Billy Corben

Date: 2021-09-14 | Duration: 3h 3m

Episode Overview

Billy Corben returns to the Joe Rogan Experience to discuss a wide range of topics centered on Florida’s unique culture, history, and challenges. They begin by examining Florida’s controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how the state’s approach contributed to a staggering death toll, including the unusual case of a healthy 27-year-old police officer succumbing to the virus. Corben delves into the complexities of treatment options, misinformation, and the broader public health response, emphasizing the tension between science and politics in the state. The conversation then shifts to Miami’s notorious past and present, with Corben sharing vivid stories from his documentaries about the cocaine-fueled drug trade that shaped the city’s economy and culture in the 1980s. He recounts the rise and fall of infamous figures like Griselda Blanco and the impact of organized crime on Miami’s development. Corben also touches on the city’s ongoing struggles with climate change, infrastructure issues, and social inequality, painting a picture of a place simultaneously vibrant and vulnerable. Throughout, he reflects on Miami’s distinct identity as a melting pot of cultures, crime, and resilience, offering insights into how these forces continue to define the region today.

About Billy Corben

Billy Corben is a renowned documentary producer and director celebrated for his gripping narratives that delve into the underbelly of American culture. Best known for his iconic films "Cocaine Cowboys" and its sequel, he has also made waves with ESPN's acclaimed "30 for 30" series, including the thought-provoking documentaries "Broke" and "The U." Corben's work is characterized by a unique blend of raw storytelling and cultural commentary, making him a standout voice in documentary filmmaking. His latest project, "Dawg Fight," further showcases his ability to capture the intensity of human experiences, solidifying his reputation as a compelling chronicler of contemporary issues.

Key Moments

– COVID-19 Impact
– Florida Politics
– Law Enforcement
– Drug Trade History
– Miami Culture
– Documentary Filmmaking
– Climate Change Effects
– Public Education
– Social Media Censorship
– Mental Health and Creativity
– Substance Use and Effects
– Economic Inequality
– Urban Development
– Media Influence
– American Society
– Historical Crime Figures
– Hurricane Impact
– Entertainment Industry
– Misinformation
– Race and Compassion
0:00:00 – Introduction and COVID-19 situation in Florida
0:02:00 – COVID-19 as leading cause of death for police officers
0:05:08 – Discussion of young police officer's COVID death
0:06:20 – Safe and effective COVID treatments and vaccines
0:12:55 – Ivermectin and alternative COVID treatments debate
0:16:38 – Billy Corben's Florida upbringing and Miami roots
0:18:11 – Champlain Towers collapse and environmental factors
0:20:49 – The Florida Man phenomenon and Miami's cultural reputation
0:24:08 – Miami's cocaine epidemic in the 70s and 80s
0:28:03 – Personal stories of drug impact and cartel dangers
0:33:09 – Medical marijuana's therapeutic uses and legalization
0:37:36 – Creative effects of cannabis on Billy Corben
0:42:09 – Billy Corben's documentary work and storytelling approach
0:50:38 – Miami drug trade's influence on economy and society
1:03:21 – Cocaine stash houses and cash payments in Miami
1:06:12 – Comparison of Miami and Hollywood's flashy culture
1:11:28 – Deleted scenes and behind the scenes of documentaries
1:15:17 – Miami and Cuban-American identity in filmmaking
1:24:07 – Climate change and flooding risks in Miami
1:38:23 – Miami's low elevation and environmental challenges
1:40:25 – Wealth gap and income inequality in Miami
1:42:20 – Corruption and misappropriation in public education
1:46:32 – Tent cities and homelessness issues
1:54:52 – Foreign propaganda and societal division
2:02:07 – Shared human experiences and compassion
2:11:23 – Bias in education and institutional discrimination
2:17:40 – Mask debates and school choices during pandemic
2:23:11 – Voting and political engagement as solutions
2:27:55 – Social media bans and free speech concerns
2:36:34 – Brett Weinstein's website and social media censorship
2:42:49 – Mask wearing as a social responsibility
2:47:19 – Airline travel and virus transmission precautions
2:50:38 – Pandemic lifestyle changes and food delivery
2:52:11 – Joe Exotic and pop culture references
2:55:17 – Miami's American Dream and documentary success
2:58:45 – Career reflections and future outlook

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 00:00:29 It was a rough few days, Starting point is 00:00:40 that Florida has gotten Starting point is 00:00:59 At least I can go to restaurants. Starting point is 00:01:20 One in five COVID deaths in the United States occurred in Florida. Starting point is 00:02:00 by the end of the pandemic, it will overtake the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001, as the single deadliest incident in the history of United States law enforcement. Starting point is 00:02:32 What is the difference between the way Florida is treating it and the way other states are treating it? Starting point is 00:03:18 Yeah. COVID-19, number one cop killer for two years running and counting. Starting point is 00:03:46 what Florida makes. We sell the sunshine. Do you guys make machine guns? Yeah. We have gun Starting point is 00:04:12 It relies solely on new outside money and investors coming in the next day. Starting point is 00:04:52 old people die normally anyway. Starting point is 00:05:08 But there's a 27-year-old police officer, Starting point is 00:05:55 It's very unusual for a 27-year-old person with good health care, someone who's been taken care of, to die from COVID. Starting point is 00:06:20 Like, that's just, you know, we're all walking, talking comorbidities. That's that's just the reality. But, you know, the the the truth is, is that there is a safe and effective and in fact, free way to because that's the thing, too, is the treatment is not a a pre infection prophylaxis. Starting point is 00:07:09 It's shown to have an incredible rate. Starting point is 00:07:33 I don't know if they're doing that. Starting point is 00:07:52 Yes. Starting point is 00:08:13 I mean, that's what I said. Starting point is 00:08:36 we develop hypotheses, we collect data, you experiment, we analyze that data, Starting point is 00:09:15 And it can protect you from hospitalization. Starting...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1706?

Billy Corben was the guest on JRE #1706. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1706?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1706 with Billy Corben, topics include COVID-19 Impact, Florida Politics, Law Enforcement, and Drug Trade History.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1706?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1706 with Billy Corben is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.