JRE #785 – Dom Irrera

This episode features comedian Dom Irrera, known for his stand-up routine and his own podcast “Dom Irrera Live from The Laugh Factory”. The conversation dives into a range of topics, including the effects of nicotine and anxiety, the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, the power of social media, and the complexities of human behavior. Through anecdotes and reflections, Dom and Joe explore the shared experiences of comedians, offering insights into the world of stand-up, the nature of success, and the importance of friendship in navigating a demanding and often chaotic profession.

1. Nicotine’s Effects and the Culture of Relaxation
   • Dom acknowledges the addictive nature of nicotine, emphasizing that smoking cigars is a high rather than a relaxing activity.
   • Joe and Dom discuss the perception of cigar smoking as sophisticated, contrasting it with the stigma surrounding marijuana use.
   • The conversation touches on the ways in which certain substances and activities are culturally accepted and normalized despite their addictive qualities.
   • Dom’s experience with Xanax, which helps with his anxiety, highlights the potential for medication to normalize feelings that are often considered “abnormal” in a society that values “normalcy”.
2. Anxiety and Its Impact on Life
   • Dom reveals his struggle with anxiety, which began in the 2nd grade, and his journey towards managing it.
   • Joe acknowledges his own experiences with anxiety, particularly the feeling of not knowing its source.
   • The conversation explores the chemical nature of anxiety, highlighting its impact on the brain and its connection to broader social anxieties.
   • They discuss coping mechanisms, including exercise, alcohol, and even medication, acknowledging the potential for both positive and negative consequences associated with these methods.
3. The Evolution of Transportation and Its Impact on Drinking Habits
   • Dom’s aversion to using ride-sharing services like Uber reflects his preference for traditional forms of transportation and a possible resistance to change.
   • The discussion delves into the ways in which technology has altered the landscape of social interaction, including the impact of Uber on drinking habits.
   • Dom’s tendency to drink more now than before due to the availability of ride-sharing services raises questions about how readily available transportation options might influence individual behavior.
   • The conversation touches on the broader societal implications of technology, particularly its ability to facilitate connections between people while potentially altering their interactions and behaviors.
4. The Rise of the Internet and the Transformation of Comedy
   • Dom and Joe acknowledge the transformative power of the internet, particularly its role in connecting comedians and building their careers.
   • They reflect on how social media platforms like Twitter and podcasting have become essential tools for reaching audiences, bypassing traditional gatekeepers of the entertainment industry.
   • Dom highlights the importance of podcasting in reaching diverse audiences, particularly in international markets, and how it has overshadowed traditional late-night television.
   • The conversation explores the shift in power dynamics within the entertainment industry, as the internet has empowered creators and challenged the authority of traditional media outlets.
5. The Culture of Hollywood and the Impact on Creativity
   • Dom expresses his frustration with the competitive and often cutthroat nature of Hollywood, particularly the audition process and the pressure to conform.
   • Joe echoes Dom’s sentiment, emphasizing how the desire for validation and acceptance can stifle creativity and authenticity in the entertainment industry.
   • The conversation explores the tension between artistic expression and the demands of the industry, highlighting how the drive for fame and recognition can lead to anxieties and a desire to please others.
   • They acknowledge the inherent difficulty of being judged by others and how this can influence individuals to create work that aligns with perceived expectations, potentially hindering originality and risk-taking.
6. The Importance of Friendship and Support in Comedy
   • Dom highlights the crucial role of friendship in navigating the challenges of a competitive and demanding profession like comedy.
   • The conversation emphasizes the value of having a support system that fosters creativity and provides a space for vulnerability.
   • Dom contrasts the joy of performing for friends with the pressure of performing for a general audience, demonstrating how intimacy and connection can enhance creativity and performance.
   • Joe and Dom share stories about their relationships with other comedians, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual support that exists within the community.
7. The Dark Side of Competition and the Importance of Humility
   • Dom and Joe discuss the destructive nature of extreme competition, particularly in fields where success is often seen as a zero-sum game.
   • They examine the motivations and behaviors of “extreme winners”, often driven by a desire to dominate and control, potentially at the expense of others.
   • The conversation touches on the importance of humility and how it can contribute to a more collaborative and supportive environment.
   • Dom and Joe contrast the competitive dynamics of fields like sports and combat sports with those of the arts, suggesting that kindness and cooperation can be more beneficial in creative fields.
8. The Role of Jealousy in Success and Failure
   • Dom delves into the destructive nature of jealousy, drawing parallels between human jealousy and that of chimpanzees.
   • The conversation explores the tendency for individuals to compare themselves to others and become envious of their success.
   • Dom emphasizes that a mindset focused on comparing oneself to others can be a recipe for unhappiness, as it fosters a sense of inadequacy and resentment.
   • The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing one’s own unique talents and pursuing personal growth rather than fixating on the achievements of others.
9. The Nature of Intelligence and the Limits of Human Knowledge
   • Dom playfully mocks the intelligence of certain comedians, highlighting the wide range of intellectual abilities within the comedy world.
   • The conversation explores the limitations of human knowledge, particularly in relation to scientific concepts like the size of the Earth and its distance from the Sun.
   • Dom uses this humorous observation as a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the importance of humility in the face of the unknown.
   • The conversation touches on the inherent fallibility of human perception and the importance of embracing curiosity and a willingness to learn.
10. The Impact of Corporate Comedy and the Importance of Authenticity
    • Dom expresses his dislike for performing corporate gigs, emphasizing his preference for maintaining his own style and voice.
