JRE #850 – George Perez

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience takes a wild ride through the life and experiences of stand-up comedian George Perez. From his days selling speed in Woodland Hills to his time spent in prison and the surprising world of stand-up comedy behind bars, Perez shares a raw and honest account of his journey. The conversation dives deep into themes of self-improvement, overcoming adversity, and the surprising ways in which humor and laughter can emerge even in the darkest of times.

Topics Covered

1. The Prevalence of Adderall and Pain Pills:
   • Rogan discusses the statistic that more people are on pain pills today than use tobacco, highlighting the widespread use of pharmaceuticals.
   • He compares this to the era of smoking in baseball, where players openly used cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
   • The conversation explores the potential for over-prescription of Adderall, questioning its effectiveness and the potential for dependence.
   • Rogan highlights the dangers of over-medicating children, citing an example of a young neighbor who was put on Prozac.
2. George Perez’s Speed Dealing Past:
   • Perez recounts his experiences selling speed in Woodland Hills in the 1990s.
   • He describes the drug’s effects and the physical signs that reveal someone is using speed.
   • The conversation touches on the historical use of speed by Hitler’s troops, highlighting its role in war and aggression.
   • Perez shares a chilling story about a lawyer who became involved in the meth business, illustrating the destructive potential of drug addiction.
3. Prison Culture and Life Behind Bars:
   • Perez explains the unexpected pressure to stay clean and healthy in prison, as being labeled a “junky” or “Jcat” can lead to bullying.
   • He debunks common misconceptions about prison rape, emphasizing that such behavior is strictly prohibited and often leads to violence among inmates.
   • Perez describes the daily routine in prison, from work assignments to yard time, and the surprisingly structured and sometimes enjoyable aspects of prison life.
   • He details the hierarchy and point system in prison yards, explaining the different levels of security and privileges based on behavior and crime type.
4. The Art of Cooking and Survival in Prison:
   • Perez describes the creative ways inmates cook food in prison, using homemade “stingers” to heat food in buckets and improvising grills.
   • He highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of inmates, who learn to repair plumbing, electrical systems, and other essential tasks within the prison environment.
   • Perez explains the prison currency system, which revolves around cigarettes, cup noodles, and other essential items.
   • He delves into the world of prison tattoos, describing how inmates create homemade tattoo guns, ink, and needles, often resulting in impressive and intricate work.
5. Stand-Up Comedy in Prison:
   • Perez recounts his experience performing stand-up comedy for fellow inmates, showcasing his unique ability to find humor in a harsh environment.
   • He explains the surprising approval and acceptance he received from inmates of all races and backgrounds, demonstrating the unifying power of laughter.
   • Perez describes the challenges of performing without a microphone and the unique dynamic of finding humor in the prison setting.
   • He shares a heartwarming story of performing for inmates and receiving a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken as payment, illustrating the joy of experiencing simple pleasures in a restrictive environment.
6. The Importance of Struggle and Overcoming Adversity:
   • Perez reflects on the value of struggle and adversity in life, explaining how experiencing hardship can make moments of ease and joy even more profound.
   • He compares his experience of hunting in Alaska to his time in prison, highlighting the realization that simple things like sunshine and Kentucky Fried Chicken can be deeply appreciated after facing adversity.
   • He emphasizes the importance of honesty with children about mistakes, allowing them to learn from past experiences and navigate the complexities of life.
   • Perez advocates for focusing on personal happiness and building strong relationships with loved ones, emphasizing that external achievements and material possessions are ultimately fleeting.
7. The Legal System and the Prison Industrial Complex:
   • Perez discusses his legal battles and the challenges of navigating the criminal justice system, highlighting the potential for bias and the difficulties of proving innocence.
   • He criticizes the over-incarceration of citizens, emphasizing the disproportionate number of people in prison and the potential for injustice.
   • The conversation delves into the financial incentives behind the prison system, exploring the business interests of prison guard unions, private prisons, and other entities.
   • Perez highlights the exploitative nature of prison labor, where inmates work for extremely low wages, producing goods that are sold on the open market.
8. The Wild Horse Issue in America:
