#2048 - Reggie Watts

Added: Oct 13, 2023

The discussion begins with Joe and Reggie talking about their experiences with Kratom, a substance that is known for its stimulating and sedative effects. They discuss the different ways in which they consume Kratom and how it affects their mental state. Reggie shares his experience of feeling more engaged and focused when taking Kratom, while Joe mentions that he rarely gets sick and tries to avoid vomiting at all costs.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of seasickness and vomiting. Joe reveals that he rarely gets sick and vomits, while Reggie shares a story about a friend who had a transformative experience with ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic. They discuss the potential benefits of ketamine in helping people overcome self-doubt and become more fluid in their thinking and communication.

The discussion then turns to the role of capitalism in conflicts and wars. Reggie shares his theory that conflicts are often a result of the pursuit of infinite wealth and the inequities that arise from it. He suggests that a more efficient distribution of resources could help solve many of the world's problems. Joe adds that the alternative, socialism, has its own set of challenges, including the potential for abuse by dictators.

They also touch on the impact of social media on public discourse and the tendency for people to become attached to their ideologies. Joe emphasizes the importance of having objective and fair conversations with people who hold different opinions, rather than simply signaling to their own tribe. They discuss the need for more civil and respectful discussions, especially in the age of social media.

The conversation then delves into the challenges of finding affordable housing in Los Angeles. Reggie shares his personal experience of trying to buy a house in LA and being outbid multiple times. They discuss the impact of rising property values and the influx of people from other areas on the housing market. Joe suggests that the government should invest in communities and provide opportunities for people to succeed, rather than allowing radical poverty and crime to persist.

They also touch on the issue of homelessness and mental illness in Los Angeles. Joe highlights the need for better mental health services and drug addiction treatment to address the root causes of homelessness. They discuss the potential benefits of implementing AI in government to help solve complex problems and make more rational decisions. Joe suggests that an AI president could provide unbiased and objective solutions to various issues.

The conversation continues with a discussion on the importance of having respectful and open-minded conversations with people who hold different opinions. They emphasize the need for empathy and understanding in order to bridge the divide between different ideologies. Joe and Reggie express their love for engaging in conversations that challenge their own beliefs and expand their perspectives.

Reggie continues by expressing his tendency to avoid engaging in real disagreements. He prefers to approach conversations with a passive and open-minded attitude, seeking to understand different perspectives rather than defending his own ideas. He emphasizes the importance of not being too attached to one's own ideas and being willing to explore and learn from others.

The conversation then shifts to the concept of playing characters of ourselves. Reggie believes that everyone has a character version of themselves, but it's important to address the conscious being within that character. By recognizing and respecting the individuality of others, he believes that real discourse and understanding can be achieved.

They discuss the power of art as a unifying force that taps into the core of human curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Reggie shares his love for exploring different perspectives and engaging in conversations with people who have completely different viewpoints. He believes that collaboration and alliances are more powerful than trying to control or dominate others.

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as they discuss the dynamics of rivalry and the art of playful banter. They highlight the importance of being able to spar verbally with friends and comedians, using humor to diffuse tension and build stronger relationships.

Reggie then shares his experience writing an autobiography titled "Great Falls Mt." He explains that the book explores his upbringing as a biracial individual in the 80s, growing up in Great Falls, Montana. He reflects on his unique background and how it has shaped his perspective on life.

The discussion briefly touches on fight choreography in films, with Reggie expressing his admiration for those who excel in this field. He mentions his own lack of interest in acting or coaching fight scenes, as he prefers to focus on his own artistic pursuits.

The conversation takes a turn towards the topic of ketamine, a substance that Reggie has experimented with. He discusses his experiences with therapeutic doses and the challenges of using it in public settings. They touch on the misconceptions and negative connotations associated with ketamine, as well as the potential for telepathic experiences and altered states of consciousness.

They briefly discuss the history of harmine, a compound found in ayahuasca and other substances. Reggie shares his belief in the possibility of telepathic experiences and the power of altered states of consciousness.

The conversation continues with a discussion about knee issues and potential remedies. Reggie shares his personal struggles with knee problems and his attempts to alleviate them through exercises and maintaining proper alignment.

