JRE #927 – Tom Papa

by

3/7/2017







#927 – Tom Papa

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Tom Papa, covering a wide range of topics from aging and physicality to societal trends and the complexities of our world. The two discuss everything from their own experiences with fighting and fitness to the state of the world, particularly the political landscape and environmental concerns. The podcast is sprinkled with humor, insightful observations, and a touch of philosophical pondering.

Aging and Physicality

  • Tom Papa’s New Look: The podcast kicks off with Rogan noticing Papa’s new look, which is the absence of his glasses. Papa discusses his recent eye surgery and the frustrating challenges of his vision. The discussion highlights the changing nature of vision as we age and the impact it has on our daily lives.
  • The Jocks, the Burnouts, and the Nerds: Papa and Rogan reminisce about the social dynamics of high school and how they’ve evolved. The discussion highlights how social structures have become more fluid, and how kids today are often less defined by rigid social categories.
  • Football and Head Collisions: Papa shares his experiences as a football player, highlighting the sheer number of head collisions he endured. The conversation segues into the long-term consequences of brain trauma in athletes, prompting Rogan to express his preference for fighting due to its weight classes, which he believes offer a safer environment.
  • Polynesians and Physical Strength: Papa and Rogan discuss the physical strength of Polynesians, suggesting it’s a result of their historical need to travel across vast oceans and carry heavy loads. The conversation delves into the cultural context of physicality and its relevance in different societies.

Societal Trends and Cultural Evolution

  • Kids Today: Papa expresses his belief that kids today are more open-minded, kind, and accepting than previous generations. He attributes this shift to a different cultural environment, free from the harsh judgments and bullying prevalent in the past. The discussion explores the potential for cultural evolution and its impact on social norms.
  • The Depression and Human Suffering: Papa shares a story from a book about a pool hustler during the Depression, emphasizing the widespread suffering that permeated that era. The conversation highlights the vulnerability of human systems in the face of economic hardship and the importance of understanding history to avoid repeating past mistakes.
  • The Stock Market and Financial Instability: Papa questions the stability of the stock market and the cyclical nature of economic prosperity and crashes. He compares it to a constantly upgraded operating system that never seems to reach optimal functionality, expressing concern about the fragility of the economic system and the difficulty of navigating its fluctuations.
  • The Inaccessibility of Financial Knowledge: Papa expresses his frustration with the complexities of financial discussions, feeling like a child trying to understand adult conversations. He compares it to the intricacies of chess, recognizing that certain areas of knowledge require specialized expertise and may be inaccessible to those without a specific background. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating complex systems and the need for broader access to information and education.
  • The Representation of Public Opinion: Papa questions the effectiveness of democratic representation, questioning how accurately a few elected officials can truly represent the complex and diverse opinions of millions. The conversation touches upon the challenges of finding consensus and ensuring that political decisions reflect the will of the people.
  • Trump’s Confidence and the Alpha Instinct: Papa and Rogan discuss the appeal of Trump’s confidence and its resonance with a primal alpha instinct. The conversation explores the psychological factors driving support for strong leaders and the potential pitfalls of blind allegiance.

Education, the Environment, and Societal Issues

  • The Broken Educational System: Papa critiques the current educational system, arguing that it fails to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. He believes that schools should prioritize more up-to-date teaching methods and prepare students for future careers in a technology-driven society. The conversation explores the need for education reform and its impact on future generations.
  • The Military Industrial Complex and Education Funding: Papa criticizes the discrepancy in government spending on the military versus education, emphasizing the need for increased investment in education to create a more informed and empowered citizenry. He questions whether there’s a hidden advantage to maintaining a certain level of ignorance within the population. The conversation delves into societal issues related to poverty, crime, and the need for social change.
  • Environmental Concerns and the Trump Administration: Papa expresses deep concern about the Trump administration’s environmental policies, particularly the dismantling of regulations, the reduction of funding for climate change monitoring, and the opening of sensitive areas to drilling. The conversation highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the potential for irreversible damage if proper action isn’t taken.
  • The Word “Cuck” and the Evolution of Language: Papa and Rogan discuss the changing definition of the word “cuck” and its evolution as an insult. The conversation delves into the complexities of language, particularly how words acquire new meanings and their potential to be used as weapons in political discourse. The discussion highlights the need for thoughtful communication and the dangers of using offensive language.
  • The Evolution of Television and Censorship: Papa and Rogan discuss the increasing use of swear words on television shows and the evolving standards of censorship. The conversation explores how the internet has contributed to a more relaxed attitude towards language and the challenges of navigating traditional broadcasting restrictions in a modern media landscape.

