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Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles explore the historical tradition of bards singing the news, pondering if it's a uniquely American tradition due to the freedom of speech, contrasting it with medieval times where such commentary about royalty could lead to severe repercussions.
Joe Rogan reminisces about the unique local connection fostered by traditional radio, where community news, sponsors, and even obituaries were shared. He expresses nostalgia for this bygone era and wonders if podcasts are now filling that void, suggesting the potential for anonymous, community-focused podcasts to bring back that local feel.
Joe Rogan debates the fundamental conflict between for-profit healthcare and a socialized medicine system, touching on the complex role of human nature and financial motivation in providing quality medical care.
Jesse Welles reveals his unique songwriting process for topical songs, which involves extensive research, condensing thousands of words into a concise lyrical format, and crafting a catchy tune to convey complex issues effectively.
Jesse Welles shares a surprising anecdote about legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, who, despite being offered limos, preferred to take cabs and chat with the drivers. This story highlights Beck's down-to-earth personality and Jesse's almost-encounter with Stevie Ray Vaughan while working as a limo driver.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles explore the enduring myth of the "devil's bargain" in music, discussing how legends like Robert Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen were so exceptionally talented that it sparked rumors of supernatural assistance. They ponder the idea that some artists are so far ahead of their time, it seems otherworldly.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the profound, almost drug-like effect music has on human emotions. They describe how certain songs can instantly alter one's mood, likening them to "mood capsules" and highlighting the immense value of art that can evoke such powerful feelings.
Joe Rogan discusses how healthcare companies are increasingly using AI to deny claims, leading to even lower approval rates than their already below-industry-standard numbers. This highlights a concerning trend in the for-profit healthcare system.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles dissect the unique comedic styles of Mitch Hedberg and Steven Wright, emphasizing their mastery of non-sequiturs and rapid-fire punchlines that create an absurd yet brilliant stand-up experience.
Jesse Welles shares the profound personal inspiration behind his topical songwriting, detailing how reading a Woody Guthrie biography while his father was in the hospital spurred him to 'sing the news' and use music for social commentary, carrying on a tradition of folk music that speaks truth to power.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles humorously compare the historical role of a jester to a 'vampire familiar' from Blade, suggesting they served their masters with an ulterior motive, contrasting them with true, independent bards.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the dark history of mental health institutions, drawing parallels to 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and highlighting the alarming practices of electroshock therapy and lobotomies that 'cooked people's brains' for decades, questioning the ethics of past 'care.'
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the severe rebound anxiety and other intense withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping benzodiazepines, highlighting how anxiety can return even stronger than before, creating a difficult cycle of dependence and struggle.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles expose the disturbing physical side effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal, including 'benzo belly' and severe gastrointestinal issues, drawing a concerning parallel to the alarming side effects of antidepressants, such as suicidal ideation.
Joe Rogan describes the Ibogaine experience as a non-recreational, 24-hour psychedelic journey that acts as a profound life review, revealing the origins of one's dysfunctional patterns and offering a unique perspective for breaking free from them.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the legal landscape of Ibogaine, noting its availability in Mexico and the surprising religious exemptions that allow certain churches in the US to administer it, leading to a humorous discussion about 'really meeting Jesus.'
Joe Rogan asserts the extreme difficulty of establishing a new religion in modern times, contrasting it with historical religious movements and suggesting that any new spiritual path faces intense scrutiny and opposition unless it conforms to established Christian norms.
Jesse Welles and Joe Rogan discuss the fascinating historical phenomenon of American religions becoming increasingly 'weirder' as they spread westward, evolving from Puritan pilgrims to the emergence of Mormons and ultimately Scientology in California, linking it to the concept of manifest destiny.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the horrific practice of scalping for bounty in the Old West, where individuals were paid for scalps, highlighting the extreme violence and lawlessness of the era and the brutal economics of such a system.
This clip offers a fascinating insight into the inner workings of government agencies, highlighting their competitive nature and tribalism. It explains how different departments often withhold information from each other, driven by a primal 'us against them' mentality, even within the same overarching organization. This provides a unique perspective on bureaucracy and human behavior.
This clip explores the intrinsic human drive for dominance and conquest, suggesting it's rooted in our genetics and reward systems. It differentiates between the 'pursuit of excellence' and the 'crushing of enemies,' offering a nuanced view on ambition and competition that can spark self-reflection and discussion.
This segment delves into the dark side of wealth accumulation, arguing that the pursuit of money can foster psychopathic tendencies. It highlights how individuals become 'creatively' amoral, manipulating laws and relationships without concern for impact, dubbing it a 'dark art.' This offers a critical perspective on the ethics of business and finance.
