JRE #903 – Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban

1/24/2017






Joe Rogan Experience #903 – Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban

This podcast offers a candid and entertaining conversation with comedians Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban, delving into a variety of topics that touch on personal experiences, cultural observations, and controversial issues. The podcast explores deep themes of cultural differences, the impact of diet and lifestyle on health, the allure and dangers of substance use, the complexities of comedy and its relationship to the public, and the power dynamics of wealth and celebrity.

Major Topics in the Podcast:

1. Mexican Culture and Rooster Fights

  • The prevalence of rooster fighting within the Mexican community, often with significant betting involved.
  • The discussion compares rooster fighting to the controversial Michael Vick dog fighting case, highlighting different cultural perspectives on animal cruelty.
  • The podcast explores the hierarchy of animals in terms of societal concern for their welfare, with chickens being viewed as less significant than dogs.
  • The conversation touches on the cultural differences between black people who might have dog fights and Mexicans who might have rooster fights.

2. The Benefits of a Carnivore Diet

  • Tony Hinchcliffe shares his experience as a vegan for five years and his eventual transition to a primarily carnivore diet, emphasizing a significant boost in energy levels and gym performance.
  • The discussion debunks common myths about cholesterol and saturated fat, arguing that these are not as harmful as previously believed and that sugar is a more significant contributor to health issues.
  • The podcast highlights the historical manipulation of dietary information by the sugar industry, suggesting that misinformation has negatively impacted public health.
  • The conversation emphasizes the importance of consuming natural and whole foods, particularly wild game, over processed and mass-produced options.

3. The Power of Wild Game Meat

  • The podcast discusses the superior taste and nutritional value of wild game meat, such as elk, boar, and deer, compared to commercially raised livestock.
  • The conversation highlights the importance of hunting as a way to access wild game, discussing the history of market hunting and the laws established to protect wild animal populations.
  • The discussion delves into the dangers of raising wild animals in captivity, which can lead to the spread of diseases like chronic wasting disease.
  • The podcast emphasizes the irony that in a country where people value freedom and access, wild game is restricted due to concerns about overhunting and the impact on ecosystems.

4. The Importance of Comedy Clubs

  • The podcast discusses the vital role of comedy clubs in developing stand-up comedy as an art form, providing a space for practice, experimentation, and audience interaction.
  • The conversation highlights the unique vibe and DNA of different comedy clubs, acknowledging their distinct personalities and importance to the local scene.
  • The podcast expresses gratitude to club owners, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between comedians and the venues that provide them a platform.
  • The discussion highlights the impact of closing clubs, such as the one in Houston, on the local comedy scene and the talent development within those communities.

5. The Influence of Substance Use on Comedy

  • The podcast explores the role of marijuana, particularly potent strains, in influencing comedy, with Hinchcliffe acknowledging its impact on his memory and performance.
  • The conversation discusses the differences in weed tolerance among individuals, highlighting the challenges of sharing marijuana with those who are not accustomed to strong strains.
  • The podcast touches on the potential for substance use to hinder creative processes, as exemplified by the challenges of remembering material when under the influence.
  • The conversation considers the use of caffeine as a performance enhancer and the potential drawbacks of overconsumption, with Hinchcliffe expressing his own muted response to caffeine due to regular use.

6. The Power of the “Secret Group” Comedy Club

  • The podcast highlights the emergence of a new comedy club in Houston called “The Secret Group,” which has revitalized the local scene and offers a diverse range of comedic performances.
  • The conversation emphasizes the significance of a dedicated space for comedy, noting the limitations of corporate venues like improv clubs in fostering a vibrant scene.
  • The podcast celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of comedians who have come together to create and manage their own club.
  • The discussion acknowledges the challenges of finding work in comedy and the importance of having established venues that offer opportunities for development and advancement.

7. The Impact of Donald Trump’s Presidency

  • The podcast explores the ongoing cultural and political discourse surrounding Trump’s presidency, noting the intensity of protests and the unprecedented level of public dissent against a newly elected president.
  • The conversation discusses the potential for Trump’s actions to fulfill prophecies of a more authoritarian regime, potentially leading to further polarization and conflict.
  • The podcast explores the complexities of public perception of Trump, with some individuals viewing him as a populist who is responsive to public opinion and others seeing him as a dangerous demagogue.
  • The discussion highlights the role of social media and mainstream news outlets in shaping public opinion and the potential for bias and misinformation.

