JRE #814 – Ari Shaffir

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6/22/2016

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Joe Rogan Podcast #814 – Ari Shaffir

This podcast is a wild ride through the minds of Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir, covering a spectrum of topics from music industry controversies to the bizarre world of plastic surgery, and even delving into the dark side of human nature with discussions about murder, addiction, and the complexities of belief systems. The conversation is punctuated by moments of raucous laughter, thought-provoking insights, and even a little bit of pee-related hilarity.

Topics

1. Led Zeppelin Lawsuit:

  • Ari Shaffir shares his love for Led Zeppelin, particularly “Whole Lotta Love” as a go-to song for getting high and relaxing.
  • The podcast delves into the ongoing lawsuit against Led Zeppelin for allegedly stealing the iconic riff of “Stairway to Heaven” from the band Spirit’s song “Taurus”.
  • The conversation explores the nuances of copyright infringement and whether a common chord progression can be considered plagiarism.
  • Joe Rogan humorously suggests that Robert Plant’s claim of foggy memory is understandable given the song’s age and the potential for “cry for help” as a sign of cognitive decline.

2. Plastic Surgery and Body Modification:

  • The conversation veers into the realm of plastic surgery, with Ari Shaffir suggesting that people with flat backs of the head should consider getting a “fake butt” implant to round it out.
  • Joe Rogan shares his knowledge of chin implants, highlighting the trend of people wanting to enhance their facial features.
  • The discussion explores the potential risks and consequences of body modification, including the possibility of implants becoming loose and the awkwardness of explaining a “motorcycle accident” to explain a strange head shape.
  • The podcast contrasts modern body modification with historical practices like head flattening in ancient cultures, illustrating the lengths people go to for beauty standards.

3. King Tut’s Health and Incest:

  • The conversation delves into King Tut’s health issues, revealing that the famed pharaoh suffered from a multitude of ailments, including clubfoot, feminine hips, and a pronounced overbite.
  • Research has confirmed that King Tut’s parents were brother and sister, highlighting the devastating consequences of incestuous relationships.
  • The podcast humorously contrasts King Tut’s unfortunate health with the fictional world of Game of Thrones, where incest seems to be more prevalent and less detrimental.
  • The discussion underscores the irony of nature, where a royal lineage marked by incest led to a king with severe health complications.

4. The Dark Side of Human Nature:

  • The conversation tackles the disturbing reality of people hiring assassins to eliminate spouses or rivals, drawing parallels to the Pam Smart case where a high school student was involved in a murder plot orchestrated by his teacher.
  • The podcast explores the psychological motivations behind such acts, suggesting that for some individuals, murder might be perceived as a simpler solution than divorce or facing consequences.
  • Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir discuss the “compartmentalization” of emotions that can allow individuals to disconnect from the gravity of their actions, showcasing the dark side of human psychology.
  • The podcast highlights the disturbing reality that some people become desensitized to violence, particularly those involved in the military or those who have killed before.

5. The Michael Jackson Scandal:

  • The podcast delves into the Michael Jackson child molestation scandal, discussing the allegations and the evidence that surfaced, including photos and diaries.
  • The conversation explores the complexities of separating an artist’s work from their personal transgressions, posing the hypothetical question of whether a great album should be withheld from the public due to its creator’s alleged crimes.
  • The podcast touches on the disturbing reality of child sexual abuse and the challenges of proving such allegations, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and due process.
  • Joe Rogan highlights the disturbing nature of the alleged photos involving adult bodies with children’s faces superimposed, raising questions about the psychological motivations behind such imagery.

6. The Future of Sex Technology:

  • The conversation ventures into the realm of future technologies, particularly focusing on the potential for realistic sex dolls with artificial intelligence and even artificial skin.
  • The podcast explores the ethical implications of such technology, raising questions about consent, agency, and the potential for blurring the lines between human connection and artificial simulation.
  • Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir humorously imagine a scenario where a woman discovers the “fake butt” in the back of her partner’s head, leading to a comical misunderstanding.
  • The podcast underscores the rapid pace of technological advancement and its impact on human relationships, questioning the potential consequences of increasingly sophisticated and realistic artificial companions.

