JRE #829 – Wayne Federman

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8/2/2016

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Joe Rogan Experience #829 – Wayne Federman

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features comedian, actor, and musician Wayne Federman. While the conversation touches upon a wide range of topics, it ultimately explores themes of self-improvement, the nature of truth and perception, and the absurdity of human behavior. It also delves into Federman’s unique experiences with various facets of life, including his passion for martial arts, his perspective on drugs, and his views on the entertainment industry.

Major Topics

  1. Stolen Twitter Handle and Online Identity:
    1. Federman’s experience of having his Twitter handle, @WayneFederman, stolen by someone who claimed to know him.
    2. The frustration and lack of response from Twitter regarding the stolen handle.
    3. The individual’s access to Federman’s personal information and the potential for further damage.
    4. The discussion highlights the vulnerabilities of online identity and the potential for harm in the digital realm.
  2. Myspace and its Legacy:
    1. Federman’s continued presence on Myspace, despite its widespread perception of being a “dead zone.”
    2. The humorous anecdote about a song on Myspace about parents forgetting their passwords, referencing the platform’s waning relevance.
    3. The conversation explores the lingering presence of bands on Myspace, hinting at the platform’s potential for a resurgence.
    4. The topic touches upon the cyclical nature of technology and its impact on social interactions.
  3. Nonfiction Reading and Coyotes:
    1. Federman’s preference for nonfiction over fiction, stemming from his childhood experiences with reading.
    2. His fascination with coyotes and his current read, a book titled “Coyote: A Natural and Supernatural History,” by Dan Flores.
    3. The discussion on coyotes’ resilience, adaptation, and spread throughout North America, contrasting their flourishing with the plight of endangered species.
    4. The topic explores the intersection of nature, human impact, and the complexities of wildlife management.
  4. The Debate on Hawaii’s Statehood:
    1. Federman’s strong opinion that Hawaii should be returned to its indigenous people, emphasizing their right to self-determination.
    2. Rogan’s more pragmatic perspective, acknowledging the potential military and economic importance of Hawaii but also recognizing the injustices of its annexation.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of historical injustices and the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights.
    4. The topic reflects a broader discourse on colonialism, sovereignty, and the complexities of nation-building.
  5. The Six Flags of Texas:
    1. A discussion on the six flags that have flown over Texas, symbolizing the state’s rich and often tumultuous history.
    2. The inclusion of the Confederate flag as the sixth flag prompts a discussion on its controversial legacy, highlighting the evolving perceptions of historical symbols.
    3. The topic delves into the ongoing debate on Confederate symbolism, its connection to slavery, and the ongoing struggle to reconcile with the past.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the fluidity of historical narratives and the importance of understanding evolving interpretations of the past.
  6. Coyotes’ Evolutionary Resilience:
    1. Federman’s comparison between coyotes’ population growth and the resilience of Jewish people, sparking a humorous but potentially controversial point.
    2. The discussion on the factors contributing to the increase in coyote populations, such as their adaptability and reproductive rates.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of human-animal interactions, specifically the impact of persecution and its unintended consequences.
    4. The topic highlights the potential for drawing parallels between human and animal resilience, despite the inherent differences.
  7. The Power of Now and Self-Improvement:
    1. Federman’s discussion on the importance of being present and focused, referencing the book “The Power of Now,” by Eckhart Tolle.
    2. His dislike for Stephen King’s audiobook narration, leading to a humorous anecdote about removing the cassette tape from a player.
    3. The conversation emphasizes the value of mindfulness, self-reflection, and the challenge of staying present in a fast-paced world.
    4. The topic highlights the ongoing search for meaning, purpose, and balance in a complex world.
  8. Joe Hill: Writer vs. Union Activist:
    1. Federman’s confusion regarding the existence of a person named Joe Hill, leading to a discussion on the namesake union activist and writer Joe Hill.
    2. The connection between the writer Joe Hill (Stephen King’s son) and the union activist Joe Hill is revealed, adding a layer of intrigue to the conversation.
    3. The discussion explores the potential for a deliberate name change to honor the legacy of the activist.
    4. The topic touches upon the power of names, historical figures, and the impact of legacy on individuals.
  9. Elvis Presley and His Legacy:
    1. A discussion on Elvis Presley’s iconic status, delving into his cultural impact and eventual demise due to drug addiction.
    2. Federman’s perspective on Elvis as a cultural icon, acknowledging his musical talent but emphasizing his role as a symbol of Americana.
    3. The conversation explores the complexities of celebrity, fame, and the potential for self-destruction.
    4. The topic highlights the enduring fascination with Elvis, his influence on popular culture, and the lasting impact of his rise and fall.
  10. The Myth of Rosa Parks:
