JRE #882 – Tom Papa

by

12/5/2016







Podcast Topics: #882 – Tom Papa

Tom Papa, a comedian, actor, writer, and television/radio host, joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation touching on various aspects of his life and career. The podcast delves into Papa’s stand-up comedy, his views on the comedy industry, his approach to writing and performing, and his personal insights on life, relationships, and current events. Topics also explore the dynamics of fame, the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing media landscape, and the role of humor in navigating the complexities of the modern world. Underlying themes throughout the conversation include the pursuit of authenticity, the importance of hard work, the power of perspective, and the ongoing struggle to find meaning and connection in a chaotic world.

Podcast Topics:

  1. Tom Papa’s Stand-Up Comedy:

    • Papa’s approach to stand-up comedy: Papa emphasizes the importance of developing and refining jokes over time, rather than rushing out new material.
    • The importance of touring: Papa highlights how touring allows comedians to hone their material and develop their comedic timing.
    • The role of confidence: Papa stresses the impact of confidence in delivering jokes, arguing that it enhances their effectiveness.
    • Papa’s 4th special: Papa discusses his upcoming special “Human Mule” on EPIX and how it reflects a significant period in his comedic journey.

  2. The Comedy Industry:

    • The rise of “premise pilots”: Papa criticizes the trend of comedians rushing out specials, suggesting that jokes need time to develop and mature.
    • The impact of the internet: Papa explores how the internet has changed the way comedians approach their careers, leading to an emphasis on constant new material.
    • The importance of a body of work: Papa highlights the significance of having a catalog of work that showcases a comedian’s evolution and style.
    • The challenges of balancing new and old material: Papa discusses the delicate balance of delivering new material while also acknowledging the appeal of familiar jokes for longtime fans.

  3. Late Night Television:

    • The evolution of late-night talk shows: Papa discusses the changing role of late-night talk shows and how they have become more focused on celebrity gossip and topical humor.
    • The challenges of late-night hosts: Papa highlights the pressure and demands of being a late-night host, particularly in terms of producing constant new material.
    • The impact of social media: Papa explores how social media has influenced the way late-night shows are consumed and the pressure it places on hosts to be constantly relevant.
    • The role of comedians as guests: Papa argues that comedians are the best guests on late-night shows because they can naturally fill the conversational void.

  4. Rodney Dangerfield:

    • Rodney’s work ethic: Papa shares a story about Rodney’s dedication to his craft, revealing how he spent years writing jokes while working a blue-collar job.
    • The origins of “I don’t get no respect”: Papa explores the evolution of Rodney’s signature catchphrase, highlighting the impact of subtle word choices.
    • Rodney’s impact on the comedy industry: Papa reflects on Rodney’s influence on the comedic landscape, particularly his emphasis on physical comedy and self-deprecating humor.
    • Rodney’s legacy: Papa pays tribute to Rodney’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest comedians of all time, recognizing his unique ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

  5. The Impact of Fame:

    • The allure of celebrity stories: Papa discusses the tendency for comedians to tell stories about celebrities once they achieve fame, highlighting how it can detract from their focus on personal material.
    • The challenges of maintaining a personal life: Papa reflects on the difficulties of balancing fame with maintaining a sense of normalcy and privacy.
    • The isolation of fame: Papa explores how fame can lead to isolation, limiting a comedian’s exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences.
    • The importance of staying grounded: Papa emphasizes the need for comedians to remain grounded in their own experiences and perspectives, even as they navigate the world of fame.

  6. The Power of Perspective:

    • The importance of self-awareness: Papa highlights the role of self-awareness in understanding one’s motivations and how they can influence both physical and mental well-being.
    • The impact of stress and anxiety: Papa discusses the link between stress, anxiety, and physical pain, emphasizing the need to address underlying emotional issues.
    • The power of mindfulness: Papa encourages a mindset of mindfulness, recognizing the patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to stress.
    • The benefits of simplifying: Papa reflects on the potential for simplifying life and reducing stress, suggesting that it can lead to a greater sense of happiness and well-being.

  7. The Importance of Hard Work:

    • The role of discipline: Papa emphasizes the importance of discipline in maintaining a consistent writing routine and pushing through creative blocks.
    • The benefits of physical activity: Papa highlights how physical activity can contribute to a more balanced and focused mind, enhancing creative output.
    • The importance of socialization: Papa stresses the value of social interaction in sparking new ideas and expanding one’s perspectives.
    • The power of embracing imperfection: Papa encourages writers to embrace imperfection and not to get discouraged by moments of creative stagnation.

  8. Technology and the Future:

    • The impact of smartphones: Papa discusses the pervasive influence of smartphones, particularly on young people, and the potential dangers of distracted driving.
    • The rise of fake news: Papa explores the increasing difficulty of discerning truth from falsehood in the age of fake news, highlighting the challenges of navigating a highly manipulated media landscape.
    • The future of communication: Papa speculates on the potential for brain-to-brain communication and how it could revolutionize human interaction and potentially eliminate the need for language as we know it.
    • The impact of virtual reality: Papa discusses the emerging technology of virtual reality and its potential for transforming entertainment and the way we experience the world.

