Shane Smith

Date: 2017-01-25 | Duration: 2h 11m

Episode Overview

Shane Smith joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on global conflict, media, and the transformative power of technology. Smith reflects on the absurdity and dangers of war, emphasizing how those in power often profit from ongoing violence while ordinary people suffer. He shares candid observations about the geopolitical tensions involving countries like Iran and Pakistan, questioning the rationale behind nuclear armament and the persistent cycle of conflict fueled by misinformation and fear. The discussion also delves into the evolution of media and journalism, with Smith critiquing mainstream outlets for perpetuating "nonsense journalism" and highlighting how the internet has disrupted traditional narratives. He praises the role of independent creators and platforms in providing more authentic, ground-level perspectives. Throughout the episode, Smith underscores the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness, recounting his own travels and experiences that have shaped his worldview. The conversation closes on a hopeful note about humanity’s potential to overcome entrenched systems of power and embrace new ways of thinking, even as the world faces significant challenges.

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

– War and Conflict
– Media and Journalism
– Global Politics
– Technology and Internet
– Drug Culture
– Mental Health
– Cultural Anthropology
– Youth Activism
– Economic Crisis
– Environmental Issues
– Documentary Filmmaking
– Middle East Politics
– Social Media Influence
– Addiction and Recovery
– Historical Awareness
– Freedom of Speech
– International Relations
– Personal Growth
0:00:00 – Discussion on the prospect of going to war
0:00:16 – Leaders profiting from ongoing conflicts
0:03:02 – Concerns about nuclear weapons possession
0:04:39 – Experiences and observations from Congo visit
0:07:03 – Impact of internet connectivity in remote areas
0:10:09 – Youth frustration and political unrest in Pakistan
0:11:22 – Evolution of podcasting and online broadcasting
0:13:19 – Critique of mainstream news outlets
0:16:05 – Feeling like a conduit for meaningful conversations
0:18:43 – Questioning traditional ways of living
0:20:41 – Plans to move to Canada if crisis worsens
0:22:10 – Disenfranchisement of people with power globally
0:25:01 – Humorous notion of saving Romney with mushrooms
0:28:57 – Criticism of primal survival instincts in modern times
0:31:18 – Origins and impact of the Taliban
0:33:34 – Technology's role in global conflicts
0:36:29 – Alcohol's generational impact on behavior
0:39:20 – Discussion about a significant book
0:40:04 – Anthony Bernays' courageous journalism
0:46:27 – Internet's influence on revolutions worldwide
0:49:10 – Realization of living in a surreal world
0:51:08 – Cultural momentum before internet access
0:54:29 – Worsening global conditions than initially perceived
0:55:34 – Consequences of attacking Iran
0:57:42 – Rule of thugs in Mexico
0:58:50 – Riots and economic turmoil in Europe
1:01:25 – Questioning inevitability of political unrest
1:02:09 – Importance of learning from history
1:03:20 – War's harsh realities and human cost
1:06:13 – Greed as a root cause of distorted perceptions
1:07:55 – Decision to create independent news content
1:08:43 – Closing remarks and gratitude
1:10:24 – Upcoming live shows and collaborations
1:12:25 – Podcast reflections and guest appreciation
1:13:27 – Mention of John McAfee
1:13:37 – Farewell to listeners

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Let's do the countdown. False countdown. 4, 3, 2, 1. Yeehaw! And we're live. What's up, my brother? That was quick. How are you? I know. That's how it goes. I like it that way. Very efficient. Very efficient. I like it. Just start. Just start. Boom. Make it happen. I like it. So, things are getting weird. Real quick. Yeah? What are you thinking about this orange fella? What are you thinking about this orange fella? I mean, I got to say, for me, it's the best time ever to start a news service. Oh, yeah. And we started our daily show about a month before, and it just is like, wow. Starting point is 00:00:38 And you're doing it on Vice, on your channel? No, it's with HBO. It's a daily news show on HBO. It's like we were doing so well on weekly. I don't know about shit. Why don't I know about this? We did our weekly show and then that was doing well so they gave us a daily show Starting point is 00:00:51 and they were going to just put it on HBO Now and go but then it was doing so well they put us on the air on TV so it's every night. This is the best possible Starting point is 00:00:58 compliment for your show. Your show is like what I would expect someone who's never done a show before to do if you just gave them a fuckload of money. Starting point is 00:01:08 Yeah, that's probably, that's exactly. And gave the hosts who have really never hosted anything before and gave them a fuckload of money. Starting point is 00:01:14 The whole thing feels so, the wrong word to use is unprofessional. Right. But it's unpolished. Unpolished. Yeah. Starting point is 00:01:23 Unfakeified. There you go. It's unpolished. There's no one talking like this. There's no Brian Williams. We didn't know what we were doing. And when we started, the criticisms came. My favorite was from the New York Times. Starting point is 00:01:36 It's just a bunch of hipsters in skinny jeans and tattoos high-fiving in war zones. tattoos, high-fiving in war zones. And I was like, if...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #905?

Shane Smith was the guest on JRE #905. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #905?

On Joe Rogan Experience #905 with Shane Smith, topics include War and Conflict, Media and Journalism, Global Politics, and Technology and Internet.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #905?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #905 with Shane Smith is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.