   • Perez and Rogan discuss the unexpected problem of wild horses in Nevada, where they graze on farmland and conflict with cattle ranchers.
   • They explore the historical context of wild horses in America, noting their extinction and reintroduction and the impact of cattle ranching on their population.
   • The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of managing wild horse populations and the potential for hunting.
   • Perez highlights the unique and sometimes challenging coexistence of humans and wildlife in the American landscape.
9. The Ancient World and the Mysteries of Civilization:
   • Perez shares his fascination with ancient civilizations, particularly the Maya and their intricate understanding of astronomy and architecture.
   • He discusses the potential for psychedelic drug use among the Maya, highlighting its possible role in their rituals and belief systems.
   • Rogan and Perez explore the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza and the engineering feat it represents.
   • They delve into theories about the age of the Sphinx, suggesting that it may be much older than previously thought, highlighting the mysteries surrounding ancient Egyptian civilization.
10. The Role of Language and Perception:
    • Perez discusses the impact of language on shaping our understanding of the world, comparing the image-based languages of ancient civilizations to the complexities of the English language.
    • He explores the potential for misunderstanding and offense in language, particularly in the context of comedy, where subtle nuances can be easily misinterpreted.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of considering different cultural perspectives and avoiding assumptions based on language alone.
    • Perez reflects on the way in which language can both unite and divide people, influencing our perception of reality and our relationships with others.
11. The Evolution of Beauty Standards and Plastic Surgery:
    • Perez and Rogan discuss the evolving standards of beauty, particularly in South Korea, where plastic surgery is extremely prevalent.
    • They explore the motivations behind plastic surgery, including cultural pressures, personal aspirations, and the desire to conform to societal expectations.
    • The conversation highlights the potential for both positive and negative consequences of plastic surgery, from increased confidence to societal pressures and the pursuit of unrealistic ideals.
    • Perez and Rogan reflect on the societal obsession with physical appearance and the potential for objectification and discrimination.
12. The Importance of Finding Your Tribe and Supporting Each Other:
    • Perez emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and finding a supportive community, highlighting the value of friendship and camaraderie.
    • He shares his own experiences of finding a sense of belonging and support in the comedy community.
    • Rogan and Perez discuss the challenges of navigating social dynamics and the importance of finding people who understand and accept you for who you are.
    • The conversation encourages listeners to prioritize genuine connections and build lasting relationships with those who uplift and inspire them.
13. The Power of Humor and Laughter in Difficult Times:
    • Perez highlights the transformative power of humor and laughter, emphasizing its ability to bring joy and light into challenging situations.
    • He shares his personal experiences of finding humor in prison and the importance of laughter as a coping mechanism.
    • Rogan and Perez discuss the universality of humor and its ability to connect people from different backgrounds and experiences.
    • The conversation emphasizes the importance of cultivating a sense of humor and finding joy in the midst of life’s inevitable challenges.

Memorable Quotes

• “Speed is a weird one, man. You know, they had this statistic the other day on how many fucking people are on Adderall — which is just speed.” – Rogan highlights the normalization of stimulant use.
• “When you when you have ADD, which is real debatable whether or not that shit’s real, or how many people actually… I mean, is it just people with energy? Is it just people who are bored? They don’t wanna concentrate on whatever the fuck you want them to concentrate on?” – Rogan questions the validity and prevalence of ADD diagnoses.
• “I remember the first time I heard of ADD, like, I thought it was a gang. And I was like, do we get along with those folks? And they were like, nah, for what’s a focusing shit. And I was just like, oh, what the hell? A focusing shit?” – Perez shares a humorous anecdote about his initial misunderstanding of ADD.
• “I just seen my people fighting other people on you just, you don’t ask questions. There’s no questions to be asked.” – Perez explains the unspoken rules and dynamics of prison riots.
• “It’s kinda like how you say it’s it’s who you affiliate yourself with, and then, you know, when you come from your the street, there’s codes that just you’re taught from the beginning, they’re gonna follow you in there.” – Perez reflects on the enduring influence of street codes on his behavior, even after leaving prison.