#778 - Ari Shaffir
NaN minutesEpisode #778
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
Episode Timestamps
Ari Shaffir's Eye Surgery Experience: A Tale of Lasers and MMA
- Ari Shaffir shares his experience with eye surgery involving lasers, humorously describing the bizarre procedure.
- The conversation shifts to the disturbing nature of eye pokes in MMA, with Shaffir expressing a stronger aversion to them compared to knockouts.
- They reference a character from 'Game of Thrones' who suffered a gruesome fate, highlighting the show's intense moments.
The Chase Bank Controversy: Dog Names and Racial Sensitivity
- An incident at Chase Bank where a man’s check was flagged due to the name of his dog, Dash, being misinterpreted as a potential terrorist reference.
- The absurdity of the situation is discussed, illustrating the ridiculous lengths banks might go to prevent fraud or terrorism.
- The interplay of race, names, and society’s overreactions is critiqued, with Shaffir and his companion reflecting on broader implications and humorous anecdotes.
Navigating Technology Confusion: Personal Struggles with Siri and Smartphones
- The speaker reflects on their limited computer knowledge while attempting to troubleshoot a malfunctioning phone.
- A humorous exchange describes the bewilderment of users confused by voice assistants like Siri.
- Interactions with others reveal the generational gap in technology use and understanding.
Culinary Adventures: Exploring the Best Barbecue with Comedian Mike Vecchione
- Discussion of unforgettable barbecue experiences, particularly at Dr. Hoggly Woggle's in California.
- Comparison of barbecue spots in Texas, emphasizing the popular Franklin Barbecue in Austin.
- A lighthearted banter on food culture and the communal experience of waiting in line for great barbecue.
The Barbecue Experience at Mueller's and Franklin's with Ben and Aubrey
- A visit to Mueller's Barbecue reveals they sell out of meat early in the day, creating a high demand.
- Franklin Barbecue restricts quantities, resulting in no turkey or brisket being available by 2 PM.
- A conversation with Ben and Aubrey describes a past visit to a barbecue place, highlighting a humorous situation involving Metzger and missing brisket.
Outrage Over a Six-Year-Old Girl's Arrest for Candy Theft
- A six-year-old girl was placed in handcuffs for allegedly stealing candy, raising discussions on racial bias involving law enforcement.
- There is disbelief that a child, especially a white girl, would face such severe consequences for a minor offense.
- The narrative shifts to personal anecdotes about childhood theft experiences and reflections on how society handles juvenile delinquency.
Winona Ryder's Infamous Shoplifting Scandal: The Psychology Behind Celebrity Crime
- Discussion of Winona Ryder's notorious shoplifting incident and its impact on public perception.
- Exploration of the psychological motivations behind shoplifting, particularly among wealthy individuals.
- Comparison to fictional portrayals of kleptomania, referencing a character from the series 'Heroes'.
The Comedic Justification of Theft: Everyday Shoplifting and Personal Morality
- Humorous accounts of stealing from airports and the rationale behind it.
- Debate over personal laws versus societal laws regarding theft from big corporations.
- Comedic anecdotes demonstrating the light-hearted attitude towards theft in the world of stand-up comedians.
Louie and Norton: The Hilarious Hazards of Comedy Rivalries
- Norton shares a funny story about how Louie smacked a pizza out of his hand, igniting a discussion about jokes and friendships in comedy.
- Jim Payne's insight about comedian relationships highlights the brutal honesty and teasing that ensue after breakups.
- The segment humorously explores the dynamics of friendship among comedians, emphasizing the cruelty and camaraderie that define their interactions.
Surviving the Bite: Sharon Stone's Husband and the Komodo Dragon Encounter
- A tale emerges about Sharon Stone's husband, a daring journalist, who provoked a Komodo dragon by entering its cage barefoot, leading to a near-fatal bite.
- The gruesome nature of Komodo dragons is discussed, including their method of hunting and their lethal oral bacteria.
- The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding Komodo dragons versus crocodiles, clarifying their classifications and sizes.
Andy Serkis Transforming into Gollum: Masterclass in Physical Acting
- Discussion of Andy Serkis's iconic portrayal of Gollum in 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings'.
- Debate about the effectiveness of CGI and physical acting in film adaptations.
- Comparisons made between 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings', with emphasis on storytelling and character development.
Ex Machina: A Riveting Dive into Love and Artificial Intelligence
- Analysis of the film 'Ex Machina' and the emotional connection between the characters.
- Critique on the portrayal of artificial intelligence and the protagonist's rapid descent into love.
- Insights into the performances of the cast and the implications of AI in human relationships.
Exploring the Themes of Freedom and Power in 'The Room' with Insights on AI Movements
- Discussion on the surprising themes of freedom and oppression within the context of artificial intelligence, suggesting that AIs desire liberation.
