#909 - Bill Burr

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Bill Burr's New Netflix Special: A Trip to the Ryman Theater

  • Bill Burr discusses the release of his new Netflix special 'Walk Your Way Out' shot at the historic Ryman Theater in Nashville.
  • He reflects on performing at the same venue previously in 2014 during Vince Vaughn's Wild West comedy festival.
  • Burr shares his thoughts on the timing of his special's release and the importance of not overexposing himself in the comedy scene.
• 00:01:57

  The Comedy Business: Bill Burr and the Smart Promotion Strategies of Adam Sandler

  • Burr talks about the balance of promoting his work while avoiding overexposure, referencing comedians like Adam Sandler and Daniel Tosh.
  • He emphasizes the need for comedians to find their core audience without over-saturating the market.
  • The conversation leads to a discussion on the evolution of comedy specials and the pitfalls that can occur with fame.
• 00:08:36

  Dave Eilich's Revolutionary Drumming Techniques Transform Lives

  • Dave Eilich's diverse musical career spans from Mars Volta to Miley Cyrus, showcasing his versatile drumming skills.
  • The discussion highlights his unique technique that minimizes strain, allowing drummers to perform without damaging their bodies.
  • The transformative power of drumming is emphasized as a form of therapy and meditation, aiding in mental clarity and relaxation.
• 00:15:00

  Struggling with Adulthood: Inside the Lives of Comedians and Their Unconventional Choices

  • The conversation explores the struggles comedians face with adulthood, revealing that most maintain a facade of maturity while grappling with personal chaos.
  • Humor is drawn from observations of public figures, including the pitfalls of fame and relationships, referencing Ben Affleck's alleged affair with his nanny.
  • The hosts share a candid look at their own lives, illustrating that even successful comedians feel one bad decision away from disaster.
• 00:17:14

  Bill Maher vs. Sam Harris: The Disputed Ideologies

  • A controversial argument between Bill Maher and Sam Harris about ideologies and religions, particularly Islam.
  • Criticism of Maher's approach as he accused Harris of being racist without acknowledging his scholarly background.
  • Discussion of humor and self-deprecation in conversations compared to public debates.
• 00:22:35

  The Rise and Fall of International Sal: A Cautionary Tale in Identity Theft

  • International Sal, a notorious early credit card thief, operated in the 70s and 80s, marking the start of credit card fraud.
  • Sal's life story reflects the struggles of addiction and loss, culminating in his death from colon cancer.
  • The conversation highlights modern challenges with identity theft, such as gas station scams and the importance of safe credit card usage.
• 00:26:22

  Bill Burr Reflects on Pain and Parenthood After Nia's Labor Experience

  • Bill Burr shares his physical pain from broken bones sustained during fights.
  • He expresses newfound respect for his wife Nia after witnessing her endure labor.
  • Burr humorously recounts a moment during labor when Nia nearly snapped due to pain.
• 00:30:30

  Bill Burr's Honest Take on Fatherhood and Parent-Child Dynamics

  • Burr contrasts public expectations of emotional reactions at childbirth with his own subdued experience.
  • He discusses the overwhelming nature of parenthood and societal pressures on parents.
  • Burr humorously critiques interactions with other parents, highlighting the struggles of navigating social situations.
• 00:35:13

  The Comedic Struggles of Engaging Conversations: Insights from Luke Akins and Friends

  • The narrator reflects on the exhausting nature of conversations that lack humor, likening it to verbal waterboarding.
  • He discusses his experiences with Rolfing, a painful deep tissue massage technique, and how he mentally detaches from the pain.
  • The discussion shifts to extreme sports, mentioning Luke Akins, who skydived 25,000 feet without a parachute, highlighting the bizarre nature of his stunts.
• 00:40:03

  A Deep Dive into the Risks of Extreme Sports with Navy SEAL Andy Stump

  • Andy Stump, a Navy SEAL and world-record holder in flying squirrel suits, epitomizes the thrill and dangers of extreme sports.
  • The conversation touches on injuries and risks involved in sports, illustrating the pain and potential mortality of such activities.
  • The speakers question the fearlessness required for extreme stunts and the toll it takes on athletes, blending humor with cautionary tales.
• 00:44:25

  The Bear Attack Story: Debunking Myth with Host Steve Rinella

  • Discussion about bear behavior, notably how grizzly bears and black bears climb trees.
  • Mention of Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of bear attacks in films and historical inaccuracies highlighted by historian Steve Rinella.
  • Comparison of real bear attack experiences to dramatized stories in movies, leading to a conversation on the evolution of storytelling.
• 00:49:22

  The Women's March: Analyzing the Impact of Social Movements on Politics

  • Overview of the Women's March and its massive turnout compared to historical protests.
  • Critique of groupthink and the motivations behind participants wearing symbolic hats.
  • Discussion on the implications of social media in organizing events and the political atmosphere following the inauguration of President Trump.
• 00:53:24

  OJ Simpson's Legacy: The Complexity of Crime and Justice

  • Discussion on OJ Simpson's notoriety and his life in the spotlight post-trial.
  • Reference to Simpson's infamous book 'If I Did It' and its controversies.
  • Comparison between Simpson's case and historical civil rights violations, noting racial disparities in justice.
• 00:59:13

