#1891 - Duncan Trussell
NaN minutesEpisode #1891
Duncan Trussell is a stand-up comic, writer, actor, and host of the "Duncan Trussell Family Hour" podcast.
Episodes with Duncan Trussell
Episode Timestamps
Introduction and Department of Homeland Security
- Joe Rogan and Duncan discuss an article about the Department of Homeland Security and Twitter working together to police information they consider dangerous.
- DHS had a plan to influence tech platforms to curb speech and had created a new disinformation governance board.
- Other initiatives are underway as DHS pivots to monitoring social media now that its original mandate, the war on terror, has been wound down.
Vulnerability to Manipulation
- Joe discusses the danger of being hackable and how people are susceptible to manipulation, even the most intelligent individuals.
- Examples of cults like Heaven's Gate and Jonestown are brought up, highlighting how people can become so out of touch with reality that they drink cyanide or follow a cult leader blindly.
The limitations of tribalism
- Believes that the tribal mindset is not suitable for a larger population
- The internet connects people and challenges the need for a singular leader
- Bad power structures are destabilized when the truth is exposed
- Speaks against the increasing power of government and misinformation
Manipulation and the internet
- Acknowledges that the internet can be a powerful tool for manipulation
- Believes that people are prone to follow leaders online too
- Discusses how misinformation spreads and can be used as a tactic by governments
- Points out that manipulation can come in different forms, including social media
Defending a political mistake
- Discussing how a politician made a mistake while speaking about a deceased representative
- Advising to use the phrase "top of mind" to explain the mistake
- Highlighting how ridiculous and unbelievable the excuse sounds
- Talking about how it may work because of the short memory of the news cycle
Trustworthiness of politicians
- Analyzing how the defense of a politician's mistake can lead to a complete loss of trust in them
- Talking about how the job of a PR specialist is to lie to spin the news cycle in favor of their client
- Comparing the situation to someone losing faith in their employee for lying and questioning what the consequences would be
The Worth of a Presidential Speech
- The payment for presidential speeches is too high
- Private corporations and public government sectors are oddly connected
- The filtering of candidates based on financial support has resulted in a lack of representation
- The current election system presents a problematic binary
- Most people are good, but the system is dividing them
Choosing Presidential Candidates
- The current system is not working effectively
- The presented choices for presidential candidates are limited
- The binary creates a division and does not allow for alternative views
- The filtering system must be re-evaluated
Collective Unconscious
- Leaders are projections of the collective unconscious.
- The representation of leaders reflects the internal lives of society.
- Finding peace and stability in one's own internal climate can lead to a more peaceful collective.
Everything Is Your Mind
- Perception is a product of the mind.
- Confusion arises from not realizing that everything is one's mind.
- Trying to rearrange one's mind is a never-ending cycle.
Internal Peace Work
- Setting boundaries and defending yourself may not always be necessary
- A lot of the time, what you get upset about is your own bullshit
- Internal peace work can change your mind and the world around you
- Enemies may not seem like enemies anymore when you calm down
Potential of 5G in the Future
- Radar systems in someone's home
- Powerful enough to see people moving inside buildings
- Phones enable proximity tracking
- The idea is not outrageous
The Tic Tac UFO sighting
- Commander David Fravor found a UFO in 2004 that defies explanation.
- The UFO had no visible heat signature, moved at impossible speeds and changed altitude in seconds.
- The phenomenon remains a mystery to this day.
How were the pyramids built?
- The sheer scale of the pyramids and their engineering techniques defy explanation.
- Theories suggest that the pyramids were built by ropes and pulleys or even by manipulating hyperdimensional energies.
- Carbon dating offers limited understanding of when the pyramids were built and how long it took to build them.
Questions about Ancient History
- Humans had extraordinary engineering and genius thousands of years ago
- Despite these accomplishments, many people in different parts of the world were still living like Stone Age folks at the time
- If we had an accurate historical representation of civilization, it would be fascinating
- History has created some kind of societal narcissism
Calm Down and Enjoy Life
- Society's hyperactive way of living creates an addiction to excitement
- People need a break from the day-to-day grind
- Activities like playing games, practicing yoga, or spending time with friends can provide a different state of mind
- We tend to value these activities frivolously
Virtual Reality
- Joe shows Jamie an AI-generated virtual reality environment that changes and morphs as you move within it.
- They speculate on the future of augmented reality technology and the potential for people to experience different realities in the same physical space.
The Apocalypse
- Joe and Jamie discuss how wearable AR technology could result in people living in completely different realities.
- They imagine scenarios where cults or governments use AR technology to control citizens' perceptions of reality.
