#2303 - Dave Smith & Douglas Murray
Dave Smith is a stand-up comedian, libertarian political commentator, and podcaster. He's the host of the "Part of the Problem" podcast, as well as a co-host of the "Legion of Skanks” podcast.www.comicdavesmith.comDouglas Murray is a political commentator, cultural critic, and author of numerous books, the most recent of which is "Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization."www.douglasmurray.netGo to ExpressVPN.com/ROGAN to get 4 months free!Don’t miss out on all the action - Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using dkng.co/rogan or with my promo code ROGAN. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 4/13/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episodes with Dave Smith
Related Episodes
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Key Takeaways
The importance of rational dialogue in understanding complex issues.
Encouraging open discussions can foster better understanding of global conflicts.
The shift in comedians taking on serious geopolitical topics.
This trend reflects changing perceptions of authority and expertise in media.
The portrayal of historical figures can influence public perception dangerously.
Misinterpretations can lead to normalization of harmful ideologies.
Comedians are increasingly navigating the fine line between humor and offensive opinions.
The balance affects societal norms and the responsibility of public figures.
The origins of COVID-19 should be examined without fear of labels.
This insight encourages open dialogue about controversial topics to seek truth.
Episode Timestamps
Podcast Discusses Perspectives on Current Geopolitical Conflicts
- Joe Rogan emphasizes the need for rational discussions on global events.
- Guests discuss the perceived biases in selecting experts on conflicts.
- The conversation touches on the role of comedians in geopolitical discourse.
Debate on Historical Figures and Modern Commentary
- Discussion focuses on controversial interpretations of historical figures like Hitler.
- Critique of modern comedians pushing boundaries with edgy opinions.
- Concerns about mainstreaming dangerous ideologies within contemporary discourse.
Discussion on COVID-19 theories and historical perspectives on racism
- Theories about COVID-19 origins are often deemed racist but merit serious consideration.
- Data privacy concerns are raised regarding brokers tracking personal health information.
- Historical narratives can be manipulated, as seen in discussions about Hitler and Churchill.
Churchill's Operation Unthinkable and Its Historical Implications
- Churchill's Operation Unthinkable aimed to counter Soviet expansion after WWII.
- Concerns about Stalin's influence in Europe shaped post-war military strategies.
- Debates on historical outcomes highlight the complexity of WWII's legacy.
Discussion on Historical Wars and Revisionist Perspectives
- Critique of modern wars and the lies surrounding them since 9/11.
- Debate over the role of historians and revisionist history in understanding conflict.
- Concerns about the potential for future wars and their implications for society.
Debating the Role of Experts in Society
- The discussion critiques the expert class's handling of COVID-19 policies.
- A comedic take on libertarians highlights their political inconsistencies.
- The need for diverse opinions in democracy is emphasized throughout the conversation.
Debate on Twitter's Algorithm and Current Global Conflicts
- Discussion on how Twitter's algorithm influences public discourse and ideas.
- Concerns raised about the representation of pro-Ukraine arguments in media.
- Reflection on historical perspectives and understanding the origins of conflicts.
Analysis of NATO Expansion and Its Implications
- Discussion on NATO's expansion and its perceived provocations of Russia.
- Reference to historical context of the post-Soviet era and the fog of war.
- Importance of understanding Eastern European nations' desires for NATO membership.
Discussing NATO Expansion and Its Impact on Ukraine
- The Ukrainian fight for sovereignty is tied to NATO's expansion policies.
- Historical context reveals contradictions in U.S. foreign policy regarding democracy.
- Discussions on the collapse of the Soviet Union highlight its implications for current events.
Discussion on Qatar's Influence and U.S. Political Dynamics
- Qatar's financial influence on U.S. institutions is a significant concern.
- Historical context highlights U.S. complicity in Hamas funding through Qatar.
- Trust in political narratives is questioned amid conflicting statements from leaders.
Analysis of Hamas Impact on Israeli-Palestinian Relations
- Discussion on how funds meant for Gaza were misappropriated by Hamas leaders.
- Critique of international narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Reflection on the October 7th attacks and their implications for peace negotiations.