7. The Dangers of Addiction:

  • The conversation explores the nature of addiction, specifically focusing on nicotine and its impact on individuals who quit smoking.
  • Ari Shaffir shares his personal experience with cigarette addiction, describing the craving as a “demon” that can be difficult to resist, even in dreams.
  • The podcast touches on the controversial idea that nicotine might have some potential health benefits, particularly in relation to cognitive function and memory enhancement, but ultimately acknowledging the serious risks associated with smoking.
  • The conversation highlights the allure and the struggle of breaking free from addictive substances, showcasing the complexities of overcoming chemical dependencies.

8. The OJ Simpson Trial:

  • The podcast revisits the infamous OJ Simpson trial, focusing on the controversial moment when OJ was asked to try on a glove that was allegedly found at the crime scene.
  • Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir discuss the glove’s ill fit and the possibility that OJ had another glove underneath, questioning the validity of the evidence presented.
  • The conversation delves into the allegations that Mark Fuhrman, a detective involved in the case, may have planted evidence, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.
  • The podcast highlights the enduring public fascination with the OJ Simpson trial, emphasizing its significance as a watershed moment in American legal history.

9. The Drug War and its Political Origins:

  • The podcast addresses the controversial origins of the war on drugs, highlighting the Nixon administration’s strategy of using drug charges to target the Civil Rights and anti-war movements.
  • The conversation explores the hypocrisy of criminalizing certain drugs while simultaneously allowing alcohol, which is arguably more harmful, to remain legal and widely accessible.
  • The podcast discusses the potential for regulation and legalization as a means of reducing harm and controlling access to drugs, particularly for minors.
  • The conversation highlights the historical context of the war on drugs and its potential role in shaping social and political dynamics.

10. The Hillary Clinton Email Scandal:

  • The podcast delves into the Hillary Clinton email scandal, exploring the allegations that WikiLeaks obtained emails from Clinton’s private server.
  • The conversation raises questions about the credibility of the hackers who claim to have accessed the emails and the potential for manipulation or fabrication of information.
  • The podcast touches on the controversy surrounding Facebook’s censorship of WikiLeaks’ attempts to release the emails, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the potential for biased information control.
  • The discussion highlights the political implications of the scandal and its potential impact on the 2016 presidential election.

11. The Problem with Primaries:

  • The podcast criticizes the system of political primaries, particularly the requirement for voters to be registered members of a specific party in order to participate.
  • Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir question the logic of restricting voting rights based on party affiliation, arguing for a more open and inclusive system.
  • The conversation explores the potential for voter apathy and the perception that primaries are irrelevant since the ultimate decision rests with the party establishment.
  • The podcast highlights the potential for primary elections to be more about party politics and backroom deals than about representing the will of the people.

12. The Tea Party and Political Polarization:

  • The conversation examines the rise of the Tea Party movement, discussing its initial ideals and its subsequent evolution into a more extreme and divisive force.
  • The podcast criticizes the Tea Party for its embrace of certain figures like Sarah Palin, suggesting that it has been hijacked by individuals who do not represent its original values.
  • The conversation highlights the dangers of political polarization and the way it can lead to vitriol, mistrust, and a breakdown of civil discourse.
  • The podcast underscores the need for reasoned debate and a shared commitment to democratic values in navigating political differences.

13. The World of Music Festivals:

  • The podcast delves into the experience of performing at music festivals, with Ari Shaffir sharing his experiences at Bonnaroo.
  • The conversation highlights the unique challenges of playing to audiences who are often intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, emphasizing the need for adaptability and crowd control.
  • The podcast contrasts different approaches to performing at festivals, comparing acts that rely on their hits with those that deliver more energetic and unpredictable performances.
  • The discussion underscores the importance of connecting with new audiences and pushing boundaries in a festival setting.

14. The Power of Performance:

  • The conversation touches on the impact of performance and its ability to inspire and motivate, highlighting the energy and passion displayed by musicians like Mick Jagger.
  • The podcast explores the dedication and commitment required to maintain a high level of performance, particularly as individuals age and their bodies change.
  • The conversation contrasts different performance styles, comparing the intensity of acts like Stone Temple Pilots with the more polished and calculated approaches of bands like Proggymayer.
  • The podcast underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and pushing boundaries in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

15. The Mystery of Lake Champlain:

  • The podcast delves into the legend of Lake Champlain, discussing the purported sightings of a large, serpentine creature known as Champ.
  • The conversation explores various theories about Champ’s identity, suggesting that it could be a giant sturgeon, a catfish, or even a prehistoric creature.
  • The podcast references the show “River Monsters” and its host, Jeremy Wade, who is known for capturing giant and unusual fish from around the world.
  • The discussion highlights the enduring fascination with cryptids and the possibility that unknown creatures might still exist in the world’s vast and unexplored waters.

