Shane Smith

Date: 2012-05-28 | Duration: 1h 59m

Episode Overview

Shane Smith, co-founder of Vice Media, joins Joe Rogan to share firsthand accounts from some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions. He recounts his experiences embedded with Mujahideen fighters in Afghanistan, describing the tense atmosphere during prolonged firefights and the complex relationships between local warlords and intelligence agencies like Pakistan’s ISI. Smith offers a candid critique of U.S. foreign policy, comparing the ongoing situation in Afghanistan to Vietnam and warning of a return to civil war once American forces withdraw. The conversation also delves into the rise of drug cartels in Mexico, where Smith highlights the brutal violence and challenges journalists face covering these stories. He discusses the impact of foreign fishing fleets on Somalia’s coastline, which contributed to the emergence of piracy, and reflects on the broader consequences of global resource exploitation. Throughout the episode, Smith touches on the evolving nature of journalism, emphasizing Vice’s commitment to immersive storytelling in conflict zones and neglected areas. His insights paint a vivid picture of geopolitical instability, the human cost of war, and the shifting landscape of media in the 21st century.

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

– Journalism
– War Reporting
– Taliban
– Drug Cartels
– Middle East Conflict
– Psychedelic Research
– Climate Change
– Economic Inequality
– Political Corruption
– Human Rights
– Technology Impact
– Addiction
– Somali Piracy
– US Foreign Policy
– Environmental Pollution
– Social Unrest
– Ethnobotany
– Asteroid Impact
– Media Ethics
0:00:00 – Introduction to Shane Smith and initial remarks
0:08:06 – Discussion of suicide bombers caught before detonation
0:10:54 – Insight on ISI and Taliban influence in Pakistan
0:13:12 – Civilian suicide bombing in Kabul and aftermath
0:14:19 – US government negotiations with Taliban power
0:15:32 – Questioning if America will admit losing the war
0:18:05 – Necessity of targeting Afghanistan for 9/11 response
0:22:40 – Experiences in the world's most dangerous places
0:25:12 – Encounter with Somali pirates and their background
0:27:40 – Allegations of US funding Muslim extremists
0:30:12 – Reflection on modern technology and perception of reality
0:35:24 – Coverage of violence and cartel activity in Juarez
0:40:25 – Political commentary on DREAM Act and Republican nominees
0:44:13 – Discussion on capitalism and economic frustration in youth
0:46:54 – Concerns about social unrest and future upheaval in Europe
0:50:07 – Description of feral youth and gang violence near the border
0:52:09 – Critique of US DEA and gun sales in drug war
0:56:10 – Acknowledgment of drug cartels' militarization in Mexico
0:57:40 – Philosophical question on human condition evolution
1:03:52 – Discussion on global weapons and societal impact
1:06:05 – Mention of 'The Secret' and positive thinking
1:08:21 – Going into wilderness and early American frontier life
1:11:14 – Reflection on humanity's capacity for destruction
1:15:55 – Scientific theory on spores and asteroid impacts
1:18:09 – Introduction to psychedelic chemist and ethnobotany
1:20:10 – Theory on mushrooms influencing human brain evolution
1:23:25 – Importance of witnessing and reporting global injustices
1:28:32 – Experience filming in Beirut and challenges faced
1:31:48 – Criticism of baby boomer generation and economic issues
1:33:37 – Growing global groundswell of dissatisfaction and unrest
1:35:29 – Discussion on whistleblowers and war crimes exposure
1:37:34 – Impact of leaked information and future revolutions
1:39:08 – Role of journalism in holding politicians accountable
1:42:07 – America's involvement in foreign wars and social experiments
1:44:14 – Opioid crisis and drug addiction comparisons
1:47:53 – FARC and Colombian conflict insights
1:49:48 – Effects of systemic violence on individuals
1:53:34 – Use of strongest drugs in addiction treatment clinics

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the Joe Rogan experience Starting point is 00:00:34 It's a bad time. Starting point is 00:00:50 day because the limos had their wallets Starting point is 00:01:06 Well, the car drivers were nice. Starting point is 00:01:25 The music was good. Starting point is 00:01:40 He's quite a personality. Starting point is 00:01:58 Yeah. Starting point is 00:02:22 The last time Barboza was in the ring was in Brazil Starting point is 00:02:37 There you go. Starting point is 00:02:52 The Cinderella story Starting point is 00:03:06 Which guy was that? Starting point is 00:03:15 James Braddock. Starting point is 00:03:24 I hate when a guy who's that good, like Russell Crowe, gets stuck in a movie like that. Starting point is 00:03:51 Yeah. Starting point is 00:04:24 best seats are not the most Starting point is 00:05:05 such a steep penalty on your body yeah i love getting drunk yeah you know i mean i'm really Starting point is 00:05:35 Right. Starting point is 00:05:55 probably not i probably would be fine but it felt like i was buzzed still from last night damn dude Starting point is 00:06:14 about whiskey. Starting point is 00:06:24 The walls have ears, sir. Starting point is 00:06:38 That's the kind of stuff you like? Starting point is 00:06:53 I thought the smooth stuff was the stuff that was really old and super expensive. Starting point is 00:07:11 Right. Starting point is 00:07:27 Really? Starting point is 00:07:39 None of it's good. Starting point is 00:08:06 who actually were caught before they could ignite their vests. Starting point is 00:08:27 Whoa. Starting point is 00:09:01 Wow. I mean, that's the best way to describe it? Starting point is 00:09:21 That's fucking scary shit, man. Starting point is 00:09:53 So he's got like, you know, 20 or 30 guys in the courtyard all sort of, you know, checking you out. Starting point is 00:10:24 Do they know who let him out and why? Starting point is 00:10:54 I mean, you can buy your way out of jail in P...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #221?

Shane Smith was the guest on JRE #221. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #221?

On Joe Rogan Experience #221 with Shane Smith, topics include Journalism, War Reporting, Drug Cartels, and Middle East Conflict.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #221?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #221 with Shane Smith is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.