Joe Rogan Experience #1182 - Nick Kroll

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• Technology & Updates: Frustrations with Windows/Lenovo updates, comparisons between Apple and Windows devices (ThinkPads, iPads, MacBooks, Surface).
• Apple Controversy: Discussion about Apple intentionally slowing down older iPhones to preserve battery life and encourage upgrades.
• Lost Wealth & Betrayal: Stories of agents stealing millions from authors (Chuck Palahniuk) and family members from comedians (Dane Cook's half-brother), and methods of hiding money.
• Treasure Hunting: The discovery of ancient shipwrecks filled with immense wealth (e.g., a $17 billion Spanish ship off Cape Cod).
• Historical Communication & Travel: Reflection on the immense challenges of communication (letters, blind meetups) and travel (Viking expeditions, immigrant journeys) in the past, contrasted with modern instant communication.
• Future of Technology: Speculation on advanced communication methods like telepathy, chips, and contact lenses.
• Evolution of Fitness: Comparing physical fitness and body types of historical figures/old movie stars (e.g., Kirk Douglas in Spartacus) with modern-day health and gym culture.
• Nick Kroll's "Big Mouth": The animated show's unique style, Netflix's creative freedom, the origin of the "Hormone Monster," and the ethical advantages of animation for sensitive content over live-action child actors.
• Stand-up Comedy Specials: The benefits of working with Netflix for comedy specials, citing their creative leniency and wide audience reach.
• Early Careers & Child Actors: Experiences starting in show business, and the challenges of child actors (Seth Rogen, Nick Kroll's experience on "The League").
• Comedian Anecdotes: Discussion about Andy Dick's contrasting sober and drunk personas.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Joe and Nick bond over the annoyance of frequent computer updates and the fear of data loss.
• Joe labels Apple as "dirty people" for their admitted practice of throttling old iPhone batteries, a sentiment echoed by Nick.
• The extreme patience required for travel and communication in centuries past is highlighted, making modern impatience seem absurd.
• A humorous and thought-provoking segment on the eventual "ridiculousness" of text messaging when telepathic communication or neural implants become commonplace.
• The stark visual comparison of Kirk Douglas's physique in "Spartacus" to modern bodybuilders underscores the dramatic shift in fitness standards.
• Nick Kroll praises Netflix for offering unparalleled creative freedom for "Big Mouth," allowing for edgy and boundary-pushing content that would be impossible elsewhere.
• The spontaneous idea of the "Hormone Monster" emerged from conversations about puberty and proved to be a highly successful and iconic character for "Big Mouth."
• Nick shares a memorable, albeit ethically challenging, anecdote about a child actor on "The League" eating ice chips out of a urinal.
• The discussion surrounding Andy Dick illustrates the real-life dichotomy of a talented but troubled comedian.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• Joe Rogan: "Dirty people." (Regarding Apple's battery throttling)
• Nick Kroll: "I gotta get a new phone dirty people yeah dirty people." (Agreeing with Joe on Apple's strategy)
• Revelation: Author Chuck Palahniuk's agent stole millions from him and other clients.
• Revelation: Comedian Dane Cook's half-brother stole $7 million from him.
• Revelation: A $17 billion Spanish shipwreck was found off Cape Cod.
• Joe Rogan: "People are gonna one day laugh at how ridiculous it is to send a text message like these guys weren't even telepathic."
• Nick Kroll: "Japanese make we make our cartoons cuter Americans let's make our characters ugly as [__] possible and it's and it's mine it's me it's big mouth." (On Big Mouth's animation style)
• Nick Kroll: "We should have a hormone monster... and I just immediately was just like tell yourself Angela." (On the genesis of the Hormone Monster character)
• Nick Kroll: "It would be unethical if you had children actors." (Referring to the content in "Big Mouth" if it were live-action)
• Joe Rogan: "Drunk Andy's around you just gotta get the [__] out of there... and sober and he's a [__] sweet wonderful guy." (Describing Andy Dick)

Overall Themes

• The Double-Edged Sword of Technology: The conversation repeatedly highlights how technology offers immense convenience and connectivity but also brings frustrations (updates, planned obsolescence) and raises questions about future societal changes (privacy, human connection).
• Creative Freedom vs. Constraint: A significant theme is the comparison of creative environments, particularly how Netflix offers unparalleled freedom for shows like "Big Mouth" compared to traditional networks or even ethical constraints in live-action.
• Evolving Human Experience: The episode delves into how aspects of the human experience – communication, physical appearance, and patience – have drastically changed over time due to technological and societal shifts.
• Trust and Vulnerability: Stories of financial betrayal by trusted individuals underscore the human element of vulnerability and the importance of discretion with personal assets.