The Nature of Reality, Entertainment, and Human Behavior

  • The Walking Dead and the Evolution of Zombies: Papa expresses his frustration with the portrayal of zombies in “The Walking Dead,” finding their slowness and inability to eat each other unrealistic and illogical. The conversation explores the importance of logical consistency in storytelling and the potential for creative stagnation when conventions become unchallenged. The discussion highlights the human desire for engaging storytelling and the need for it to remain fresh and compelling.
  • Black Friday and Consumerism: Papa and Rogan discuss the absurdity of Black Friday shopping, questioning why people would engage in such chaotic behavior to save a few dollars. The conversation touches on the inherent flaws in consumerism and the potential for it to lead to unhealthy competition and even violence. The discussion explores the need for a more mindful approach to consumption and a shift towards experiences over material goods.
  • The Science Channel and the Pursuit of the Unexplained: Papa discusses the Science Channel’s tendency to venture into topics like UFOs, Bigfoot, and paranormal phenomena. He points out the inherent skepticism in these shows while acknowledging the allure of the unknown and the human fascination with mysteries. The conversation explores the line between science and speculation and the importance of critical thinking when dealing with unproven claims.
  • Ancient Civilizations and Lost History: Papa and Rogan discuss the recent discovery of ancient structures in the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the possibility of previously undiscovered civilizations. The conversation explores the potential for the ocean floor to hold vast amounts of lost history and the ongoing efforts to uncover ancient secrets. The discussion touches upon the mysteries of human history and the continuing quest to understand our past.
  • The Bite Strength of Animals: Papa and Rogan compare the bite strength of wolves, bears, and other predators. The conversation explores the fascinating adaptations of animals and the potential dangers of encountering them in the wild. The discussion highlights the power and unpredictability of nature and the need to respect its forces.
  • The Hell Pig and Evolution’s Surprises: Papa and Rogan discuss the recently discovered “hell pig,” an extinct giant predator pig. The conversation underscores the unexpected discoveries made through scientific exploration and the constant evolution of our understanding of the natural world. The discussion highlights the vastness of time and the potential for Earth to hold many more undiscovered wonders.

Politics, Power, and Societal Dynamics

  • The Influence of Money in Politics: Papa discusses the influence of money in politics, particularly how wealthy individuals and corporations can exert significant pressure on elected officials. The conversation highlights the need for campaign finance reform and a more equitable system of political representation. The discussion touches upon the potential for corruption and the need for greater transparency in political decision-making.
  • The Dangers of Privatization of Public Lands: Papa discusses the potential consequences of privatizing public lands, arguing that it could lead to their exploitation by corporations and the loss of access for the public. The conversation underscores the importance of protecting public lands and ensuring their availability for future generations. The discussion highlights the need for environmental stewardship and the potential for political actions to have long-term consequences.
  • The Power of the Internet and Information Overload: Papa and Rogan discuss the information overload brought on by the internet and its impact on our lives. The conversation explores the challenges of sifting through vast amounts of information and the potential for it to be overwhelming and even detrimental. The discussion highlights the need for critical thinking, media literacy, and a more thoughtful approach to consuming information.
  • The Russian Threat and the Trump Administration: Papa expresses concern about the Russian government’s interference in the 2016 election and the potential for ongoing Russian influence on the Trump administration. The conversation explores the complexities of international relations and the need for vigilance in the face of foreign threats. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding geopolitical dynamics and the potential for them to impact our lives.
  • The Dangers of Political Extremism: Papa discusses the dangers of political extremism, both on the left and the right. He argues that a culture of shaming and aggression can lead to polarization and violence. The conversation highlights the need for civil discourse and the importance of finding common ground despite political differences. The discussion underscores the need for empathy, understanding, and a commitment to finding peaceful solutions to societal challenges.

Personal Experiences, Relationships, and the Human Condition

  • The Importance of Finding a Passion: Papa emphasizes the importance of finding a passion in life and pursuing it with dedication. He believes that having a purpose and something to be passionate about is essential for happiness and fulfillment. The conversation highlights the need for self-discovery and the joy that comes from pursuing one’s interests.
  • The Challenges of Being a Parent: Papa discusses the challenges of parenting, particularly the pressure to guide children towards conventional paths while also encouraging them to pursue their own passions. The conversation explores the complexities of raising children in a complex world and the need to find balance between expectations and individual freedom.
  • The Appeal of Cheating Foods: Papa acknowledges his love for “cheating foods” like fried chicken and Popeye’s, but also recognizes the negative impact they can have on his body. The conversation explores the allure of comfort foods and the struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The discussion highlights the human desire for indulgence and the need for self-discipline.
  • The Power of Laughter and Sharing: Papa and Rogan discuss the importance of laughter and sharing experiences, particularly the humor derived from common human experiences like farting and using the toilet. The conversation highlights the universality of human experiences and the power of humor to connect people and provide release. The discussion underscores the need for lightheartedness, acceptance, and a willingness to embrace the absurdity of life.
  • The Importance of Kindness and Empathy: Papa and Rogan discuss the importance of kindness and empathy, particularly in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The conversation highlights the need for compassion, understanding, and a willingness to see things from other people’s perspectives. The discussion underscores the potential for kindness to make a difference in the world and the need to cultivate it in our own lives.

Memorable Quotes

  • “If you look at the world and you look at all the people, the the number of people stays constant. The resources stay constant. What the fuck happened? That all of a sudden, everything’s terrible.” – Papa on the cyclical nature of financial instability and his concerns about the stock market.
  • “I think it’s totally true. They have a whole different way of looking at the world. They don’t they look at the way we were raised as animals just saying the meanest shit to other people. They look at that, like, it’s caveman times.” – Papa on his belief that kids today are more empathetic than previous generations.
  • “I think it is just a convenience. I think once people are in a community that’s poor, there’s no incentive for the wealthy people that are in government or running government to say, let’s allocate an inordinate amount of resources to try to rebuild these areas.” – Papa on his theory about the lack of investment in impoverished communities.
  • “It’s why you’re seeing in television shows like if you watched The Walking Dead — you’ll see a lot of a random use of swear. We’ve we’ve changed it. Right. But you can’t you still can’t say fuck.” – Papa on the evolving standards of language and censorship in television.
  • “I don’t know how people survive that way. I really don’t blame. That’s their game because they don’t have real physical conflict. So the conflict comes there. They probably came from families where they like to fight a lot.” – Papa on the nature of conflict and the potential for those who haven’t experienced physical violence to express aggression in other ways.