#972 - Ari Shaffir
NaN minutesEpisode #972
Ari Shaffir is a stand-up comedian and also hosts the podcasts "Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank" & "Punch Drunk Sports" available on Spotify. His new 2-part special "Double Negative" debuts on Netflix on July 18th.
Episodes with Ari Shaffir
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Episode Timestamps
Ari Shafir’s Four-Month Digital Detox: Insights and Inspirations
- Ari Shafir shares his experience of disappearing for four months without a phone or email.
- Inspired by previous discussions, Shafir decided to fully disconnect after completing his work commitments.
- The conversation highlights the importance of taking breaks and disconnecting in a digital age.
Exploring Post-War Europe: Toxic Legacies and Beauty in Destruction
- Shafir discusses the remnants of war in Europe, revealing areas with toxic waste from World War II.
- He contrasts Europe’s historical turmoil with America's relatively peaceful history.
- The conversation dives into the environmental impact of past conflicts on modern landscapes.
Brett Weinstein's Controversial Experience at Evergreen College
- Brett Weinstein, a professor, was involved in a protest at Evergreen State College against a 'No Whites Day' event.
- The protest escalated, leading to threats that resulted in the college shutting down and Weinstein feeling unsafe.
- Weinstein was criticized for using hand gestures, which some students labeled as microaggressions, culminating in mockery from the students.
Trump, Comey, and Height: A Discussion of Power Dynamics
- The conversation includes commentary on Donald Trump and James Comey, focusing on how Comey's height of 6'8" creates a physical power dynamic.
- Trump's discomfort with Comey's stature is discussed, alongside the absurdity of personal attacks in political discourse.
- The talk touches on cultural references, including House of Cards, relating to the power plays in politics.
David Taylor's Take on Hallmark's Formulaic Success and the Dark Side of Cop Reality
- David Taylor critiques the Hallmark channel's predictable movie themes featuring pets, family reunions, and holidays.
- Discussion highlights a severe incident involving a female cop brutally beaten while on duty, showing the dangers women face in law enforcement.
- The conversation touches on how stereotypes manifest in media portrayals of female police officers and real-life violence.
Journey of Self-Discovery Through Global Travel: Lessons from Open-Ended Adventures
- An exploration of the enriching experiences and personal growth derived from unplanned travel, with stories of travelers breaking stereotypes.
- The dialogue reflects on the comfort of living without responsibilities, allowing for deep contemplation and self-awareness.
- Mention of meeting fellow travelers who embrace the nomadic lifestyle, highlighting the variety of experiences from short trips to years-long adventures.
Camping Challenges and Minimalism: Insights from Henry Rollins
- Exploration of the difficulties faced while camping and hunting in Georgia.
- Discussion on minimalism and the need to carry light gear, such as bivvy sacks, for camping trips.
- Recognition of Henry Rollins' adventurous lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of experiences over material possessions.
Liberia's Dark Past: The Story of General Butt Naked
- Discussion on General Butt Naked, a warlord who fought naked during the Liberian Civil War and later became a minister.
- Exploration of Liberia's origins as a settlement for freed slaves and its historical complexities.
- Revelation of shocking practices during the war, including cannibalism and the psychological impact on the country’s population.
General Butt Naked's Unbelievable Confessions: The Taste of Human Flesh
- Discussion about General Butt Naked's chilling claims about tasting human flesh.
- Reference to Liberia's past, including its struggles and the hope for recovery after Charles Taylor's regime.
- Comparisons made between Liberia and Australia's history of transporting prisoners.
The American Work Culture versus European Standards: A Call for Change
- Critique of the limited sick and vacation days in the American workforce compared to European standards.
- Discussion about the societal expectations of 9-to-5 jobs and how they impair work-life balance.
- Emphasis on the need for a cultural shift regarding how Americans approach work and time off.
Theo Vaughn's Comedy and Hunting Adventures
- Theo Vaughn shares his comedic brilliance and experiences, highlighting his surreal humor that left the audience in tears.
- The discussion touches on the complexities of both stand-up comedy and hunting, as the speakers share their respect for seasoned professionals in these fields.
- Mention of comedians like Jason Tebow and Duncan who have unique styles and hilarious anecdotes contributes to the lively conversation.
Traveling the World: Adventures with William in Myanmar
- William, an architect who moved to Myanmar, discusses balancing his profession with his passion for stand-up comedy.
- The challenges and eerie experiences of designing prisons are explored, shedding light on the duality of his career.
- The conversation delves into the intricacies of language and culture while traveling, leading to humorous misunderstandings and translations.
Understanding the Mind of a Suicide Bomber: Mental Health, Belief, and Consequences
- Discussion on the motivations behind suicide bombers, with references to incidents like the Manchester attack.
- Exploration of mental health issues, potential abuse, and the extreme beliefs that can drive individuals to commit such acts.
- Speculation about the psychological ramifications of failing a suicide bombing attempt, and the consequences of such beliefs in an afterlife.
Comedy and Controversy: Bill Maher's Recent Backlash and the Legacy of South Park
- Discussion on Bill Maher's recent controversy involving racial remarks and the implications of comedy in sensitive topics.
- Reflections on the impact and longevity of South Park and its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, in the world of animated satire.
- Mention of the creative process behind South Park and the collaborative efforts that raise the standard of animated storytelling.
