JRE #686 – Jeff Ross

8/19/2015

Joe Rogan Experience #686 – Jeff Ross: A Deep Dive into Topics

Jeff Ross, the “Roastmaster General,” joins Joe Rogan for a hilarious and insightful conversation. Topics range from comedy and martial arts to prison reform, social media, and the power of comedy. The podcast reveals a deeper understanding of Ross’s comedic process, his thoughts on the current state of social media, and his experience performing for prisoners.

1. Jeff Ross’s Martial Arts Background and its Impact on Comedy:

• Ross earned his black belt in Taekwondo at a young age, which he credits with fostering his confidence and comfort with confrontation.
• His martial arts training helped him develop a thick skin and a fearless approach to comedy, particularly in the face of hecklers and challenging audiences.
• The podcast reveals how his black belt gave him the courage to “talk shit” and confront adversity in a way that he believes wouldn’t have been possible without it.
• His martial arts background serves as a metaphorical foundation for his comedic approach, where he thrives in situations where he must think quickly and adapt to unpredictable scenarios.

2. Jeff Ross’s Experience on “Kingdom” and the Authenticity of Fight Scenes:

• Ross shares his experience working on the DIRECTV show “Kingdom,” which explores the world of mixed martial arts.
• He discusses the realism and authenticity of the fight scenes, which involve real fighters and boxers alongside actors.
• Ross reveals that Nick Jonas, who plays a fighter on the show, is a “total badass” and surprisingly skilled, even receiving praise from the professional fighters.
• The podcast provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of a unique and intense show, showcasing the dedication and talent involved in creating authentic fight scenes.

3. Hypnosis and its Potential Impact on Comedy and Performance:

• Ross reveals his experience with hypnosis, which he believes can help eliminate mental barriers and enhance performance.
• He discusses how many fighters have used hypnosis to alleviate anxiety and boost confidence, potentially improving their performance.
• Ross explores the potential benefits of hypnosis for stand-up comedy, suggesting it could help comics access a different mental state and overcome stage fright.
• The podcast delves into the psychology of performance, raising questions about the role of mental conditioning in achieving success.

4. Jeff Ross’s “Roasting Criminals” Special and its Social Impact:

• Ross shares his unique and daring venture: performing a comedy special inside a Texas jail.
• He discusses the experience of roasting inmates, emphasizing the importance of treating them with respect and humanity.
• The podcast explores the deeper impact of this project, raising awareness about the prison system and the human cost of incarceration.
• Ross’s special not only provides humor but also sheds light on the complexities of prison reform, particularly the high percentage of nonviolent drug offenders in the US prison system.

5. The Fat Jewish and Social Media Appropriation:

• Ross raises concerns about the practice of content appropriation on social media, highlighting the “Fat Jewish” phenomenon as an example.
• He argues that social media platforms should implement stricter regulations and ethical guidelines to ensure creators receive proper credit and compensation for their work.
• The podcast explores the blurred lines between content sharing, aggregation, and theft, as well as the challenges of monetizing online content.
• Ross advocates for a more transparent and equitable system where creators are recognized and rewarded for their contributions to online culture.

6. Jeff Ross’s Perspective on the Current State of Comedy:

• Ross believes that stand-up comedy is currently experiencing a “golden age,” with a strong and supportive community.
• He acknowledges the increasing sensitivity and hyper-criticism in the online world but argues that this can also push comics to be sharper and more aware of their material.
• The podcast explores the evolving relationship between comedians and their audiences, with social media amplifying both praise and criticism.
• Ross emphasizes the importance of live comedy, where the unique and unpredictable experience of a live performance cannot be replicated online.

7. Jeff Ross’s Thoughts on Politics and the 2016 Election:

• Ross shares his observations about the 2016 election and the rise of Donald Trump, expressing a sense of amusement and bewilderment.
• He discusses the potential for a third-party candidate to disrupt the traditional political landscape.
• The podcast delves into the political climate and the changing dynamics of the American electorate.
• Ross expresses his support for Bernie Sanders’s policies, particularly his emphasis on education and reducing student debt.

8. The “Game” of Professions:

• Ross discusses the inherent “games” that exist within various professions, such as law enforcement, medicine, and even comedy itself.
• He explores the potential for power dynamics and self-serving motivations within these professions, challenging listeners to consider the complexities behind seemingly straightforward professions.
• The podcast touches on issues of police brutality and the pressures faced by law enforcement officers, suggesting that personal biases and societal pressures can influence decision-making.
• Ross also highlights the financial and personal pressures faced by doctors, potentially influencing their treatment of patients.

