JRE #918 – Frank Castillo

This podcast features stand-up comedian Frank Castillo, a Roast Battle champion, as he chats with Joe Rogan about his journey in comedy, the evolving landscape of the comedy store, and his experiences with the Roast Battle. The conversation ranges from insightful commentary on the stand-up comedy scene to frank discussions about social issues, personal growth, and the strange realities of the universe.

Podcast Topics:

1. Frank Castillo’s Rise to Comedy Success:

• Castillo’s journey from working at a store to winning the Comedy Central Roast Battle, showcasing his dedication and perseverance.
• The transformative power of the Roast Battle, emphasizing its impact on his comedy career and his return to the comedy store.
• The importance of constant hustling in comedy, evident in Castillo’s dedication to performing at various venues, even with small audiences.
• The shift in the comedy store’s atmosphere, highlighting the presence of more talented comics and the revival of the club’s legacy.

2. The Comedy Store’s Evolution:

• Castillo’s experience witnessing the changes in the comedy store since the 1990s, from a time of “BOTOX” comics to a more competitive and diverse scene.
• The influence of iconic figures like Mitch Hedberg, Richard Pryor, and Louis Anderson on the comedy scene, shaping the style of today’s comics.
• The significance of the comedy store as a “comedy college,” a breeding ground for aspiring stand-up comedians.
• The importance of supporting comedy clubs like the comedy store, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the venue, comics, and the community.

3. The Art of the Roast Battle:

• The unique nature of the Roast Battle, emphasizing the importance of joke-writing skills and quick wit.
• The pressure of creating new material every week for the Roast Battle, demanding a high level of creativity and adaptability.
• The strategic approach to the Roast Battle, likened to boxing, involving quick jabs, big haymakers, and a careful consideration of the audience’s reactions.
• The intense nature of the Roast Battle, showcasing the ability to deliver brutal yet hilarious jokes, requiring both writing and performance skills.

4. The Impact of Social Media on Comedy:

• The growing visibility of comics through social media platforms like Instagram, enabling wider recognition and fan engagement.
• The inspiration that Castillo draws from other comics’ social media presence, particularly those who consistently push themselves and showcase their dedication.
• The role of social media in fostering a sense of community amongst comics, creating opportunities for collaboration and support.
• The pressure of maintaining a strong online presence, particularly after achieving recognition through events like the Roast Battle, encouraging ongoing creativity and engagement.

5. The Power of Overcoming Resistance:

• The importance of recognizing and overcoming procrastination, a concept explored in the book “The War of Arts” by Steven Pressfield.
• The value of pushing through resistance to achieve success, a theme highlighted in Castillo’s own journey from open mics to the Roast Battle.
• The potential of missing opportunities if one doesn’t capitalize on moments of success, as seen in the careers of some comics who didn’t leverage their exposure.
• The importance of staying dedicated to one’s craft, evident in Castillo’s willingness to perform even for minimal pay, demonstrating a genuine passion for stand-up comedy.

6. The Complexities of American Politics:

• The polarizing nature of current American politics, evident in the diverse reactions to President Trump’s actions and statements.
• The tension between those who support and oppose President Trump’s policies, creating a divided public opinion.
• The difficulty of engaging in constructive dialogue on political issues, often leading to shouting matches instead of open-minded discussions.
• The potential of humor to bridge divides, offering a way to approach sensitive topics in a less confrontational manner.

7. The Political Landscape and Donald Trump:

• The unique nature of President Trump’s presidency, marked by his unconventional approach to governing and his constant presence in the public eye.
• The impact of President Trump’s persona and communication style, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty amongst those who disagree with his policies.
• The challenges of leading a nation with such a diverse and divided population, highlighting the complexities of modern-day governance.
• The value of open-mindedness and critical thinking when assessing political issues, encouraging a balanced approach to understanding complex matters.

8. The Importance of Science and Understanding the Universe:

• The immense scale of the universe, exemplified by the size of Jupiter and the countless asteroids orbiting Earth.
• The potential dangers posed by asteroids, highlighting the vulnerability of Earth to celestial events.
• The fascinating nature of scientific discoveries, showcasing the human capacity to understand complex concepts like the universe’s formation and the moon’s synchronous rotation.
• The humbling realization of humanity’s place in the universe, emphasizing our insignificance in the grand scheme of cosmic events.

9. The Impact of Technology on Society:

• The constant evolution of technology, from cell phones to virtual reality, shaping the way we interact with the world.
• The potential of virtual reality to create immersive experiences, offering a new level of engagement with the universe and other cultures.
• The challenges of managing space junk, highlighting the unintended consequences of our technological advancements.
• The ethical considerations surrounding technology, particularly regarding the potential for job displacement and the impact on social interaction.

10. The Role of Humor in Examining Social Issues:

• The use of humor as a tool for addressing sensitive issues, offering a less confrontational approach to examining societal problems.
• The importance of finding humor in unexpected places, as seen in Castillo’s jokes about immigration and his experiences with cultural differences.
• The potential of humor to challenge perspectives and encourage critical thinking, prompting viewers to question their own assumptions and biases.
• The ability of humor to foster empathy and understanding, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate approach to social issues.