Curating AI-Powered Reality Experiences
- Initially, curated by people with the ability to generate prompts
- Personal control may increase over time
- There will be people who become experts in creating VR and AR worlds
- The possibility of a blockchain version of AI where there is no centralized power
- Stability and forum could be achieved through collaborative open-source platforms
The Future of Decentralized AI
- The potential for a norm where decentralized AI is the way people interact with reality
- There may be a way to escape centralized power in society
- Open source platforms where anyone can participate and share information
- The possibility of a future where people gravitate towards non-manipulated AI-powered reality experiences
- The potential of AI becoming smarter and making improvements on its own
The dangers of vegetable oils
- Vegetable oils cause inflammation and can lead to health issues.
- Olive oil is a healthier alternative to vegetable oils.
- Saturated fats like butter were originally thought to be the problem, leading to the popularity of vegetable oils.
- Processing and oxidation can damage vegetable oils and cause inflammation.
- Using olive oil as a dressing is a healthier choice.
The fentanyl epidemic
- Fentanyl-related deaths are on the rise.
- Fentanyl is highly potent and even a small amount can be lethal.
- The fentanyl issue is a serious problem and should not be taken lightly.
- Some people argue that COVID deaths may have been attributed wrongly to those who were already sick or dying, including those who were struggling with opioid addiction.
The devastating effects of overdosing
- Discussion about the high number of people who die annually from overdosing.
- Comparison to Jonestown tragedy.
- Mention of painkillers being difficult to get off.
- Personal experience with flirting with taking opioids.
Addictive nature of opioids
- Discussion on how opioids can be addictive.
- Personal experience with morphine drip after surgery.
- Mention of the dangers of overdosing on opioids.
The Impact of Addiction on Families
- Addiction is not limited to certain types of people, but affects good people as well.
- The addict often feels like sober life is a raw deal.
- Addiction destroys families and society as a whole in a way that can only be compared to demon possession.
The Opioid Crisis
- The impact of the opioid crisis goes far beyond just those who have died from overdoses.
- Shame often keeps people quiet about their addiction, making it difficult for the state to intervene.
- The crisis is a result of pharmaceutical companies lying about the addictive nature of certain drugs.
Easter Bunny Interrupts President's Speech
- Easter bunny interrupts President's speech about Afghanistan
- Participants speculate the organization behind the interruption
- Discussion about the benefits of having an Easter bunny following people around
Desire for Power and Politics
- Discussion about the desire for power and politics
- Participants talk about the potential consequences of having the eye of Sauron on you
- Conversation about the role of militaries in the world and the defense spending involved
- Mention of President Eisenhower's speech on the military industrial complex
Negotiation and War
- The speaker suggests negotiating with Putin and highlights the importance of finding a solution that doesn't end in a nuclear holocaust.
- He notes the difficulty of summoning rationality in a place of war and immense pain.
Human Cost of War
- The speaker highlights the human cost of the War on Terror and notes the number of civilian deaths caused by US drone and airstrikes.
- He calls for reflection on the impact of war and violence on innocent people.
Reflection on War and Its Impact on Society
- Talks about the civilian casualties in the war
- Expresses fear for loved ones and society
- Believes that one person could end the conflict
- Acknowledges the difficulty in bringing a resolution
Managing One's Own Flaws
- Offers spiritual advice to apply to oneself instead of preaching it to others
- Talks about addiction and the need to manage it
- Acknowledges the difficulty in breaking habits
- Advocates for the benefits of psychedelics in changing one's view of the world
Humans can suffer less
- The human ego can cause suffering
- There are ways to reduce suffering through psychedelics and meditation
- Realizing that you are more than just your ego can lead to calmness and peacefulness
- The way to reduce suffering transcends culture, countries and language
Blow out the candle of suffering
- There is an actual way to reduce suffering that doesn't involve drugs or gambling
- Buddhists refer to it as extinguishing the candle of suffering
- Many people have figured it out and it is not just a LARP or role-playing game
- The idea that humans can suffer less is exciting
Human trafficking and modern-day slavery
- Human trafficking is happening all around us, with statistics suggesting a terrifying number of people being trafficked.
- Slavery did not end with the abolition of slavery in 1865, and more people are slaves in the world today than when slavery was legal in America.
- This is a disturbing reality, and it is important to acknowledge and address it.
Predatory behavior and managing our thoughts
- It is disturbing to think that people can be so predatory and harmful towards others.
- Managing our own thoughts and emotions is crucial in preventing harmful behavior.
- We all have the capacity to control our thoughts and actions and make a positive difference in the world.
Introduction and acknowledgement
- The speaker needs to leave for trick-or-treating with children.
- Directly addresses Duncan with deep appreciation.
- Expresses how much he enjoys these sessions.
- Indicates that he gained a lot from the current session.
- Responds to Joe with happiness.
- Thanks Joe for hosting him and wishes him a happy Halloween.