Hillary Clinton's Controversial Use of Prison Labor in Arkansas
- Clinton faced backlash on social media for using black prison labor while serving as First Lady of Arkansas.
- A quote from Hillary suggested that using prison labor was a 'tradition' aimed at reducing costs, involving convicted murderers.
- Criticism arose over the lack of compensation for prison workers, leading to comparisons with modern slavery.
Judo Jean LaBelle: The Legendary Martial Artist and His Colorful Career
- Judo Jean LaBelle, a national champion and significant figure in judo, is known for his iconic pink gi and tough persona.
- He played a pivotal role in exposing Bruce Lee to grappling techniques and fought in one of the first mixed martial arts matches.
- His reputation continues as he physically defended his neighborhood from criminals even in his 60s, showcasing his lasting legacy in martial arts.
Nate Bargatze's Return to Stage After a Long Break
- The narrator discusses their reluctance to perform in Cambodia, citing concerns about pressure and expectations.
- Nate Bargatze was present at a show shortly after the narrator's return, prompting a mix of excitement and nervousness.
- The performance felt awkward at first, with the narrator experimenting with new material and grappling with performance anxiety.
Controversial Food Choices: The Dogs and Roosters Debate
- The narrator shares experiences with local food culture, including the prospect of eating dog meat while in East Timor.
- Discussion around the societal perceptions of animal consumption, comparing dogs to typical livestock such as pigs.
- The narrator reminisces about witnessing rooster fights, emphasizing the difference between societal acceptance of rooster versus dog fighting.
Cockfighting and Dog Fighting: The Dark World of Animal Entertainment
- An exploration of the World Slasher Cup, highlighting the brutal nature of cockfighting.
- Insight into the treatment of fighting dogs and their purpose in this grim sport.
- Discussion of the psychological and physical conditioning of animals bred for combat.
The Wolves of Canada: Nature's Cunning Predators and Their Impact
- Canadian wolves are larger and more devastating to elk and deer populations due to their hunting strategies.
- Discussion of the reintroduction of Canadian wolves and their adaptation to various environments.
- Insights into wolf pack communication and their coordination during hunts as intelligent social animals.
Skunk Encounters: The Unexpected Dangers of Backyard Wildlife
- Discussion of a personal skunk encounter involving potential injury and rabies.
- Exploration of skunks as predators that can harm pets and cause serious smells.
- Humorous reflections on handling injuries while dealing with foul smells from skunks.
Komodo Dragons and Their Deadly Bite: A Journey Through Indonesia
- Narrative of a trip to see Komodo dragons in the wild and the risks involved.
- Details of their hunting behavior, including the bacteria and venom complications of their bites.
- A shocking account of Sharon Stone's husband's encounter with a Komodo dragon leading to serious injury.
Dude Loses Big Toe to a Komodo Dragon Attack
- A man underwent foot surgery after a severe injury caused by a Komodo dragon's bite.
- He was asked by a zookeeper to remove his shoes to prevent the dragon from mistaking them for prey.
- The incident highlights the unexpected dangers of interacting with wildlife.
New Orleans and the Confusion of Open Container Laws
- A discussion about the legality of consuming alcohol in public spaces in New Orleans.
- An amusing anecdote about a driver pulled over for drinking in public, unaware of the law.
- Comparisons made between different cities' drinking laws and the cultural attitudes toward public drinking.
Duncan and the Impact of Gentrification in Brooklyn
- Discussion of how gentrification transforms neighborhoods starting with artists moving in, attracting more affluent residents.
- Exploration of community activities in a park in Gowanus, highlighting local culture and communal cookouts.
- Critique on how gentrification leads to changes in laws that negatively impact longtime residents and their cultural practices.
Comedy and Cultural Reflections: Bill Burr, Stavros Halkias, and Authenticity in Performance
- Insights from Bill Burr on the writing process for comedy and the importance of authenticity in material.
- Mention of comedian Stavros Halkias and his body-positive approach to art and social media restrictions.
- Discussion on how comedians like Burr and Halkias incorporate personal experiences and societal observations into their work.
Chael Sonnen's Dramatic Fight Finish at UFC: A Tale of Dominance and Surprise
- The discussion revolves around Chael Sonnen's unexpected defeat after dominating the fight at UFC.
- The narrator recalls attending his first UFC event, where Sonnen fought Chris Leben and became a champion.
- Emotions run high as they reminisce about witnessing intense moments and shocking finishes in the sport.
The Modern Discourse on Race and Identity: Insights on American Liberalism
- There's a deep dive into the complexities of race, identity, and the repercussions of slavery in America.
- The conversation critiques contemporary liberalism, highlighting the tendency to overly focus on microaggressions.
- The speakers emphasize the importance of individual identity rather than solely relying on ancestral narratives.
Drunk Driving and Sexual Consent: A Double Standard Discussed by Joe Rogan
- Joe Rogan compares the societal response to drunk driving versus consent in sexual situations.
- The conversation highlights the legal implications of being under the influence while operating a vehicle.
- Rogan questions the historical timeline of when drunk driving laws became enforced.
Ari Shafir's Upcoming Comedy Special and Podcast Plans
- Ari Shafir reveals details about his upcoming Netflix special titled 'Double Negative'.
- Shafir discusses the logistical challenges of recording content while traveling.
- The conversation touches on collaborations and the comedic community, including mentions of Joe Rogan and other podcasters.