JRE #885 – Tom Segura

This podcast features a lively conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Tom Segura, exploring various topics ranging from comedy and entertainment to the world of sports and beyond. Provocative and controversial themes emerge, including fat shaming, the impact of drugs on performance, and the realities of the entertainment industry. Underlying themes explore the complexities of success, the importance of self-belief, and the ever-evolving world of technology.

Major Topics

1. Morning TV Shows and the Restrictive Nature of Comedy:
   1. Tom Segura shares his experiences on morning TV shows, highlighting the restrictive nature of the format for comedians.
   2. He discusses the challenges of adapting his stand-up style to a family-friendly audience.
   3. Segura emphasizes the importance of reaching specific target audiences for ticket sales.
   4. The conversation touches upon the low percentage of potential fans watching morning TV in Toledo, showcasing the disconnect between certain comedic styles and mass media.
2. The Genius of Tracy Morgan’s Improv:
   1. Joe Rogan and Tom Segura discuss the unforgettable moment when Tracy Morgan started slapping his stomach and claiming someone was getting pregnant on a morning TV show.
   2. They praise Morgan’s comedic timing and the sheer absurdity of his improv.
   3. Segura emphasizes how Morgan’s reference to Horace Grant, a Chicago Bulls player, was a brilliant, specific detail that added layers of humor.
   4. They speculate about the presence of producers in Morgan’s ear, potentially influencing his performance.
3. The Unique World of UFC Broadcasts:
   1. Segura describes the extraordinary experience of attending a UFC fight the day after performing a stand-up show.
   2. He contrasts this with the traditional, more conservative approach of major sports broadcasters who wouldn’t likely engage in similar pre-game activities.
   3. Segura highlights the benefits of having work trips that are also exciting and fun, emphasizing the allure of live UFC fights.
   4. The conversation acknowledges the energy and intensity of live UFC events, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
4. The Astounding Skill of High-Level Athletes:
   1. Rogan and Segura discuss the remarkable athleticism and skill of basketball players, particularly LeBron James.
   2. They emphasize the almost supernatural ability of elite players to anticipate moves and execute complex passes with incredible accuracy.
   3. They contemplate whether these skills are primarily innate talent or the result of dedicated practice.
   4. The conversation extends to the fascination of watching high-level athletes in any sport, including soccer, darts, and MMA.
5. The Physicality of NFL Players:
   1. Segura and Rogan marvel at the sheer size and strength of NFL players, comparing them to regular individuals.
   2. They discuss the evolution of player size and athleticism over the years, highlighting the incredible feats of strength and agility.
   3. The conversation touches upon the use of steroids and the difficulty of knowing the extent to which they contribute to athletic performance.
   4. They discuss the intentional weight gain of some players, particularly linemen, to gain a physical advantage.
6. The Excitement and Intensity of UFC Fights:
   1. Segura and Rogan highlight the intense energy and excitement of UFC fights, particularly when witnessed live.
   2. They emphasize the “realness” of the sport and the high stakes involved in every exchange.
   3. They discuss the significance of crowd energy and how it contributes to the overall experience.
   4. They acknowledge the potential consequences of the sport, the physical risks, and the adrenaline rush it provides.
7. The Rise of UFC Popularity:
   1. Segura and Rogan trace the rise of UFC popularity back to a pivotal fight in 2005 between Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin.
   2. They discuss how this fight, which originated from the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” changed the game for the sport.
   3. They highlight the fight’s importance as a showcase of intense, exciting, and unpredictable action.
   4. They also discuss the impact of “The Ultimate Fighter” in introducing UFC to a wider audience.
8. The Skill and Charisma of Connor McGregor:
   1. Segura and Rogan discuss Connor McGregor’s exceptional ability to handle pressure and perform under intense scrutiny.
   2. They question whether his pre-fight antics are genuine or a calculated act to manage pressure.
   3. They acknowledge McGregor’s incredible skill as a fighter and his status as one of the best shit talkers in MMA history.
   4. They highlight McGregor’s ability to “ice” opponents with a single punch and his unique fighting style.
9. The Allure of the Dark Player:
   1. Segura and Rogan discuss the captivating nature of watching exceptionally skilled individuals, even in unexpected sports, like darts.
   2. They emphasize the fascination of witnessing someone who is so far ahead of their peers, showcasing true mastery.
   3. They highlight the humbling aspect of realizing that these individuals are competing against others who are also at the top of their game.
   4. They acknowledge the sense of awe and amazement that comes with witnessing such exceptional skill.
10. The Importance of Overcoming Adversity:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the importance of finding something to pursue that challenges you and allows for growth.
    2. They emphasize the inherent human desire to overcome obstacles and the satisfaction that comes with achieving goals.
    3. They highlight the importance of finding what works for your individual brain and not comparing yourself to others.
    4. They argue that pursuing personal improvement, whether in physical fitness, art, or any other area, can bring a sense of meaning and happiness.
11. The Impact of Fat Shaming:
    1. Segura and Rogan engage in a lively discussion about fat shaming, exploring its potential benefits and drawbacks.
    2. Segura expresses his belief that fat shaming, when delivered effectively, can be a form of constructive criticism, challenging individuals to confront their behavior.
    3. They acknowledge the sensitivity surrounding the issue and the potential for emotional harm.
    4. They discuss the importance of individual tolerance and the potential for positive motivation through fat shaming.
12. The Importance of Authenticity in Entertainment:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the importance of authenticity in entertainment and how it connects with audiences.
    2. They emphasize how genuine personalities resonate with fans and create a stronger connection.
    3. They highlight the rise of platforms like Periscope and YouTube, which allow individuals to connect with their audiences more directly and authentically.
    4. They also discuss the growing popularity of podcasts and how they allow for more intimate and unfiltered conversations.
13. The Impact of Technology on Memory:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the implications of technology on memory, particularly the ability to record and share memories.
    2. They contemplate the potential for technology to alter our perception of the past and our ability to recall personal experiences.
    3. They express concerns about the potential for technology to create a disconnect between our lived experiences and our digital representations of them.
    4. They explore the potential for technology to enhance and even manipulate our memories in the future.
14. The Perils of Processed Foods and Sugars:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the dangers of processed foods and the negative impact of sugar consumption.
    2. They emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and moderation in food choices.
    3. They acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding saturated fats and their impact on health.
    4. They discuss the importance of consuming natural, unprocessed foods and avoiding excessive sugar intake.
15. The Importance of Exercise and Physical Activity:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the importance of exercise and physical activity for overall health and well-being.
    2. They emphasize the benefits of regular exercise, including increased energy levels, improved mood, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    3. They acknowledge the challenges of maintaining a consistent exercise routine and the importance of finding activities you enjoy.
    4. They highlight the importance of incorporating a variety of exercises and not limiting yourself to a single type of activity.
16. The Nature of Success and Addiction:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the addictive nature of success and the potential for it to drive individuals to achieve more.
    2. They acknowledge the allure of seeing progress and the desire to keep pushing boundaries.
    3. They highlight the importance of finding a healthy balance between ambition and self-care.
    4. They discuss the potential pitfalls of becoming obsessed with success and losing sight of personal well-being.
17. The Importance of Mindfulness and Connection:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the dangers of excessive screen time and the importance of engaging in real-world interactions.
    2. They highlight the importance of spending time with loved ones and fostering meaningful connections.
    3. They acknowledge the challenges of disconnecting from technology and the addictive nature of social media.
    4. They encourage listeners to prioritize face-to-face interactions and cultivate genuine relationships.
18. The Power of Laughter and Humor:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the transformative power of humor and its ability to connect people and make them feel better.
    2. They emphasize the importance of finding joy in life and celebrating the absurdity of existence.
    3. They acknowledge the importance of laughter in challenging times and its ability to bring people together.
    4. They encourage listeners to embrace humor as a tool for personal growth and connection.
19. The Enduring Nature of Comedy:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the age-old question of whether comedy is primarily a young person’s game.
    2. They acknowledge the existence of talented comedians who continue to thrive well into their later years.
    3. They emphasize the importance of continuing to evolve as a comedian, developing new material and staying relevant.
    4. They discuss the enduring power of comedy to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
20. The Power of Persuasion and Influence:
    1. Segura and Rogan explore the power of persuasion and influence in the context of comedy and entertainment.
    2. They discuss how comedians can use their platforms to shape opinions and influence audiences.
    3. They acknowledge the responsibility that comes with this influence and the importance of using it ethically.
    4. They emphasize the potential for comedy to spark social change and inspire positive action.
21. The Importance of Self-Belief and Resilience:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the importance of self-belief and resilience in pursuing a career in comedy or any other creative field.
    2. They acknowledge the challenges and setbacks that are inevitable and the importance of staying motivated.
    3. They emphasize the power of perseverance and the ability to bounce back from rejection.
    4. They encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and to stay true to their vision.
22. The Role of the Entertainment Industry:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the complexities of the entertainment industry, highlighting the challenges of navigating executive decisions, pitch meetings, and audition processes.
    2. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in the industry, including awkward pitch meetings and challenging auditions.
    3. They acknowledge the importance of finding a niche and creating your own content, particularly in an era of streaming services and online platforms.
    4. They discuss the challenges of balancing creative control with the demands of the industry.
23. The Fascination with the Supernatural:
    1. Segura and Rogan explore the human fascination with the supernatural, discussing the allure of conspiracy theories, aliens, and unexplained phenomena.
    2. They acknowledge the potential for these theories to be both entertaining and potentially harmful, highlighting the importance of critical thinking.
    3. They discuss the prevalence of conspiracy theories in our modern world and their ability to captivate audiences.
    4. They encourage listeners to be skeptical and to approach these theories with a healthy dose of skepticism.
24. The Importance of Connection and Empathy:
    1. Segura and Rogan discuss the importance of connection and empathy in navigating the complexities of life.
    2. They highlight the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives.
    3. They emphasize the importance of human connection and the shared experience of being human.
    4. They encourage listeners to cultivate empathy and to approach others with understanding.

