JRE #704 – Alonzo Bodden

Joe Rogan Podcast #704 – Alonzo Bodden – Topic Breakdown

This podcast features Alonzo Bodden, a stand-up comedian and winner of Last Comic Standing Season 3, as he shares his hilarious and often insightful stories with Joe Rogan. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from his experience with drug addiction to his thoughts on the current state of comedy and the entertainment industry.

Here’s a breakdown of the podcast’s major topics and underlying themes:

1. Alonzo Bodden’s Crack Addiction and Recovery:

• Bodden candidly discusses his past struggles with crack cocaine addiction, highlighting the intense rush and its addictive nature.
• He describes the psychological toll of the addiction, including the constant craving, the self-loathing, and the eventual loss of the high itself.
• Bodden’s rock bottom came with a cocaine possession arrest, a pivotal moment that led to his decision to get sober.
• He recounts his journey through rehab and the crucial role his AA sponsor played in helping him discover his comedic talents.

2. The Stand-Up Comedy World:

• The podcast explores the competitive nature of the comedy world, including the pressure to be original and the constant threat of plagiarism.
• Bodden shares stories of legendary comedians like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Buddy Hackett, discussing their unique styles and the evolution of comedy over time.
• He highlights the significance of the comedy club scene in fostering talent and shaping comedic voices.
• The discussion touches on the impact of the internet on stand-up comedy, with Bodden recognizing both its opportunities and its challenges.

3. The Impact of Fame and Talent:

• Bodden reflects on the complexities of fame and the pressures it can place on individuals, particularly those who achieved success at a young age.
• He uses Michael Jackson as an example, emphasizing the challenges of navigating a life in the spotlight from childhood.
• The conversation explores the phenomenon of “nepotism in reverse,” where having a famous sibling can sometimes hinder an individual’s own career.
• Bodden emphasizes the importance of finding balance between personal life and public persona, acknowledging the difficult choices often faced by those in the entertainment industry.

4. Social Commentary and Political Views:

• Bodden offers insightful commentary on social issues, including the cycle of poverty, the impact of education, and the political landscape.
• He discusses the importance of addressing systemic issues, like poverty and lack of opportunity, to create a more just society.
• The conversation touches on the 2016 presidential election, with Bodden sharing his views on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
• Bodden expresses concern about the growing political divide in the United States and the challenges of finding common ground on crucial issues.

5. The Role of Drugs and Alcohol:

• Bodden shares personal insights on the effects of various drugs, comparing cocaine, marijuana, and even prescription medications.
• He discusses the allure of drugs as a means of escaping reality and the dangers of addiction, drawing parallels between his own experience and the struggles faced by other famous individuals.
• The conversation delves into the historical and cultural context of drug use, highlighting the changing societal perceptions and legal ramifications.
• Bodden advocates for responsible drug use and acknowledges the potential benefits of certain substances, while cautioning against the potential for abuse and addiction.

6. The Vegas Scene and the Comedy Circuit:

• Bodden discusses the unique nature of the Las Vegas comedy scene, highlighting both its opportunities and its challenges.
• He shares insights on the economics of performing in Vegas, including the costs associated with maintaining a residency and the difficulty of breaking into the market.
• The conversation covers the realities of the comedy circuit, including the constant travel, the varying quality of venues, and the challenges of finding reliable opening acts.
• Bodden emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between pursuing fame and staying true to one’s comedic voice.

7. The Importance of Connection and Friendship:

• The podcast highlights the significance of connection and friendship within the comedy world, emphasizing the importance of support networks and collaboration.
• Bodden shares stories of how his friendships with fellow comics have shaped his career and provided him with valuable insights and support.
• He discusses the challenge of maintaining friendships in a competitive industry and the importance of finding those who are truly invested in each other’s success.
• The conversation touches on the value of mentorship and the legacy of comedy, with Bodden acknowledging those who have inspired him and those he hopes to inspire.

8. The Power of Laughter:

• Bodden discusses the therapeutic power of laughter, highlighting its ability to provide relief from stress and pain.
• He emphasizes the importance of finding humor in everyday life and the role of comedy in bringing people together.
• Bodden reflects on the legacy of comedians like Richard Pryor and George Carlin, recognizing their contributions to social commentary and the evolution of humor.
• The conversation concludes with a discussion of the future of comedy, with Bodden expressing optimism about the continued growth and evolution of the art form.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Crack will take you know, I mean, Richard Pryor’s jokes like that shit is true. The pipe will tell you their day and shit. This is you and me. This is you and me. You ain’t you don’t need this bitch. You don’t need that fucking car. You don’t need you know, I I sold a crack car. I sold a a car ahead for 500 bucks, you know, to to smoke that up.”
• “When it comes to rehab, if I had walked out of the house on last comics standing into celebrity rehab. How fucking famous would I be now, Joe? Pre famous. Yeah. I blew it. He timed it more.”
• “I think that’s a difference between addicts and regular people. Like regular people like you get high, and you’re like, okay. I’m good. You know? I’m a high. I’m I’m in I’m having a good time. It is to that, but but when you’re an addict, it’s like you want that ultimate feeling that you got that one time, and you will you’ll sacrifice everything to get it.”
• “You know, I I grew up in blue collar home, and then you you grow up. You go to school. You get a job. Like entertainment showbiz is nowhere on the radar. that’s something that other people do when you watch on TV.”
• “I think if you look at comedy, you look at Santa Monica, I really think that we’re right now, we’re in the golden age. I don’t think there’s ever been more funny comics. I think the Because the Internet Yeah. Because the Internet guys like Joey that probably would have never made it on television, and they wouldn’t have gotten a shot on a tonight show back in the day now. you get to find out how funny they really are from podcasts and you get to go see them do stand up.”