#2031 - Luis J. Gomez

#2031 - Luis J. Gomez thumbnail

Added: Sep 7, 2023

In this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan sits down with comedian Luis J. Gomez to discuss various topics including smoking weed, the legalization of marijuana, and the dangers of social media.

Smoking Weed and Legalization

Gomez begins by sharing his personal history with smoking weed, highlighting the fear and legal consequences he faced in his early years. He reflects on the shift in perception and the legalization of marijuana in certain states, such as New York City. Rogan adds that smoking weed has become more widely accepted and acknowledges the positive impact it can have on individuals, particularly those dealing with pain or sleep issues. They discuss the differences between smoking and consuming edibles, with Rogan mentioning the potential health risks associated with smoking.

Dangers of Social Media

The conversation then shifts to the dangers of social media, with Rogan expressing his concerns about the control and censorship exercised by platforms like Twitter. He emphasizes the importance of allowing diverse opinions and voices to be heard, rather than silencing those who disagree. Rogan mentions Elon Musk's recent purchase of Twitter and his belief that social media plays a pivotal role in shaping society. They discuss the power of social media in disseminating information and the need for responsible use.

Impact of Social Media on Society

Gomez shares his worries about the impact of social media on society, particularly in relation to the rise of cancel culture and the stifling of free speech. He highlights the intense backlash he received on Twitter for a joke he made about Amber Heard, illustrating how social media can be used to attack and silence individuals. Rogan agrees, noting that social media has transformed society and that we are still grappling with its consequences. He suggests that future generations will look back on this time as a pivotal moment in the evolution of social media.

Potential Threat of Asteroids

The conversation takes a turn towards the potential threat of asteroids and their impact on civilization. Rogan mentions the theory proposed by Randall Carlson and Graham Hancock, suggesting that an asteroid impact around 11,800 years ago led to the reset of civilization. They discuss the role of Jupiter in protecting Earth from asteroid impacts and the need for further research in this area. Rogan expresses his fascination with space and the infinite possibilities it holds.

Impact of Social Media Addiction

The conversation began with a discussion about the addictive nature of social media platforms and how they have changed the way people interact and consume information. Gomez expressed his concern about how people can now pretend to care about important issues while being addicted to their phones and social media platforms. He mentioned that this addiction can lead to a snowball effect, causing chaos and division among people.

Concerns about Children's Screen Time

The conversation then shifted to the topic of children's screen time and the negative effects it can have on their development. Gomez shared his decision not to allow his son to be addicted to screens and emphasized the importance of real-life interactions and coexistence. He expressed his fear of his child growing up in a world where people are constantly at each other's throats over issues they don't truly care about.

Gomez also expressed his concern about his child finding the content he has posted online in the future. He worried that his son might not understand the context and humor behind his jokes and statements, leading to misunderstandings and potential embarrassment.

Advancements in Technology and Potential Future Developments

The conversation then delved into the advancements in technology and the potential future developments that could further blur the line between humans and computers. Gomez expressed his fear of a future where people are connected to computers and can download and upload thoughts and information. He mentioned the potential ethical concerns and the dehumanizing effect of relying too heavily on text messages and online communication instead of face-to-face interactions.

Personal Experiences with Driving and Accidents

Gomez shared his personal experiences with driving and accidents, highlighting his struggles with being a good driver and his tendency to get into accidents. He mentioned his bad Uber rating due to his impatience with drivers who make wrong turns or don't follow GPS directions. The conversation also touched on the pressure on police officers to meet quotas and issue tickets, leading to a focus on revenue collection rather than public safety.

Conspiracy Theories

Rogan and Gomez express their frustration with people who believe in conspiracy theories without any evidence or logical reasoning. One particular theory they mention is the belief that dinosaurs never existed. They find it absurd that some individuals think everything is a conspiracy and challenge them to pick one theory and provide convincing evidence to support it.

Rogan and Gomez also discuss the flat earth theory, expressing their disbelief in its validity. They argue that the evidence from satellite technology and images from various sources, such as Japanese and American satellites, clearly show that the Earth is round. They find it illogical to believe that the Earth is the only planet that is not round. They suggest that the flat earth theory may have originated as a troll or a joke, but some individuals took it seriously and spread it as a conspiracy theory.

Trolling

The conversation then shifts to the topic of trolling. Rogan and Gomez discuss the online community 4chan and its reputation for trolling and spreading misinformation. They mention an incident involving actor Shia LaBeouf, who had a live-streamed flag that was targeted by 4chan users. They find it amusing how these individuals can manipulate situations and create chaos online. They acknowledge that trolling can be funny and even engage in it themselves, but they also recognize the negative aspects, such as cyberbullying and spreading hate speech.

