JRE #701 – Honey Honey (Part 1)

9/28/2015







#701 – Honey Honey (Part 1)

This Joe Rogan podcast dives into a wide range of topics with Honey Honey members Suzanne Santo and Ben Jaffe. The conversation spans music, voice, storytelling, societal issues, personal experiences, and even a touch of the paranormal. Provocative topics include the nature of fame and success, the challenges of maintaining a strong friendship, and the complexities of navigating a world full of contradictions. Underlying themes explore the impact of perspective on experience, the constant evolution of our understanding, and the enduring power of human connection.

Topics:

  1. The Power of the Human Voice:
    1. Rogan expresses his fascination with unique and powerful voices, citing examples like Otis Redding and Bukowski.
    2. Santo and Jaffe discuss their own vocal abilities, emphasizing the importance of vocal training and the challenges of maintaining a healthy voice in demanding professions.
    3. They explore the link between voice and identity, recognizing that a distinctive voice can become synonymous with a particular artist or persona.
    4. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of voice, acknowledging its ability to convey raw vulnerability and intense emotion, as exemplified by Spalding Grey’s storytelling performances.
  2. The Art of Storytelling:
    1. Rogan praises the ability to captivate audiences through engaging storytelling, highlighting its power to transcend traditional art forms like poetry.
    2. He emphasizes the need for humility and self-deprecation in stand-up comedy, arguing that the most effective comedians are those who can make audiences laugh without making them uncomfortable.
    3. The conversation examines the different approaches to storytelling in stand-up comedy, podcasts, and one-man shows, recognizing the inherent challenges in engaging and connecting with an audience.
    4. They explore the power of storytelling to illuminate human experience, revealing the shared anxieties and struggles that connect us across diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  3. Facing Difficult Truths:
    1. The podcast tackles the complexities of institutional racism and its enduring impact on communities, drawing upon a previous podcast with a Baltimore police officer.
    2. Rogan and his guests discuss the systemic inequalities that contribute to high crime rates in certain neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for proactive solutions rather than reactive responses.
    3. The conversation examines the legacy of slavery and its ongoing relevance in contemporary society, recognizing that the past continues to shape the present in profound ways.
    4. They explore the importance of collective action and open dialogue in addressing systemic injustice, arguing that individual efforts, however small, can contribute to meaningful change.
  4. The Nature of Courage:
    1. Rogan discusses the different forms of courage, suggesting that the bravery required to stand on a stage and perform in front of a crowd can be just as powerful as physical bravery in war.
    2. He explores the courage it takes to be vulnerable and honest, acknowledging the potential for judgment and criticism that comes with sharing personal experiences.
    3. The conversation touches on the courage required to confront societal norms and challenge conventional wisdom, highlighting the importance of speaking out against injustice.
    4. They emphasize that courage is not always about grand gestures but can also be found in everyday acts of kindness, resilience, and self-belief.
  5. Navigating the Wilderness:
    1. Rogan and his guests discuss their experiences with nature, highlighting both its beauty and its danger.
    2. They acknowledge the importance of respecting the power of the natural world, recognizing that even seemingly innocuous encounters with animals can pose a significant threat.
    3. The conversation examines the cultural disconnect between urban and rural life, acknowledging that many city dwellers have lost touch with the primal fears and anxieties that are inherent in a wilderness setting.
    4. They explore the value of embracing a sense of awe and wonder in the face of nature, even while acknowledging the need for caution and respect for its power.
  6. The Impact of Success:
    1. Santo and Jaffe discuss the changes they have experienced in their relationship with their parents as they have achieved greater success in their careers.
    2. They acknowledge the challenges of navigating a complex dynamic between parent and adult child, recognizing the need for mutual respect and understanding.
    3. The conversation explores the evolving role of parents in their children’s lives as they transition into adulthood, recognizing the importance of letting go and allowing their children to forge their own paths.
    4. They emphasize the enduring power of familial love and support, recognizing that even as relationships evolve, the bond between parent and child can remain strong and meaningful.
  7. The Paradox of Human Nature:
    1. Rogan discusses the inherent contradictions in human nature, recognizing that we are capable of both great acts of kindness and horrific acts of cruelty.
    2. He explores the complexities of human motivation, acknowledging that seemingly inexplicable actions often stem from a combination of factors, including personal history, societal influences, and psychological vulnerabilities.
    3. The conversation examines the enduring nature of human fascination with tragedy and violence, suggesting that these themes have always been a part of our collective narrative.
    4. They emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in navigating a world full of complexities and contradictions, recognizing that we are all flawed and capable of making mistakes.
  8. The Power of Music and Connection:
    1. The podcast highlights the power of music to connect people across diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating a sense of community and shared emotion.
    2. Santo and Jaffe discuss the importance of creating music that resonates with a wide audience, recognizing that their music can offer solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to listeners.
    3. They explore the dynamic between performer and audience, acknowledging the intimate connection that can be forged through shared musical experiences.
    4. The conversation underscores the enduring power of music to transcend language, cultural differences, and even personal struggles, bringing people together in a profound and lasting way.
  9. The Art of Martial Arts:
    1. Rogan emphasizes the importance of dedication and discipline in martial arts, arguing that it is not a skill that can be acquired through casual dabbling.
    2. He discusses the physical and mental benefits of martial arts training, highlighting its ability to enhance body awareness, coordination, and self-confidence.
    3. The conversation touches on the practical applications of martial arts for self-defense, particularly for women, who often face physical disadvantages in a confrontation.
    4. They explore the aesthetic beauty of martial arts, recognizing that the movements and techniques can be as graceful and elegant as any art form.
  10. The Evolution of Society:
    1. Rogan and his guests discuss the rapid pace of technological change and its impact on our understanding of the world.
    2. They examine the challenges of navigating a world where information is constantly evolving, recognizing the need for critical thinking and discernment.
    3. The conversation explores the potential benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence, acknowledging both its promise and its potential for misuse.
    4. They emphasize the importance of adapting to change and embracing new possibilities, while also recognizing the need for responsible innovation and ethical considerations.
  11. The Importance of Friendship:
    1. Santo and Jaffe discuss the challenges of maintaining a close friendship, particularly in the context of a demanding career and a shared creative partnership.
    2. They explore the dynamics of conflict and resolution in a close friendship, recognizing that even the most stable relationships require communication, compromise, and a willingness to forgive.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of shared values, mutual respect, and a sense of humor in navigating the ups and downs of a close friendship.
    4. They emphasize the enduring power of friendship to offer support, solace, and a sense of belonging, even in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
  12. The Nature of Weirdness:
    1. Rogan and his guests discuss the concept of “weirdness,” exploring its various manifestations in society.
    2. They acknowledge that “weirdness” can be both a source of inspiration and a target of ridicule, recognizing that it is often misunderstood or misrepresented.
    3. The conversation examines the importance of embracing individuality and celebrating the unique qualities that make each person different.
    4. They emphasize that true weirdness is not about conformity or outward appearances but about authenticity, creativity, and a willingness to challenge societal norms.
  13. The Power of Perspective:
    1. Rogan emphasizes the importance of perspective in shaping our understanding of the world.
    2. He discusses the way that our personal experiences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds influence our interpretations of events and the choices we make.
    3. The conversation explores the challenges of seeing things from another person’s point of view, recognizing that empathy and understanding are essential for building bridges across differences.
    4. They emphasize the importance of remaining open to new ideas and perspectives, acknowledging that our own views are not always the only or the most accurate ones.
  14. The Enduring Quest for Meaning:
    1. Rogan and his guests explore the universal human need for meaning and purpose.
    2. They discuss the various ways that people find meaning in their lives, recognizing that it can come from love, work, creativity, spirituality, or simply from experiencing the world with a sense of wonder and appreciation.
    3. The conversation acknowledges that the search for meaning is often a lifelong journey, marked by both triumphs and setbacks.
    4. They emphasize the importance of staying curious, open to new experiences, and never giving up on the quest to find meaning in a world that can often feel chaotic and unpredictable.

