#848 - Bryan Callen
NaN minutesEpisode #848
Bryan Callen is an actor and stand-up comedian, and together with Brendan Schaub he also hosts "The Fighter & The Kid" podcast available on Spotify.
Episodes with Bryan Callen
Episode Timestamps
Brian Callen's Close Encounter with a Terrorist Attack at Gotham Comedy Club
- Brian Callen describes being 800 feet away from a bomb explosion while at Gotham Comedy Club.
- He recounts the surreal moment of hearing the bomb and recognizing it was not a typical noise associated with urban life.
- Callen reflects on his previous experiences with loud explosions in Lebanon, drawing parallels to the bomb used in the Boston Marathon attack.
From Bomb to Stage: Brian Callen's Resilience in the Face of Terror
- After the explosion, Brian Callen runs back inside the club fearing a second bomb might go off.
- Despite the chaos, he performs stand-up comedy for a sold-out crowd, showcasing his professionalism.
- An off-duty police officer intervenes on stage due to the incident, highlighting the situation's seriousness and Callen's emotions of depression over the current state of the world.
Confronting Randomness: Joe Rogan and the Urgency of Life After 9/11
- Joe Rogan discusses the challenge of performing stand-up and the sudden shocks of life experiences.
- He reflects on societal changes and perspectives post-9/11, highlighting the kindness and camaraderie that emerged.
- The chapter emphasizes the contrast between today's safety and the tendency to blow issues out of proportion.
Matt LeBlanc Under Fire: The Absurdity of Outrage Culture in Modern Media
- Rogan critiques the backlash against Matt LeBlanc for a seemingly innocent remark at the Emmys.
- The chapter explores societal oversensitivity and the dynamics of clickbait journalism.
- Discussion includes examples from other celebrities like Alec Baldwin, emphasizing the misplaced outrage in today's media landscape.
Amy Schumer and Brad Pitt: The Debate on Objectification and Artistic Expression
- Discussion on the contrasting perspectives of Amy Schumer's naked performance and Brad Pitt's reactions.
- Examination of cultural attitudes toward women's nudity, referencing countries like Saudi Arabia.
- Debate on the humor surrounding objectification and how it differs in various contexts.
Jim Shockey’s Uncharted: The Harsh Reality of Crocodile-Infested Villages
- Jim Shockey's encounters with villagers suffering from crocodile attacks.
- Descriptions of the severe injuries and fatalities faced by the local population.
- Highlighting the complexities of life in perilous environments and the struggle for survival.
Understanding Recreational Outrage: Analysis by Matt LeBlanc
- Discussion about societal trends of 'recreational outrage' with a specific focus on Matt LeBlanc's actions.
- Critique of distractions from serious events such as bombings to trivial complaints about humor.
- Exploration of the extreme reactions people have towards perceived offenses in modern culture.
Human Nature and Ideology: A Closer Look at Violence and Understanding
- The argument that human beings share fundamental similarities despite cultural differences.
- Discussion on how ideologies, particularly fundamentalism, influence actions, using recent violent incidents as examples.
- Advocacy for understanding the psychological backgrounds of individuals who commit violent acts rather than simply condemning them.
Exploring Camel Milk and the Ecosystem Disruption in Australia - Brian's Insights
- Discusses camel milk sourced from Bedouin cultures in the Middle East and its cultural significance.
- Highlights the introduction of foreign animals to Australia in the 1800s as part of a failed hunting experiment.
- Describes the ecological consequences of having no natural predators, leading to overpopulation and culling of introduced species.
The Surprising Evolution of Coyotes - Dan Flores and the Wolf-Dog Connection
- Covers Dan Flores' book 'Coyote America' and the evolutionary connection between coyotes and wolves.
- Details the historical extinction and reintroduction of horses in North America, emphasizing their American origins.
- Explains the complex social dynamics of wolf packs and their strategies for survival in the wild.
The Buffalo Tongue Crisis: Market Hunting's Devastating Impact on Wildlife
- Market hunting led to the mass slaughter of buffalo for their tongues, a delicacy.
- A discussion about the complexity of hunting practices and organ consumption took place.
- A friend's property required culling 21 deer yearly, emphasizing the absurdity and wastefulness of hunting.
The Roe Deer Dilemma: Plastic Bullets and the Challenge of Overpopulation in England
- Plastic bullets are used in England to control roe deer overpopulation, with gruesome results.
- The impact of reintroducing wolves in Yellowstone National Park was discussed as a natural method of wildlife management.
- A personal anecdote highlighted the absurdity of urban deer hunting and the cultural disconnect with hunting practices.
Joe Rogan Discusses America's Disconnection from Food Sources Amidst Factory Farming Crisis
- Joe Rogan reflects on the modern relationship between humans and their food, emphasizing the increasing detachment from nature and food acquisition.
- He criticizes the rise of factory farms and slaughterhouses, describing them as 'houses of horror' that have emerged due to urbanization and a growing demand for food.
- Rogan connects the consumption of cheap protein to societal health issues, advocating for a return to natural food sourcing and the importance of nutrition.
Joe Rogan and Michael Shermer Debate the Rise of Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation
- Rogan shares insights from Michael Shermer's book, discussing skepticism and the scientific breakdown of conspiracy theories, including the flat Earth belief.
- They address the societal implications of misinformation and how a segment of the population reaches bizarre conclusions without credible evidence.
- Rogan expresses frustration about the persistent beliefs in conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in an age dominated by social media.