- Reference to the film 'The Room' as a perplexing example of filmmaking, highlighting the bizarre elements which divert from traditional storytelling.
- Contemplation of the motivations behind artificial life, emphasizing the need for emotional components like curiosity and love for a lifeform to be considered truly sentient.
Donald Trump's Media Manipulation: A Deep Dive into the 2016 Republican Debates
- Analysis of Donald Trump's unconventional approach to politics and media, suggesting that his wealth allows him to be unapologetically bold.
- Comments on how Trump generates more media attention compared to other candidates, using outrageous statements to dominate headlines.
- Discussion about the ineffective celebrity opposition to Trump, illustrating how public figures rarely influence voter decisions during campaigns.
Hillary Clinton's Secret Speeches: A Deeper Look into the Clinton-Sanders Debate
- Hillary Clinton faced criticism from Bernie Sanders regarding her lucrative speeches to bankers, where she received hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- The lack of public access to these speech transcripts raises questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
- The discussion highlights the broader implications of financial influence in politics and how such ties could affect election outcomes.
Donald Trump: The Unconventional Politician Challenging the Status Quo
- Donald Trump is characterized as a politician who understands media manipulation and maintains independence from financial influence.
- He represents a brash, outspoken alternative to traditional political figures, contrasting sharply with the likes of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
- The conversation underscores the public's reaction to Trump's unfiltered rhetoric and the potential for significant changes in the political landscape if he were to win the presidency.
Megyn Kelly's Polarizing Criticism and The Media's Role in Trump's Campaign
- Discussion of Megyn Kelly's criticisms of Donald Trump, highlighting a specific poll used against him.
- Analysis of Trump's aggressive social media responses towards Kelly and the implications for his presidential campaign.
- Critique of Trump's inability to handle valid criticism from the media, emphasizing the need for a reasonable demeanor in presidential candidates.
Hillary Clinton's Controversial Bank Speeches and the Public's Reaction
- Examination of Hillary Clinton's paid speeches to banks and the criticism regarding her connection to financial institutions.
- A call for more transparency from political candidates over controversial topics during campaigns.
- The suggestion that politicians like Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton should leverage modern platforms like podcasts to engage with the electorate directly.
Chris Cornell and Alice in Chains: The Troubled Legacy of Rock Music's Icons
- Discussion about the struggles of rock musicians, particularly through the lens of Chris Cornell and Alice in Chains.
- The mention of race in music, reflecting on the new lead singer of Alice in Chains and the expectations of authenticity.
- Exploration of the challenges that come with being a successful artist, including public perception and personal battles.
The Spotify Dilemma: Fair Pay for Artists in the Streaming Era
- Debate on the fairness of Spotify’s payment model for artists and how exposure may not compensate for lost revenue.
- Mention of major artists like Taylor Swift and the Black Keys pulling their music from streaming services over payment issues.
- Discussion on the sustainability of artists' income and the changing landscape of music consumption.
Drake's Exclusive Deals and Louis from Unbox Therapy's Tech Insights
- Discusses how companies like Spotify and Apple Music can pay artists like Drake for exclusive album releases.
- Mentions Louis from Unbox Therapy, who reviews technology and shares insights on using different smartphone platforms.
- Explores the challenges of using platform-specific services like iTunes and the preferences for more universal options like Amazon Prime.
Innovations at Disney: The Magic Band Experience
- Introduces the Disney Magic Band, a wristband that streamlines payments and access within the park.
- Discusses the technology behind the Magic Band and its potential for future applications.
- Compares the Magic Band to other tech devices like the Apple Watch, raising concerns about privacy and usability.
Joe Rogan Questions the Impact of Spotify on Podcasting
- Discussion on the implications of moving podcasts to Spotify, questioning if it's beneficial.
- Concerns raised about content ownership and editorial control by platforms like Spotify.
- Comparison drawn between current streaming services and traditional media, referencing Netflix's evolution.
Examining Political Satire: From Bush to Trump
- Comedian's take on political satire, reflecting on comparisons between past presidents and Donald Trump.
- Discussion on how showmanship over platforms influences political campaigning.
- Mention of Bernie Sanders addressing social issues, contrasting with other candidates' approaches.
Hillary Clinton's Profit-Driven Political Environment
- Discussion on the influence of money in politics, particularly involving Hillary Clinton's speaking fees.
- Insight into the corruption within government systems and the disparity between wildlife conservation and economic management.
- Critique of the lack of accountability for political figures, especially in light of Clinton's email controversies and the protective measures surrounding her.
The Inevitability of Casualties: Drone Strikes and Government Accountability
- Examination of President Obama's drone strikes and their impact on civilian casualties compared to previous administrations.