Memorable Quotes:

  1. “When you have these efforts and it’s I don’t wanna say common enemy because that sounds really negative. But, like, when you’re all working towards something with your differences, that’s when actual progress starts being made.” – Suzanne Santo
  2. “It’s so hard to get people to care about poetry. … You gotta kinda tell it’s Adam. It’s and you gotta you’re taking such a crazy chance to even say you wrote a poem. You tell someone to hammer that poem. Nobody goes, yeah. Fuck it. Awesome. Bring it, dude. Bring it home. Let’s hear those b, you know?” – Joe Rogan
  3. “It’s a weird thing to quantify because I think there’s a level of bravery in being a soldier that’s a lot tougher than a lower tier. But none of those people are here. deeper and deeper, though. You know what I mean? There’s a level of bravery when — Yeah. — Rogers saved the earth. You know what you’re saying?” – Joe Rogan
  4. “The world’s always been fucked. And when but guess what? People are fucked and were the best things on earth. Okay. Yeah.” – Joe Rogan
  5. “You just saved me so much money in therapy. I can’t even tell you. I’m glad because I can’t afford it. It’s too good. It’s too good together. You guys are too good together. It wouldn’t work like that with other people. It’s it it would be different. It would probably be equally awesome for both of you, but don’t let it happen because you put you guys up right now.” – Joe Rogan


 

Leave a Comment