Reggie shares his daily exercise routine, which includes a series of bodyweight exercises and kettlebell workouts. He emphasizes the importance of knee strengthening exercises, especially for individuals who have had knee surgeries or participate in martial arts. Joe mentions a trainer called the "Knees over Toes Guy" who specializes in knee strengthening exercises.

The conversation then shifts to electric cars. Joe and Reggie discuss their experiences with different electric car models, including the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and the Tesla Model S. They compare the driving experiences and performance of these vehicles, with Reggie expressing his preference for the Porsche Taycan Turbo S. They also mention other electric car models such as the Lucid Air and the Alpha Wolf, discussing their designs and features.

Joe expresses his preference for the sound of a combustion engine and Reggie mentions that the Porsche Taycan Turbo S has an augmented sound feature that amplifies the natural sound of the motors. They also discuss the environmental benefits of electric cars, including Porsche's investment in E-fuel, a type of fuel produced with zero emissions.

The conversation then turns to the design of electric cars, with Reggie expressing his love for the classic look of the 1967 Mustang. Joe mentions companies like Everrati that recreate classic cars as electric vehicles. They also discuss the McMurtry Spearling, a record-breaking electric car that uses rear-mounted fans to produce downforce.

The discussion continues with a mention of the future of technology and the potential for advancements in battery technology and range for electric vehicles. Joe and Reggie express their excitement for the continued development of electric cars and the positive impact they can have on the environment.

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as Joe and Reggie discuss their love for certain breakfast cereals, such as Cocoa Puffs and Captain Crunch. They reminisce about their childhood favorites and the joy of indulging in sugary treats. However, they also acknowledge the negative health consequences of consuming such foods.

The discussion then delves into the topic of synthesized meat and the potential benefits it offers. Joe and Reggie discuss the ethical and environmental implications of traditional meat production and the potential for lab-grown meat to provide a more sustainable alternative. They also touch on the concept of 3D-printed steaks and the advancements in bioreacted chicken.

Joe and Reggie briefly touch on the topic of the moon, with Reggie mentioning the theory that the moon is hollow. They discuss the seismic tests conducted during the Apollo missions and the resulting vibrations that were recorded. While Joe remains skeptical of the hollow moon theory, he acknowledges the intriguing nature of the topic.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of food addiction, with Joe and Reggie sharing their personal experiences. They discuss their struggles with overeating and binge eating, as well as the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet. Joe mentions his recent adoption of the keto diet and the positive effects it has had on his appetite and weight loss.

The episode continues with Joe and Reggie discussing their addiction to news and the need to limit their consumption. They acknowledge the negative impact of excessive news consumption and express their desire to break free from the constant cycle of information.

Reggie goes on to express his struggle with social media addiction. He shares his idea of keeping his old phone number for social media use and using a new phone with no apps to avoid temptation. Joe agrees that social media can be addictive and suggests finding other rewarding activities that are beneficial, like exercise.

They both agree that the American diet is poor and contributes to obesity and inflammation. They discuss the importance of eating whole, unprocessed foods and the difficulty of making healthy choices in a society filled with processed foods. Reggie shares his challenges with food and his desire to feel good about his everyday meals.

The conversation then shifts to the benefits of exercise. Reggie admits his addiction to driving but considers it a positive addiction. Joe encourages him to find addictive activities that are beneficial and rewarding, like exercise. They discuss the importance of cardiovascular health and the need to take care of one's body as they age.

The topic of psychedelic therapy is brought up, and both Joe and Reggie express their support for its potential benefits. They mention the work of Rick Doblin and Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in conducting research on MDMA therapy for PTSD. They believe that psychedelics can provide new perspectives and help people heal from trauma and addiction.

They also discuss the importance of perspective and finding solutions rather than complaining. Reggie emphasizes the need for humanity to realize its potential and make positive changes. Joe agrees and mentions the importance of individual differences and the need for compassion and understanding.

The conversation then turns to comedy clubs, and Reggie mentions his upcoming performances at Joe's club. They discuss the unique design and atmosphere of the club, which was specifically created for comedians. Joe explains that he wanted to build a club that would break even financially while supporting the comedy community. They talk about the open mic nights, showcase spots, and the opportunity for up-and-coming comedians to perform and learn from experienced comics.

The podcast concludes with Reggie expressing his admiration for the club and its vibe, mentioning the great sightlines and the secure environment. Joe shares that he received advice from Louis CK during the club's construction, which helped improve the layout and design.