JRE #711 – Brian Redban

This podcast features comedian Brian Redban, known for his Deathsquad podcast network. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the murder at the Comedy Store to the unreliability of memory, the cultural impact of technology, and the absurdity of modern-day controversies. Underlying themes explore the nature of truth in a digital age, the dangers of unchecked progress, and the evolving landscape of comedy and entertainment.

Major Topics

1. Murder at the Comedy Store

   • The shooting occurred during an “urban” comedy show at the Comedy Store, a popular Los Angeles comedy venue.
   • The shooter was described as wearing a hoodie but no further information was released about his identity.
   • The incident highlights the unreliability of eyewitness accounts, especially in stressful situations.
   • The lack of information about the shooter raises concerns about the potential for bias in investigations.

2. The Unreliability of Memory

   • Memory is not a reliable tool for recounting events, especially traumatic ones.
   • Stress and fear can significantly distort perceptions and recollections.
   • This underscores the importance of evidence-based investigations rather than relying solely on eyewitness accounts.
   • The podcast discusses how memory is more like a collection of snapshots rather than a continuous recording.

3. The Cultural Impact of Technology

   • The podcast explores how technology has changed our relationship with movies, music, and even communication.
   • The sheer volume of content available today makes it difficult to appreciate individual pieces of work, especially compared to the past.
   • The podcast discusses the decline of traditional media, such as magazines and radio, and the rise of podcasts and streaming services.
   • The podcast raises concerns about the potential for manipulation and misinformation in a world where digital content is easily accessible and often unverifiable.

4. The Dangers of Unchecked Progress

   • The podcast discusses the potential consequences of relying too heavily on technology, particularly in the event of a major disruption.
   • The podcast highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and traditional skills, arguing that we have become too dependent on technology for basic necessities.
   • The podcast discusses the potential for societal collapse in the absence of basic infrastructure and essential services.
   • The podcast warns about the dangers of relying on unreliable sources of information and the potential for misinformation to exacerbate social tensions.

5. The Absurdity of Modern-Day Controversies

   • The podcast explores the rise of “woke” culture and the increasing sensitivity surrounding gender identity and race.
   • The podcast discusses how these sensitivities can lead to self-destructive behavior, with individuals and groups attacking each other over perceived injustices.
   • The podcast criticizes the use of new terms and concepts to categorize and label individuals, arguing that this can lead to division and misunderstanding.
   • The podcast suggests that these controversies are often driven by a lack of perspective and an inability to engage with issues in a nuanced way.

6. The Evolving Landscape of Comedy and Entertainment

   • The podcast discusses the challenges facing traditional comedy venues and the rise of online platforms for stand-up comedy.
   • The podcast highlights the importance of originality and authenticity in comedy, arguing that stealing jokes is unacceptable.
   • The podcast explores the pressures facing comedians in a world where political correctness and social media scrutiny are increasingly prevalent.
   • The podcast discusses the ongoing debate about the boundaries of humor and the potential for comedy to be used as a tool for social commentary and change.

7. The Rise of Podcasts and Streaming Services

   • The podcast celebrates the accessibility and affordability of podcasts, arguing that they provide a more diverse and engaging form of entertainment than traditional radio.
   • The podcast discusses the potential for podcasts to challenge established power structures and offer alternative perspectives on current events.
   • The podcast highlights the increased freedom and control that podcasts offer to creators, enabling them to express themselves without the constraints of corporate oversight.
   • The podcast suggests that podcasts represent a significant shift in the media landscape, with the potential to democratize and diversify content creation.

8. The Impact of Social Media on Comedy

   • The podcast discusses the potential for social media to both amplify and stifle comedic voices.
   • The podcast explores the challenges of navigating social media platforms, where jokes can be easily misinterpreted and misconstrued.
   • The podcast highlights the importance of self-awareness and restraint in a world where comedic content is constantly scrutinized.
   • The podcast suggests that comedians must be mindful of the potential for their words to be used against them, particularly in a politically charged environment.

9. The Future of Technology and its Implications

   • The podcast discusses the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and automation.
   • The podcast explores the potential for these advancements to both benefit and harm humanity, raising concerns about job displacement, privacy, and the erosion of human agency.
   • The podcast discusses the importance of ethical considerations in the development and application of new technologies.
   • The podcast emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and debate about the future of technology and its impact on society.

10. The Importance of Authenticity and Originality in Comedy

    • The podcast highlights the importance of developing unique comedic voices and avoiding plagiarism.
    • The podcast discusses the cultural pressures facing comedians, where the temptation to borrow or steal material can be strong.
    • The podcast emphasizes the value of hard work, dedication, and self-reliance in the pursuit of comedic success.
    • The podcast argues that true comedic success comes from developing a unique perspective and voice, not from copying others.

11. The Role of Comedy in Society

    • The podcast explores the power of comedy to challenge norms, provoke thought, and bring about social change.
    • The podcast discusses the importance of satire and humor as tools for exposing hypocrisy and challenging authority.
    • The podcast suggests that comedy can play a vital role in fostering dialogue and understanding across social divides.
    • The podcast acknowledges the potential for comedy to be used as a weapon, but emphasizes its ability to bring people together and inspire positive change.

Memorable Quotes

• “People see things, and then the recollection of what they actually saw oftentimes is way off. Like, they’ve done these experiments with people. where they’ve put them in stressful situations like a fake bank robbery, and then they asked them to describe what happened. and people they get it so wrong. And they think in their head that it’s right.”
• “I just think our memory, we’d we’d like to think it’s like some stuff written down on paper or a video that you can watch and review, but it’s not. It’s it’s fucking very, very strange, especially when it comes to something like a murder. where someone steps out and boom, just shoot somebody.”
• “I remember I used to, like, land the lost. Oh, the sleet stacks. They’re a fucking so cool looking. Oh, excited. So there’s a good Godzilla King Kong movie coming out. Oh, Christ. So here’s why that’s stupid. Okay. Godzilla is 500 feet tall. King Kong’s 50 feet tall. Do you just stop? Does Japanese people fuck you. They fucked you with those movies because they violated all the laws.”
• “I think that to him is more exciting and more fun than podcasts, and it certainly reaches more people or comedy, I mean. Yeah. Then then comedy. Yeah. Because it certainly reaches more people because obviously, if he’s doing the show and if unless he’s putting it out on Netflix or Comedy Central or something like that, mean, he’s doing stand up for a couple hundred people at a time or a thousand people at the most.”
• “You’re you’re you’re not and you’re you’re concentrating on nonsense. But why are they concentrating on nonsense? Because they don’t have to worry about feeding themselves. They don’t have to worry about shelter. They don’t have to worry about being in Ohio. having no fucking power for a week, and everybody has to stay alive. You can’t get to work. Everybody’s like walking back and forth to each other’s house. sharing food and going out and getting firewood together and dragging it back at some little kids wagging.”