    • The conversation explores the tension between artistic integrity and the demands of a paying audience.
    • Dom argues that hiring a comedian for a specific purpose (like a corporate gig) can stifle their creativity and limit their ability to be themselves.
    • Joe and Dom discuss the importance of authenticity in comedy, emphasizing the need for artists to remain true to themselves and their vision, regardless of external pressures.
11. The Importance of Finding Your Voice and Maintaining Creativity
    • Dom and Joe discuss the importance of finding one’s voice in comedy, acknowledging how different comedians develop their own unique styles and approaches.
    • They emphasize the importance of constant evolution and growth, encouraging comedians to keep pushing their boundaries and creating new material.
    • The conversation touches on the challenge of remaining relevant in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the need for comedians to stay connected to their audience and adapt to their evolving interests.
    • Dom and Joe emphasize that comedic success requires a commitment to both artistic expression and a willingness to embrace change and adapt to the demands of the evolving world of comedy.
12. The Role of Management and the Importance of Choosing the Right Path
    • Dom and Joe discuss the importance of choosing the right management for comedians, highlighting how bad managers can stifle creativity and hinder career growth.
    • They share stories about comedians who have encountered managers who have provided them with poor advice or pressured them to conform to a specific image.
    • The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding managers who support the artist’s vision and provide constructive feedback.
    • They stress the need for comedians to trust their instincts and find their own path, regardless of external pressures or advice.
13. The Fascinating World of Animals and the Complexities of Nature
    • Dom and Joe delve into the fascinating world of animals, discussing various species and their behaviors, including gorillas, chimpanzees, crocodiles, and deer.
    • The conversation explores the interconnectedness of nature, highlighting the ecological balances and consequences of human interference, such as the overpopulation of deer and the impact on predator populations.
    • They discuss the ethical implications of predator control and the ongoing struggle to manage wildlife populations in an increasingly urbanized world.
    • The conversation highlights the need for understanding and respect for the natural world and the importance of responsible stewardship in preserving biodiversity.
14. The Unpredictability of Life and the Importance of Embracing the Present
    • Dom and Joe discuss the inevitability of death and the importance of embracing the present moment.
    • They encourage listeners to appreciate the unique experiences of life and to avoid being paralyzed by the fear of its eventual end.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in the present, reminding listeners that this is the only time they truly have.
    • Dom and Joe encourage listeners to embrace their mortality and to live life to the fullest, as this is the only life they have.
15. The Power of Belief Systems and the Importance of Critical Thinking
    • Dom and Joe discuss the impact of belief systems on individual lives, referencing Scientology as an example.
    • The conversation touches on the allure of rigid belief systems, often offering comfort and purpose but potentially hindering independent thought and critical thinking.
    • They explore the complexities of indoctrination and the difficulty of breaking free from established belief systems.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a critical perspective and questioning established norms, encouraging listeners to remain open-minded and skeptical.
16. The Importance of Supporting and Encouraging Fellow Comedians
    • Dom and Joe express their admiration for comedians who continue to create and evolve their work, highlighting the importance of continuous growth and development.
    • They celebrate the contributions of comedians like George Carlin and Rodney Dangerfield, who remained active and innovative throughout their careers.
    • The conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow comedians, both through collaborative efforts and through acknowledging their contributions to the art of comedy.
    • Dom and Joe encourage listeners to support the comedians they admire and to celebrate the diversity of voices and styles within the world of comedy.
17. The Evolution of Comedy and the Shift in Power Dynamics
    • Dom and Joe reflect on the evolution of comedy, noting how the rise of social media and streaming services has shifted power dynamics within the industry.
    • They discuss how comedians are now able to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach wider audiences through direct connections with their fans.
    • The conversation highlights the increased importance of online presence and the growing influence of social media platforms in shaping the comedic landscape.
    • Dom and Joe celebrate the current era as a golden age for comedy, characterized by a diverse range of voices and a renewed emphasis on artistic expression.
18. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Acceptance
    • Dom and Joe emphasize the importance of being true to oneself, both in personal life and in the pursuit of comedy.
    • They encourage listeners to embrace their unique qualities and to avoid conforming to expectations or pressures to fit in.
    • The conversation highlights the need for self-acceptance and the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in one’s own individuality.
    • Dom and Joe remind listeners that true success comes from pursuing one’s passions and embracing one’s authentic self, rather than trying to please others or conform to external pressures.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Those guys who think it’s really cool to relax with cigar smoke and all makes me nauseous. Yeah. It’s it doesn’t make me relax. It’s fun. I like to do it, but it’s a high. They’re they’re lying in themselves. That’s a high. It’s a nicotine high.”
• “It’s one of those things. It’s like so common, and it’s so a part of the culture that we look at that as being less ridiculous and more like reserved and intelligent than if someone got together in in a little shack there. like a smoke shop and there was smoking pot together.”
• “I just don’t wanna I mean, it’s like and the thing that’s funny about Uber it to me is the idea, like, you know, I I used to drink maybe 1, 2 drinks a night, but now what’s that? See, I drink all day.”
• “It’s not it’s not for me. Grow up, bitch. You don’t do corporate. Right? No. You just do your own thing. You don’t do it when it’s not worth it.”
• “You gotta be free — Yeah. — to go off. You know? It’s like we’re a guy like Joey. He’s got you gotta be free to be able to just cut loose.”