JRE #778 – Ari Shaffir

This Joe Rogan podcast with Ari Shaffir takes a wild ride through various topics, ranging from the bizarre to the philosophical. Here’s a glimpse into the thought-provoking conversations that unfold:

Topic Breakdown

1. Eye Surgery and MMA Ipokes:

• Rogan describes his recent eye surgery, highlighting the discomfort and the healing process.
• He expresses his aversion to eye pokes in MMA, finding them more disturbing than even powerful punches.
• The conversation delves into the vulnerability of the eye, highlighting the fragility of human senses.
• Rogan’s discomfort reflects the shared human aversion to physical harm, especially when directed towards delicate areas.

2. Ancient Roman Practices and Sexual Morality:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the acceptance of pederasty (sexual relationships between adult men and young boys) in ancient Roman culture.
• They explore the contrast between ancient and modern societal norms, questioning the fluidity of moral boundaries.
• The conversation sparks debate about the evolving understanding of consent, abuse, and societal acceptance of sexual practices.
• This topic highlights the complexities of history and morality, prompting a critical examination of how societal values change over time.

3. Chase Bank’s ISIS Mishap and Censorship:

• Shaffir recounts a story about a man whose Chase bank account was flagged due to his use of the word “dash” (his dog’s name) in the memo line.
• The bank’s automated system mistook “dash” for “Daesh”, the Arabic term for ISIS, leading to a temporary freeze of his account.
• Rogan and Shaffir criticize the bank’s overzealous security measures and the potential for unintended consequences due to algorithmic bias.
• This topic delves into the dangers of overreliance on technology, highlighting the need for human oversight and the importance of context in automated decision-making.

4. Customer Service Encounters and Human Connection:

• Rogan shares his frustrations with customer service interactions, particularly when dealing with repetitive issues and irate customers.
• He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in these situations, acknowledging the pressures faced by customer service representatives.
• The conversation touches on the emotional toll of dealing with countless complaints, underscoring the human element in seemingly impersonal interactions.
• This topic underscores the importance of human connection even in seemingly transactional scenarios, highlighting the impact of empathy and understanding.

5. Siri and Artificial Intelligence:

• Rogan recounts how Siri’s voice activation triggered his phone while listening to a podcast, showcasing the unintended consequences of voice-activated technology.
• He delves into the potential for AI to misunderstand context and misinterpret speech, leading to humorous and sometimes embarrassing situations.
• The conversation touches on the growing presence of AI in our lives, prompting discussion about its potential benefits and drawbacks.
• This topic raises questions about the future of human-machine interaction, highlighting the need for AI to evolve in a way that understands nuance and context.

6. Virtue Signaling and Cultural Appropriation:

• Shaffir discusses the concept of “virtue signaling,” popularized by Michael Schrummer, where individuals flaunt their moral stances through actions and statements.
• He critiques this behavior, finding it often insincere and ultimately counterproductive.
• The conversation touches on the complexities of social movements and cultural appropriation, exploring the line between genuine advocacy and performative gestures.
• This topic delves into the dynamics of social behavior, highlighting the importance of authenticity and genuine commitment in social activism.

7. Gluten-Free Diets and Sugar Consumption:

• Rogan shares his experience with a gluten-free diet, revealing that while he doesn’t have an intolerance, he discovered the connection between gluten and sugar.
• He adopts a “no sugar on Wednesdays” approach, suggesting a conscious effort to reduce sugar intake.
• This topic touches on the growing awareness of dietary choices and their impact on health and well-being.
• Rogan’s approach highlights the individualization of dietary choices and the ongoing exploration of different food philosophies.

8. Texas Barbecue and Culinary Delights:

• Rogan raves about Dr. Hoggie’s Wagies, his favorite barbecue spot in California, known for its generous portions and classic Americana vibe.
• He delves into the intricacies of barbecue, discussing the merits of different cuts of meat, especially brisket, ribs, and spare ribs.
• This topic highlights the cultural significance of food and its power to evoke memories and create shared experiences.
• Rogan’s enthusiasm showcases the joy of indulging in culinary delights, exploring the diverse landscape of food culture.