Memorable Quotes

1. “It’s a totally different art form, folks. Yeah. Yeah. But they don’t really clean us over English. They do the blast.” – Segura’s humorous commentary on the unique style of morning TV shows and their lack of focus on stand-up comedy.
2. “Those such a great fucking improv line right then. Oh, that’s hilarious. That was like the the button on the whole thing where you’re like, Jesus. He just shouted out, of course.” – Rogan’s reaction to Tracy Morgan’s hilarious, impromptu reference to Horace Grant.
3. “You get to, like, really have the best trips that are work trips when you think about it. You know? Oh, yeah. They’re so fun. It’s fucking nuts.” – Segura’s enthusiastic description of the unique benefits of attending UFC events.
4. “I really do. I think it’s I think it’s absolutely helpful. Why it’s helpful because it depends on your psyche, I guess. You know? How how you respond to it. But I think it’s just like somebody calling you out on your bullshit.” – Segura’s controversial perspective on fat shaming, arguing its potential for motivation.
5. “It’s not just that it messes with your skills, because sometimes you legitimately go, you know what? My body needs a break. Yeah. But you know your body needs a break, so you make a conscious decision. But when you’re supposed to work out, you know you should work out and you fuck off, you just like, your opinion of yourself slips.” – Segura’s insightful commentary on the impact of procrastination on self-confidence.