16. The Conspiracies of Bigfoot and UFOs:

  • The podcast touches on the enduring popularity of Bigfoot and UFO conspiracy theories, acknowledging their presence in popular culture and the widespread belief in their existence.
  • The conversation explores the appeal of such theories, suggesting that they offer a sense of mystery and a challenge to conventional scientific understanding.
  • The podcast humorously references the documentary “Lock Ness” and its controversial depiction of the “monster” as a giant fish, highlighting the potential for misinterpretations and fabricated evidence.
  • The discussion underscores the human fascination with the unknown and the persistent belief in creatures and phenomena that defy scientific explanation.

17. The Impact of Marijuana Edibles:

  • The conversation explores the effects of marijuana edibles, highlighting their potency and the potential for unexpected and intense experiences.
  • The podcast delves into the debate about dosage and the importance of regulating edible potency, especially in states where marijuana is legal but not well-regulated.
  • Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir discuss the varying effects of edibles on different individuals, suggesting that body fat and metabolism might play a role in how people experience the drug.
  • The conversation underscores the importance of responsible use and understanding the potential risks associated with marijuana edibles.

18. The Challenges of Child Stardom:

  • The podcast delves into the controversial topic of child stardom, discussing the potential psychological and emotional toll it can take on young actors.
  • Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir share their personal experiences and observations of child actors, suggesting that they may face unique challenges in navigating fame and developing a sense of self.
  • The conversation explores the potential for exploitation and the pressures to “strike while the iron is hot,” questioning the ethics of promoting children’s careers at the expense of their development.
  • The podcast highlights the dangers of premature fame and the need to protect children from the potential harms of an industry that can be both lucrative and unforgiving.

19. The Kesha vs. Dr. Luke Case:

  • The podcast discusses the legal battle between singer Kesha and her producer, Dr. Luke, focusing on the allegations of sexual assault and the challenges of navigating contract law in such situations.
  • The conversation explores the complexities of proving sexual assault allegations, highlighting the difficulties of obtaining evidence and the potential for biases in the legal system.
  • The podcast touches on the importance of believing victims and recognizing the challenges they face in coming forward, while also acknowledging the need for due process and a fair trial for the accused.
  • The discussion underscores the power dynamics inherent in the music industry and the potential for exploitation and abuse, particularly for young artists entering the field.

20. The Importance of Free Shows:

  • Ari Shaffir advocates for the value of free shows, particularly in a city like Edinburgh where audiences are known for their demanding and often critical nature.
  • The conversation explores the benefits of allowing audiences to pay what they want, creating a more equitable and accessible environment for performers and fans alike.
  • The podcast contrasts the culture of free shows in Edinburgh with the more commercially driven approach to stand-up comedy in America, highlighting the differences in audience expectations and financial incentives.
  • The discussion underscores the importance of prioritizing art and creativity over financial gain, emphasizing the potential for a more collaborative and rewarding relationship between performers and their audiences.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “Why fuck around? Why not go straight to Denver?” – Joe Rogan, referencing Led Zeppelin’s decision to start their first tour in Denver, suggesting they knew it was the best spot.
  • “I don’t know shit about music, and I know you don’t either.” – Joe Rogan, acknowledging his own lack of musical expertise, while discussing the Led Zeppelin lawsuit.
  • “You need your mom for support. So, like, all of a sudden, he’s so strong? That pussy is so strong.” – Ari Shaffir, mocking the character of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, suggesting his newfound strength is absurd and relies on his mother’s guidance.
  • “It’s not child porn. No. It’s something to do with your child porn.” – Joe Rogan, trying to find a legal loophole for possessing child pornography, suggesting that superimposing a child’s face onto an adult body could be a way to avoid legal repercussions.
  • “That’s what you do now. You gotta throw drinks in bitches’ faces.” – Ari Shaffir, satirizing the behavior of reality TV housewives, mocking the need for drama and conflict to maintain their relevance.



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