JRE #779 – Andrew Dice Clay & Joey Diaz

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features the hilarious and controversial comedian Andrew Dice Clay alongside Joey Diaz, a comedian known for his outrageous and often shocking humor. The podcast delves into their personal lives, careers, and experiences within the comedy world, touching upon various topics from drug use and the entertainment industry to free speech and the nature of comedy itself. While both comedians are known for pushing boundaries, the conversation explores the dynamic between their public personas and their real selves, highlighting the complexities of balancing personal growth with maintaining a comedic brand.

Topic Analysis

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main topics covered in this podcast:

1. The Controversial Nature of Dice Clay’s Comedy:

• Clay’s comedy is known for its raunchy and offensive humor, which has often attracted backlash and accusations of misogyny and homophobia.
• Clay defends his style, claiming it is exaggerated and meant to be absurd rather than malicious. He emphasizes that his jokes are about the absurdity of human nature, not about hating specific groups.
• Clay’s approach to comedy involves playing a larger-than-life character, a comedic persona separate from his real personality. He argues that this allows him to explore taboo subjects in a way that is both humorous and thought-provoking.
• He points to the evolution of social norms and the increasing acceptance of edgy humor, suggesting that his style of comedy, once considered shocking, is now viewed as more acceptable in a world where even mainstream media often pushes boundaries.

2. The Power and Perils of Edgy Comedy:

• Both Clay and Diaz acknowledge the potential for negative repercussions when pushing boundaries with humor.
• They discuss the importance of navigating a delicate balance between pushing boundaries and avoiding unnecessary offense.
• The conversation highlights the changing landscape of humor, where topics once considered taboo are now more openly discussed in comedy.
• They discuss how comics like themselves have paved the way for a new generation of comedians to explore more controversial themes without facing the same level of backlash.

3. Drug Use and its Impact on Creativity:

• Clay and Diaz openly discuss their experiences with drugs, particularly marijuana and edibles.
• They explore the role of drugs in their creative processes, both positive and negative, highlighting how certain substances can enhance creativity but also lead to detrimental consequences.
• The conversation touches upon the cultural shift surrounding marijuana, where its use is becoming more normalized and accepted, even in the entertainment industry.
• They emphasize the importance of moderation and personal responsibility in the use of drugs, highlighting the need to avoid dependence or abuse.

4. The Importance of Free Speech in Comedy:

• Clay and Diaz passionately defend the right to free speech, especially within the realm of comedy. They argue that comedians should be allowed to explore controversial topics without fear of censorship.
• They discuss the growing sensitivity surrounding humor, highlighting how some topics are now considered off-limits in comedy, creating a climate of self-censorship.
• Clay argues that pushing boundaries with humor can be a way to challenge societal norms and spark important conversations.
• Both comedians advocate for a more tolerant and open-minded approach to humor, encouraging audiences to embrace the art of comedy in all its forms.

5. The Role of Personal Growth and Evolution in Comedy:

• Clay reflects on his journey from a brash and rebellious comedian to a more mature and introspective performer. He acknowledges the changes in his outlook and the impact of personal experiences on his comedy.
• Diaz shares his own personal struggles and how they have influenced his comedic voice.
• Both comedians emphasize the importance of personal growth and self-awareness, suggesting that true comedy comes from authenticity and a genuine understanding of oneself.
• They challenge the notion that comedians must always stay true to a specific persona, arguing that it is possible to evolve and grow as individuals while maintaining a distinct comedic style.

6. The Impact of the Comedy Store on Their Careers:

• Both Clay and Diaz attribute their success to the legendary Comedy Store in Los Angeles, a haven for comedic talent and a breeding ground for iconic acts.
• The conversation delves into the store’s history and its importance in shaping the landscape of stand-up comedy.
• They share anecdotes about their early days at the store, the influence of other comedians, and the challenges they faced in establishing themselves.
• They discuss the store’s lasting legacy and its enduring role as a hub for comedic innovation and talent discovery.

7. The Ups and Downs of Success in the Entertainment Industry:

• Clay candidly discusses the highs and lows of his career, including his meteoric rise to fame, subsequent backlash, and eventual comeback.
• He shares his experiences with the fickle nature of the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of resilience and staying true to oneself.
• Diaz offers his perspective on the challenges of navigating the entertainment business, emphasizing the need for hard work, talent, and a bit of luck.
• The conversation explores the delicate balance between ambition and humility, reminding listeners that success in the entertainment world is often fleeting and that staying grounded is essential.