This clip critiques 'philanthrocapitalism,' explaining how large loans to vulnerable countries can be used as leverage to extract resources, referencing John Perkins' 'economic hitman' concept. It highlights how 'being a philanthropist is actually very profitable,' citing Bill Gates as an example, providing a cynical yet thought-provoking take on modern philanthropy.
This clip delves into the controversial connections between powerful figures like Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting how wealth and influence can create a network for illicit 'experiences.' It also introduces the concept of 'dead man switches' as a means for individuals with sensitive information to protect themselves from those who might wish them harm, offering a glimpse into the darker side of power dynamics.
This clip discusses the alleged influence of government and intelligence communities on Hollywood, suggesting movies are commissioned to shape public perception and historical narratives. It uses Tom Hanks' filmography as an example and reveals a startling historical claim about WWI movies being used to encourage soldiers to kill, making it a compelling listen for those interested in media manipulation and historical revisionism.
This segment explores the historical prevalence of 'false flag' operations, citing instances like Nero burning Rome, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and Hitler burning the Reichstag. It also reveals the chilling Operation Northwoods, a plan to stage terrorist attacks on US soil to justify war with Cuba, which was vetoed by Kennedy. This offers compelling historical insights into government deception and the origins of conflicts.
This clip discusses the controversial election of Mandani as NYC mayor, highlighting his socialist/communist leanings and the attempts by both political sides to remove him despite his popular mandate. It raises questions about the democratic process, voter desperation, and the influence of special interests on political outcomes, making it highly relevant to discussions about current events and political systems.
This clip offers a cynical, yet widely relatable, take on news polls, suggesting they are often manipulated or designed primarily as entertainment for media outlets, rather than accurate reflections of public opinion. It highlights how the news industry prioritizes outrage and engagement over objective reporting, making it a valuable clip for those interested in media criticism and how information is consumed.
This segment critiques the modern news industry, particularly major networks like CNN, arguing that they've prioritized 'outrage' and 'entertainment' over objective reporting to maintain ratings. It suggests that once a network spoils its audience with sensationalism, it's difficult to return to unbiased news, leading to a landscape where 'propagandists' thrive while independent creators gain traction.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the lack of authenticity in cable news personalities, contrasting them with figures like Tucker Carlson who, regardless of belief, project authenticity. They highlight how much of what's presented as news is purely entertainment, often relying on sex appeal, and express optimism about the public's growing awareness.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the transformative power of social media, enabling anyone with talent and hard work to gain a following without traditional gatekeepers. They highlight how artists can now directly share their work and build an audience, showcasing the "beautiful side" of these platforms.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the unpredictable nature of the contemporary music industry, asserting that there are no longer any fixed rules or gatekeepers. They caution against "vampires" who claim to know the path to success but are merely looking to exploit artists, emphasizing that true success now often comes from simply creating and connecting directly with an audience.
Joe Rogan recounts his experience as a 17-year-old running a local country radio station's "Dial a Deal" program, an on-air Craigslist. He describes recording obituaries and weather reports by himself, highlighting the unsupervised, wild nature of his early career in broadcasting and the surprisingly mundane calls he received.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles delve into the long-standing rumors of Joe Kennedy Sr.'s alleged involvement in illegal liquor during Prohibition, his mob ties that supposedly aided his son's political career, and how the practice of running moonshine cars contributed to the origins of NASCAR.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles expose how concerns from nuns at Rosemary Kennedy's convent school about her 'sneaking out' and potential sexual activity directly led to her father's decision to have her lobotomized, revealing a shocking intersection of social control, religious influence, and medical intervention.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles react to an AI-generated indie song, expressing astonishment at how quickly and effectively the AI creates a high-quality, potentially hit-worthy track. Joe highlights Patrick Carney's (The Black Keys) perspective that "pop music is AI" and has been for some time, raising questions about the future of human creativity in music.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles pose a provocative question: What current medical or societal practices might be viewed as the 'modern lobotomy' in the future? They speculate on gender transitions for children and the widespread, addictive prescription of benzodiazepines.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the universal principle that "everything that can be replaced will be replaced," especially in the context of AI's impact on creative fields like music. They use the analogy of Blockbuster and VHS to illustrate how rapidly established industries can vanish with new technological iterations, emphasizing the need for irreplaceable human elements.
Jesse Welles performs his satirical song 'Philanthropist,' which brilliantly critiques the concept of 'philanthrocapitalism' and highlights the often self-serving motives behind large-scale charitable endeavors. The song is highly engaging and provides a unique, entertaining way to address a controversial topic.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles argue that the illegality of natural remedies like mushrooms is financially motivated, preventing people from accessing ancient, effective, and natural ways to address health issues, implying a systemic suppression for profit.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the groundbreaking potential of Ibogaine, recently re-legalized in Texas, as a highly effective treatment for addiction, highlighting its reported ability to stop physical addiction and 'rewire the brain' for lasting change.
