Ari Shaffir

Date: 2021-07-22 | Duration: 3h 33m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Ari Shaffir joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on comedy, personal growth, and cultural observations. They delve into the evolution of stand-up comedy, sharing stories about the challenges of breaking into the scene and the importance of honing one’s craft. Ari reflects on his journey from struggling comedian to established performer, highlighting the influence of mentors and the value of perseverance. The discussion also explores the dynamics within comedy clubs and how the industry has changed over time, including the impact of social media and shifting audience expectations. The episode also ventures into Ari’s experiences with psychedelics and spirituality, where he recounts encounters with shamans and the emotional insights gained from ayahuasca ceremonies. This leads to a broader conversation about self-awareness, healing, and the search for meaning beyond the stage. Additionally, Ari and Joe touch on societal issues such as censorship, cancel culture, and the complexities of navigating public discourse in today’s polarized environment. Throughout the episode, Ari’s candid storytelling and sharp humor provide a compelling look at the life of a comedian balancing art, controversy, and personal evolution.

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

– Comedy
– Stand-up
– Podcasting
– Drug Culture
– Social Media Censorship
– Mental Health
– Music
– Fitness
– Addiction
– Relationships
– Indigenous History
– Technology
– Entertainment Industry
– Conspiracy Theories
– Politics
– Spirituality
– Comedy Clubs
– Public Health
– Cultural Appropriation
0:00:00 – Introduction and podcast setup
0:03:14 – Discussion on Native American population decline
0:07:44 – Advancements in technology and TV screens
0:11:48 – Spanish language skills and marijuana terminology
0:15:49 – Experiences with acid and psychedelic effects
0:18:22 – Conversation about fentanyl and bath salts
0:21:52 – Gun control and police encounters
0:24:14 – Pre-legalization cannabis culture and safety measures
0:28:26 – Caffeine consumption and health effects
0:32:20 – Alcohol consumption and social habits
0:35:51 – Subsistence hunting and cultural practices
0:37:28 – Social media bans and censorship power
0:39:01 – Pharmaceutical companies and ivermectin discussion
0:41:12 – Animal hearing and concert volume experiences
0:44:48 – Music preferences and band anecdotes
0:49:12 – Comedy club work environment and unemployment effects
0:53:08 – COVID-19 misinformation and vaccine skepticism
0:56:44 – Live shows returning and vaccination experiences
1:00:38 – Health benefits of alcohol and resveratrol
1:03:15 – Hypercolor clothing and party culture
1:08:04 – Instagram censorship and content removal
1:12:30 – Career aspirations and job dissatisfaction
1:14:04 – Sex work and societal perceptions
1:18:56 – Changes in treatment after financial success
1:22:46 – Navigating social interactions and trust issues
1:25:16 – Comedy movie references and humor style
1:28:42 – Physical appearance and body image reflections
1:31:06 – Yoga and spiritual practices discussion
1:34:34 – Shane Gillis controversy and social media response
1:38:03 – Sports injuries and recovery stories
1:41:45 – Conflict resolution and social behavior
1:44:45 – Law enforcement perspectives and public opinion
1:47:56 – Bon Appetit controversy and cultural sensitivity
1:53:21 – Travel and Muay Thai training experiences
1:56:04 – Nick Cannon controversy and antisemitism discussion
2:00:37 – Celebrity visits and stand-up comedy memories
2:02:04 – Booking openers and comedy show preparation
2:04:15 – Media influence and societal challenges
2:07:12 – Negotiations with Netflix and artistic control
2:10:51 – Joe Rogan branded merchandise ideas
2:16:36 – Personal stories from youth and early career
2:21:54 – Comedy writing and joke development process
2:27:44 – Testosterone and weightlifting effects
2:30:12 – Travel memories and tattoos inspired by experiences
2:32:00 – Norm Macdonald and comedy platform impact
2:36:41 – Joey Diaz work ethic and personality traits
2:42:04 – Seinfeld's influence on storytelling
2:44:26 – DMT experiences and shamanic traditions
2:53:15 – Artistic expression and emotional reactions
3:00:35 – Personal realizations and relationship insights
3:07:32 – Supporting emerging talent in comedy
3:14:05 – Learning from experienced comedians
3:19:13 – Overcoming personal struggles in comedy career
3:24:04 – Comedy club community and camaraderie
3:27:12 – Promotion of Skeptic Tank Podcast

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:00:59 all kinds of but also recovering hair loss and there's a bunch of different Starting point is 00:01:31 That's hilarious. Starting point is 00:01:39 And then he looks up and he goes, Starting point is 00:01:51 Yeah. Starting point is 00:02:04 Really? Starting point is 00:02:17 And then there's the litter also, Starting point is 00:02:41 and there would be no one in the town. Starting point is 00:03:14 fucking diseases and everybody died. Wow. That's the number one theory. Cause like people are Starting point is 00:03:47 Most of them are dead. Starting point is 00:04:03 But for the Native Americans, everything the Europeans brought over, all their diseases. Starting point is 00:04:27 of all the people are dead. Starting point is 00:04:42 But like in 1550, 1492 whatever like how many? Starting point is 00:05:07 So if another wave Starting point is 00:05:15 talk about just Starting point is 00:05:24 all published estimates from populations throughout the Americas, that's a bright... Look at that TV. By combining all published estimates from populations Starting point is 00:05:39 and smallpox? When the New Europeans Starting point is 00:06:05 You see it and you realize that's somebody old just died. Starting point is 00:06:17 Jeez, yeah. Starting point is 00:06:28 and they would put a new TV on top of the cabinet. Starting point is 00:06:41 and you open up the cabinet to watch TV, Starting point is 00:06:53 They have black and white TV. Starting point is 00:07:09 it's got no swords in it this art sucks you'd be like look at this stupid old cabinet it's kind of Starting point is 00:07:36 Oh, really? Starting point is 00:07:44 They're so thin now. Yeah. It's really amazing. I screen with the colored back. Let me see what it looks like. Starting point is 00:07:53 Not everything else in your life. Starting point is 00:08:04 Like an iPad. That's how r...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1686?

Ari Shaffir was the guest on JRE #1686. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1686?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1686 with Ari Shaffir, topics include Stand-up, Podcasting, Drug Culture, and Social Media Censorship.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1686?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1686 with Ari Shaffir is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.