#1826 - Fahim Anwar
NaN minutesEpisode #1826
Fahim Anwar is a stand-up comic, actor, and host of the "Fahim Anwar Dance Hour" podcast. His new special, "Hat Trick (Live at the Comedy Store)" is available now on YouTube.
Episodes with Fahim Anwar
Episode Timestamps
Life on the Road and Performing in Clubs vs. Theaters
- Joe Rogan discusses his love for being on the road and performing in clubs
- Exploration of the difference in experience between clubs and theaters for comedians
- Anecdote about a drunk fan at a show in Dallas
Audience Dynamics and Female Fans
- Conversation about audience demographics and female fans of Joe Rogan's podcast
- Mention of female fighters and their impacts on changing public perception of fighting
- Joe Rogan's observations on camaraderie in team sports and competitive environments
Developing a Following in Comedy and Balancing Stand-Up with Writing
- Discussion on the importance of developing a following in comedy through hustling and doing shows consistently
- Exploration of the balance between stand-up comedy and writing, especially during the pandemic
- Anecdote about the struggle and decision between pursuing stand-up comedy vs. a career in writing
Controversy in Comedy and Changing Political Landscape
- Analysis of the changing landscape in comedy regarding censorship and freedom of speech
- Discussion about the division between critics and audience perceptions of comedy specials
- Observations on the shift in political ideologies where the right-wing is seen as more supportive of comedians
Challenges in California's Business Environment and Cultural Shifts in Comedy Industry
- Discussion on the shortage of staff in businesses affecting owners, particularly in California
- Highlight on the marketplace favoring workers leading to increased wages in businesses like bars and restaurants
- Critique on corporate systems influencing comedy industry and the impact of wokeness on entertainment platforms like Netflix
Role of YouTube in Comedy and Changing Dynamics of Comedy Industry
- Exploration of a marketplace shift towards independent platforms like YouTube for comedians
- Emphasis on promoting purely funny content over agenda-driven content in comedy
- Discussion on the supportive nature of the comedy community and the evolving gatekeeping in the industry
Brody Stevens: The Legendary Live Performer
- Discussion about the uniqueness of live performer Brody Stevens
- Brody's unconventional approach to comedy and difficulties in capturing his essence on film
- Exploration of other comedians like Don Barris and their true essence in live performances
Designing The Comedy Club: Creating a Home Base for Comedians
- Joe Rogan's vision for the new comedy club as a hospitable space for both comics and audience
- Naming the club 'Comedy Mothership' to evoke a sense of belonging and home base for comedians
- Plans to incorporate unique elements to make the club a special and welcoming place for performers
Providing Support and Encouragement in the Comedy Community
- Discussion on the lack of health insurance and financial struggles faced by stand-up comedians
- Importance of creating a supportive community where comics can help each other
- Encouraging hard work and the development of a network where peers motivate each other
Evolving as a Comic and Developing Material
- Exploration of the need for a vibrant comedy scene to observe and learn from peers
- The role of audience feedback in shaping stand-up material and the importance of active listening
- Balancing different approaches to writing material and the significance of continuous growth and adaptation
The Artistic Journey and Pursuit of Fame in the Music Industry
- Discussing the dedication of a musician who transitioned to comedy at an older age and his commitment to performing sets
- Reflecting on the talent and struggle of artists like Suzanne Santos and the subjective nature of fame in the music industry
- Emphasizing the importance of creating art for oneself without expectations of external validation
Stand-up Comedy as an Entrepreneurial Pursuit and the Evolution of Entertainment Platforms
- Exploring the shift in comedians becoming entrepreneurs and taking ownership of their careers
- Praising examples like Schultz who utilized online platforms to reach a wider audience and redefine success
- Contrasting the traditional paths of stand-up comedians with the changing landscape of entertainment and career development
Comedy Industry Norms and Pursuit of Success
- Discussion on the pressure to conform to specific comedy styles for TV shows
- Exploration of the clean vs. dirty comedy debate and its impact on success
- Reflection on the importance of authenticity in comedy and the pursuit of love from the audience
Challenges Faced by Female Comedians
- Analysis of the prejudice and skepticism towards women in comedy
- Observations on the unique hurdles female comedians face in gaining audience acceptance
- Recognition of talented female comedians like Whitney and their dedication to their craft despite biases
MMA Fights and Calcio Florentino
- Discussion on the intensity and lack of interruption in MMA fights
- Explanation of the game Calcio Florentino highlighting its unique scoring system and rules
- Brief mention of the peculiar eating habits and style of cooking in Florence
Cooking the Perfect Steak
- Detailed process of cooking a steak using different methods such as pellet grill, cast iron skillet, and hardwood fire
- Discussion on the flavors and experience of cooking meat over fire
- Exploration of seasoning options for steaks, including types of salts and special seasoning blends
Awkward Dinner Dress Codes and Gender Disparity
- Discussion about awkward dress codes at fancy dinners
- Observation on gender disparity in dress codes at restaurants
- Exploration of societal double standards in attire for men and women
Exploring Unconventional Attire and Fight Apparel
- Conversational exchange on unconventional attire like kilts and fight apparel