    1. A detailed explanation of the actual events surrounding Rosa Parks’ arrest, challenging the common misconception about her actions.
    2. Federman’s emphasis on the often misrepresented narrative of Parks’ actions and the need for accurate historical understanding.
    3. The conversation highlights the complexities of historical narratives, the importance of challenging misinformation, and the need for critical analysis of historical events.
    4. The topic delves into the ongoing discourse on civil rights, racial injustice, and the importance of accurately portraying historical figures.
  11. The Recency of the Wild West:
    1. Federman and Rogan’s shared surprise at how recently the “Wild West” era occurred, highlighting the relative youth of the United States.
    2. The discussion explores the speed of societal development, contrasting the vast changes in the past 200 years with the seeming stability of the present.
    3. The conversation challenges the perception of history as a distant and unchanging entity, emphasizing the dynamism of historical progression.
    4. The topic highlights the importance of understanding the past to better navigate the complexities of the present and the future.
  12. The Allure and Dangers of Belief Systems:
    1. Federman’s personal story of leaving Scientology, highlighting the challenges of leaving a rigid belief system.
    2. The discussion on the allure of belief systems, especially those that offer a sense of belonging, purpose, and self-importance.
    3. The conversation delves into the potential dangers of indoctrination, the difficulty of deprogramming, and the importance of critical thinking.
    4. The topic explores the complexities of human behavior, the power of persuasion, and the challenges of confronting ingrained beliefs.
  13. The Role of Discipline in Self-Improvement:
    1. Federman’s emphasis on discipline as a key factor in his personal growth and success, both in martial arts and comedy.
    2. The discussion on the challenges of staying disciplined, especially in creative fields where procrastination and self-doubt are common.
    3. The conversation explores the importance of developing routines, overcoming mental obstacles, and the value of consistent effort.
    4. The topic highlights the ongoing pursuit of self-improvement, the power of habit formation, and the role of discipline in achieving goals.
  14. The Absurdity of Human Behavior:
    1. Federman and Rogan’s shared fascination with the bizarre and often perplexing aspects of human behavior, including the prevalence of drug use and the pursuit of fame.
    2. The conversation touches upon the contradictions inherent in human nature, the allure of self-destruction, and the often irrational motivations behind actions.
    3. The topic explores the complexities of social dynamics, the role of peer pressure, and the influence of societal norms on individual behavior.
    4. The conversation highlights the inherent humor in observing human behavior and the potential for finding meaning in the absurdity of existence.
  15. The Impact of Psychedelic Drugs on Creativity and Perception:
    1. Federman’s exploration of his experiences with psychedelic drugs, specifically DMT and mushrooms, and their impact on his creativity and self-awareness.
    2. The discussion on the potential benefits and risks associated with psychedelic drug use, acknowledging both the transformative experiences and the potential for negative consequences.
    3. The conversation delves into the nature of consciousness, the exploration of altered states, and the search for deeper meaning and understanding.
    4. The topic highlights the ongoing debate on the use of psychedelic drugs for therapeutic and spiritual purposes.
  16. The Evolution of Comedy and its Boundaries:
    1. Federman’s perspective on the evolution of his own comedy, acknowledging the importance of refining material and finding the right voice.
    2. The discussion on the challenges of pushing boundaries in comedy, navigating the evolving landscape of social norms and acceptable humor.
    3. The conversation delves into the delicate balance between pushing boundaries and avoiding offensive humor, highlighting the complexities of satire and social commentary.
    4. The topic explores the role of comedy in challenging societal norms, confronting uncomfortable truths, and sparking dialogue.
  17. The Impact of Social Media on Public Discourse:
    1. Federman and Rogan’s critique of the impact of social media on public discourse, specifically its role in fostering outrage and limiting free speech.
    2. The discussion on the potential for social media to be used as a tool for silencing dissenting voices, amplifying negativity, and hindering open dialogue.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of online communication, the importance of responsible engagement, and the need for critical analysis of information.
    4. The topic highlights the need for navigating the evolving landscape of online discourse, fostering meaningful conversation, and promoting responsible use of technology.
  18. The Absurdity of Caitlyn Jenner:
    1. Federman’s blunt and often controversial critique of Caitlyn Jenner, highlighting her contradictions and perceived obsession with attention.
    2. The discussion delves into the complexities of transgender identity, the need for understanding and respect, but also the potential for criticizing hypocrisy and self-serving behavior.
    3. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate on transgender rights, the challenges of navigating societal expectations, and the importance of challenging double standards.
    4. The topic reflects a broader discourse on the complexities of identity, the pursuit of authenticity, and the need for responsible social commentary.
