JRE #847 – Dan Carlin

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9/15/2016

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Joe Rogan Podcast #847 – Dan Carlin

This podcast is a deep dive into the minds of Joe Rogan and Dan Carlin, exploring a wide range of topics from the nature of history and podcasting to the complexities of politics and American culture. Provocative themes include the evolving nature of American identity, the impact of technology on communication and society, and the challenges of confronting corruption and power structures.

The Evolution of Podcasting

  • The Shift from “Funky” to Serious: Carlin originally intended his “Hardcore History” podcast to be a light-hearted exploration of history but quickly shifted to a more in-depth and rigorous approach as listeners requested greater detail and context.
  • The Rise of Professionalism: The podcasting landscape has become increasingly competitive, with amateur creators facing off against established institutions like NPR. This has driven a focus on improving sound quality, research, and editing practices.
  • The Burden of Responsibility: Carlin recognizes the weight of his position as a historian, acknowledging the responsibility to provide accurate information that can shape people’s understanding of the past.
  • The Slow Pace of Production: Carlin embraces the slower pace of “Hardcore History” compared to Rogan’s faster-paced political commentary. He argues that the depth and rigor of his work necessitate more time and effort.

The Nature of History

  • The Recency of American History: Both Rogan and Carlin highlight the relative youth of the United States, particularly when compared to the long history of other nations. They suggest that this recency contributes to a distorted perception of American identity and its place in the world.
  • The Lingering Legacy of Slavery: The podcast delves into the enduring effects of slavery in the United States, discussing how the legacy of racism and segregation continues to impact contemporary society. The conversation touches on the evolution of racial dynamics, from government-sanctioned segregation to more nuanced forms of prejudice and discrimination.
  • Immigration and Identity: The conversation explores the role of immigration in shaping American culture and the changing demographics of various communities. Rogan and Carlin discuss the impact of immigration on boxing, reflecting on the cyclical nature of immigrants seeking economic opportunity and navigating societal challenges.
  • The “Why Don’t You See Any Great Jewish Boxers Anymore?” Debate: Carlin references an article that explored the rise and fall of Jewish boxers in America, connecting it to the broader narrative of immigrant assimilation and the changing socioeconomic landscape. This discussion highlights the often-overlooked historical context surrounding sports and cultural identity.

The Politics of Power and Corruption

  • The Role of Money in Politics: The podcast tackles the pervasive influence of money in American politics, examining how campaign finance laws have evolved and how this system favors wealthy individuals and corporations. Rogan and Carlin express concern about the disenfranchisement of ordinary citizens who lack the resources to effectively participate in the political process.
  • The “Pay to Play” System: Carlin argues that the “pay to play” system, where political influence is directly tied to financial contributions, fosters a culture of corruption and undermines democratic principles. He suggests that this system undermines the ideal of equal representation, as wealthy donors wield significant sway over policy decisions.
  • The Rise of the “Strong Man”: Rogan and Carlin discuss the appeal of strongman figures in politics, drawing parallels to historical figures like Julius Caesar and highlighting the dangers of unchecked power. They express concern about the growing trend of voters seeking authoritarian leaders, suggesting that this trend could erode democratic institutions and values.
  • The Dilemma of Reform: Rogan and Carlin grapple with the challenges of reforming a system deeply entrenched in corruption and ingrained power structures. They explore the complexities of addressing systemic issues that benefit those in power, acknowledging the inherent obstacles to meaningful change.

The Evolving Role of Government

  • The Post-World War II Shift: The podcast examines the significant shift in American governance after World War II, particularly in the realm of national security. The creation of agencies like the CIA and the NSA, driven by fears of communism and nuclear threats, fundamentally altered the balance of power and the relationship between government and citizens.
  • The Rise of Surveillance and Secrecy: Rogan and Carlin discuss the increasing levels of surveillance and secrecy in the United States, expressing concern about the erosion of privacy rights in the name of national security. They highlight the potential dangers of unchecked governmental power and the lack of accountability in a system increasingly opaque to the public.
  • The “Secret Government”: The podcast explores the concept of a “secret government,” suggesting that a clandestine network of officials operates beyond the oversight of elected representatives. They discuss the potential for abuses of power within these secretive structures and the difficulty of holding them accountable.
  • The “Chickens Coming Home to Roost”: Rogan and Carlin discuss the inevitable consequences of excessive secrecy, drawing a parallel to a private business where employees entrusted with sensitive information might abuse that trust. They suggest that when governments conceal too much information from the public, it becomes nearly impossible to prevent leaks and whistleblowing.

