JRE #684 – Brian Redban

8/17/2015

This podcast dives deep into the world of online comedy and internet culture, specifically focusing on the controversy surrounding the comedian known as “The Fat Jewish.” This episode explores themes of plagiarism, the ethics of internet humor, and the evolution of comedy in the digital age. It also touches on the nature of creativity and the challenges of establishing oneself as a genuine artist in a landscape rife with shortcuts and superficiality.

Major Topics and Summary

1. The Fat Jewish Plagiarism Controversy:

• Brian Redban, a comedian and podcast host, exposes the extensive plagiarism committed by “The Fat Jewish,” a popular social media personality.
• Redban details how “The Fat Jewish” has built a successful brand and empire by stealing jokes and memes from various online creators, often without credit.
• This revelation ignites a debate about the ethics of internet humor and the blurred lines between inspiration and outright theft.
• The conversation explores the impact of plagiarism on the creative community, particularly for emerging comedians and artists seeking recognition.

2. The Evolution of Comedy in the Digital Age:

• The discussion examines the rise of internet comedy and its impact on traditional stand-up.
• Redban reflects on his own early experiences as an online comedian, highlighting the difference in perception between stage-based comedy and internet-driven humor.
• The podcast explores the unique challenges and opportunities of finding success as a comedian in the internet age, where content is readily shared and copied.
• The conversation raises questions about the future of comedy and the role of traditional gatekeepers in a digital landscape.

3. The Nature of Creativity and Plagiarism:

• Redban and Rogan delve into the distinction between genuine creativity and plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of originality and the process of artistic development.
• They discuss the mindset of a plagiarist, highlighting the desire to shortcut the creative process and exploit the work of others.
• The podcast explores the difference between taking inspiration from others and outright stealing content, emphasizing the ethical obligation to acknowledge sources and respect intellectual property.
• The conversation emphasizes the inherent value of struggle and the rewarding journey of developing one’s own unique voice and style.

4. The Impact of Social Media on Comedy:

• The podcast examines the influence of social media platforms like Instagram on comedy, particularly the rise of “internet comedians” and their monetization strategies.
• Redban highlights “The Fat Jewish” s savvy use of social media to amass a large following and lucrative partnerships.
• The conversation explores the ethical implications of profiting from stolen content and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a digital environment.
• It also touches on the evolving role of social media in shaping public perception and determining the success of comedians.

5. The Dark Side of Internet Fame:

• Redban and Rogan discuss the potential dangers of seeking fame and validation through online platforms, particularly the pressure to maintain a constant stream of content and the potential for personal exploitation.
• They highlight the case of “The Fat Jewish” as a cautionary tale, illustrating how the pursuit of success can lead to unethical practices and ultimately undermine the individual’s integrity.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and ethical decision-making in the digital age, where lines between personal and professional life can easily blur.
• The podcast encourages listeners to consider the impact of their online actions and to cultivate a sense of responsibility in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

6. The Role of Talent Agencies and Corporate Influence in Comedy:

• The podcast explores the role of talent agencies in shaping the careers of comedians and the potential for conflicts of interest, particularly when agencies sign individuals accused of plagiarism.
• Redban discusses the pressure on agencies to prioritize profit and popularity over ethical considerations, questioning the role of corporate influence in the comedy world.
• The conversation highlights the potential for corruption and the need for greater transparency and accountability within the industry.
• It raises questions about the future of comedy and the extent to which corporate interests may dictate creative direction.

7. The Ethics of Physical Violence in Comedy:

• The podcast explores the controversy surrounding physical violence in comedy, specifically a video of a comedian kicking a heckler on stage.
• Redban and Rogan debate the appropriateness of using physical force to address disruptive audience members, considering the potential for injury and the implications for the comedian’s image.
• The conversation delves into the different perspectives on heckling and the complexities of maintaining control in a live performance environment.
• The podcast acknowledges the potential dangers of heckling but emphasizes the importance of de-escalation and professional conduct for comedians.

8. The Impact of Cultural Differences on Ethics and Behavior:

• The podcast briefly touches on cultural differences, highlighting the story of a man who castrates a lawyer in Japan after discovering an affair with his wife.
• Redban and Rogan discuss the complexities of interpreting actions through a cultural lens, acknowledging that societal norms and expectations can vary significantly.
• The conversation emphasizes the need for sensitivity and understanding when encountering actions that may seem extreme or shocking from a different cultural perspective.
• The podcast promotes a nuanced approach to understanding cross-cultural differences and avoids passing judgment based solely on Western societal values.

9. The Controversy Surrounding Psychedelics:

• Redban and Rogan discuss a recent study suggesting that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may switch off the part of the brain that causes depression.
• They explore the potential benefits of psychedelics for treating conditions like PTSD and depression, highlighting the growing movement to decriminalize and legalize these substances.
• The conversation critiques the current legal framework surrounding psychedelics, arguing that it hinders scientific research and prevents patients from accessing potentially life-changing treatments.
• The podcast advocates for greater scientific inquiry and a reassessment of the legal and cultural perceptions of psychedelics, emphasizing their potential for therapeutic applications.

