Shane Smith

Date: 2011-12-06 | Duration: 1h 35m

Category: Politics & Media, True Crime & Justice

Episode Overview

Shane Smith shares gripping stories from his early days reporting in some of the world’s most dangerous and chaotic regions, including Liberia during its brutal civil war. He describes the harrowing realities of warlords, child soldiers, and the extreme violence that defined the conflict, painting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse. Smith also reflects on the challenges of documenting these stories, from dodging militias to capturing footage that reveals the raw human cost of conflict. His firsthand accounts highlight the complexities of war zones often overlooked by mainstream media. The conversation then shifts to Smith’s experiences in North Korea, where he details the surreal and tightly controlled environment under Kim Jong-il’s regime. He recounts encounters with local mafia figures who surprisingly acted as protectors during their filming, and the eerie isolation of the region’s Far East. Smith’s insights into the mechanics of authoritarian control and the strange intersections of power and survival offer a rare glimpse behind the curtain of one of the world’s most secretive states. Throughout the episode, Smith also touches on the origins and evolution of Vice Media, explaining how a small Canadian magazine grew into a global platform by focusing on stories that mainstream outlets ignored. His reflections on media, politics, and human nature underscore a career built on curiosity and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

About Shane Smith

Shane Smith is a prominent journalist and co-founder of Vice Media, a groundbreaking media company known for its edgy and immersive storytelling. Under his leadership, Vice has expanded its reach globally, winning numerous awards, including multiple Emmys for its innovative documentaries and news coverage. Smith is particularly renowned for his fearless approach to journalism, often diving into controversial and underreported issues, making him a compelling voice in contemporary media. His candid insights and unique perspectives on culture, politics, and the evolving landscape of media make his conversations not just informative, but captivating, as showcased in his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Vice Media
– Liberian Civil War
– Conflict Minerals
– North Korea Documentary
– Siberian Mafia
– Radiation Effects
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Media Ethics
– African Politics
– Piracy off Somalia
– Internet Censorship
– Documentary Filmmaking
– Joe Rogan Experience
– War Reporting
– Human Rights Violations
– Environmental Pollution
– Social Inequality
– Cultural Anthropology
0:00:26 – Joe Rogan praises Shane Smith's online videos
0:01:00 – Discussion about the origins of Vice Guide to Travel
0:02:46 – Shane recounts brutal tactics during Liberian conflict
0:06:03 – Charles Taylor's education and role in Liberian Civil War
0:07:40 – Description of child heroin use in Monrovia slums
0:10:17 – Grave robbing and cadaver theft during war
0:14:40 – Al Jazeera's coverage of Congo conflict
0:17:21 – Anarchy in war-torn regions described
0:20:50 – Shane's experience in Libya during revolution
0:24:35 – Militia threats during documentary filming
0:25:16 – Insights from North Korea documentaries
0:28:42 – Interactions with North Korean mobsters
0:31:26 – Harsh conditions on Siberian train journeys
0:36:06 – Kim Jong-il's presence in remote regions
0:39:10 – Dudus' influence and armed presence in Jamaica
0:41:31 – Origins of Vice Media and early branding
0:45:16 – Sneaking into Iraq for documentary footage
0:50:49 – Preliminary work in irradiated zones
0:55:23 – Discussion of full-contact training in wrestling
0:59:39 – Interview with a female boxer and her signature move
1:01:14 – Gender transition and physical changes discussed
1:11:00 – Human nature insights from war zones
1:14:58 – Reflections on South Africa's complex social issues
1:19:45 – Pirate stock exchange and its causes
1:22:20 – Shane's imprisonment experience in Libya
1:25:02 – Media's role in spreading fear
1:27:18 – Awareness of Coltan and conflict minerals
1:28:19 – Plastic island pollution discussed
1:30:09 – Shane called 'god of Twitter'
1:31:04 – Importance of internet resources and connections

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:26 I have probably enjoyed your online videos Starting point is 00:00:45 It was the Vice Guide to Travel. Starting point is 00:01:00 and then I'm like, who the fuck are these guys? Starting point is 00:01:25 what you guys are doing is, whether Starting point is 00:01:40 That's the... Starting point is 00:02:08 We're like, Starting point is 00:02:21 And everyone's like, Starting point is 00:02:46 They would steal people's babies. Starting point is 00:03:13 And this guy's still alive. Starting point is 00:03:45 Holy shit. Starting point is 00:04:05 to not go to jail. How do I explain this? Starting point is 00:04:22 side. Starting point is 00:04:38 No, there's enough people dying. Starting point is 00:05:05 Dude, that sounds completely insane. Starting point is 00:05:24 And they wrote the Constitution in America, Starting point is 00:06:03 that started the Civil War. And then Charles Taylor, who was educated here in America, Starting point is 00:06:36 Is that what it was? Starting point is 00:07:11 you're in there's a place called west point which is the the sort of slum of monrovia which by like Starting point is 00:07:40 It's, you know, eight, nine, ten-year-old kid just smoking heroin you know you know slashes Starting point is 00:08:09 Yeah, something. Starting point is 00:08:23 You know what I mean? Starting point is 00:09:00 on earth it's amazing just even thinking about it thinking that that's possible Starting point is 00:09:48 I mean, it has to be the worst humanity can get. Starting point is 00:10:17 and what had happened is no one had anywhere to live, so they opened up the graves, you know, Starting point is 00:10:39 And so he had it, and he goes, Starting point is 00:11:10 were actually stealing cadavers you know from the hospitals and just cutting them up and making you Starting point is 00:12:14 And people are starting to realize that. Starting point is 00:12:31 There was no ch...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1640001?

Shane Smith was the guest on JRE #1640001. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1640001?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1640001 with Shane Smith, topics include Vice Media, Liberian Civil War, Conflict Minerals, and North Korea Documentary.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1640001?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1640001 with Shane Smith is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.