JRE #902 – Live Underground from The Comedy Store

by

1/20/2017






Joe Rogan Podcast #902 – Live Underground from The Comedy Store

This podcast captures the energy and camaraderie of a live recording from the iconic Comedy Store, featuring Joe Rogan, Jeff Ross, Greg Fitzsimmons, and Andrew Santino. The episode delves into a wide range of topics, from the success of the Roast Battle to insightful commentary on the political landscape, sprinkled with humorous anecdotes and personal stories.

Major Topics

  1. The Success of Roast Battle

    1. Jeff Ross discusses the origins of the Roast Battle, highlighting its explosive energy and popularity among comics.
    2. The show’s unique appeal lies in its ability to draw in comics even those not on the show, creating a unique atmosphere of competitive camaraderie.
    3. The Roast Battle is described as a joke writer’s showcase, with comics showcasing their sharp wit and creative writing.
    4. The podcast reveals the upcoming live taping of the Roast Battle at the Comedy Store, emphasizing its significance and popularity.

  2. The Impact of Too Much Content

    1. The comedians discuss the oversaturation of content in the entertainment industry, making it harder for new shows to gain traction.
    2. The need for a strong web and social media presence to gain visibility for shows is emphasized, highlighting the changing landscape of entertainment.
    3. The fast-paced nature of television, with shows being filmed and aired quickly, makes it challenging for viewers to keep up.
    4. The discussion explores how niche programming caters to specific audiences, offering specialized content in various genres.

  3. Martial Arts and the Black Belt Mentality

    1. Jeff Ross reveals his early black belt achievement at the age of 11, leading to a discussion on the challenges of progressing beyond the black belt level.
    2. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of different martial arts, contrasting the light contact sparring of Taekwondo with the full-contact nature of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
    3. The group explores the mindset that often accompanies reaching black belt, where many individuals feel they have achieved their peak and cease further training.
    4. The podcast delves into the physical and mental discipline required to achieve higher degrees in martial arts, highlighting the dedication required to progress.

  4. The Impact of Celebrity Death in 2017

    1. The comedians reflect on the lack of significant celebrity deaths early in 2017, drawing a contrast with the previous year’s losses.
    2. They discuss the impact of the death of notable figures like Carrie Fisher, Prince, and David Bowie, acknowledging their cultural significance.
    3. The conversation touches upon the legacy of actors like Abe Vigoda, known for his roles in “Barney Miller” and “The Godfather.”
    4. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of fame and entertainment in the digital age, with the sheer volume of content creating a constant cycle of new and forgotten personalities.

  5. The 2017 Presidential Inauguration and the Rise of Trump

    1. The podcast delves into the political atmosphere leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, with the comedians expressing their perspectives and reactions to the event.
    2. The discussion focuses on the unprecedented nature of Trump’s presidency, highlighting his unconventional approach to politics and his ability to break traditional norms.
    3. The comedians examine the role of media and social media in shaping public perception and fueling the political divide, emphasizing the lack of objective news sources.
    4. The podcast delves into the potential impact of Trump’s presidency on the country’s political landscape, exploring the potential for both positive and negative change.

  6. The Nature of Extremism and Political Polarization

    1. The conversation explores the rise of extremism in political discourse, highlighting the increasing polarization of political views.
    2. The comedians argue that extremism, regardless of political affiliation, creates an echo chamber where individuals are unwilling to consider opposing viewpoints.
    3. The podcast examines the role of social media and the internet in creating echo chambers and reinforcing existing biases.
    4. The group emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and seeking out diverse perspectives to counter the effects of political polarization.

  7. The Role of the Deep State and the FBI

    1. The comedians explore the concept of the “deep state” and its potential influence on political events, specifically citing the case of Donald Trump.
    2. The podcast discusses the ongoing tensions between Trump and the FBI, highlighting allegations of a concerted effort to undermine his presidency.
    3. The conversation examines the power and influence of intelligence agencies and their potential to shape political narratives.
    4. The group emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability within government institutions to ensure public trust.