10. The Potential Dangers of Microdosing:

• Redban and Rogan discuss the practice of microdosing, taking small doses of psychedelics to enhance mood and cognition.
• They acknowledge the potential benefits of microdosing, particularly for individuals seeking to improve mood and creativity, but also highlight potential risks associated with long-term use.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of responsible use and the need for more research to fully understand the long-term impacts of microdosing.
• The podcast encourages listeners to approach microdosing with caution and to prioritize their overall well-being.

11. The Hypocrisy of Drug Policy:

• The podcast explores the hypocrisy of current drug policy, particularly the classification of marijuana and psilocybin as Schedule 1 drugs despite their potential medical benefits.
• Redban and Rogan criticize the DEA’s stance on marijuana, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence to support claims that it is more dangerous than other legal substances like aspirin.
• The conversation advocates for evidence-based drug policy and calls for a reevaluation of the current classification system, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and scientific rigor.
• The podcast encourages listeners to question established narratives and to advocate for a more rational and humane approach to drug policy.

12. The Potential of Stem Cell Therapy:

• The podcast explores the exciting developments in stem cell therapy, highlighting its potential for treating a wide range of injuries and conditions.
• Redban and Rogan discuss personal experiences with stem cell treatment, emphasizing its rapid healing properties and potential for revolutionizing medicine.
• The conversation raises questions about the ethical implications of stem cell research and the need for ongoing scientific exploration to fully understand its potential and limitations.
• The podcast expresses cautious optimism about the future of stem cell therapy, suggesting that it may offer significant advancements in treating chronic injuries and diseases.

13. The Impact of Sleep Apnea:

• Redban discusses his experience with sleep apnea, highlighting the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, particularly the discomfort of sleep studies and the impact on daily life.
• He explores the potential causes of sleep apnea, including weight gain and lifestyle factors.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep disorders and the potential benefits of CPAP therapy for improving sleep quality and overall health.
• The podcast encourages listeners to prioritize their sleep and to seek professional help if experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea.

14. The Dangers of Mountain Lions:

• Redban and Rogan discuss the dangers of mountain lions, particularly their predatory nature and potential for violent attacks.
• They share stories of mountain lion attacks, highlighting the graphic nature of these encounters and the need for caution when venturing into areas where these animals are present.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance from these powerful predators.
• The podcast encourages listeners to educate themselves about local wildlife and to take necessary precautions to avoid dangerous encounters.

15. The Controversy Surrounding Bullfighting:

• The podcast delves into the controversy surrounding bullfighting, highlighting the practice’s brutality and the high number of injuries and fatalities.
• Redban and Rogan express their disdain for bullfighting, criticizing it as a cruel and archaic tradition that should be abolished.
• The conversation explores the cultural significance of bullfighting and the challenges of challenging deeply ingrained traditions.
• The podcast advocates for the protection of animals and promotes a more humane approach to interacting with wildlife.

16. The Future of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence:

• The podcast explores the rapid advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, highlighting the development of micro-robots, humanoid robots, and artificial brains.
• Redban and Rogan discuss the potential benefits and risks of these technologies, considering their applications in various fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, and warfare.
• The conversation examines the ethical implications of creating increasingly sophisticated robots and the need for responsible development and regulation.
• The podcast speculates on the future of human-robot interaction and the potential for robots to play an increasingly significant role in society.

17. The Challenges of Judging in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA):

• The podcast examines the challenges of judging in MMA, highlighting the subjective nature of scoring fights and the difficulty of evaluating diverse fighting styles.
• Redban and Rogan discuss the 10-point must system used to score MMA fights, arguing that it is flawed and does not adequately capture the complexity of the sport.
• The conversation explores alternative scoring systems, particularly Anthony Hardonk’s accumulative scoring system, which takes into account all techniques and damage inflicted during a fight.
• The podcast advocates for improvements in MMA judging, suggesting that incorporating additional judges and incorporating fan voting could lead to more accurate and fair results.

18. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion:

• The podcast explores the influence of social media in shaping public opinion, particularly the potential for online mobs to amplify controversies and affect the careers of individuals.
• Redban and Rogan discuss the rapid spread of information and misinformation on social media, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and discerning credible sources.
• The conversation highlights the need for media literacy in the digital age, encouraging listeners to be aware of the biases and agendas that can influence online narratives.
• The podcast encourages listeners to engage with social media critically and to be mindful of the potential for manipulation and propaganda.

19. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Reflection:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-reflection, particularly in the context of personal and professional success.
• Redban and Rogan discuss the challenges of staying true to oneself in a world that often rewards superficiality and shortcuts.
• The conversation encourages listeners to prioritize their values and to build their lives and careers based on integrity and genuine expression.
• The podcast highlights the importance of seeking fulfillment through meaningful work and authentic connections, rather than chasing fleeting fame and validation.

Memorable Quotes

“If you just put this much energy in your own life, you you would be so much healthier. Everything would be great. You would be totally off smoke, and you’d be going to the gym on a regular basis.”

“It’s kind of a hack, though. I’ll just gonna call him the fat Jewish. It seems like less fat than overall statement.”

“The mindset of creativity is the exact opposite of the mindset of plagiarism.”

“This guy’s got one in the face. Let’s let’s go through all these. Let’s go through all these. Please please visit visit the image.”

“It’s gonna start off pretty cool, though. Like, oh my god. We’re getting attacked. but it’s a robot attack. And we have robots, and we’re just watching robots on TV here. So Yeah. For a little bit.”