Joe Rogan Experience #2370 - Dave Smith

Episode Moments

Joe Rogan Experience #2370 - Dave Smith

JRE
August 26, 2025
35 Moments

🎯 All Moments (35)

Click any moment to jump to that point in the video

Youth as the Hope for Political Change: One Funeral at a Time

Dave Smith expresses optimism that the younger generation, with their better understanding of how things work, represents the best hope for political change. He draws a parallel to Michael Button's quote that 'science changes one funeral at a time,' suggesting politics might follow a similar path.

Social Change knowledge
1:30:34
Duration: 0:37

The Selective Application of 'Expertise' in Political Debates

Dave Smith exposes the hypocrisy of applying the "you're just a comedian" argument selectively, highlighting how the standard of expertise is only enforced when a commentator discusses topics that challenge established narratives, such as Israel, but not on others like COVID where their views align.

Media bias controversy
2:47
Duration: 1:16

Joe Rogan on Why No One is a Total Expert, Even in Their Own Field

Joe Rogan uses examples from his own experience in martial arts (Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, MMA) to illustrate that even highly specialized individuals like Daniel Cormier can lack knowledge in niche areas of their field. He argues that the concept of a "total expert" is flawed and that the debate should focus on facts, not appeals to authority.

Expertise knowledge
4:03
Duration: 2:11

The 'Just a Comedian' Smear: Why Expertise is Overrated in Public Discourse

Dave Smith and Joe Rogan discuss the common dismissal of comedians as experts in political commentary, arguing that true expertise is rare in complex geopolitical issues and often used as a convenient way to avoid addressing facts.

Media criticism controversy
1:20
Duration: 1:27

Joe Rogan Bombs on Stage After Reading JFK Assassination Book

Joe Rogan shares a hilarious and insightful story about how reading a book on the JFK assassination right before a comedy show completely messed him up, shattered his naive worldview, and caused him to bomb on stage, leading to a valuable lesson about separating intense real-world revelations from performance.

JFK assassination story
11:57
Duration: 1:12

Bill Murray Told Joe Rogan Bob Woodward Wrote 'Fiction' About John Belushi

Joe Rogan shares a story from Bill Murray, who claimed Bob Woodward's book "Wired" about John Belushi was largely fictional and distorted. Murray's personal knowledge of Belushi led him to question the veracity of Woodward's reporting on Nixon, suggesting that if Woodward could be so untruthful about a friend, his historical accounts should be viewed with skepticism.

Journalism ethics controversy
30:44
Duration: 0:52

Central Bank: The Engine of Empire and Wealth Inequality

Dave Smith explains that a central bank capable of printing money is essential for a world empire, but this monetary system inherently causes prices to rise, rigging the economy against the working and middle classes in favor of the wealthy. He states that inflation is the rich's best friend, but destroys those on fixed incomes.

geopolitics knowledge
45:57
Duration: 0:37

Why Ukraine is Negotiating Now: Public Support Has Collapsed

Dave Smith asserts that the real reason Europeans and Zelensky are now pretending to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war is because Ukrainian public support for the conflict has 'collapsed,' not just declined. He cites a Gallup poll showing 70% of Ukrainians want an immediate end to the war with negotiations on land swaps, challenging the earlier narrative that the Ukrainian people universally wanted to fight.

Ukraine War knowledge
51:31
Duration: 1:34

Destroy Power, Don't Regulate It: The Lord of the Rings Analogy for Government

Dave Smith uses the Lord of the Rings to illustrate his libertarian view on concentrated government power. He argues that the lesson is not to regulate power, but to destroy it, highlighting the futility of rules when power is immense and easily manipulated.

Politics controversy
1:29:06
Duration: 0:35

The Right to Disagree: Questioning Campaigns Against Elected Officials

Dave Smith discusses his disagreement with a NYC candidate's policies but strongly criticizes the coordinated campaign from both sides to prevent him from gaining power, emphasizing the fundamental right to disagree and the integrity of the voting process.

Politics controversy
1:31:11
Duration: 1:10

The Controversy of Genetic Testing in Israel and Land Claims

Dave Smith discusses the European origins of Israel and the claim of being 'true Semitic people', bringing up the controversial restriction of genetic testing in Israel. He explains how this could be a way to control information that might challenge the Zionist project's historical land claims, drawing parallels to how property rights are not conceived elsewhere.

Israel-Palestine Conflict controversy
2:24:54
Duration: 2:26

The End of Propaganda and Inevitable Economic Change

Dave Smith argues that tyranny relies on propaganda, but for the first time, authorities are 'flying with no net' as they've lost control of the narrative, citing examples like Donald Trump's inability to control Tucker Carlson. He connects this media shift with the unsustainable economic situation, where interest on national debt is overtaking the budget, suggesting that a major adjustment is inevitable when popular support and economic ability to print money run out.

Politics and Media knowledge
2:31:02
Duration: 1:51

The 'Historian of Record' Who Mangled Quotes: Scott Horton on Bob Woodward

Dave Smith recounts how his friend, foreign policy expert Scott Horton, discovered Bob Woodward's latest book contained a quote from Sergey Lavrov that was completely mangled and presented as the "exact opposite" of its original meaning. This revelation leads Dave to question Woodward's credibility as a "journalistic hero" and "historian of record," highlighting how such misrepresentation can distort historical understanding.