11. The Power of Perseverance and Resilience:

• Castillo’s story as an example of resilience and determination, highlighting his ability to overcome adversity and achieve success.
• The importance of finding strength within oneself, evident in Castillo’s ability to persevere through difficult times and continue pursuing his goals.
• The power of support systems, as seen in Castillo’s girlfriend’s unwavering belief in his abilities.
• The value of hard work and dedication in achieving one’s dreams, showcasing the importance of passion and commitment in any endeavor.

12. The Strange Realities of the Universe:

• The discovery of new planets and the potential for rogue planets to collide with existing ones, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the cosmos.
• The concept of a “diamond planet,” showcasing the extraordinary and bizarre elements found in the universe.
• The idea that our perception of time is limited, causing us to miss the grand scale of cosmic events occurring over billions of years.
• The humbling realization that humanity is a mere speck in the vastness of the universe, prompting a sense of awe and wonder.

13. The Impact of Social Constructs:

• The prevalence of social constructs, like the idea of race and nationality, shaping our perceptions and interactions.
• The importance of challenging social constructs that promote division and inequality, encouraging a more inclusive and equitable world.
• The power of individual perspectives and the importance of having open-minded conversations, fostering a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
• The need for collective action to address social injustices, encouraging a sense of responsibility and shared purpose.

14. The Fascination with the Strange and Unconventional:

• The fascination with unusual and unconventional topics, as seen in the discussion about “evil demon salmon” and the search for diamonds in the center of the Earth.
• The allure of the absurd and the potential for humor to find its way into even the most unexpected situations.
• The importance of embracing the strange and unconventional, encouraging a more open and curious approach to the world.
• The power of storytelling to create captivating narratives, as seen in the discussion of movies like “Avatar” and “Ender’s Game.”

15. The Importance of Personal Growth and Self-Reflection:

• The need for continuous personal growth and self-improvement, as exemplified in Castillo’s dedication to honing his craft and expanding his knowledge.
• The value of seeking out mentors and role models, as seen in Castillo’s admiration for comics like Mitch Hedberg and Tony Hinchcliffe.
• The importance of embracing challenges and taking risks, evident in Castillo’s willingness to try new things and push his boundaries.
• The power of reflection and self-awareness, enabling us to recognize our strengths, weaknesses, and the areas where we need to grow.

16. The Importance of Physical Well-being:

• The connection between physical health and mental well-being, as highlighted in the discussion about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating.
• The value of pursuing physical activities that bring joy and fulfillment, as seen in Castillo’s interest in jujitsu and wrestling.
• The importance of finding balance in life, incorporating activities that promote both physical and mental health.
• The potential for physical challenges to foster resilience and mental toughness, providing valuable life lessons.

17. The Allure of the Unknown:

• The enduring fascination with the unknown, as seen in the discussion about space exploration, alien encounters, and the potential for other realities.
• The importance of embracing curiosity and exploring the world around us, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement.
• The power of imagination to create captivating narratives, as seen in the discussion of movies like “Avatar” and “The Matrix.”
• The potential for technological advancements to expand our understanding of the universe and the possibilities of life beyond Earth.

18. The Nature of Entertainment and Storytelling:

• The power of entertainment to transport us to different worlds and offer escapism from the realities of everyday life.
• The ability of storytelling to connect with audiences on a deeper level, fostering empathy, understanding, and shared experiences.
• The diverse range of entertainment, from stand-up comedy to movies, providing a variety of options for different tastes and interests.
• The importance of critical thinking when engaging with entertainment, recognizing the potential for propaganda and manipulation while appreciating the artistic merit of storytelling.

19. The Importance of Human Connection and Empathy:

• The value of human connection and the importance of fostering empathy and understanding, even when faced with differing opinions and experiences.
• The power of laughter to bridge divides and create common ground, encouraging a more inclusive and compassionate approach to human interaction.
• The significance of shared experiences and the ability of storytelling to connect people from diverse backgrounds.
• The importance of recognizing our shared humanity and the need for unity in the face of challenges.

20. The Impermanence of Life and the Importance of Making the Most of It:

• The reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment, as highlighted by the discussion about the potential for asteroid impacts and the dangers of living on a volcano.
• The need to live life to the fullest and pursue our passions, as seen in Castillo’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to embrace new experiences.
• The importance of leaving a positive legacy and making a difference in the world, encouraging a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.
• The power of human connection and the importance of building meaningful relationships with those around us, recognizing the fleeting nature of our time on Earth.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You can’t just give a kid a trophy for nothing. You gotta win. You gotta do it.” – Castillo emphasizes the importance of hard work and earning achievements.
• “Things have changed since then at the store. The store is a crazy place now. It’s insane.” – Castillo reflects on the evolution of the comedy store, highlighting the increased talent and competition.
• “I think it’s important when we see these clubs that we’re really lucky to have that we support them all. Absolutely. You know, keep them going.” – Rogan emphasizes the importance of supporting comedy venues.
• “It’s like doing I get the host when we were at the last factory that Wednesday, and that was bananas because it was just, like, meeting the booker and the manager and all these people. And so sick lineup.” – Castillo describes the excitement of performing at a new venue and meeting industry professionals.
• “I’m just a I’m a door guy. So I’ve got like 15 maybe 20 good minutes, but now is the opportunity for me. Like, people ask me to headline somewhere, like, some Rand Club was like, I’m not gonna do that. Like, I’ll do 20 minute sets for the next year and a half to build that hour because I just wanna be a good company.” – Castillo showcases his dedication to building a strong hour-long set before headlining.