The 2016 Election

  • The Rise of Donald Trump: Rogan and Carlin examine the rise of Donald Trump as a political phenomenon, reflecting on his appeal to voters and his unconventional approach to campaigning. They discuss Trump’s use of inflammatory rhetoric and populist appeals, noting the anxieties and grievances that have fueled his support.
  • The “Strong Man” Appeal: The podcast analyzes the “strong man” appeal of Trump, suggesting that his promises of decisive action and his rejection of political correctness resonate with voters who feel disillusioned with the current state of American politics. They explore the potential dangers of electing a leader who embraces authoritarian tendencies and rejects traditional norms of political discourse.
  • The Role of the Media: Rogan and Carlin discuss the media’s role in shaping public perceptions of Trump and the 2016 election. They explore the media’s coverage of Trump’s controversial statements and actions, reflecting on the potential for biased reporting to influence voters. They also acknowledge the potential for the media to be manipulated by political actors, highlighting the challenges of navigating a complex and often-partisan news environment.
  • The Uncertain Future: The podcast concludes with a sense of uncertainty about the future of American politics, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the 2016 election and its potential impact on the country’s trajectory. They reflect on the challenges of governing in a deeply divided society and the potential for further polarization and instability.

The Kennedy Assassination

  • The Enduring Mystery: Rogan and Carlin revisit the Kennedy assassination, revisiting the enduring conspiracy theories and the conflicting evidence surrounding the event. They delve into the role of Lee Harvey Oswald, the Warren Commission report, and the Zapruder film, exploring the various interpretations and arguments that have fueled decades of speculation.
  • The “Magic Bullet” Theory: The podcast examines the controversial “magic bullet” theory, which suggests that a single bullet struck both President Kennedy and Governor Connolly. They question the plausibility of this theory, considering the complex trajectory and the extent of damage inflicted. They acknowledge the difficulty of drawing definitive conclusions based on ballistics evidence, highlighting the uncertainties that persist in the case.
  • The Potential for a Conspiracy: Rogan and Carlin discuss the possibility of a larger conspiracy surrounding the assassination, considering the motives and actions of various players, including the CIA and organized crime. They recognize the inherent difficulty in proving or disproving such theories, acknowledging the limitations of evidence and the potential for hidden truths to remain shrouded in secrecy.
  • The Importance of Transparency: The podcast emphasizes the importance of government transparency in addressing historical events like the Kennedy assassination. They critique the decision to seal the full files on the assassination for decades, arguing that this secrecy undermines public trust and perpetuates speculation.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “You can’t really declare war if there’s nuclear weapons that could, you know, there’s a whole bunch of things where you go, ‘Hey, I kinda get what was going on.'” – Carlin acknowledges the complex challenges of the Cold War era and the need for a new approach to national security.
  • “The CIA is a terrible failure. They miss all the big things, whether it’s the fall of the Soviet Union. You name it.” – Carlin criticizes the CIA’s effectiveness and raises concerns about its potential for abuses of power.
  • “We don’t make people who are wrong in this country pay the price.” – Rogan bemoans the lack of accountability for those who make significant errors in government, particularly in foreign policy.
  • “There’s gotta be a point where somebody has to sit down and say, ‘Look, we have a constitution that does this. Here’s the way the world really works. Now either we’re gonna go back to one or we’re gonna discard one and completely embrace the other.'” – Rogan calls for a reckoning with the fundamental contradictions in American politics, acknowledging the gap between ideals and reality.
  • “If you can’t if we can’t get it together now, just follow the current trends outward. If nothing changes, what is the 2020 election gonna look like?” – Carlin expresses concerns about the potential for continued decline and polarization in American politics, questioning the future of democratic institutions.



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