In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan and comedian Rich Voss share stories from their careers in comedy and offer insights into the evolution of the industry. Voss also opens up about his struggles with addiction and journey to sobriety.
The conversation shifts to political and social topics, including the Israel-Palestine conflict, climate activism, and social justice movements. Rogan and Voss offer critical perspectives on campus climate issues, media narratives, and the tactics of various groups and organizations.
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Joe Rogan and Rich Voss share their journeys in the comedy industry - from performing in challenging shows and clubs to the evolution of comedic genres, the close rapport among comics, and the importance of playful banter between them.
Voss recounts the shift from variety acts like ventriloquists to stand-up comedy becoming predominantly about performers talking. Rogan notes how comedy in the 80s had no definition but a wide range of acts, from prop comics to those bringing signs on stage. But, according to Voss, that variety has declined over time.
Rogan and Voss highlight the significance of playful interactions and roasting among comedians. They convey the deep bond and natural chemistry between comics through stories of trading jibes and teasing on shows like "Opie and Anthony" and "Kill Tony."
Rich Voss openly discusses his struggles with cocaine, crack, and heroin addiction, and the impact on his comedy career. He shares stories of his compulsive drug use, close calls, and eventual sobriety after a relapse and hospitalization for anxiety.
Voss presents a strong defense of Israel, arguing for its right to self-defense and questioning casualty numbers from groups like Hamas, which he labels as terrorists. He highlights Israel's ancient Jewish roots and past peace proposals rejected by Arafat.
Rogan and Voss question the motives behind climate activism and social justice movements. Rogan criticizes the contradictions of supporting groups like Hamas, while both cast doubt on tactics like blocking highways. They also express skepticism about the individual impact on climate change.
Voss criticizes colleges for allowing Jewish students to feel harassed, while Rogan suggests campus movements may be funded inorganically. Voss champions free speech and concealed carry policies for campus safety amidst perceived censorship and intolerance towards conservative viewpoints.
1-Page Summary
Joe Rogan and Rich Voss share an in-depth look at their journeys in the comedy industry, from wild crowds and legendary acts to the evolution of comedic genres and the importance of rapport among comics.
Rich Voss’s experiences span from working at renowned clubs like Catch a Rising Star to being the first white comic on Def Jam. He recalls the shift from the variety of acts like ventriloquists and prop comics to stand-up comedy becoming predominantly about people talking.
The relationship between comedians and club owners is a focal point of discussion for Rogan and Voss. They recall battling with club owners over financial aspects and the importance of club owners who genuinely love comedy. Notably, they reminisce about their early days performing in challenging environments like "prom shows," where they entertained cycling audiences of high school students. They share memories of performing alongside peers in New York, where camaraderie was built amongst comics like Patrice, Norton, Billy, Bobby, Colin, and Kevin Hart.
Rogan and Voss delve into the decline of variety within stand-up comedy. They observe the rarity of prop acts like Rip Taylor and Carrot Top and note that musical and magic acts have also become scarce in the current comedy scene.
Reflecting on the 80s, Rogan points out how comedy had no definition and included a wide range of performers, from prop acts to comedians who brought signs on stage. Voss agrees, noting that the variety has diminished over time, with stand-up comedy now predominantly focused on the spoken word.
Joe Rogan and Voss highlight the significance ...
Comedic Industry: Experiences of Rogan and Voss
Rich Voss openly shares his journey from substance abuse to recovery, reflecting on his past experiences with illicit drugs and the impact they've had on his life, including his career in comedy.
Voss talks about his history of drug addiction, particularly related to cocaine, crack, and heroin, and how these struggles have led him to become accustomed to discomfort. He recounts several anecdotes that illustrate his battle with addiction, such as choosing cocaine over money after a show in Scranton, PA, a decision that hints at the divergent paths between him and Adam Sandler, who made the more prudent choice and opted for money.
Voss also shares a story of buying cocaine in Boston and staying at the Milner Hotel, known for its drug-addicted and prostitute clientele. He reflects on the compulsive behavior of his addiction, like when he stole portions of cocaine to cook and smoke as crack after a cocaine binge with a friend. Nonetheless, despite numerous hardships and close shaves with danger—including a notable interaction with a drug dealer in Boston who was later killed—Voss highlights his long-term recovery and sobriety.
Voss has been sober for 39 years, with his journey to sobriety beginning in the mid-1980s. He shares the challenges he faced along the way, including hospitalization for anxiety and being prescribed heavy medications such as [restricted term] and [restricted term]. Voss connects his anxiety with his drug use, something he had to conquer along with his addiction.
Despite setbacks, including a relapse, Voss remained steadfast in his sobriety. He recollects an incident where he was offered cocaine and decided to walk away, a decision that marked his dedication to recovery. The anxiety he once struggled with now dissipates when performing on stage or making appearances, indicating his progress in managing the disorder.
Voss's drug use both shaped and marred hi ...
Voss's Personal History With Drug Addiction and Recovery
Rich Voss and Joe Rogan delve into various contentious topics, including politics, social activism, and higher education, expressing critical views on the media and ongoing social movements.
Rich Voss presents a strong defense of Israel's position in the geopolitical dilemma, bringing visual aids to the conversation and showing preparedness to argue in-depth on the topic.
Voss reflects on Israel's right to self-defense, especially given its hostile neighborhood. He mentions the collective attacks by surrounding countries, questioning the accuracy of the reported numbers of casualties by groups like Hamas. Voss insists that Israel must act to survive amidst threats. He points to the past proposals for a two-state solution and labels Arafat a terrorist, noting his repeated rejections of peace. The conversation also touches on historical attacks on Israel, emphasizing the country's ancient Jewish roots and their more recent struggles for a homeland post-Holocaust. In discussing the regional conflict further, Voss highlights protests against Hamas and Israel's defensive actions against the backdrop of Assad's Syria and Iran's weapon support.
Both speakers voice skepticism regarding the motives behind climate change activism and social justice movements.
Joe Rogan expresses confusion and criticism towards those who support groups like Hamas, noting contradictions in the values they claim to hold versus those extolled by such militant groups. Both Rogan and Voss criticize climate change activists for causing disruptions, like blocking highways, without understanding the broader scientific and social implications. They also denounce the property-damaging tactics of some activists and downplay the individual impact on climate change, arguing against the demonization of CO2 and questioning the financial motives behind green agendas. Rogan brings up complexity in climate data, mentioning cooling patterns and solar activity, while Voss hints at a critique of China's substantial emissions amidst these debates.
Rogan and Voss discuss the current ca ...
Political and Social Issues Discussed by the Speakers
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