9. The Importance of Live Comedy and the Power of Connecting with Audiences:

• Ross emphasizes the importance of live comedy and the unique connection it fosters between comedians and audiences.
• He discusses the energy and spontaneity of live performances, which cannot be replicated in the online world.
• The podcast explores the psychology of comedy, the importance of connecting with an audience, and the power of humor to transcend boundaries.
• Ross highlights the importance of creating a shared experience with an audience, where both the comedian and the audience are on a journey together.

10. Jeff Ross’s Early Days in Comedy and his Mentorship from Buddy Hackett:

• Ross shares memories of his early days in comedy, including his experiences with legendary comedian Buddy Hackett.
• He discusses Hackett’s unconventional approach to comedy and his willingness to create chaos and challenge audiences.
• The podcast reveals the impact of mentorship on young comics, showing how established comedians can influence and shape the careers of aspiring performers.
• Ross’s admiration for Hackett highlights the importance of respecting and learning from the pioneers of comedy.

11. The “Dance Moves” of Comedy and the Importance of Finding Your Voice:

• Ross discusses the concept of “dance moves” in comedy, referring to the tendency to overcompensate for a weak bit with over-the-top performance.
• He emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between performance and substance, ensuring that the humor is grounded in solid writing and genuine connection with the audience.
• The podcast explores the challenges of developing comedic material, the importance of refining bits, and the value of taking time to let ideas mature.
• Ross emphasizes the importance of constantly learning and evolving as a comedian, adapting to new audiences and finding your unique voice.

12. The Comedy Store and its History:

• Ross reflects on the history of the Comedy Store, a legendary Los Angeles comedy club, and its significance in the development of stand-up comedy.
• He discusses the club’s rich history, mentioning past performers like Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and the legacy of legendary owner Mitzi Shore.
• The podcast explores the cultural impact of the Comedy Store and its role in shaping the modern stand-up comedy scene.
• Ross’s anecdotes about the club reveal its unique atmosphere, its hidden secrets, and its enduring legacy in the world of comedy.

13. The Importance of Camaraderie in the Comedy World:

• Ross emphasizes the importance of the camaraderie and support that exist within the comedy community.
• He shares his personal experiences of connecting with other comedians in various settings, from comedy clubs to Hollywood parties.
• The podcast explores the unique bond that exists between comedians, sharing a common passion and understanding the challenges of the profession.
• Ross’s anecdotes highlight the importance of community and the value of finding support and connection within the comedy world.

14. Jeff Ross’s Future Projects and the Importance of Staying True to Yourself:

• Ross discusses his upcoming projects, including his new special “Roasting Cops” and his upcoming comedy tour “Oddball.”
• He shares his passion for pushing boundaries and challenging conventions in the world of comedy.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself as a comedian, even in the face of criticism and changing audiences.
• Ross’s enthusiasm for his upcoming projects reflects his commitment to his craft and his desire to continue evolving as an artist.

15. The Power of Humor and its Impact on the World:

• Ross acknowledges the importance of humor in bringing people together and providing a sense of relief and connection.
• He discusses the power of laughter to transcend cultural boundaries and challenge societal norms.
• The podcast explores the potential for humor to inspire change, create social awareness, and spark important conversations.
• Ross’s stories about his experiences with audiences, from prisoners to high-society gatherings, demonstrate the universal language of laughter and its ability to connect people on a human level.

Memorable Quotes

• “I don’t know a single person who hasn’t made mistakes. We all made stakes. It’s but it’s whatever the environment is that you’re growing up in, dictate how bad your situation is, whatever, you know, whatever you were exposed to, and that might be a factor in the level of your mistake.”
• “I love that challenge of trying to break somebody who’s just a little frozen. You like a little little little run up hill. Yeah. Jeff Frost.”
• “This is the best time ever for stand up comedy. I really do. As far as, like, I love that. Yeah. Like, love it. I just did Montreal Comedy Festival. I’m hosting oddball starting next week, and I love comedians.”
• “I feel like I’m a comedian before I’m anything else. Yeah. Yeah. I agree with you. You always wanna see comedians, hang out with comedians.”
• “That’s a Jeffrey Ross theme song. Yeah. But it was, you know, super Hollywood douche. Like, I I hate those kind of people. It was, like, in a studio lot where I think right next to Oprah’s building, So I don’t know what studio that was. Some weird studio lot. And it was this humongous party. It was awesome. Samsung was showing all their new phones. and I didn’t wanna talk to anyone because everyone was like beautiful models and just like, you know, I was just sitting there like, this is gross. then I see Stephen Glickman across the the room. I’m like, I love you. And I’m like, give him a big hug. It was like the best day of my life just because I saw a comedian. Yeah. That I know. Yeah.”