9. Franklin Barbecue and the Cult of Culinary Fandom:

• Rogan describes the legendary Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, known for its long lines and exceptional brisket.
• He discusses the phenomenon of culinary fandom, where enthusiasts are willing to wait for hours to experience specific culinary experiences.
• The conversation touches on the unique dynamics of food culture, highlighting the social aspects of dining and the creation of shared rituals around food.
• This topic explores the power of food to create communities and the cultural significance of culinary traditions.

10. The Ethics of Shoplifting and Subconscious Motivation:

• Shaffir recounts a story about a friend who shoplifted clothes, highlighting the psychological factors behind such behavior.
• He explores the idea of shoplifting as a form of rebellion, especially among young people who feel financially disadvantaged.
• The conversation touches on the complexities of social class, economic inequality, and the desire for material possessions, prompting discussion about the motivations behind such actions.
• This topic delves into the intersection of psychology, sociology, and economic reality, raising questions about the social forces that contribute to crime and deviance.

11. Airport Stealing and the Power of Perception:

• Rogan admits to taking free water from airport vendors, questioning the exorbitant pricing and suggesting that he is fighting the system.
• He justifies his actions by arguing that the cost of water is inflated and that the effort required to produce and deliver it does not justify the price.
• This topic prompts discussion about the ethics of minor theft and the role of perception in justifying actions.
• Rogan’s perspective challenges conventional notions of theft, highlighting the complexities of perceived fairness and the boundaries of individual morality.

12. The Great Wall of China and Tourist Scams:

• Rogan shares a story about a confrontation with a vendor on the Great Wall of China who attempted to overcharge him for a Gatorade.
• He describes the tourist scams that often target unsuspecting visitors, highlighting the need for awareness and negotiation skills.
• This topic touches on the dynamics of tourism and the tension between locals and visitors, highlighting the potential for cultural misunderstandings and economic exploitation.
• Rogan’s experience underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for travelers to be mindful of local customs and market dynamics.

13. The Absurdity of Six-Year-Old Handcuffs and Systemic Injustice:

• Rogan discusses a viral news story about a six-year-old girl who was handcuffed by school security for stealing candy.
• He criticizes the school’s disproportionate response and the potential for racial bias in such situations.
• The conversation delves into the overzealous application of law enforcement in schools, highlighting the need for age-appropriate discipline and the dangers of perpetuating a culture of fear.
• This topic exposes the complexities of law enforcement, questioning the appropriate use of authority and the potential for systemic biases to disproportionately affect certain communities.

14. The “Room” Movie and the Power of Self-Expression:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss “The Room,” a notoriously bad movie that has gained a cult following.
• They find the movie perplexing, highlighting its unusual narrative and technical flaws.
• The conversation delves into the concept of artistic expression, questioning the boundaries of taste and the power of personal vision, even when unconventional.
• This topic examines the spectrum of filmmaking, challenging conventional notions of quality and demonstrating the enduring power of unconventional storytelling.

15. The Trump Presidency and Political Showmanship:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, focusing on his unconventional approach and his ability to manipulate media attention.
• They explore the role of showmanship in contemporary politics, questioning whether it outweighs substantive policy proposals.
• The conversation touches on the dynamics of media coverage, the influence of social media, and the potential for misinformation and manipulation in the public sphere.
• This topic delves into the complexities of modern political discourse, highlighting the challenges of separating truth from fabrication and navigating the evolving landscape of political communication.

16. The Democratic Party and the 2016 Presidential Election:

• Rogan and Shaffir analyze the Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, contrasting their approaches to campaigning and their perceived stances on various issues.
• They discuss the alleged discrepancies between Clinton’s public pronouncements and her private speeches, questioning the authenticity of her positions.
• This topic raises concerns about the role of money in politics, highlighting the potential for candidates to be influenced by donors and special interests.
• Rogan and Shaffir’s analysis reveals the deep divisions within the Democratic party and the challenges of navigating the complexities of the political landscape.

17. Government Waste and Inefficiency:

• Rogan shares a story about wasteful government spending from a defense contractor, highlighting the bureaucratic inefficiencies and potential for corruption within the system.
• He critiques the lack of accountability and transparency, emphasizing the need for reform.
• The conversation touches on the complex relationship between government and private entities, exposing the potential for abuse and the need for greater oversight.
• This topic underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility, challenging the status quo and prompting a call for greater accountability in government spending.