Journalism ethics knowledge
31:52
Duration: 1:13

Nixon Ending the Gold Standard: The Birth of Unlimited Government & Endless Wars

Dave Smith argues that Richard Nixon's decision to take the US off the gold standard was one of the worst policy decisions in American history, as it removed all "pretend limits on government." He explains how this move, which Ron Paul ran for Congress to oppose, led to the era of big government, unchecked spending, and is intrinsically linked to the proliferation of wars and current societal problems.

Economics knowledge
42:21
Duration: 1:11

Inflation: The Hidden Tax for War and the Root of Social Unrest

Dave Smith argues that the government funds wars by printing money, leading to inflation that acts as a hidden tax on the working class. He connects this to the unaffordability of housing, healthcare, and childcare, and suggests it's the underlying cause for young people's demand for socialism.

economics controversy
44:43
Duration: 1:14

The 'Debate' is Over: ICJ Ruling & IDF Orders to Fire on Starving Civilians

Dave Smith argues that the debate surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza is effectively over, citing the International Court of Justice's ruling that Israel's actions were 'plausibly a genocide' and reports of IDF soldiers being ordered to fire live rounds at starving civilians seeking food. He criticizes media attempts to debunk starvation by making twisted arguments.

Israel-Palestine controversy
1:52:41
Duration: 2:25

The True Cost: How Government Spending Destroys Families

Dave Smith argues that economic issues, social issues, and foreign policy are all interconnected. He illustrates how rising grocery prices (a consequence of government spending) can destroy families, leading to devastating social outcomes like men swallowing pistols and kids growing up without fathers. He quotes Ron Paul: 'When you spend beyond your means, you're destined to live beneath your means.'

government spending controversy
46:54
Duration: 0:40

The Sabotaged 2022 Ukraine Peace Deal: A Tragic Missed Opportunity

Dave Smith reveals that a peace deal for the Ukraine war was worked out in the first few months of 2022, which included recognition of Crimea's annexation, independence for Donbass, and Ukraine not joining NATO. He claims Boris Johnson, on behalf of the West, killed this deal, leading to three more years of war, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and a current negotiation position that is worse for Ukraine.

Ukraine War controversy
49:59
Duration: 1:15

Grock's Alleged 'Genocide' Claim and Elon Musk's 'Dumb Error' Explanation

Dave Smith discusses the alleged brief suspension of Grock (Elon Musk's AI) from X for stating that Israel was committing a genocide in Gaza, citing sources like the ICJ and UN reports. He notes that the posts were flagged for 'hateful conduct' before Elon Musk dismissed the incident as a 'dumb error,' raising questions about AI censorship and information control.

AI controversy
1:55:45
Duration: 2:51

The 'System Works' Lie: How Watergate Masked a Deeper Government Coup

Dave Smith challenges the popular narrative that Watergate was a triumph of the system exposing a corrupt president. He argues that the perception of Nixon as the "most corrupt president" and the idea that "the system works" to remove him, obscures a deeper truth: that intelligence agencies orchestrated events like Watergate and even a "hostile coup" against JFK, ultimately manipulating public perception.

US History knowledge
34:14
Duration: 0:54

The Real Reason for Russia Gate: Trump's Russia Policy

Dave Smith argues that Donald Trump was framed by Russia Gate because his campaign platform advocated for cooperation with Russia to fight terrorists in Syria, directly opposing the Deep State's agenda of overthrowing Bashar al-Assad. This framing made it impossible for Trump to pursue peace with Russia without being labeled a conspirator, exemplified by the media's reaction to his comments at the Helsinki summit.

US politics controversy
1:20:23
Duration: 1:34

Poisoning US-Russia Relations: A Crime on Par with the Iraq War

Dave Smith argues that efforts to 'poison' the relationship between a US president (like Trump) who sought peace with Russia is a crime on the level of launching the Iraq War. He emphasizes the paramount importance of US-Russia relations for global stability, given their nuclear arsenals, and expresses frustration that this priority is ignored by those in power, ultimately risking the end of our species.

US foreign policy controversy
1:23:08
Duration: 2:32

Netanyahu's 'Height of the Flame' Quote: Funding Hamas to Thwart a Palestinian State

Dave Smith details a controversial, now video-confirmed quote from Benjamin Netanyahu, where he allegedly stated that supporting Hamas and transferring money to them was a strategy to prevent the existence of a Palestinian state, giving Israel 'no one to negotiate with.' Netanyahu's phrase, 'We can control the height of the flame,' is presented as a miscalculation that led to the events of October 7th.

Israel-Palestine controversy
2:09:11
Duration: 1:14

Anthony Fauci's 'Americans Aren't Scared Enough' Comment & the Use of Fear in Policy

Joe Rogan and Dave Smith discuss a reported comment from Anthony Fauci about Americans not being scared enough during 2020, and how fear is used as a tool to implement tyrannical policies. They highlight the negative impact of fear on the immune system and how media-driven anxiety leads to irrational responses and a loss of trust in institutions.

