#936 - Colin Moriarty

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Colin Moriarty's Controversial Tweet and Day of Reckoning

  • Colin Moriarty tweets a joke about 'A Day Without a Woman,' which receives backlash for being perceived as sexist.
  • Dave Rubin supports Colin during the controversy, sharing how he helped Colin navigate the fallout.
  • Colin resigns from his co-founded gaming company, signifying the extreme consequences of a simple social media post.
• 00:05:25

  The Gaming Industry's Liberal Orthodoxy: Colin Moriarty Speaks Out

  • Colin discusses how the gaming media is largely liberal, stating he has faced backlash for his moderate views.
  • He reflects on the idea of political correctness and how it affects the gaming industry.
  • Colin articulates his belief in the lack of second chances for conservative voices within the industry, amplifying the cancel culture.
• 00:08:56

  Dave Chappelle's Controversial Netflix Specials Ignite Debate on Free Speech vs. Censorship

  • Discussion around Dave Chappelle's Netflix specials and their reception, highlighting backlash over jokes about transgender people.
  • Analysis of how comedians like Chappelle operate in a culture sensitive to 'offensive' humor and potential censorship.
  • Reflections on the pressures faced by writers and journalists in the current media landscape to create engaging content.
• 00:16:10

  The Gaming Industry's Gender Dynamics: A Personal Perspective from Colin Moriarty

  • Colin Moriarty shares his thoughts on the gaming industry, addressing claims of sexism and the complexities of gender dynamics within it.
  • Recollections of journalist responsibilities and the ethical considerations against sensationalism in reporting.
  • Insights on an industry incident involving a male employee's emotional breakdown, questioning the merit and impact of 'clickbait' journalism.
• 00:19:32

  Joe Rogan Critiques TSA's Impact on Civil Liberties Post 9/11

  • Joe Rogan expresses frustration with the TSA's warrantless searches and violations of the Fourth Amendment.
  • Rogan connects personal experiences to the broader issue of civil liberties compromised by security measures like the Patriot Act.
  • He reflects on the balance between safety and freedom, citing Benjamin Franklin's quote on liberty.
• 00:27:59

  Rogan Discusses Inefficacies and Harassment in TSA Procedures

  • Joe Rogan sheds light on the exhaustion and frustration faced by TSA agents as they deal with flustered travelers.
  • He describes the absurdities of airport security measures and highlights the differences between U.S. and Israeli security practices.
  • Rogan critiques the TSA's treatment of passengers, emphasizing the unreasonable harassment of individuals like elderly women and the ineffectiveness of current security protocols.
• 00:29:31

  Personal Rights vs. National Security: Joe's Take on TSA Inspections

  • Discusses the intrusive nature of TSA inspections and the lack of alternative security measures.
  • Questions the constitutionality of warrantless searches performed by security personnel.
  • Shares anecdotes of police overreach, including aggressive no-knock warrants that endanger innocent lives.
• 00:38:02

  Confrontations with Authority: Joe's Personal TSA Experiences

  • Recounts a humorous interaction at an airport involving a passenger with a water bottle.
  • Shares personal stories of confrontations with TSA agents and the frustrations of airline security.
  • Reflects on the attitudes and behaviors of TSA agents, emphasizing a need for mutual respect.
• 00:39:39

  Confrontation with TSA: A Young Man's Frustration in the Face of Airport Security

  • The speaker recounts an uncomfortable encounter with TSA agents while dealing with personal items.
  • He reflects on his feelings of disrespect and frustration regarding how young people are treated by authority figures.
  • The chapter highlights the complexities of security protocols and the need for better understanding between law enforcement and the public.
• 00:42:58

  Military Service Debate: Reflections on Israeli Patriotism and American Freedom

  • The speaker discusses the Israeli model of mandatory military service and its implications for national pride and citizenship.
  • Contrasting views are presented on the state's role in requiring service vs. the value of individual freedom in America.
  • The conversation examines the balance between civic responsibility and personal choice in defining patriotism.
• 00:48:18

  Dare to Barbecue: Dangerous Creatures in Australia's Wilderness Revealed

  • Discussion on the perils of wildlife in Australia, including poisonous snakes and jellyfish.
  • Comparison of spiders and snakes, with a humorous take on their dangers and edibility.
  • Personal anecdotes about eating spiders on 'Fear Factor' and reflections on overcoming fears.
• 00:50:09