This clip exposes the often-hidden reality of how many NGOs and charities operate, with a significant portion of donations going towards exorbitant overhead and employee salaries rather than the stated cause. It uses a relatable analogy to highlight the hypocrisy, urging listeners to question where their charitable contributions truly go.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the drastic changes in the music industry, from the decline of record sales due to Napster and streaming, to how labels now exploit artists by taking a cut of touring revenue. They contrast this with the "beautiful thing" of being an independent artist, highlighting the financial benefits and the ability to maintain a truly authentic voice without label interference.
Jesse Welles and Joe Rogan delve into the critical importance of artistic authenticity for true success. They argue that taking money and eliminating discomfort can stifle creativity and lead to unhappiness, despite financial gain. They propose that the real measure of success is the ability to remain 100% true to oneself, warning that chasing profits often leads to bad art and existential problems.
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles discuss the tragic and controversial lobotomy of Rosemary Kennedy, JFK's sister, who was deemed 'wild' and promiscuous, leading to her father's decision to have her brain 'scrambled' without her mother's knowledge, rendering her non-functional.
Joe Rogan recommends the Netflix series 'American Primeval' and discusses its surprising portrayal of Mormons during the settling of the West, challenging the common perception of them as 'sweet people' and highlighting their 'gangster' history, akin to the brutal realities depicted in McCarthy's 'Blood Meridian.'
Joe Rogan and Jesse Welles passionately discuss the predatory nature of the healthcare system, labeling it a 'giant scam' and a 'horrible den of vampires' due to its profit-driven model that prioritizes corporate gain over patient well-being.
Joe Rogan reveals the shocking historical fact of bounty programs in the Old West, where fortunes were offered for scalps—equating to over $8,000 per scalp today. He discusses the indiscriminate killing, including of dark-haired individuals and even gang members, and the notorious figure James Kirker who massacred hundreds of Indigenous people.
Joe Rogan and guest discuss the shocking history of scalp warfare in California during the 1800s, where government-supported bounties led to the near extermination of tribal populations. The conversation then connects this brutal past to a recent 2022 FBI seizure of an Apache scalp from an auction house, highlighting the ongoing legacy of illegal human remains trafficking and historical atrocities.
Joe Rogan reads the chilling account of Rosemary Kennedy's lobotomy, detailing how doctors used a 'butter knife-like' instrument to cut her brain tissue, stopping only when she became incoherent, a stark reminder of the brutal and experimental medical practices of the past.
Joe Rogan and his guest discuss the shocking 1933 'Business Plot,' a political conspiracy by wealthy businessmen to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install Smedley Butler as dictator. Despite Butler's sworn testimony and a Congressional Committee's finding that these attempts were discussed and planned, no one was ever prosecuted, leading to a critical comparison with Martha Stewart's insider trading conviction and highlighting a severe double standard in the justice system for the powerful elite.
Joe Rogan and his guest expose the pervasive nature of online propaganda, revealing that a significant portion of internet comments are not from real people but from bots or individuals hired by foreign entities. They discuss how IP traces show these operations originating from countries like Pakistan, India, and China, with a vested interest in keeping America politically unstable, crushing faith in democracy, and promoting alternative ideologies. This manufactured chaos, they argue, serves to suffocate information and create a demand for increased government control.
Joe Rogan and his guest reveal shocking instances of government agencies orchestrating and then 'solving' terrorism plots. They recount a case where federal agents radicalized a 19-year-old, provided him with a fake bomb and a cell phone to detonate it, and then arrested him for terrorism. This discussion extends to the Michigan governor kidnapping plot, where 12 out of 14 involved individuals were government agents, raising serious questions about the ethics of entrapment and whether the government is creating the very problems it claims to be solving.
Joe Rogan hilariously recounts his time in a grunge band during high school, revealing the provocative title of his self-produced album, "Mom I'm Gay." He shares the awkward moment when the radio station manager discovered copies of his album, leading to an uncomfortable confrontation.
Joe Rogan and his guest delve into Smedley Butler's seminal 1933 book 'War is a Racket,' summarizing its core argument that war is the most profitable and vicious racket, benefiting a select few at the expense of many lives. They highlight Butler's personal confessions as a decorated Marine Corps general, revealing how he served as a 'muscle man' for American oil, banking, and sugar interests in various Central and South American republics and China, equating his actions to those of Al Capone.