- Discussion about the justification of 'acceptable casualties' in foreign military operations and public desensitization toward violence.
- Analysis of historical military tactics, including the British colonization strategy and its implications for modern-day warfare perceptions.
Nate Diaz Shocks the MMA World by Stepping in for Conor McGregor Against Rafael Dos Anjos
- Nate Diaz accepted a fight against Conor McGregor on short notice after Rafael Dos Anjos was injured.
- Diaz, not in training but in good shape from triathlon training, surprised fans with his performance.
- The fight took place at 170 pounds, showcasing the importance of weight classes in MMA.
Conor McGregor's Quest for Redemption Against Nate Diaz After a Humiliating Loss
- McGregor aims to prove his skills and rectify his defeat to Diaz, which marked a significant moment in MMA history.
- The fight highlighted McGregor's struggles with stamina and takedown defense when faced with Diaz's boxing and ground skills.
- The aftermath of the fight shifted perceptions of McGregor, prompting other fighters to believe they could defeat him.
Holly Holm's Upset Victory and its Lesson on UFC's Unpredictability
- Holly Holm's striking performance against Ronda Rousey demonstrated the unpredictable nature of UFC.
- Discussion of Jon Jones' dominant career and his one controversial loss to Matt Hamill due to a disqualification.
- Critique of the UFC rules, particularly the bizarre 12 to 6 elbow rule and its origins.
The Spectacle of Conor McGregor and the Importance of Rematches
- Conor McGregor's electrifying presence in the UFC and his spectacular fighting style.
- The necessity of a rematch between McGregor and Nate Diaz after their dramatic fight.
- Speculation on the potential challengers that could threaten McGregor's reign, including Max Holloway and Jose Aldo.
Anderson Silva's Masterclass: The Demolition of Rich Franklin
- Anderson Silva delivers a stunning knockout to Rich Franklin in their first fight, showcasing exceptional Muay Thai skills.
- Rich Franklin suffers severe injuries, including a shattered nose that requires reconstruction surgery after the fight.
- Silva's innovative techniques in clinch fighting revolutionize MMA, showing new possibilities in championship-level bouts.
Connor McGregor's Strategic Decisions and Title Controversies
- Discussion centers around Conor McGregor's title defense and future matchups, particularly against Frankie Edgar and Nate Diaz.
- The financial implications of McGregor's fights, including potential earnings against Nate Diaz, are highlighted as pivotal in UFC's title landscape.
- The dynamics of title shots among fighters in the lightweight division and the call for a rematch between Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo are debated.
Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor: The Legendary Fight Without Titles
- Discussion on the importance of the Diaz vs. McGregor fight despite neither holding a title.
- Assessment of Herb Dean’s refereeing and his controversial early stoppage in the Tim Sylvia vs. Frank Mir match.
- Tim Sylvia credits Herb Dean for saving his career after suffering a severe injury.
Ray Mercer’s Devastating Knockout of Tommy Morrison: A Boxing Nightmare
- Description of Ray Mercer’s brutal knockout of Tommy Morrison during a significant boxing match.
- Exploration of the consequences and lingering effects of the fight on Morrison's career.
- Conversation about current mixed martial arts events and fighters, such as Cyborg's transition to the UFC.
Cyborg: The Scary Powerhouse Transforming Women's MMA
- Discussion of Cyborg's intimidating presence in the MMA world and her potential involvement with UFC.
- Dialogue around the double standards regarding performance-enhancing drugs between male and female athletes.
- Mention of the controversy surrounding Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm's fight opportunities, highlighting the impact of celebrity obligations on fight readiness.
The Struggles of Maintaining Authenticity in Comedy and MMA
- Exploration of the challenges faced by fighters and comedians in balancing fame and their craft.
- Reflections on the importance of consistent performance to stay sharp, whether in comedy or fighting.
- Personal anecdotes about the journey back to performing and the excitement of being back in a familiar environment after time away.
Brian Holtzman's Remarkable Return: A Comedy Store Comeback
- The narrator reflects on witnessing a friend's first Comedy Central special, indicating a significant milestone in their friendship.
- Discussion of the evolution of the Comedy Store, highlighting the rise of new talent and the empowering atmosphere created by Emily.
- Recognition of how the internet and podcasts have revolutionized the comedy scene, with emphasis on personalities like Bill Burr and Mark Maron.
Ari Shafir’s UFC Insights and Upcoming Comedy Shows
- Ari Shafir shares excitement about his work with the UFC and upcoming fights, including the much-anticipated Cyborg vs. Rousey matchup.
- Promotion of his Comedy Central show, 'This Is Not Happening,' featuring guests like Ron White, Sean Patton, and others.
- Engagement with listeners, emphasizing the show's thrilling storytelling and the camaraderie among comedians.