  9. The Role of Humor:

    • The importance of laughter: Papa emphasizes the therapeutic power of laughter in navigating challenging situations and finding joy in the everyday.
    • The ability to connect: Papa explores how humor can bridge divides and foster connections, even in the face of societal polarization.
    • The power of vulnerability: Papa discusses the importance of being vulnerable in comedy, revealing personal experiences and struggles to create a deeper connection with audiences.
    • The role of comedy in social commentary: Papa reflects on how comedy can be used to offer critical commentary on social issues and challenge societal norms.

  10. The Marijuana Legalization Movement:

    • Papa’s personal experiences with marijuana: Papa shares his own history with marijuana use, highlighting his evolution from frequent use to a more occasional approach.
    • The potential for economic growth: Papa explores the potential for economic growth through the legalization of marijuana, citing the positive effects it has had in states like Colorado.
    • The political landscape: Papa discusses the current political climate surrounding marijuana legalization and the potential for progress under the Trump administration.
    • The potential for social change: Papa reflects on the broader societal implications of marijuana legalization, suggesting that it could lead to a more progressive and tolerant society.

  11. The Trump Administration:

    • Trump’s impact on the political landscape: Papa discusses the divisive nature of the Trump presidency and the impact it has had on American society.
    • The role of fake news: Papa explores the role of fake news in shaping public perception of the Trump administration, highlighting the challenges of discerning truth from falsehood.
    • The potential for change: Papa reflects on the potential for positive change under the Trump administration, particularly in areas such as marijuana legalization and criminal justice reform.
    • The future of America: Papa contemplates the long-term implications of the Trump presidency and its impact on the future of American society.

  12. The Importance of Authenticity:

    • The importance of being yourself: Papa encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves, recognizing the value of individuality and personal expression.
    • The challenges of conforming to societal expectations: Papa discusses the pressures to conform to societal expectations and the importance of resisting those pressures to maintain one’s unique identity.
    • The power of vulnerability: Papa highlights the importance of vulnerability in forging genuine connections with others, sharing personal experiences and struggles to create a sense of shared humanity.
    • The pursuit of meaning and connection: Papa reflects on the ongoing search for meaning and connection in a world often characterized by isolation and superficiality.

  13. The Importance of Community:

    • The role of friends and family: Papa emphasizes the importance of having a strong support network of friends and family in navigating life’s challenges.
    • The value of genuine connection: Papa discusses the power of genuine connection with others, creating a sense of belonging and purpose.
    • The importance of shared experiences: Papa highlights how shared experiences, particularly in the realm of comedy, can foster a sense of community and shared understanding.
    • The power of humor in bringing people together: Papa reflects on the ability of humor to transcend differences and unite people in shared laughter.

  14. The Role of the Media:

    • The impact of social media: Papa discusses the profound impact of social media on how we consume information and interact with the world.
    • The challenges of navigating a changing media landscape: Papa explores the difficulties of staying relevant and authentic in a rapidly changing media environment.
    • The importance of critical thinking: Papa encourages listeners to engage in critical thinking, questioning the information they consume and seeking out multiple perspectives.
    • The power of the individual: Papa emphasizes the importance of individuals taking responsibility for the information they share and the impact it can have on society.

  15. The Power of the Unknown:

    • The uncertainty of life: Papa acknowledges the inherent uncertainty of life and the challenges of navigating the unknown.
    • The importance of embracing change: Papa encourages listeners to embrace change and adapt to a constantly evolving world.
    • The pursuit of growth: Papa highlights the importance of continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally.
    • The power of hope: Papa expresses hope for the future, believing in the resilience of humanity and our ability to overcome challenges.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “Even two and a half years, and I try and just do it when it’s ready, but I feel like you keep 2 and a half years is kind of rushing it. There’s jokes. If they stay in your act for 5 years, it’s no joke that that thing becomes something different. They become better.”
  • “I think we in our own heads think that people don’t wanna see this, but they do wanna see it. Some do, but the ones who don’t when they say, ‘Oh, you’re doing the same old jokes.’ That’s so devastating that you gotta keep moving.”
  • “The worst thing happened to a lot of comedians in the eighties is that they never wrote new material. Yeah. They just kept doing the same stuff. They get 45 minutes and just wrote it out — Yeah. — whole career. They had a set.”
  • “I think that you need to do I think you if you wanted to be a mixed martial artist and you only wanted to work on your skill, I think you’re doing yourself with the service. I think you need to do strength and conditioning as well.”
  • “I don’t know. I mean, because it’s a it was a little self aware moment because I do like I said, I’m I feel like I’m pretty care free, but why the hell was my neck so?”


 

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