8. The Extremes of Wealth and Celebrity

  • The podcast explores the concept of “catastrophic wealth,” highlighting the immense fortunes held by individuals like the Sultan of Brunei, far exceeding the wealth of even billionaires like Bill Gates.
  • The conversation delves into the extravagant lifestyle of the Sultan, from his gold-plated palace to his extensive car collection, and the power dynamics that come with such immense wealth.
  • The discussion raises questions about the ethical implications of such extreme wealth disparities and the role of government in regulating and distributing resources.
  • The podcast examines the motivations and behaviors of those who possess such wealth, exploring their pursuit of pleasure, control, and influence.

9. The Power Dynamics of Networking

  • The podcast explores the nuanced perspective on networking, acknowledging its importance in creative fields but criticizing the overly aggressive and manipulative approach.
  • The conversation suggests that organic relationships built through shared interests and collaboration are more productive and authentic than forced networking.
  • The podcast critiques the prevalence of favoritism and nepotism within the entertainment industry, where connections and relationships often outweigh merit.
  • The discussion encourages listeners to focus on building genuine connections and contributing to collaborative projects, rather than solely pursuing personal gain through networking.

10. The Importance of Authenticity in Comedy

  • The podcast emphasizes the value of stand-up comedy that is genuine and personal, reflecting the comedian’s own experiences and perspectives.
  • The conversation highlights the importance of practice and development in refining comedic material, contrasting the honed craft of seasoned comedians with the raw performances of newer comics.
  • The podcast acknowledges the challenge of staying true to oneself as a comedian, navigating the pressures of industry expectations and the potential for compromise.
  • The discussion emphasizes the power of comedic storytelling to connect with audiences on a personal level and create genuine laughter.

11. The Unreliable Nature of “Snopes”

  • The podcast expresses skepticism towards Snopes, a popular fact-checking website, highlighting its perceived bias and the potential for misinformation.
  • The conversation discusses the need for critical thinking and the avoidance of blindly accepting information from any source, including fact-checking websites.
  • The podcast encourages listeners to research information from multiple sources and consider different perspectives, rather than relying on a single website for verification.
  • The discussion highlights the challenges of discerning truth in an increasingly complex and digitally mediated world.

12. The Challenges of Navigating a Politically Charged World

  • The podcast acknowledges the polarization of American politics and the difficulty of finding common ground or fostering productive discourse.
  • The conversation highlights the prevalence of bias and misinformation in mainstream news outlets, making it difficult to discern truth and form informed opinions.
  • The podcast discusses the potential for social media to contribute to echo chambers and reinforce existing biases, making it challenging to engage with diverse perspectives.
  • The discussion encourages listeners to critically evaluate the information they consume and engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold different viewpoints.

13. The Dangers of Substance Abuse and the Importance of Sobriety

  • The podcast explores the challenges of addiction and the difficulty of maintaining sobriety, particularly in a high-pressure environment.
  • The conversation highlights the potential for substance abuse to negatively impact relationships, careers, and personal health.
  • The podcast acknowledges the complexities of addiction and the need for individualized approaches to treatment and recovery.
  • The discussion encourages compassion and understanding for those struggling with addiction, recognizing the challenges they face and the importance of supporting their recovery.

14. The Impact of Social Media on Public Discourse

  • The podcast explores the impact of social media on public discourse, noting the ease with which misinformation and rumors can spread.
  • The conversation discusses the potential for social media to create echo chambers and reinforce existing biases, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
  • The podcast highlights the need for critical thinking and the ability to discern truth from falsehood in an increasingly digital world.
  • The discussion encourages listeners to use social media responsibly, verifying information from multiple sources and engaging in respectful dialogue.