AIDS

The discussion moves on to the AIDS crisis and the misconceptions surrounding it. Rogan recalls the fear and panic that surrounded the disease when Magic Johnson announced his diagnosis. They discuss the different theories and controversies surrounding the cause and treatment of AIDS. Rogan mentions a professor of biology, Dr. Peter Duesberg, who believes that the immune system compromise caused by partying and drug use is the main factor contributing to the development of AIDS. They highlight the importance of critical thinking and questioning established narratives, especially when it comes to medical treatments and pharmaceutical companies.

Marijuana Legalization

Rogan and Gomez touch upon the topic of marijuana legalization. They express their frustration with the continued criminalization of marijuana in some states and the federal government's classification of it as a Schedule I drug. They discuss the growing number of states that have legalized marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use. Rogan mentions his experiences in Jamaica, where marijuana has been legalized, and how it has positively impacted the local economy and tourism. They argue that the criminalization of marijuana is unnecessary and that its legalization could provide numerous benefits, including tax revenue and job creation.

The discussion continues with the topic of flying with weed. Gomez shares his experience of flying with marijuana and how he learned that it is relatively safe to do so. He mentions that he used to put it in his sock, but now he simply puts it in his suitcase. He also shares an anecdote about a Reddit thread where a TSA employee stated that they are instructed to throw away any weed they find, rather than hold up the entire airport.

Illegal Weed Dispensaries

The conversation then shifts to the prevalence of illegal weed dispensaries, particularly in New York. Luis mentions that there are around 200 illegal dispensaries compared to only a handful of legal ones. He also discusses the challenges of obtaining a license to operate a legal dispensary and suggests that the high cost of licenses may be a deterrent for many potential sellers.

Effects of Acid on Children

The topic of acid and its effects on children is brought up, with Luis sharing his personal experience of taking a large dose of acid when he was younger. He describes the intense trip and the fear of never coming back from it. The conversation touches on the historical use of drugs like heroin and cocaine as medicine for children, highlighting the drastic shift in societal attitudes towards drugs over time.

Benefits of Having Kids

Joe and Luis discuss the benefits of having children and how it changes one's perspective on life. Luis emphasizes the immense love and care that parents have for their children, and how it brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. He also acknowledges the fears and anxieties that come with being a parent, such as the worry of something bad happening to one's child.

Jiu Jitsu and Mental Health

The conversation then turns to the topic of jiu jitsu and its impact on mental health. Both Joe and Luis are practitioners of the martial art and discuss its benefits. They highlight how jiu jitsu builds confidence, provides a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, and teaches valuable life lessons such as resilience and problem-solving. They also emphasize the importance of physical exercise in maintaining mental well-being.

Strength Training Philosophy

Rogan and Gomez go on to discuss a strength training philosophy that emphasizes the importance of perfect form and controlled movements. Gomez mentions that strength is a skill and should not be practiced when tired or fatigued. He explains that in Russian sports philosophy, they have discovered that doing the same number of repetitions with longer breaks in between sets can lead to better results. Instead of doing two sets of 10 reps, it is suggested to do four sets of five reps, ensuring that each repetition is performed with perfect form and full range of motion. This approach helps prevent muscle failure and reduces the risk of injury. They agree that this philosophy makes sense and can be more effective than traditional methods of training.

Old School Weightlifting

Gomez expresses his preference for old school weightlifting. He enjoys going to the gym and performing basic exercises such as bench presses, curls, and squats with heavy weights. He mentions that he is not as strong as his friend Bert Kreischer, who is known for his impressive strength. Gomez recalls a time when he lifted weights with Kreischer and was amazed by his strength. Kreischer effortlessly lifted two plates on each side of the barbell for 15 reps, demonstrating his exceptional strength. Gomez admires Kreischer's strength and jokes that if he wasn't an alcoholic, he could have been a serious athlete. Despite not being as strong as Kreischer, Gomez enjoys lifting weights and prefers the traditional approach to weightlifting.

Bert Kreischer's Sobriety

The topic of Kreischer's sobriety is briefly mentioned in the podcast. Gomez reveals that Kreischer has been off alcohol for two months and is enjoying the benefits of sobriety. He mentions that Kreischer called him to share his progress and how it has positively impacted his comedy. Gomez expresses his support for Kreischer's decision to quit drinking and hopes that he continues on this path. The conversation moves on quickly, but it is clear that Gomez is happy for his friend's sobriety and believes it is beneficial for his overall well-being.

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