#778 - Ari Shaffir
Ari Shaffir is a stand-up comedian and also hosts the podcasts Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank & Punch Drunk Sports availalbe on Spotify. Check out the 2nd season of his show This Is Not Happening on Comedy Central.
Episodes with Ari Shaffir
Categories
Key Takeaways
Humor can help navigate sensitive topics like surgery and societal norms.
Laughter creates a comfortable space for discussing otherwise uncomfortable subjects.
Cultural sensitivities can lead to absurd situations in modern banking.
This reflects broader issues of how society handles language and identity.
Barbecue lines and culture create unique experiences for enthusiasts.
This reflects the communal and cultural aspects of food beyond mere sustenance.
The incident with the six-year-old raises questions about societal reactions to youth behavior.
It highlights systemic issues in law enforcement and societal perceptions of race and innocence.
Tourists often fall victim to scams in popular destinations.
Understanding these experiences can help future travelers avoid similar pitfalls.
Episode Timestamps
Humor and Controversy in Discussions of History and Society
- The podcast humorously explores surgery and eye health experiences.
- Historical perspectives on sexuality spark discussions about societal norms.
- An absurd banking incident highlights issues with customer service and cultural sensitivities.
Exploring the Art of Barbecue and Current Events
- Barbecue culture, especially brisket, is a major topic of discussion.
- A recent incident involving a six-year-old girl and police highlights societal issues.
- The episode touches on personal anecdotes related to theft and childhood experiences.
Humorous Insights on Scams and S'mores from the Great Wall
- A tourist recounts being overcharged for Gatorade at the Great Wall of China.
- Discussion on the ethics of 'stealing' from large corporations unfolds.
- Comedic stories about s'mores and childhood theft create a humorous atmosphere.
Debate on the Quality of Hobbit vs. Lord of the Rings
- Discussion highlights differences in storytelling between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
- Critique of special effects and emotional engagement in modern films.
- Exploration of themes in Ex Machina related to artificial intelligence and relationships.
Discussion on Billboards, Politics, and Media Manipulation
- The costs of advertising on billboards are surprisingly high.
- Donald Trump's media strategies and their implications are scrutinized.
- The effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in politics is questioned.
Discussion on Bribery and Political Influence in America
- Bribery is implied in political donations and speech payments.
- Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are highlighted for their unique political approaches.
- Media influence by the government is discussed as a serious concern.
Debate on Political Criticism and Media's Role
- Discussion highlights the need for criticism in political leadership.
- Critique on the portrayal of Santa Claus raises questions about representation.
- Ideas on candidates utilizing podcasts for direct communication emerge.
Discussion on Fair Pay for Artists and Streaming Platforms
- Artists struggle with fair compensation from streaming services like Spotify.
- The conversation highlights the complexities of music royalties and exposure.
- Streaming platforms benefit from exclusive content deals with top artists.
Political Commentary on Leadership and Media Influence
- Discussion on the incompetence of certain political leaders and their election.
- Comparison of showmanship in politics to historical campaigning methods.
- Critique of political funding and its implications on governance.
Discussion on Drone Warfare and Combat Sports Insights
- The podcast discusses the ethical implications of drone strikes in warfare.
- Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor's fight dynamics are explored in detail.
- The conversation touches on the influence of historical contexts on modern conflicts.
Analysis of High-Stakes MMA Fights and Fighter Dynamics
- The discussion centers around the potential rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.
- Fighter styles and strategies significantly influence match outcomes in MMA.
- Controversial rules in MMA are critiqued for their impact on fight dynamics.
Analysis of Anderson Silva's Fight Techniques and MMA Landscape
- Anderson Silva displayed mastery over Rich Franklin in their first fight.
- The discussion highlights the significance of clinch control in MMA matches.
- Current contenders' dynamics and title shots in MMA are explored.
Discussion on MMA and Boxing Legends and Their Fights
- Ray Mercer and Tim Sylvia's fight showcased intense combat dynamics.
- The evolution of comedy in the era of podcasts was highlighted.
- Stand-up comedy's preparation and dedication were emphasized by the speakers.
People Mentioned
Ari Shaffir
Podcast Host, Comedian, Comedian, Podcast Host
Anthony Bourdain
Chef, Television Personality
Winona Ryder
Actress
Unnamed speaker
Comedian, Storyteller
Donald Trump
Businessman, Former President of the United States, Former President
Bernie Sanders
Senator, U.S. Senator, Presidential Candidate
Jedediah
Commentator
Taylor Swift
Musician
Beyonce
Musician
Ari Shafir
Comedian
Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State, Presidential Candidate
Nate Diaz
MMA Fighter, Mixed Martial Artist
Conor McGregor
MMA Fighter, Mixed Martial Artist
Jose Aldo
Mixed Martial Artist
GSP (Georges St-Pierre)
Mixed Martial Artist
Anderson Silva
MMA Fighter, Former UFC Champion
Rich Franklin
MMA Fighter, Former UFC Champion
Ray Mercer
Former World Champion Boxer
Tim Sylvia
Former MMA Fighter
Places Mentioned
Franklin Barbecue
Restaurant
Mueller's Barbecue
Restaurant
Great Wall of China
Historical Site
La Brea Sunset
Billboard location
Rose Bowl
Event location
Hollywood Boulevard
Street location
Notable Quotes
"Dude, feels like piece sand there."
Discussing the sensations post-eye surgery.
"That's like... can't write nagger."
On the absurdity of banking systems flagging specific words.
"Brisket melts in your mouth. Like cotton candy."
Discussing the quality of barbecue at Franklin Barbecue.
"Imagine life back when people died like 24."
Reflecting on historical mortality rates and societal changes.
"I'm fucking tourist. I've two weeks already. already know scam."
Describing the knowledge gained from travel experience.