  Edward Snowden's Legacy: Whistleblower or Traitor? A Deep Dive into Surveillance

  • Examination of Edward Snowden's actions against the NSA and the implications for personal freedom.
  • Comparison with Chelsea Manning's case and their treatment regarding national security breaches.
  • Discussion on the ethical dilemmas of whistleblowing, privacy rights, and government transparency.
• 00:58:18

  Edward Snowden: Patriot or Traitor? A Deep Dive into Government Surveillance

  • Discussion on the implications of Edward Snowden's revelations regarding NSA surveillance.
  • Comparisons drawn between Snowden's actions and those of Chelsea Manning, highlighting the controversy surrounding whistleblowing.
  • Debate about President Obama's treatment of whistleblowers and the removal of protections from his administration's website.
• 01:03:30

  The Legacy of Whistleblowers: Edward Snowden's Impact on American Governance

  • Examination of how Snowden's leaks aligned with and confirmed conspiracy theories regarding government surveillance.
  • The perspectives of various figures, such as Alex Jones and Neil deGrasse Tyson, on the implications of government monitoring.
  • Insights into the life of Edward Snowden in Russia and the challenges of living as a whistleblower.
• 01:13:47

  Edward Snowden's Revelations: The Dark Alliance Between Telecoms and the Government

  • Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor, exposed the complicity between government and telecommunications companies like Verizon and T-Mobile.
  • These companies are criticized for not resisting government surveillance practices, raising questions about ethical responsibilities.
  • The conversation highlights broader implications of data privacy, mentioning agreements like Google's censorship in China and the erosion of civil liberties under surveillance.
• 01:56:12

  Eisenhower’s Warning: The Perils of the Military Industrial Complex

  • President Dwight D. Eisenhower famously cautioned against the influence of the military industrial complex in his farewell address.
  • He warned of the intertwined nature of a large arms industry and military establishment, which can threaten democracy and liberty.
  • The discussion reflects on how policies, including the PATRIOT Act, can lead to abuses of power, especially in the hands of unpredictable political leaders.
• 01:13:47

  Eisenhower's Stark Warning on Military Industrial Complex and Vietnam Conflict

  • Eisenhower cautioned against the military-industrial complex, highlighting the vast financial resources involved.
  • His concerns were validated during the Vietnam War, particularly regarding the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
  • The chapter discusses the notion of false flags as provocations to engage in war and the shift in the global power dynamic post-World War II.
• 01:56:12

  American Military Spending: Insights from Political History and Economic Impact

  • The discussion reveals the disproportionate size of U.S. military spending in relation to the global context.
  • Historical perspectives on war, including the motivations of historical figures like John Hancock, speak to the unique nature of the American Revolution.
  • Concerns regarding the erosion of constitutional values and civil liberties are addressed, focusing on implications of surveillance and government oversight.
• 01:13:47

  Alexander Hamilton and Modern Political Divides: The Clash of Ideologies in the Gaming Industry

  • Discussion on the influence of Hamilton's writings on contemporary political thought, emphasizing small government and low taxation.
  • Tensions between the guest's political views and the predominantly left-wing gaming community's perceptions.
  • The suggestion that both sides could find common ground on social issues if ideological rigidity was relaxed.
• 02:36:41

  The Abortion Debate: Understanding Perspectives on Life and Choice Amidst Political Dogma

  • The guest provides a nuanced stance on abortion, acknowledging their pro-choice position while respecting pro-life arguments.
  • Critique of the divisive political rhetoric that often simplifies complex issues into all-or-nothing ideologies.
  • Discussion about misconceptions regarding the gender pay gap and the misrepresentation of statistics to fuel political agendas.
• 01:38:30

  Christina Summers Challenges the Gender Pay Gap Myth

  • Christina Summers argues that the gender pay gap statistic is misleading and often misinterpreted.
  • The discussion highlights that when adjusted for career choices, hours worked, and longevity, the pay gap reduces significantly.
  • Examples of hazardous jobs predominantly held by men are provided to illustrate that differences in earnings are influenced by choices rather than sexism.
• 01:40:29

  The Evolution of Feminism: From Equality to Anti-Man Sentiment

  • The speaker reflects on the shift in feminist movements from advocating for equality to a perceived anti-man stance.
  • There is concern over how misconceptions about the gender pay gap are used to fuel protests and anger, without basis in fact.
  • The chapter discusses the importance of character and individual merit over generalized ideologies based on gender.
• 01:09:14

