August 14, 2024 • 3hr 18min

#2188 - Adam Ray

The Joe Rogan Experience

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan sits down with comedian Adam Ray. Ray is known for his stand-up comedy, acting roles, and his popular impression of Dr. Phil. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including Ray's recent performance at Madison Square Garden, the current state of comedy, memories from The Comedy Store, and various social issues. Rogan and Ray share stories from their careers and discuss everything from the dangers of deep sea exploration to the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence.

#2188 - Adam Ray

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Key Takeaways

Adam Ray discusses his experience performing as Dr. Phil on Kill Tony at Madison Square Garden, calling it an "insane" and surreal experience
Joe Rogan praises Andrew Dice Clay as an underappreciated comedic genius, particularly for his performance art and willingness to bomb on purpose
They discuss the dangers of bullying in schools and how it can have long-lasting negative impacts on people's lives and confidence
Rogan expresses concern about AI and its potential dangers, including its ability to create convincing fake content
They talk about the perils of deep sea exploration and the mysteries that still exist in the ocean
Rogan and Ray discuss the absurdity of laws banning fentanyl test strips in some states, arguing it puts lives at risk
They reminisce about the comedy scene at The Comedy Store in the past and how it has evolved

Introduction

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan sits down with comedian Adam Ray. Ray is known for his stand-up comedy, acting roles, and his popular impression of Dr. Phil. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including Ray's recent performance at Madison Square Garden, the current state of comedy, memories from The Comedy Store, and various social issues. Rogan and Ray share stories from their careers and discuss everything from the dangers of deep sea exploration to the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence.

Topics Discussed

Kill Tony at Madison Square Garden (00:02)

Adam Ray begins by discussing his recent experience performing as Dr. Phil on Kill Tony at Madison Square Garden. He describes the event as "insane" and surreal, noting the energy of the 16,000-person crowd.

Ray praises the surprises and guest appearances at the show, including Joey Diaz and Andrew Schulz
They discuss the pops different comedians got from the crowd, with Joey Diaz receiving an especially loud reaction
Rogan emphasizes how special the event was, calling it "a great celebration of their success of the show and of comedy"

Andrew Dice Clay and Comedy History (45:48)

Joe Rogan shares his admiration for Andrew Dice Clay, describing him as an underappreciated comedic genius. He recounts Clay's willingness to take risks and push boundaries in his performances.

Rogan discusses Clay's album "The Day the Laughter Died," where Clay intentionally bombed for 2 hours
He praises Clay's commitment to performance art, even when not on stage
Rogan argues that Clay doesn't get enough credit for his innovative approach to comedy

Bullying and Its Long-Term Effects (2:25:35)

The conversation turns to the topic of bullying in schools and its potential long-lasting impacts on individuals. Rogan and Ray share personal experiences and observations about the damage bullying can cause.

They discuss how bullying can ruin someone's confidence and alter the course of their life
Rogan points out that bullies often don't understand the long-term consequences of their actions
They agree that the effects of bullying can last well into adulthood, affecting people's ability to form relationships and pursue goals

Artificial Intelligence and Its Potential Dangers (3:04:29)

Rogan expresses his concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its potential dangers. He discusses the concept of AI "hallucinations" and the unpredictability of AI systems.

They talk about the ability of AI to create convincing fake content, including videos and audio
Rogan worries about the implications of AI that can think clearly without emotions or ethical constraints
He speculates that advanced alien civilizations might have already transcended biological bodies in favor of AI

Deep Sea Exploration and Ocean Mysteries (2:54:56)

The conversation shifts to the dangers and mysteries of deep sea exploration. Rogan and Ray discuss various creatures and phenomena found in the ocean's depths.

They talk about the "bloop," a mysterious underwater sound recorded in 1997
Rogan shares his fascination with undiscovered deep sea creatures
They agree that there's likely much more to be discovered in the ocean and express a mix of curiosity and fear about what might be found

Fentanyl Test Strips and Drug Policy (2:49:39)

Rogan brings up the issue of fentanyl test strips being illegal in some states, expressing his disbelief at such policies. They discuss the potential life-saving benefits of allowing these test strips.

They criticize the argument that allowing test strips might encourage drug use
Rogan argues that making drugs legal but not profitable might be a solution to reduce harm
They agree that current policies are putting lives at risk and that a more pragmatic approach to drug policy is needed

The Comedy Store and Comedy Scene Evolution (2:43:52)

Ray and Rogan reminisce about their experiences at The Comedy Store, discussing how the comedy scene has changed over the years. They share stories about legendary comedians and memorable performances.

They talk about the energy and talent that used to frequent The Comedy Store
Rogan shares stories about comedians like Joey Diaz and their impact on the scene
They reflect on how the comedy landscape has evolved, with Rogan noting that it was "such a magnet for crazy people" in the past

Hurricane Evacuations and Natural Disasters (2:11:47)

The conversation turns to the challenges of evacuating during hurricanes and other natural disasters. They discuss the logistical nightmares that can occur during mass evacuations.

Rogan describes the gridlock that can happen when entire regions try to evacuate at once
They talk about the dangers of running out of gas or being stuck on the road during a hurricane
Rogan emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when choosing where to live

Universal Studios and Theme Park Experiences (2:18:32)

Ray shares stories from his time working at Universal Studios, including his experiences as various characters and his interactions with guests. They discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of theme park entertainment.

Ray talks about playing characters like Wolverine and a 1940s cop at the park
They discuss the challenges of staying in character and the occasional need to break character
Ray shares a story about meeting Dave Matthews while working at the park

Conclusion

This episode of The Joe Rogan Experience with Adam Ray covers a wide range of topics, from the current state of comedy to deep philosophical questions about AI and exploration. The conversation showcases the camaraderie between Rogan and Ray as they share stories from their careers in comedy and entertainment. Throughout the episode, they touch on serious issues like bullying and drug policy, while also finding humor in their experiences and observations. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of comedy and entertainment, while also exploring the potential dangers and mysteries that exist in our world and beyond.