Ari Shaffir

Date: 2011-03-01 | Duration: 2h 1m

Episode Overview

Ari Shaffir joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on comedy, technology, and mixed martial arts. They discuss the evolution of stand-up comedy, highlighting how the internet has transformed the way comedians build their audiences and share material in real time. Ari reflects on the challenges and nuances of performing live, emphasizing the importance of connecting with crowds and closing strong. The two also dive into their fascination with video games and chess, exploring the addictive nature of these activities and how they engage the mind differently. The episode shifts to MMA, where Ari and Joe share insights from their experiences attending fights and following fighters’ careers. They discuss the tactical aspects of the sport, the intensity of live events, and the fleeting nature of a fighter’s career. The conversation also touches on the UFC’s growth and the personalities that have shaped the sport. Throughout, Ari’s candid stories and sharp observations provide a behind-the-scenes look at both comedy and combat sports, blending humor with thoughtful commentary on passion, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence.

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
– Podcasting
– Artificial Intelligence
– Chess
– Video Games
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Pool Billiards
– UFC
– Sports Betting
– Movie Discussion
– Technology
– Space Exploration
– Fishing
– Nutrition
– Animal Conservation
– Health Care
– Linux Operating System
– Comedy Industry
– Live Events
– Music Identification Apps
0:00:00 – Introduction and Sponsorship Mention
0:02:29 – Filling Comedy Clubs Quickly
0:04:02 – Using Twitter to Identify Movie Quotes
0:06:50 – Discussion on Star Wars Movie Reception
0:08:04 – Inception's Dream Environment Explained
0:09:42 – Artificial Intelligence Capabilities Overview
0:11:56 – Addiction to Chess and Video Games
0:14:02 – Managing Digital Movie Collections
0:17:39 – Criticism of Floppy Drives and Old Storage
0:20:25 – Physical Demands of Playing Pool
0:23:41 – Comedy Scenes in Los Angeles and Boston
0:29:00 – Podcast Segment Break and Banter
0:32:32 – Analyzing Opponents in Sports Betting
0:34:23 – MMA Fighters and UFC History Discussion
0:38:55 – Challenges of Making a Living in MMA
0:41:31 – Comparing Baseball and Other Sports
0:43:18 – Importance of Practice in Sports
0:45:10 – Speed Chess Rules and Strategy
0:47:04 – Flight Simulator Physics and Realism
0:49:41 – Excitement About Future Technology
0:51:46 – Using Shazam App for Music Identification
0:53:21 – Comedy Shows and Community Support
0:56:13 – Appreciation of Comedians' Unique Styles
1:00:00 – Critique of Universal Health Care
1:02:54 – Windows vs Linux Operating Systems Debate
1:05:39 – Comedy as an Act of Fun
1:07:15 – Accuracy in Slingshot and Water Balloon Games
1:10:20 – Early Road Gigs in Comedy
1:12:07 – Satisfaction of Working Independently
1:14:57 – Studies on Moon's Orbital Eccentricity
1:17:24 – Concept of Infinity and Space
1:19:31 – Kuiper Belt and Large Objects Beyond Pluto
1:22:32 – Philosophical View on Human Existence
1:25:14 – Business Scale of Movie Commentary
1:26:23 – Overview of UFC and Fight Contracts
1:31:14 – Lyoto Machida's UFC Career Highlights
1:38:15 – Techniques and Strategies in MMA Fighting
1:40:47 – Enjoyment of Watching Live UFC Events
1:44:07 – Fan Culture and Comedy Appreciation
1:45:05 – Discussion on Veganism and Meat Consumption
1:49:24 – Fishing Experiences and Techniques
1:52:53 – Impact of Whaling and Marine Life Conservation
1:54:09 – Nutritional Benefits of Shark Meat
1:56:00 – Closing Remarks and Upcoming Guests Announcement

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 This special edition of the Joe Rogan Experience, like all of the episodes of the podcast, is sponsored by the number one male sex toy, the Fleshlight. Starting point is 00:00:41 the second edition Starting point is 00:01:02 It was a fun trip. Starting point is 00:01:25 And we did this show in Rudy Hill Starting point is 00:01:41 place in Sydney itself. Starting point is 00:01:55 That's what we liked about it. Starting point is 00:02:14 That's 11 hours later. Starting point is 00:02:29 you fill a comedy club up in a few hours Starting point is 00:02:44 with tickets i've Starting point is 00:03:15 There's never been a time in history where, you know, a guy like you, an independent comedian, Starting point is 00:03:40 You couldn't figure out what Chris Rock, what movie that was from, Starting point is 00:03:54 We couldn't figure out what movie it was. Starting point is 00:04:02 So we put it on Twitter, and seconds later, it's amazing. Starting point is 00:04:20 needed radio stations, TV stations, and all that stuff still helps. Starting point is 00:04:47 It's like in real time, people are seeing it, and then the word is getting out. Starting point is 00:04:57 Because, I mean, how many times, like, back in the day, before there was, like, internet Starting point is 00:05:14 just from a few decades ago, Starting point is 00:05:31 But here's the deal. Starting point is 00:05:44 It's too simple. Starting point is 00:05:55 where it looked like Starting point is 00:06:02 was corny as fuck. Starting point is 00:06:11 It's horrible. Starting point is 00:06:19 I'm clearly that guy. Starting point is 00:06:30 You know, something's happened. Starting point is 00:06:50 watch star wars again it's so sad everybody's like why did star wars three and four why they Starting point is 00:07:15 times he had seen it. Starting point is 00:07:24 Oh, my God. Starting point is 00:07:31 My two year old would do. Starting point is 00:07:42 I said I was going to do tha...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #85?

Ari Shaffir was the guest on JRE #85. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #85?

On Joe Rogan Experience #85 with Ari Shaffir, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Podcasting, Artificial Intelligence, and Video Games.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #85?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #85 with Ari Shaffir is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.