Joe Rogan and the NASA Moon Landing Conspiracy: Debunking the Lies
- Discussion revolves around the claims that 1,100 scientists lied about the moon landing.
- Critiques the Flat Earth community and their belief in conspiracies regarding space exploration.
- Highlights the existence of time-lapse videos from space contradicting flat Earth theories.
Alva and Jackson Pollock: An Artistic Revolution Debated by Joe Rogan
- Features Alva, a prominent artist and owner of the Comedy Cellar in NYC, discussing her views on modern art.
- Explores Joe Rogan's perspective on Jackson Pollock's unique fractal painting technique.
- Discusses the complexities of art appreciation and the perceptions of abstract art among the masses.
Architectural Marvels and Failures: The Insight on 9/11 and the Towers
- Discussion on the engineering brilliance of a massive building designed by a Japanese architect.
- Debate on the implications of conspiracy theories related to the Twin Towers' collapse and their validity.
- Analysis on government failures and their response to significant historical events like 9/11.
George W. Bush's Iraq Invasion: Motivations Beyond National Security
- Scrutiny of the motives behind the Iraq invasion post-9/11, challenging the narrative of weapons of mass destruction.
- Exploration of how the mood shifted in the U.S. after the attacks, leading to military aggression.
- Insight into the long-term impact of destabilizing Iraq on regional powers like Iran and the dynamics of sectarian conflict.
Joe Rogan Discusses MMA's Rise and His Upcoming Shows
- Joe Rogan reflects on the explosive growth of MMA among young men globally.
- He shares personal anecdotes about his age and upcoming college show in Ottawa.
- Jokes about the experiences of performing at colleges and his adventures in stand-up comedy.
Joe Rogan and his Views on Aging, Humor, and Society's Softness
- Rogan emphasizes the importance of fitness and exercise in tackling the challenges of aging.
- Discusses the fragility of modern society, calling out the 'gentle snowflakes' and their reactions.
- He advocates for humor as a necessary relief in society, warning against overanalyzing comedians' words.
Putin's Rule: The Gangster Dictator of Russia and Doping Conspiracies
- Discussion on the cultural differences in alcohol consumption between Russia and other countries.
- Insight into Vladimir Putin's authoritarian leadership style and how it parallels characteristics of a gangster.
- Addressing the alarming incidents of Russian doping scientists and journalists being murdered, indicating a potential state conspiracy.
Donald Trump's Leadership: A Dangerous Comparison to Putin and Misguided Policies
- Gary Kasparov's provocative comparison of Vladimir Putin to 'arsenic' in a discussion about leadership.
- Critique of Donald Trump's understanding of geopolitics, referencing Robert Gates' warnings about his fitness for presidency.
- Discussion on Trump's superficial approach to issues and the marketing of his public persona over substantive leadership.
Donald Trump's Wealth and Political Connections: A Legacy of Inheritance
- Donald Trump inherited approximately $200 million, significantly influencing his business ventures.
- He gained substantial political connections in New York while following in the footsteps of his father, a prominent developer.
- Trump's success in acquiring valuable properties included obtaining large tax breaks, many facilitated by political ties.
The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction and Future Implications
- Discussion on the pervasive influence of smartphones and technology on daily lives and interpersonal interactions.
- Concerns raised about technology's invasive nature leading to a future where human connectivity could become dependent on machines.
- Speculation on the desire for immortality and humanity's ongoing quest to push beyond biological limitations, influenced by historical advancements in medicine.
Penicillin and the Quest for Better Living: Exploring the Legacies of Alexander Fleming and Newton
- Alexander Fleming invented penicillin, marking the birth of antibiotics.
- The conversation highlights the importance of understanding human biology and psychology.
- Illustrations of societal ideologies promote inclusion and compassion in overcoming issues like racism.
Understanding the Complexity of Existence: Insights from Socrates, Newton, and Modern Philosophy
- The nature of infinity and subatomic particles suggests a connection between diverse forms of existence.
- Socrates and Newton's philosophies encourage humility in knowledge and mastery in disciplines.
- Critiques of cultural influences exemplify the challenges in striving for a better future amidst conflicting ideologies.
Edward Snowden and the Surveillance Debate: A Call for Transparency
- Discusses the implications of Edward Snowden's actions in exposing surveillance practices by the U.S. government.
- Contrasts the leadership styles of Obama and Trump, highlighting Obama’s caution and Trump's disruptive approach.
- Emphasizes the necessity for checks and balances in government surveillance to avoid overreach and protect citizen privacy.
The Importance of the Constitution in Ensuring Freedom: Lessons from History
- Points out the foresight of Eisenhower's warning against the military-industrial complex and its implications for today's society.
- Argues that the U.S. Constitution provides a framework for balancing government power and individual rights.
- Highlights the impact of technology on transparency and how it facilitates accountability in government actions.
Donald Trump’s Rise Linked to Caitlyn Jenner’s Controversy
- Discussion on Islamic fundamentalism and societal response to it.
- Critique of liberal oversensitivity, arguing it contributed to Donald Trump's popularity.
- Caitlyn Jenner's incident involving a fatal car accident is highlighted as a significant moment impacting public perception.
Hunting Adventures: A Lighthearted Banter Between Comedians
- Light-hearted discussions among friends about past hunting trips and the enjoyment of outdoor activities.
- Plans for future hunting trips emphasized, showcasing camaraderie and humor.
- Mention of upcoming guest, James Kingston, known for his extreme stunts, adding excitement to the podcast.