May 30, 2024 • 2hr 36min

#2158 - Harland Williams

The Joe Rogan Experience

Harlan Williams and Joe Rogan begin the episode by reminiscing about their long-standing friendship, joking about how they've known each other for over 30 years. They engage in playful banter, with Harlan making humorous claims about their first meeting at a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop.

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Key Takeaways

Harlan and Joe reminisce about their long-standing friendship, joking about how they've known each other for over 30 years.
They discuss the evolution of technology, from early calculators and fax machines to the rapid advancements in smartphones and AI, noting how quickly the world has changed.
The conversation touches on the challenges of being a comedian, including dealing with joke theft and the competitive nature of the industry.
Harlan shares a harrowing story about the tragic death of comedian Phil Hartman, highlighting the complexities of personal relationships and the impact of mental health issues.
The two comedians explore the concept of death, with Harlan expressing a desire for a more "noble" or adventurous end, rather than a typical hospital passing.
They delve into the mysteries of nature, such as how fish ended up in the Great Lakes and the unique characteristics of various animals, including owls and tuna.

Introduction

Harlan Williams and Joe Rogan begin the episode by reminiscing about their long-standing friendship, joking about how they've known each other for over 30 years. They engage in playful banter, with Harlan making humorous claims about their first meeting at a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop.

Topics Discussed

The Evolution of Technology (1:15:45)

Harlan and Joe discuss the rapid advancements in technology, from the early days of calculators and fax machines to the current landscape of smartphones and AI. They marvel at how quickly the world has changed, with Joe noting that he remembers a time when having a laptop computer was considered cutting-edge technology.

The two comedians also touch on the impact of the internet and social media, with Joe recalling a pivotal moment when he saw a friend using a laptop to access news in real-time, a concept that was mind-blowing at the time. They acknowledge the overwhelming amount of information and world events that people are now constantly exposed to through these digital platforms.

Challenges of Being a Comedian (2:24:27)

The conversation delves into the competitive and sometimes cutthroat nature of the comedy industry, with Harlan and Joe discussing the issue of joke theft. They share stories of encountering other comedians who have allegedly stolen material, and the strategies they've used to confront such situations.

"There's these predatory type of comedian that would just poach other people's premises and sort of rework them. They didn't have any. There was nothing that they did that was creative on their own. Everything was derivative of somebody else's work." - Joe Rogan

The two comedians also touch on the challenges of working in environments like Saturday Night Live, where they've heard stories of writers and performers stealing ideas and material from one another.

The Tragic Death of Phil Hartman (2:06:34)

Harlan shares a harrowing story about the tragic death of comedian Phil Hartman, who was killed by his wife in a murder-suicide. Joe recounts a vivid dream he had after Hartman's passing, in which he felt Hartman was trying to convey a sense of closure and acceptance.

The two discuss the complexities of Hartman's personal life, including his troubled marriage and the potential role of prescription medication and drug use in the tragic events. They also reflect on the impact of such a high-profile and shocking incident on Hartman's family and the comedy community.

Perspectives on Death (2:00:44)

Harlan expresses a desire for a more "noble" or adventurous end to his life, rather than a typical hospital passing. He shares a hypothetical scenario where he would confront a grizzly bear, preferring to go out in a blaze of glory rather than succumbing to illness or old age.

Joe is more pragmatic in his approach, questioning the wisdom of such a risky endeavor. However, he acknowledges the appeal of Harlan's perspective, recognizing the human desire for a more dramatic or meaningful end to one's life.

Mysteries of Nature (2:39:49)

Harlan and Joe delve into the mysteries of nature, discussing topics such as how fish ended up in the Great Lakes and the unique characteristics of various animals.

They ponder the question of how fish, including the massive lake trout, were able to populate the Great Lakes, given that the entire region was once covered in glaciers. The two comedians engage in a lively discussion, exploring possible explanations and theories, ultimately acknowledging the enduring mysteries of the natural world.

The conversation also touches on the remarkable features of animals like owls and tuna, with Joe and Harlan marveling at the silent flight of owls and the ability of tuna to move through the water without creating ripples.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Harlan Williams and Joe Rogan engage in a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, covering topics that span the evolution of technology, the challenges of being a comedian, the tragic story of Phil Hartman's death, perspectives on mortality, and the mysteries of the natural world.

The two comedians demonstrate a deep camaraderie and a shared appreciation for the complexities of life, death, and the human experience. Their discussion is marked by moments of humor, introspection, and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas, making for an engaging and insightful podcast episode.