Fear controversy
7:26
Duration: 1:32

Why Dave Smith is Optimistic: A Personal Story of Hope in Modern Times

Dave Smith shares a deeply personal reason for his optimism, despite global conflicts: his son was born with a congenital heart defect that would have been fatal in previous eras but was treatable today. He emphasizes that despite problems, we live in an amazing time with medical advancements, communication, and education, making optimism a necessity for future generations.

Optimism and Life Perspective motivation
2:50:52
Duration: 1:16

AI, UBI, and the Looming Crisis of Purpose for Youth

Dave Smith discusses why socialism is increasingly attractive to young people, citing their inability to afford basic necessities, lack of a path to ownership, and the looming fear of AI taking all jobs. He explores the potential societal impact of Universal Basic Income, warning of a future where many might lack purpose and fall into despair despite economic security.

AI knowledge
1:36:55
Duration: 1:53

The Generational Divide in Media Consumption: Cable News vs. Podcasts

Dave Smith highlights the stark generational divide in media consumption, presenting statistics that show the median age of cable news viewers is around 70, while podcast listeners are much younger (24-34). He explains how young people are completely disengaged from corporate media due to cost, commercials, and outdated presentation, preferring on-demand streaming and internet content.

Media knowledge
1:39:08
Duration: 2:55

How the Bush Administration Used Fear and the 'Hate Us for Our Freedom' Lie After 9/11

Dave Smith details how Dick Cheney and George W. Bush intentionally created a constant state of fear after 9/11, using threat levels and the narrative that "they hate us for our freedom" to manipulate the American public into granting a "blank check" for military action.

9/11 controversy
9:15
Duration: 1:31

The 'Third Rail' is Breaking: Why Youth are Turning Against Israel

Dave Smith discusses the significant shift in public opinion against Israel, especially among younger demographics, which he describes as previously unfathomable. He explains that the 'third rail' of American politics (criticizing Israel) is breaking because young people, outside the corporate media ecosystem, are seeing the 'evil' of Israel's actions in Gaza through 4K technology and questioning the 'bizarre' US-Israel relationship.

Israel-Palestine controversy
1:42:03
Duration: 1:54

The Neocon Plan: Project for a New American Century & The 'New Pearl Harbor'

Dave Smith explains how neoconservatives in the Bush administration, through their think tank "Project for a New American Century" (PNAC), explicitly planned for multiple wars to establish American dominance. He details how PNAC documents stated that such a plan would require "another Pearl Harbor type event" to gain public support, leading to speculation about their mindset during 9/11.

US Foreign Policy knowledge
19:48
Duration: 1:53

Joe Rogan Explores the Dark Theory: Intelligence Agencies, Gangster Rap, and Private Prisons

Joe Rogan discusses a controversial theory about the alleged role of intelligence agencies in promoting gangster rap. He recounts his initial shock at the genre's content and then delves into the theory that such music could be used to encourage crime, thereby filling private prisons, keeping the populace fearful, and justifying more laws and social control.

Conspiracy theories controversy
23:26
Duration: 2:45

Dave Smith Exposes Reagan Admin's Cocaine Trafficking During War on Drugs

Dave Smith discusses the historical fact that the Reagan administration trafficked cocaine into the US to fund the Contras, even while simultaneously escalating the War on Drugs. He highlights the profound hypocrisy and injustice of this act, which created conditions for the crack epidemic while disproportionately incarcerating citizens, yet Reagan is still widely lionized.

US History knowledge
26:28
Duration: 1:12

Watergate, Intelligence Agencies & Bob Woodward's Controversial Past

Dave Smith and Joe Rogan discuss the theory that intelligence agencies orchestrated Watergate, not just Nixon's cover-up. Joe Rogan reveals that Tucker Carlson informed him about Bob Woodward's background as an intelligence agent before becoming a reporter, questioning how a rookie journalist could single-handedly take down a highly popular president in such a "weird coincidence."

Watergate controversy
29:32
Duration: 1:12

The Israeli Official Pedophile Scandal: 'Pandora's Box' for US-Israel Relations

Dave Smith recounts the arrest of a high-ranking Israeli government official in Las Vegas for soliciting a 15-year-old girl, and the subsequent controversy surrounding his release and return to Israel, despite felony charges. He argues this incident, coupled with other events, has opened 'Pandora's Box' on the 'utterly bizarre' US-Israel relationship, making it impossible for the public to ignore.

Israel-Palestine controversy
1:45:12
Duration: 6:15

Chuck Schumer's Chilling Warning: The Deep State's 'Seven Ways Till Sunday'

Dave Smith recounts a moment where Chuck Schumer, live on Rachel Maddow, warned Donald Trump against insulting intelligence agencies, stating, 'They have seven ways till Sunday to get back at you.' Smith argues that Maddow's failure to question this statement reveals a profound truth: that the duly elected President of the United States is not truly in charge, and democracy is an illusion under the power of unelected intelligence agencies.

government controversy
1:04:30
Duration: 1:53