July 17, 2024 • 2hr 48min
#2176 - Chad Daniels
The Joe Rogan Experience
Key Takeaways
- Chad Daniels is a stand-up comedian with a new Netflix special called "Empty Nester"
- Joe and Chad discuss the challenges of being a comedian, including finding your audience and developing your unique style
- They explore topics like AI, simulation theory, quantum physics, and the nature of reality
- The conversation touches on politics, recent events like the Trump assassination attempt, and conspiracy theories
- Joe and Chad share stories about legendary comedians like Mitch Hedberg, Norm Macdonald, and Bill Hicks
- They reflect on the difficulties of parenting, especially when dealing with troubled family members
Introduction
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe sits down with stand-up comedian Chad Daniels. They dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering comedy, politics, philosophy, science, and personal stories. Chad shares insights from his comedy career and discusses his new Netflix special. The two comedians trade stories about legendary figures in stand-up and reflect on the craft of comedy.
Topics Discussed
The Craft of Comedy (0:02:16)
Joe and Chad begin by discussing the challenges of developing as a comedian. They talk about how difficult it can be to find your audience and unique voice, especially early in a career. Chad shares a story about opening for ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and bombing with the audience:
"The crowd hated me for 30 minutes...at the end of it all, I took my shoe off and I put my sock on my hand, and I go, 'Is this what you guys wanted?'"
- Finding your comedic voice and style takes time
- Opening for other comedians can be challenging if styles don't match
- Comedians often have to "eat s**t" for years before finding success
Legendary Comedians (0:35:31)
The conversation turns to some legendary figures in stand-up comedy. Joe and Chad share stories and insights about comedians like:
- Mitch Hedberg - Known for his unique one-liners and delivery style
- Norm Macdonald - Praised for his fearless approach to comedy
- Bill Hicks - Influential comedian who died young at 32
- Richard Pryor - Joe recalls seeing Pryor's "Live on the Sunset Strip" as a teenager
They discuss how these comedians developed their unique styles and influenced other comics. Chad shares a story about using a Mitch Hedberg joke as an introduction early in his career:
"I was the mashed potatoes guy, and I used it as a f**king intro because everybody knew who Hedberg was. So when I didn't have any credits, I was like, 'Hey, I'm part of his act.'"
AI and Technology (1:41:32)
Joe brings up concerns about AI and technology listening to our conversations. They discuss:
- Google seemingly showing ads based on private conversations
- The potential for AI to mimic human voices and appearances
- Ethical concerns around AI and data privacy
Chad expresses skepticism about some AI claims, saying: "I still believe some of the Russian s**t because you've heard me f**king misquote the golf thing. I mean, I still believe a lot of s**t I hear."
Simulation Theory and the Nature of Reality (2:18:20)
The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Joe brings up Elon Musk's belief in simulation theory. They discuss:
- The idea that we may be living in a computer simulation
- Quantum physics and the strange nature of subatomic particles
- The possibility that all realities exist simultaneously
Joe speculates: "Probably all things are happening simultaneously, and you're just in this one right now. And I'm not even sure if you're in the same one that you were in yesterday."
Recent Political Events (2:04:35)
Joe and Chad discuss recent political events, including the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. They express skepticism about official narratives and media coverage:
- Questions about security failures that allowed the assassination attempt
- Speculation about coordinated media narratives
- The idea that reality seems increasingly like a "simulation" or scripted event
Joe says: "If there's ever been a real indication that we're in a simulation, it's like this season of USA is the craziest season that's ever existed."
Personal Stories and Reflections (1:17:27)
Throughout the conversation, Joe and Chad share personal stories and reflections. Some notable moments include:
- Chad discussing his father's criminal behavior and identity theft
- Joe recalling experiences from his early days in comedy
- Both comedians reflecting on the challenges of parenting and family dynamics
Chad shares a poignant story about his father: "He stole my identity when I was in high school and ruined my credit...I called to get a phone line and they were like, 'I don't think so. You owe us thousands of dollars.'"
The Comedy Scene in Different Cities (0:19:18)
Joe and Chad compare notes on the comedy scenes in different cities:
- Boston's reputation for tough crowds and fast-paced comedy
- Differences between East Coast and Midwest audiences
- How a city's culture and climate can shape its comedy scene
Joe reflects: "When you have to shovel your car out of snow every f**king year, you have work ethic. You can't get up at 8:00 to be at work at nine. Now you have to get up at seven because you got an hour of shoveling to do."
UFOs and Conspiracy Theories (2:52:47)
Towards the end of the podcast, Joe brings up the topic of UFOs and conspiracy theories:
- Recent government disclosures about UFO sightings
- The possibility of interdimensional beings or advanced technology
- Skepticism about official narratives and media coverage of UFO topics
Joe speculates: "I think it's highly likely that the universe is way stranger than we think it is. Way stranger. And I don't even know if it's as conventional as a thing gets in a ship and flies here from another place."
Conclusion
The conversation between Joe Rogan and Chad Daniels covers a vast range of topics, from the craft of comedy to deep philosophical questions about the nature of reality. They share personal stories, discuss current events, and reflect on the legacies of legendary comedians. Throughout the episode, there's a sense of curiosity and openness to different ideas, even when dealing with controversial or speculative topics.
Chad's new Netflix special "Empty Nester" is highlighted, and he invites listeners to check out his website chaddaniels.com for tour dates and more information. The episode concludes with Joe inviting Chad to perform at his comedy club that evening, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the comedy community.