  8. The Nature of Trumpism and Its Impact on the Economy

    1. The comedians discuss the core principles of Trumpism, highlighting its focus on economic policies that favor wealthy individuals and corporations.
    2. The podcast examines Trump’s tax cuts and their potential impact on the economy, particularly the impact on middle-class families and low-income earners.
    3. The conversation explores the potential for social and economic upheaval as a result of Trump’s policies, raising concerns about the widening gap between rich and poor.
    4. The group emphasizes the need for a more equitable and sustainable economic system that benefits all citizens, rather than solely the wealthy elite.

  9. The Role of Technology and Its Impact on Society

    1. The podcast delves into the rapid pace of technological advancement, highlighting Moore’s Law and its implications for society.
    2. The comedians explore the challenges of keeping up with rapid technological changes, particularly in areas like law, culture, and personal privacy.
    3. The conversation examines the impact of technology on industries like transportation and communication, particularly the rise of ride-sharing services and social media platforms.
    4. The group discusses the potential for both positive and negative consequences of rapid technological advancement, emphasizing the need for responsible development and ethical considerations.

  10. The Dangers of Tribalism and the Importance of Globalism

    1. The podcast explores the dangers of tribalism, highlighting its role in fueling political polarization and social unrest.
    2. The comedians discuss the importance of globalism and the need to bridge cultural divides, promoting understanding and cooperation across borders.
    3. The conversation examines the complexities of globalization and its impact on developing countries, particularly the exploitation of workers in factories.
    4. The group emphasizes the need for a more equitable and sustainable global system that addresses issues like poverty and environmental degradation.

  11. The Future of the United States and the Presidential System

    1. The podcast delves into the potential for political upheaval and social unrest in the United States, exploring the impact of Trump’s presidency on the political landscape.
    2. The comedians discuss the limitations of the presidential system, highlighting the potential for abuse of power and the difficulties of achieving meaningful change.
    3. The conversation explores alternative models of government, considering the possibility of a more participatory or decentralized system.
    4. The group emphasizes the need for a system that is responsive to the needs of all citizens and promotes greater civic engagement.

  12. The Role of Comedy in a Politically Charged Environment

    1. The comedians discuss the challenges of navigating a politically charged environment, where audiences often expect comedians to align with their political views.
    2. The podcast explores the importance of comedy as a form of social commentary, providing a platform for critical thinking and challenging societal norms.
    3. The conversation examines the role of satire and humor in exposing hypocrisy and promoting critical discourse.
    4. The group emphasizes the need for comedy to remain fearless and independent, challenging those in power and holding them accountable.

  13. The Comedy Store and Its Historical Significance

    1. The podcast celebrates the Comedy Store’s legendary status as a hub for stand-up comedy, highlighting its history and impact on the industry.
    2. The comedians share personal anecdotes and stories from their time at the Comedy Store, highlighting the unique atmosphere and the importance of the venue for launching careers.
    3. The podcast explores the role of the Comedy Store in shaping the art of stand-up comedy, emphasizing its influence on generations of comedians.
    4. The group underscores the significance of the Comedy Store as a cultural institution, a place where comedic talent is nurtured and celebrated.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “I feel like we’re in Hitler’s bunker, do you?” – Joe Rogan’s humorous comment about the sound-dampening studio.
  2. “It’s like the early days of wrestling or fighting or something. I can’t believe it turned into condos.” – Jeff Ross’s lament over the loss of historic buildings.
  3. “Nobody knows how to play ping pong. A few people do, but those are their assholes.” – Jeff Ross’s humorous observation about ping pong skills.
  4. “You’re not looking for the best leader. You’re looking for the person who’s got the best personality for the job.” – Jeff Ross’s insightful commentary on the nature of modern political elections.
  5. “It’s like everyone should be the same, but most places you go around the world that are Westernized, quote unquote, that are globalized. It’s it looks like us.” – Andrew Santino’s observation about the homogenization of culture.