- Anecdote about Melvin Manhoof's unique fighting apparel in MMA
- Description of bizarre fight matchups in sports like Pride Fighting Championships
Exploration of MMA Fighters and Championships
- Discussion on Bob Sapp, his physicality, and training under Maurice Smith
- Comparison and recognition of top heavyweight fighters like Fedor Milianenko and Fabrizio Verdum
- Overview of the Pride era and its impact on MMA
Freak Show Fights and Historical MMA Moments
- Anecdotes about unique MMA matchups like Aki Bono versus Hoise Gracie
- Reflecting on the entertainment aspect and freak show fights in early MMA
- Observations on technique, strategy, and historical significance in MMA events
The Future of Endemic Diseases and Viral Evolution
- Discussion on the likelihood of everyone eventually being exposed to contagious diseases like COVID-19
- Exploration of the concept that viruses can evolve to become more contagious but less deadly over time
- Anecdotal comparison of diseases to mythical demons to illustrate the impact on public perception
Urban Legends, Food Myths, and Nostalgia for Classic Rock Songs
- Conversation around urban legends involving food additives like Yellow 5 and humorous cultural beliefs
- Reflection on the influence of music from past eras with storytelling elements compared to modern music trends
- Nostalgic recollection of a classic rock song 'Shooting Star' and its influence on the narrator's childhood dreams
Reflections on Legacy Through Young Deaths and Music as a Time Machine
- Discussion on the early deaths of famous figures and the idea of being remembered forever
- Exploration of music as a time machine that can transport individuals back to their youth
- Observations on the strong connection between music and memories, including its impact on individuals with dementia
Comedy and Music Dynamics in Live Performances
- Insights into the challenges of following musical performances with comedy acts
- Comparison of the effects of music and comedy on audiences
- Discussion on the importance and different approaches to crowd work and prepared material in stand-up comedy
Comedy Styles and Individuality
- Discussion on the uniqueness of comedy styles and being true to oneself on stage
- Exploring the influence and differentiation of comedic patterns inspired by other comedians
- Anecdotes on the impact of influential comedians like Patrice, Mitch Hedberg, and David Tell
Comics' Craft and Evolution in the Industry
- Analysis of David Tell's approach and underappreciation in the comedy world
- Impact of personal evolution and dedication on enhancing comedic skills
- Insights on the significance of storytelling, performance consistency, and audience engagement
Supporting Fans and Removing Barriers to Access
- Discussion on providing content for free to fans who can't afford it
- Emphasizing the importance of creating an honest and open exchange with the audience
- Exploration of the concept of eliminating barriers between content and viewers
Effects of Cancel Culture on Artists and Audience Perception
- Analysis of cancel culture and its impact on artists
- Observation on the behavior of attackers and critics towards artists
- Reflection on public reaction to controversial events and the dynamics of support and criticism
Top Gun Movie and Fighter Jet Pilots
- Discussion on the portrayal of fighter pilots in the movie Top Gun
- Insight into the physical demands and challenges faced by fighter jet pilots
- Exploration of the effects of G-Force on pilots and the importance of physical attributes for the role
Body's Reaction to Trauma and Social Engineering
- Analysis of the body's response to trauma such as fainting or shutting down to protect itself
- Concerns about social engineering practices and the potential long-term consequences
- Reference to the impact of social engineering in China, including the repercussions of policies like the single-child household rule
Social Engineering in China and the Impact of State Enforced Policies
- Discussion on the dark implications of China's one-child policy including forced abortions and sterilizations
- Exploration of the challenges in enforcing socialist policies like one-child regulations
- Highlight on the use of violence as the means to enforce state policies in a socialist system
Life in North Korea and the Reality of Escapees
- Insight into the harsh realities faced by individuals living in slave camps in North Korea
- Anecdote about a North Korean escapee's experience in China as a sex slave at a young age
- Exploration of the multi-generational punishment system in North Korea for perceived offenses against the state
Practicing Cue Ball Wizardry in Pool
- Discussion on the importance of specific shot practice in pool for elite players
- Explanation of the world record set in straight pool and cue ball fouls
- Introduction to the concept of pool gloves for consistency in playing
Evolution in Comedy and Creative Process
- Comparing stand up and writing practices with the strategy of pool practice
- Insight into the continuous evolution and reinvention process in comedy
- Reflection on the pride and sentimentality in transitioning to new creative material
Criticism in Comedy and Response to Work-in-Progress Sets
- Joe Rogan defends the early stages of comedy creation and criticizes those who overly criticize the initial creative process
- Discusses the backlash faced by comedians like Louis C.K. for work-in-progress sets being judged as final material
- Reflects on the evolution of comedy bits over time and challenges of public reception based on current societal standards
Impact of Social Media and Cancel Culture on Comedians
- Exploration of the influence of social media outrage and cancel culture on comedians' freedom to experiment and create
- Joe Rogan highlights the mental health toll of online criticism and emphasizes the need for artists to focus on self-critique over external opinions
- Discussion on maintaining artistic integrity amidst societal shifts and the importance of balancing self-judgment with audience reception