  19. The Importance of Discipline in Comedy:
    1. Federman and Rogan’s discussion on the importance of discipline for comedians, emphasizing the need for consistent writing, performing, and refining material.
    2. The conversation explores the tendency for some comedians to become complacent, relying on old material and avoiding the challenge of creating new work.
    3. The topic highlights the importance of staying creative, embracing growth, and pushing boundaries in the pursuit of comedic excellence.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the dedication, hard work, and continuous learning required to build a successful career in comedy.
  20. The Role of Technology in Filmmaking:
    1. The discussion on the increasing quality and accessibility of technology, specifically the use of smartphones for filmmaking, as seen in the movie “Tangerine.”
    2. Federman and Rogan’s acknowledgment of the advancements in smartphone technology, challenging the perception of professional filmmaking requiring expensive equipment.
    3. The conversation explores the democratization of filmmaking, the potential for independent voices to reach wider audiences, and the blurring lines between amateur and professional filmmaking.
    4. The topic highlights the impact of technology on creativity, the potential for innovation, and the evolution of storytelling in the digital age.
  21. The Enduring Power of Elvis Presley:
    1. A discussion on the unprecedented impact of Elvis Presley on popular culture, referencing his influence on music, film, and fashion.
    2. Federman and Rogan’s shared observation on the intensity of Elvis’ fanbase, particularly the reactions from women in his early performances, highlighting his star power.
    3. The conversation explores the phenomenon of fandom, the enduring appeal of icons, and the impact of celebrity on society.
    4. The topic highlights the lasting legacy of Elvis Presley, his influence on generations of artists, and his enduring cultural significance.
  22. The 10,000-Hour Rule and Elvis Presley’s Exception:
    1. Federman and Rogan’s discussion on the “10,000-Hour Rule” popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, which suggests mastery requires significant dedicated practice.
    2. Elvis Presley is presented as a notable exception to this rule, highlighting his rapid rise to fame and stardom without extensive formal training.
    3. The conversation explores the complexities of talent, innate abilities, and the potential for achieving success without following traditional paths.
    4. The topic challenges the notion of a standardized formula for success, emphasizing the role of unique talents, timing, and opportunity in achieving mastery.
  23. The Absurdity of Queen’s Live Performances:
    1. Federman’s humorous anecdote about witnessing Queen’s live performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” where the band skipped the beginning of the song and played the opera section on a recording.
    2. The conversation delves into the bizarre and often unexpected aspects of live music performances, highlighting the creative choices artists make to enhance their shows.
    3. The topic explores the intersection of music, performance art, and the desire to create memorable experiences for audiences.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the artistic vision behind live performances and appreciating the often unconventional choices made by artists.
  24. The Importance of Free Speech in Comedy:
    1. Federman and Rogan’s passionate defense of free speech in comedy, challenging the notion of certain topics being “off limits.”
    2. The discussion tackles the concept of “punching down,” exploring the nuances of satire and the potential for offensive humor.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of social commentary, the role of comedians as social critics, and the importance of responsible humor.
    4. The topic highlights the ongoing debate on comedy’s boundaries, the need for open dialogue, and the importance of protecting free expression.
  25. The Importance of Discipline in the Entertainment Industry:
    1. Federman and Rogan’s discussion on the challenges of staying disciplined in the entertainment industry, highlighting the temptation for complacency and the importance of constant growth.
    2. The conversation explores the prevalence of “tragic stories” of comedians who fail to evolve their material, highlighting the importance of staying relevant and engaging audiences.
    3. The topic delves into the complexities of the entertainment industry, the pressure to stay successful, and the importance of continuous learning and innovation.
    4. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, adapting to change, and embracing the challenges of artistic evolution.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “You’re gonna learn something about me.” – Wayne Federman, highlighting the unconventional and sometimes surprising nature of his personality.
  2. “This is the most sensitive I’ve ever seen you in my life.” – Joe Rogan, commenting on Wayne’s vulnerable side during their discussion on confidence.
  3. “High level problem solving with dire physical consequences.” – Joe Rogan, offering a unique and insightful definition of MMA as a sport.
  4. “You can’t be human in that world.” – Joe Rogan, commenting on the constraints of political life and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
  5. “It’s a symptom. It’s all coming out of social media. It’s a consequence of people being able to criticize and get upset about things and become recreationally outraged.” – Joe Rogan, commenting on the influence of social media on public discourse and the rise of “outrage culture.”



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