Ari Shaffir

Date: 2018-06-25 | Duration: 3h 25m

Episode Overview

Ari Shaffir joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on comedy, mental health, and cultural observations. They dive into the challenges of stand-up comedy, especially the grind of open mics and the pressure to develop a unique voice. Ari reflects on the difficulties women face in comedy, estimating it to be 20-25% harder due to social dynamics and audience expectations. The discussion also explores the balance between playing to a crowd and staying authentic, with Ari sharing insights on how comedians evolve their material over time. Mental health is a significant topic, with Ari opening up about his experiences with depression and medication. He discusses the complexities of psychiatric drugs, the process of weaning off them, and the lingering effects of mental illness even after treatment. Joe and Ari emphasize the importance of compassion and understanding for those struggling, highlighting the stigma that often surrounds these issues. The episode also touches on broader cultural themes, including free speech, societal responsibilities, and the absurdities of modern life. Ari and Joe share stories about their travels, the quirks of different cities, and the strange behaviors people exhibit. Their candid, unfiltered dialogue offers a mix of humor and thoughtful reflection, making for an engaging and insightful conversation.

About Ari Shaffir

Ari Shaffir is a comedian and podcaster best known for hosting "Ari Shaffir's Skeptic Tank," a long-running podcast where he explores unconventional topics ranging from drug policy reform to corporate ethics. He recently completed a seven-month extended travel through South America, during which he developed his storytelling special "The End" and continued producing content remotely from exotic locations. Shaffir is known for his willingness to tackle controversial subjects and his independence from traditional media gatekeeping, having previously hosted "This Is Not Happening" on Comedy Central.

Key Moments

– Stand-up Comedy
– Mental Health
– Drug Policy
– Alcohol Consumption
– MMA Fighting
– Open Mic Culture
– Comedy Specials
– Comedy Writing
– New York City Life
– Documentaries
– Suicidal Thoughts
– Medication and Psychiatry
– Social Issues in Comedy
– Race and University Admissions
– Gender Dynamics in Comedy
– Animal Behavior
– Free Speech
– Podcasting
– Traveling Comedians
0:00:00 – Ari Shaffir speed rapping introduction
0:01:42 – Discussion about marketing and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer
0:02:27 – Choosing countries to live in besides the US
0:04:18 – Debate on drug legalization and societal responsibility
0:07:10 – Monkeys developing language and hunting skills
0:08:23 – Age-related eyesight degeneration
0:09:53 – Decision to live in New York City
0:12:14 – Book analyzing performers in different venues
0:15:28 – Challenges in gauging someone's understanding of the world
0:17:16 – Mount Rushmore of comedy influences discussion
0:23:27 – Bombing on stage and gut-wrenching experiences
0:25:18 – Stand-up comedy harder for women discussion
0:30:01 – Open mic culture and presence of eccentric performers
0:31:46 – Ideas from acid experience at music festival
0:36:06 – Artistic merits and touring with original comedy act
0:38:27 – Bobby Lee and goofy comedy style
0:39:05 – Musicians releasing new albums and audience engagement
0:42:04 – Controversy about rapist entering Hall of Fame
0:44:18 – Seagulls preying on pigeons in urban parks
0:48:42 – Appreciation of movies for dumb fun
0:53:21 – Challenges of quitting smoking and addiction
0:54:28 – Watching live bands and music performances
0:56:26 – Audience reactions during Eminem performances
1:00:30 – Discussion on viral videos and racial issues
1:04:05 – Debate on chokeholds and physical combat techniques
1:06:52 – Wrestling personas and selling pay-per-views
1:10:11 – MMA fighters' career challenges and weight classes
1:16:56 – Stereotypes about intelligence among ethnic groups
1:20:09 – University admissions and racial representation lawsuits
1:27:37 – Female bookers and gender pay gap in comedy
1:33:55 – Work-life balance and family obligations
1:36:31 – Impact of music on mood and focus
1:40:26 – Hilarious insults among comedians
1:42:40 – Manifesting gun violence through gun presence
1:44:52 – Story about yeshiva in Israel
1:49:04 – New York City's rat problem and pest control
2:00:39 – Discussion on prescription medication and overprescribing
2:02:43 – Struggles from open mic to successful comedian
2:08:59 – Quiet thinking linked to suicidal tendencies
2:10:42 – Depression causes and medication effects
2:13:08 – Practicing gratitude to improve mood
2:18:21 – Sobriety revealing underlying issues
2:20:03 – Guilt associated with comedic success
2:32:34 – Recommendation of Wild Wild Country documentary
3:00:09 – Need for more compassion in society
3:02:04 – Concerns about anti-free speech culture
3:06:57 – Limits of hate speech and free speech debate
3:09:24 – Peter Schiff's life in Puerto Rico
3:14:14 – Natural disasters and volcanic destruction
3:19:07 – Hollywood writers and drug testing
3:20:13 – Upcoming comedy shows and travel plans

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Ari Shafir speed rapping in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go. Starting point is 00:00:22 And then Ari goes, yeah, but you've got to read the words. Starting point is 00:00:34 Triple F tits. Starting point is 00:00:42 Yeah. You ever seen those? Starting point is 00:01:00 Look at this one. Starting point is 00:01:11 Australian shit. Starting point is 00:01:19 He's there because she's got to be Australian. Starting point is 00:01:29 Yeah, they are. Starting point is 00:01:42 It's just marketing. Starting point is 00:01:52 Like I'll drink a can of Pabst at the store sometimes. Starting point is 00:01:59 I was like, what? Starting point is 00:02:17 Like, while I'm shopping for other snacks. Starting point is 00:02:27 If there was another country that I would live in besides America or besides the United States, Starting point is 00:02:44 the fucking winter so I could go traveling. Oh, you're handle it, son. I can handle it. You're a traveling man. Yeah, I skipped the fucking winter, so I could go traveling. Starting point is 00:03:04 Yeah. Starting point is 00:03:17 You can get snow in April. Starting point is 00:03:26 Snow in April? Starting point is 00:03:32 Yeah. Starting point is 00:03:39 that Prince, Starting point is 00:03:48 He never has fucking everybody. Starting point is 00:04:02 They do it in the UK in some places Starting point is 00:04:18 You're not saving anybody by making drugs illegal. Starting point is 00:04:50 that wouldn't normally do it but like well there's a store right there all right i'll get some i don't Starting point is 00:05:10 Why don't I just go get some whiskey? Starting point is 00:05:21 but because it's so easy to get Starting point is 00:05:33 I don't know if it's worse. Starting point is 00:05:46 I really do. I think we have a real, there's a responsibility that I think society has to this fucked up Starting point is 00:06:03 It doesn't make any sense. Starting point is 00:06:15 Thousands of people every year die from alcoho...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1135?

Ari Shaffir was the guest on JRE #1135. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1135?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1135 with Ari Shaffir, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Mental Health, Drug Policy, and Alcohol Consumption.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1135?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1135 with Ari Shaffir is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.