18. The Drone Strike Debate and Ethical Considerations:

• Rogan discusses the Obama administration’s use of drone strikes, raising concerns about the targeting of civilians and the lack of transparency surrounding these operations.
• He questions the ethical justification for such actions, particularly in regions where the US is not officially at war.
• This topic delves into the complexities of modern warfare, prompting a debate about the use of technology, the value of human life, and the need for ethical considerations in military strategy.
• Rogan’s critique highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the use of military force, raising questions about the role of the government and the impact of such actions on civilians.

19. The NSA and Government Surveillance:

• Rogan discusses the power of the NSA and its surveillance capabilities, highlighting the potential for abuse and the erosion of privacy rights.
• He raises concerns about the targeting of civilians and the lack of transparency surrounding government surveillance programs.
• This topic explores the intersection of technology, security, and privacy, prompting a debate about the balance between national security and individual freedoms.
• Rogan’s concerns highlight the need for greater oversight and public discourse about government surveillance, emphasizing the importance of protecting civil liberties in a digital age.

20. The UFC and the Power of Rematches:

• Rogan analyzes the upcoming rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, highlighting the financial and narrative significance of this fight.
• He explores the psychology of fighters, discussing the desire for redemption and the impact of previous losses on future performance.
• The conversation touches on the evolution of fighting styles, the role of strategy, and the importance of recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses.
• This topic delves into the world of professional fighting, showcasing the dynamic nature of competition, the importance of mental resilience, and the drive for victory.

21. The Role of Steroids in Combat Sports:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs in MMA, particularly the use of steroids.
• They question the double standards surrounding steroid use, comparing the perception of steroid use by men and women.
• This topic raises ethical and moral questions about the pursuit of athletic excellence, prompting discussion about the potential risks and benefits of performance-enhancing substances.
• Rogan and Shaffir’s analysis highlights the complexities of drug testing, the pursuit of fairness in competition, and the need for ethical considerations in athletic performance.

22. The Evolution of Comedy and the Impact of the Internet:

• Rogan and Shaffir discuss the changing landscape of comedy, highlighting the impact of the internet and the rise of social media platforms.
• They explore how the internet has democratized comedy, providing new avenues for exposure and enabling comedians to bypass traditional gatekeepers.
• This topic touches on the cultural significance of humor, the power of storytelling, and the evolution of comedy as a form of social commentary.
• Rogan and Shaffir’s analysis reveals the transformative influence of the internet on comedy, highlighting its potential to foster innovation and redefine the boundaries of the art form.

23. The Comedy Store and the Culture of Stand-Up:

• Rogan and Shaffir reflect on the importance of the Comedy Store, a legendary venue in Los Angeles, as a breeding ground for stand-up talent.
• They discuss the unique atmosphere and the collaborative spirit that fosters creativity and growth among comedians.
• This topic celebrates the enduring legacy of stand-up comedy, highlighting the importance of community, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
• Rogan and Shaffir’s reflections underscore the role of the Comedy Store in shaping the landscape of comedy, showcasing the power of shared passion and the dedication required to excel in the art form.

Memorable Quotes

• “When you watch a guy get beat up, like Conor got beat up against Nate, and he shoots for a takedown, and then gets taken down, Nate gets on top of him, beats him up, and then chokes him and taps real quick. Like, Nate just dominated him once it got to the ground.”
• “The game does not care about personalities. The game does not care about confidence. It sure doesn’t mean to interact of fist and face and chokes and necks and kicks and bodies, it does not care about anything other than what works.”
• “That’s why John Jones is so spooky. Yeah. Nobody’s beating John Jones. John Jones has one loss and it’s a disqualification.”
• “It’s only showmanship. Well, also, it’s who else is running. Sure. And what tech cruise offer? Have you seen those videos tech cruise made? Yeah. The commercials. Yeah. We’ll need to show the the outtakes.”
• “You know, honestly, like, some of the things that men have been caught with have been pretty unnatural as well, like super human levels of testosterone that don’t even exist in medical books. You know? So it’s you could argue that it’s dangerous because a woman does change her anatomy.”