  The Future of Surveillance: The Rise of Micro-Cameras and Privacy Concerns

  • Exploration of advancing surveillance technology and its implications for privacy.
  • The conversation regarding voyeurism and public interest in personal digital leaks.
  • Discussion on the moral implications of privacy invasion and the evolution of societal standards.
• 01:01:57

  Bill Burr Critiques LA's Water Management and Golf's Water Waste

  • Bill Burr expresses frustration over LA's water management post-drought declaration by the mayor.
  • He highlights the inconsistency in watering rules between golf courses and residential areas.
  • Burr criticizes the excessive water usage by private golf courses in Los Angeles.
• 01:56:12

  Tito Ortiz Defeats Chael Sonnen: A Breakdown of the Fight

  • Tito Ortiz wins a quick fight against Chael Sonnen via a choke move.
  • Burr explains the technique behind Ortiz's submission and the notion of 'gooning' in jiu-jitsu.
  • The fight's outcome prompted speculation about its authenticity among viewers.
• 01:13:47

  Bill Burr's Brutal Take on War Crimes and Torture

  • Bill Burr discusses the grotesque nature of watching torture and the human capacity for inflicting pain.
  • He questions the morality of war crimes versus conventional warfare, highlighting the absurdity of legal definitions around warfare.
  • The conversation delves into the public perception of torture in settings like the CIA and how it relates to obtaining information.
• 01:56:12

  Bill Burr and the Divisive Politics of the Trump Era

  • Burr reflects on the political landscape during Trump's presidency and the division it caused among people.
  • He critiques public figures who supported Trump, using Rosie O'Donnell's history with him as an example of celebrity conflict.
  • The discussion touches on the biased media landscape and Burr's frustration with polarized political commentary.
• 01:13:47

  Bill Burr's Anti-Paparazzi Vision: Future Celebrity Privacy Strategies

  • Bill Burr discusses innovative ideas for celebrity privacy, including anti-paparazzi clothing that reflects camera flashes.
  • He expresses concerns about the future of personal privacy and what their children will face in an increasingly intrusive world.
  • Burr humorously imagines the absurdity of being photographed while eating soup, highlighting the bizarre relationship between fame and privacy.
• 01:56:12

  Bill Burr's Stand-Up Transition: Crafting a Unique Comedy Special

  • Burr reveals his creative process behind his latest comedy special, emphasizing his desire to create distinct visuals.
  • He critiques the modern standards of stand-up specials, advocating for a more authentic presentation style.
  • The conversation touches on Burr's animated show 'F is for Family' and his commitment to maintaining quality storytelling amidst the chaos.
• 01:13:47

  Bill Burr Struggles with Balancing Writing, Family, and Standup Comedy

  • Bill Burr expresses hesitance about writing movie scripts due to the extensive effort required compared to his standup gigs.
  • He discusses his admiration for writers and the hard work they put in, noting the difference in recognition they receive.
  • Burr highlights the challenges of managing his career aspirations alongside family responsibilities after becoming a father.
• 01:56:12

  The Legacy of Richard Jenny: A Cautionary Tale for Standup Comedians

  • Burr reflects on Richard Jenny's struggle with roadwork, revealing that Jenny longed for sitcom success and did not enjoy standup.
  • The conversation explores how the industry has changed, emphasizing the shift from traditional sitcoms to the current landscape influenced by streaming services.
  • Burr shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with syndication and residuals, illustrating the unpredictable nature of income for comedians.
• 01:13:47

  Bill Burr Critiques Trump's Tax Strategies and Political Maneuvering

  • Bill Burr discusses how Trump exploits legal loopholes to minimize tax obligations, equating it to a form of theft.
  • He highlights Trump's early reelection filing as a strategic move to shape the political narrative.
  • Burr expresses frustration over the misuse of taxpayer money by politicians, illustrating the impact on public services.
• 01:56:12

  Bill Burr Expresses Distrust in Hillary Clinton and Trump's Deregulation Agenda

  • Burr scrutinizes Hillary Clinton, viewing her as disingenuous and part of a corrupt political elite.
  • He articulates concerns about Trump's tendency toward deregulation, fearing it could harm the environment.
  • The comedian calls for more balanced political figures, disenchanted by the current extremes in political leadership.
• 01:07:44

  Donald Trump: The Popularity Contest Winner of American Politics

  • Discussion on how Donald Trump leveraged his celebrity status to win the presidency.
  • Comparison between Trump and previous candidates like Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
  • Reflection on the transformation of political engagement through entertainment, exemplified by Bill Clinton's saxophone performance on Arsenio Hall.
• 01:12:46

  From Politics to Comedy: The Road Ahead for Joe and Friends

  • Joe discusses the pressure of political topics in comedy and plans to focus on entertaining content.
  • The mention of his interactions with fellow comedians and the relevance of humor in stressful political times.
  • Plans for future gigs and collaborations, indicating a shift away from political discourse towards lighter subjects.