and equality.
- Joe and Brad challenge the notion that the word “bossy” is inherently sexist, arguing that its usage can vary depending on context and intent.
- They discuss the potential for language policing to stifle free speech and limit creativity, particularly when it comes to comedic expression.
- Brad shares his experience with being criticized for using the word “midget” in his stand-up, highlighting the difficulty of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of acceptable language.
- They encourage listeners to approach language with nuance and context, recognizing that intent and impact are crucial in determining whether language is harmful or simply a reflection of societal norms.
- Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports: The podcast delves into the controversial topic of transgender athletes participating in women’s sports, exploring the complexities of inclusivity, fairness, and potential for competitive disadvantage.
- Joe and Brad acknowledge the importance of inclusivity and acceptance of transgender individuals but express concerns about the potential for unfair advantage in athletic competition.
- They cite the example of a transgender athlete who competed in college basketball despite having gone through male puberty and having a significant physical advantage over her female peers.
- They discuss the difficulty of finding a balance between inclusivity and fairness, recognizing that athletic competition is ultimately about physical ability and that certain biological differences can create an uneven playing field.
- Joe emphasizes the need for open dialogue and a nuanced approach to this issue, encouraging listeners to consider the perspectives of both transgender athletes and female athletes who may feel disadvantaged.
- The Allure and Dangers of Scientology: The conversation turns to the controversial organization of Scientology, with Joe and Brad discussing the organization’s tactics, its financial power, and the potential for abuse.
- Joe and Brad discuss the documentary “Going Clear,” which provides a critical look at the inner workings of Scientology, highlighting allegations of abuse, manipulation, and financial exploitation.
- They discuss the organization’s tactics for recruiting and retaining members, including the use of charismatic leaders, intense indoctrination, and pressure to conform.
- They examine the financial power of Scientology, noting that it has amassed a significant fortune through its various businesses and investments.
- Joe and Brad encourage listeners to approach this topic with critical thinking, recognizing that there are multiple perspectives on Scientology and that it is important to consider the potential for both good and bad within any organization.
- The Importance of Artistic Integrity: Joe and Brad discuss the ethical considerations of artistic creation, particularly the importance of originality and the potential pitfalls of plagiarism.
- Joe and Brad address the issue of artistic integrity, specifically in the context of comedy, where the line between inspiration and plagiarism can be blurred.
- They discuss the pressure to be funny and the temptation to borrow material from other comedians, highlighting the potential for this to undermine creativity and originality.
- Brad shares his experience with a friend who was publicly accused of plagiarism, offering insights into the complexities of navigating these accusations and the importance of personal accountability.
- They encourage listeners to appreciate the value of originality and to be mindful of the ethical implications of borrowing material from other artists, recognizing that true creativity involves finding one’s own voice and perspective.
- The Power of Laughter as a Defense Mechanism: Brad discusses his use of humor as a way to navigate difficult social interactions and to create a sense of connection with others.
- Brad shares how he uses humor as a defense mechanism to defuse tension and create a sense of comfort in situations where his height might otherwise lead to awkwardness.
- He describes the importance of self-deprecation and the ability to laugh at himself, recognizing that this can be a powerful tool for building relationships and breaking down barriers.
- Brad emphasizes the importance of finding humor in everyday experiences, even in challenging situations, and using laughter to connect with others on a deeper level.
- He encourages listeners to embrace humor as a tool for communication, understanding, and connection, recognizing its ability to foster empathy and understanding.
- The Role of News Media in Shaping Public Perception: Joe and Brad discuss the challenges of navigating a media landscape filled with sensationalism, bias, and the constant pursuit of ratings.
- Joe and Brad criticize the tendency for news media to prioritize sensationalism and entertainment over accuracy and objectivity.
- They discuss how the media can shape public perception through selective reporting and the emphasis on certain stories over others.
- They explore the importance of critical thinking and media literacy, encouraging listeners to approach news with a skeptical eye and to seek out diverse perspectives.
- They emphasize the need for responsible journalism that prioritizes truth and accuracy over sensationalism and ratings.
- The Importance of Embracing Uniqueness: Joe and Brad discuss the value of individuality and the dangers of conforming to societal pressures to fit in.
- Joe and Brad discuss the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness, even when it comes to physical attributes, personal beliefs, or artistic expressions.
- They emphasize the dangers of conforming to societal pressures to fit in, recognizing that true individuality is a source of strength and creativity.
- They encourage listeners to celebrate their differences and to use their unique perspectives to make a positive impact on the world.
- They remind listeners that society is enriched by diversity and that it is important to value the contributions of individuals from all walks of life.
- The Importance of Authenticity and Finding One’s Passion: Joe and Brad discuss the importance of following one’s passions and living authentically, even when it means defying expectations or taking risks.
- Joe and Brad discuss the importance of finding one’s passion and pursuing it with dedication and authenticity, even if it means going against conventional wisdom or defying expectations.
- They encourage listeners to embrace their unique talents and interests, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from pursuing activities that bring joy and purpose.
- They highlight the importance of self-discovery and the process of finding one’s place in the world, recognizing that it is often a journey of exploration and experimentation.
- They remind listeners that life is too short to live according to someone else’s expectations and that true happiness comes from following one’s own heart and pursuing one’s dreams.
Memorable Quotes:
- “You can’t ask them to be anything other than what they really are. Exactly. You want that result. You want that Ray Rice result. You’re gonna get a Ray Rice. You’re gonna get that happening. Which which is — Yeah. Yeah. Which is not saying we condone it. I know. But it’s it’s just saying don’t be surprised. when it happens.”
- “Those guys those guys are gonna be too intense. It’s not fair. I mean, well, it’s everybody wants everything sanitized. I mean, we wanna make we want the purity of the sport — Mhmm. — then we all also wanted to be fan friendly. We also wanted to be easily absorbed by the casual person who’s watching it.”
- “The most brilliant people on earth are just people. And one of the things that I found is the most successful people, the most interesting people — Mhmm. — people that I truly enjoy talking to. They’re they don’t expect anything And as soon as someone does expect something different, then they stop being cool. They don’t like them anymore.”
- “It’s cool when you realize that, and you it’s cool when you realize, oh, yeah. I can just talk to whoever and And when people in show business or whatever athletes that you look up to, like, I have fans that are musicians that I like, and you you know, like, now it’s like, wait. They watch that. They watch Yeah. Of course, they watch that TV show. They listen to that podcast. They consume entertainment just because they’re a human being.”
- “The world’s filled with nutty bitches, Brad. That’s really what’s going on.”
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