15. The Evolution of Stand-up Comedy

  • The podcast delves into the changing landscape of stand-up comedy, highlighting the shift from traditional comedy clubs to online platforms and streaming services.
  • The conversation discusses the benefits of working on stage regularly to refine material and develop comedic timing, comparing the experience to the controlled environment of writing.
  • The podcast acknowledges the importance of audience interaction in stand-up comedy, recognizing the unique energy and feedback that comes from live performances.
  • The discussion explores the potential for comedy to evolve alongside technology, creating new opportunities for storytelling and creative expression.

16. The Importance of Respect for the Comedy Store

  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of respecting the Comedy Store, a historic and iconic venue for stand-up comedy.
  • The conversation highlights the backstage area of the Comedy Store as a sacred space for comedians to gather, create, and interact.
  • The podcast expresses frustration with fans who try to intrude on the backstage area, disrupting the flow of the venue and the creative process.
  • The discussion encourages listeners to appreciate the behind-the-scenes aspects of comedy and to respect the space and time of comedians.

17. The Importance of Mental Health and Well-being

  • The podcast explores the challenges of maintaining mental well-being in a high-pressure environment, particularly for those who work in creative fields.
  • The conversation discusses the potential for substance abuse and unhealthy coping mechanisms to arise in response to stress and anxiety.
  • The podcast encourages listeners to prioritize their mental health and to seek support when needed, recognizing the importance of self-care.
  • The discussion highlights the significance of finding healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as exercise, meditation, and connecting with supportive communities.

18. The Complexities of Environmentalism and Energy Production

  • The podcast explores the complex relationship between environmentalism and energy production, highlighting the challenges of balancing economic needs with environmental sustainability.
  • The conversation discusses the potential consequences of oil drilling and fracking on the environment, including water contamination and seismic activity.
  • The podcast raises questions about the ethical implications of exploiting natural resources and the long-term impacts on future generations.
  • The discussion encourages listeners to consider the interconnectedness of environmental and economic issues and to support policies that promote sustainable practices.

19. The Challenges of Disassociative Identity Disorder (DID)

  • The podcast delves into the complexities of Disassociative Identity Disorder (DID), a mental health condition characterized by multiple distinct identities.
  • The conversation discusses the potential challenges and difficulties faced by individuals with DID, exploring the impact on their daily lives and relationships.
  • The podcast encourages compassion and understanding for those with DID, recognizing the struggles they face and the need for specialized support.
  • The discussion acknowledges the importance of seeking professional help for DID, as therapy and support groups can help individuals navigate the complexities of the condition.

20. The Importance of Critical Thinking and Skepticism

  • The podcast encourages listeners to be skeptical and to critically evaluate the information they encounter, particularly in an era of misinformation.
  • The conversation highlights the importance of verifying information from multiple sources and considering different perspectives.
  • The podcast encourages listeners to question authority and to challenge prevailing narratives, fostering independent thought and critical analysis.
  • The discussion emphasizes the power of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge as a means of navigating a complex and often confusing world.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

  • “We’ve in our wisdom have realized, oh, we can get these fuckers fatter if we just stick them in this thing and make them eat corn.” – Joe Rogan’s commentary on the detrimental impact of industrial farming practices on animal health and the quality of meat.
  • “He’s like, I am a best cannabis addict. He goes, I smoke cannabis every day. All day, I smoke at night.” – Tony Hinchcliffe’s description of Terrence McKenna’s perspective on marijuana use and the potential for a psychedelic experience when consumed after a long period of abstinence.
  • “You gotta think, a guy like that, the guy the the fucking host of the tonight show. If you do a corporate gig, you can make a a ton of money.” – Joe Rogan’s revelation about Jay Leno’s substantial income from corporate gigs, highlighting the lucrative potential for celebrities outside of their primary careers.
  • “It’s like 2 alternate reality — Yes. — 2 completely different worlds, and it’s so biased. On both sides, they’re so biased.” – Joe Rogan’s observation on the polarized political landscape and the pervasive bias present in mainstream news outlets.
  • “I’m not a big fan of being president. How about that? I think there’s an article I tweeted recently, someone tweeted to me, and I retweeted it about having a a council of wise people, like 7 or 8 people, like Star Wars.” – Tony Hinchcliffe’s amusing critique of the presidency and his suggestion for a more collaborative form of governance.


 

Leave a Comment