Debate on Gaza Blockade and Its Impact on Society
- The Gaza blockade has severely impacted the region's economy and living conditions.
- Critics argue that Palestinian leadership made detrimental decisions affecting their society.
- Historical context suggests the blockade compares to severe economic downturns like the Great Depression.
Economic Impact of Blockade and Perspective on Conflict
- World Bank reports a significant GDP drop due to blockade impacts.
- Discussion highlights the importance of agency and perspectives in conflict.
- Counterarguments regarding the blockade's role in Gaza's economic situation are presented.
Analyzing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Historical Context
- The history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict extends far beyond recent events.
- Palestinians' decisions over the years have significantly impacted their current situation.
- The value placed on Israeli lives versus Palestinian lives raises ethical questions.
Complexities of War: Hostage Crisis and Hamas Discussion
- Retrieving hostages from Hamas is a complex military operation.
- Hamas consistently breaks laws of war, complicating the conflict.
- The moral implications of warfare raise questions about civilian casualties.
Complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Global Politics
- Discusses the operational incapacity of ISIS and its impact on global terrorism.
- Explores the Palestinian electoral choices and the consequences of Hamas's control.
- Critiques U.S. foreign policy and its implications in the Syrian civil war.
Analysis of Middle Eastern conflicts and the role of external actors
- The destruction in Gaza is partly due to Hamas using civilian structures for military purposes.
- Iran has been identified as a central actor in regional conflicts, colonizing neighboring nations.
- The U.S. has struggled to maintain influence and power in the Middle East.
Examining America's Military Interventions in the Middle East
- America's military actions in the Middle East have had significant financial and political impacts.
- Interventions like Libya were driven by both humanitarian concerns and strategic interests.
- Former military leaders highlight the long-term planning behind regime change strategies.
Discussion on Gaddafi's Regime Change and Its Global Impact
- Gaddafi's overthrow is seen as a disaster for global peace efforts.
- Nuclear weapons in Libya raised concerns about future conflicts and negotiations.
- The influence of neoconservatives on American foreign policy is critically examined.
Debating Immigration, Responsibility, and Public Discourse
- Discussion on the implications of immigration policies and public perception.
- Concerns raised about the rise of hate speech online and its consequences.
- The need for careful public discourse regarding sensitive topics is emphasized.
People Mentioned
Daryl Cooper
Podcaster, Historian, Commentator
Ian Carroll
Historian
Pat Buchanan
Author, Political Commentator
Winston Churchill
British Prime Minister
Daryl
Podcaster, Commentator
Joe
Podcaster, Commentator
Milan Kundera
Author
Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States
Henry Kissinger
Former U.S. Secretary of State
Ehud Barak
Former Prime Minister of Israel
Netanyahu
Current Prime Minister of Israel
Joan Rivers
Comedian
Michelle Obama
Former First Lady
John Brennan
Former CIA Director
Barack Obama
Former President of the United States
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States
Jeremy Bowen
BBC Chief Middle East Correspondent
Wesley Clark
Former Supreme Commander of NATO forces
Paul Wolfowitz
Former Deputy Secretary of Defense
Dick Cheney
Former Vice President of the United States
Douglas Murray
Author, Commentator
Places Mentioned
South Beach
Location
Gaza
Region
Israel
Country
Syria
Country
Iran
Country
Books Mentioned
Provoked
Scott Horton
Testaments Betrayed
Milan Kundera
Vasily Grossman
Vasily Grossman
Democracies Death Cults, Israel Future Civilization
Douglas Murray
Notable Quotes
"There's never rational conversations discuss things, respect you."
Discussing the lack of respectful dialogue in media.
"I think there's a whole bunch guys that... like to raise questions."
Commenting on the role of guests who question mainstream narratives.
"think there's like dynamic. happens – course people know red pill analogy Matrix."
Discussing the concept of questioning established narratives.
"Adolf Hitler really bad guy. saying all."
Clarifying the universally negative view of Hitler in cultural discussions.
"referencing New York Times calling lab leak racist, funniest thing ever."
The speaker critiques the labeling of the lab leak theory as racist.