8. The Impact of Social Media on Comedy:

• Clay and Diaz discuss the evolving role of social media in the comedic world, both its benefits and drawbacks.
• They touch upon how social media has democratized comedy, providing a platform for emerging comedians to reach wider audiences.
• They also address the negative aspects of social media, such as the prevalence of online harassment and the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona.
• The conversation highlights the need for comedians to navigate social media with a sense of balance and to prioritize their own mental health and well-being.

9. The Importance of Family and Personal Relationships:

• Both Clay and Diaz touch upon the importance of family and close relationships in their lives, emphasizing the need for support and understanding.
• Clay discusses the challenges of balancing his career with fatherhood and the impact of his public image on his children.
• Diaz shares his own perspectives on family dynamics and the role of personal connections in shaping their lives.
• They both acknowledge the importance of having a strong support system to navigate the ups and downs of life in the public eye.

10. The Role of Mentorship and Support in Comedy:

• Clay and Diaz highlight the significance of mentorship and support within the comedy community. They share stories about influential figures who helped them on their journey.
• They emphasize the importance of fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among comedians, recognizing that it can be a challenging and isolating profession.
• They discuss the value of having a strong network of peers who can offer encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
• Their conversation highlights the enduring power of mentorship and the impact that it can have on the development of comedic talent.

11. The Power of Storytelling in Comedy:

• Clay and Diaz discuss the art of storytelling in comedy, recognizing that the most impactful jokes often stem from personal experiences.
• They highlight how humor can be a way to process and make sense of life’s challenges.
• They encourage audiences to connect with their own personal stories and to embrace the power of laughter to heal and inspire.
• They emphasize that comedy can be a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and social change.

12. The Unexpected Nature of Success:

• Clay shares his experiences with unexpected success, describing how his career took off in ways he never anticipated.
• He reflects on the challenges of navigating fame and the pressures that come with it.
• Diaz echoes Clay’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself, even when success seems elusive.
• The conversation highlights the unpredictability of the entertainment industry and the importance of staying true to oneself, regardless of external pressures.

13. The Legacy of Iconic Comedians:

• Both comedians pay tribute to iconic figures in comedy, sharing their admiration for performers like Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, and Jerry Lewis.
• They discuss the lasting influence of these legends and how their work continues to inspire and shape the comedic landscape.
• They explore the evolution of comedy, highlighting the enduring power of humor to connect with audiences across generations.
• They express their gratitude for the legacy of comedy and its ability to transcend time and cultural differences.

14. The Importance of Authenticity in Comedy:

• Clay and Diaz emphasize the importance of authenticity in comedy, arguing that the most successful comedians are those who are true to themselves.
• They discourage aspiring comedians from trying to imitate others and encourage them to develop their own unique voice.
• They highlight the importance of self-discovery and the role that personal experiences can play in shaping comedic style.
• They argue that true humor comes from being genuine, authentic, and unafraid to embrace one’s individuality.

15. The Role of Comedy in Society:

• Clay and Diaz discuss the role of comedy in society, highlighting its power to challenge norms, spark conversations, and bring people together.
• They acknowledge the importance of humor in addressing difficult topics and providing social commentary.
• They emphasize the need for comedians to use their platform responsibly and to promote positive social change.
• The conversation underscores the power of laughter to unite people, challenge perspectives, and foster empathy and understanding.

Memorable Quotes

• “You know, it’s like, Opie and Anthony used to do the show. There’s no fucking around. Yeah. Just having some fun. I love it.” – Dice Clay on his comedic approach, emphasizing the importance of spontaneity and genuine enjoyment.
• “I’ve always said that, like, when people ask me, like, what’s your favorite kind of comedy? Like, I I would just wanna laugh. Like, when Joey is saying the most ridiculous shit, I laugh harder than anything you’ve ever heard in my life. It doesn’t have to make sense to me.” – Dice Clay on his appreciation for absurd humor and the power of laughter.
• “I could have been swearing to God, but I wanted like a a ballot. Don’t you think that the blowback is less ridiculous now though?” – Dice Clay on the evolution of social norms and the changing landscape of humor.
• “You know, it’s not filthy. It’s just sexual. And that’s a great thing coming from a twenty one year old because what should you be talking about?” – Dice Clay on his son’s musical style, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and exploring one’s own voice.
• “You know? But it it it just take I’m kidding about that. But but the point is, it’s like the one moment in your life. you know, when you’re blowing it out from the bottom of your nut bag, from all the pressure you might have gone through that day, You forget the world for those moments. The greatest feeling ever. If I could laugh hysterically, and becoming at the same time, I could die at that moment, and I’ll be happy.” – Dice Clay on the power of laughter and physical release, highlighting the profound impact of these experiences.