  Colin's Controversial Stand on Government Power and Individual Rights

  • Colin argues that too much government power limits individual liberties and expresses concern over the misunderstanding of government roles in personal rights.
  • He highlights the inconsistency in ideologies that advocate for government regulation in personal choices, like marriage and gun ownership.
  • Colin reflects on the rare instance of marijuana legalization as an example of regained liberty, warning that people should be cautious about relinquishing any rights.
• 01:16:52

  Colin's Defense against Misinterpretation of Jokes and Freedom of Expression

  • Colin discusses the backlash he faced for a joke, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech and the dangers of misinterpretation.
  • He expresses disappointment in people not defending him due to fear of repercussions, highlighting a culture where honesty is stifled.
  • Colin contrasts legal rights with societal taste, using the Confederate flag debate to underscore the necessity of understanding the historical context of symbols.
• 01:13:47

  Abraham Lincoln and the Aftermath of the Civil War: Revisiting Southern Pride and the Confederate Flag

  • Discusses the leniency shown by Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson towards former Confederates after the Civil War.
  • Reflects on the modern implications of the Confederate flag and its association with Southern pride.
  • Explores the dark history of the Civil War over slavery and its lingering effects on contemporary society.
• 01:56:12

  Colin's Last Stand: From Kind of Funny to Political Commentary and Personal Passion

  • Details Colin's transition from the co-founder of Kind of Funny to launching his own YouTube channel focused on politics and history.
  • Shares insights on his lifelong interest in politics sparked by the Gulf War and shaped by his father's influence.
  • Highlights his commitment to producing quality content about history and politics, emphasizing personal freedom and individual expression.
• 01:13:47

  Exploring the Political Landscape of Gaming with Game Developer Insights

  • Discussion about the challenges of producing content while managing financial expectations.
  • The importance of maintaining a vision in creative projects despite external pressures.
  • Insights on the ideological leanings within the gaming industry shared by industry insiders.
• 01:56:12

  The Fallout of Political Commentary in the Gaming Sphere: A Personal Account by IGN's Senior Editor

  • Personal experiences facing backlash for politically charged writings while at IGN.
  • Examples of conservative views within the gaming industry that often remain unspoken.
  • The impact of social media and community reactions on public perception and career.
• 01:13:47

  Collins' Controversial Views on Diversity in Gaming and Media

  • Discussion on allegations against Collins regarding his perceived racism and bigotry.
  • Exploration of the debate over diversity in creative works, emphasizing an artist's freedom in casting choices.
  • Collins shares his experiences with backlash in creative fields, particularly with Hollywood and gaming.
• 01:40:19

  The Gawker Controversy: Character Assassination in Modern Media

  • Analysis of Gawker's controversial article outing the CFO of Condé Nast, highlighting issues of privacy and exploitation.
  • Discussion on the negative impacts of character assassination in media and the role of clickbait culture.
  • Reflection on the responsibility and consequences of social media influence in shaping public perception.
• 01:45:51

  PewDiePie's Controversy: Media's Witch Hunt Against YouTubers

  • Criticism of mob mentality and witch hunts in various industries, paralleling with the situation faced by PewDiePie.
  • Discussion of how established media outlets like the Wall Street Journal are struggling to maintain relevance in the age of YouTube.
  • Analysis of PewDiePie's controversial actions and how media misinterpretation led to significant personal and professional backlash.
• 01:56:12

  The Downfall of Mainstream Media: PewDiePie at the Center of a Cultural Shift

  • The decline of traditional journalism as audiences prefer individual content creators like PewDiePie.
  • Exploration of the jealousy and resentment felt by older media figures toward successful YouTubers.
  • Insight into how PewDiePie's situation reflects broader trends in entertainment, audience engagement, and the value of authenticity.
• 01:54:37

  The Decline of Trust in Media: Insights from Colin Moriarty

  • Colin Moriarty discusses the pervasive loss of trust in media institutions, attributing it to biased reporting and dishonesty.
  • He highlights the controversies surrounding Donna Brazile's leaked debate questions to the Clinton campaign as a key example of media malpractice.
  • Moriarty emphasizes the rise of alternative news sources and platforms like YouTube as people seek trustworthy information.
• 01:56:12

  The New Era of Communication: Colin Moriarty and the Rise of Influencers

  • Colin Moriarty reflects on the evolution of communication through social media and the internet, providing opportunities for influencers like Pewdiepie.
  • He critiques the traditional media landscape as bloated and partisan, expressing a desire for a more trustworthy alternative.
  • Moriarty shares his journey of leaving a conventional job to pursue authentic content creation, highlighting the audience's positive response.