Joe Rogan Experience #1672 - Iliza

Episode Summary

Main Topics

Iliza Schlesinger discusses the real-life deception that inspired her new Netflix movie, "Good on Paper," revealing details about a relationship with a man who fabricated his entire background, including attending Yale and his mother having cancer. The conversation also explores the current state of Los Angeles, covering its infrastructure challenges, the escalating homeless crisis, and the broader societal implications of cancel culture and online scrutiny. Additionally, the hosts delve into the evolving entertainment landscape, from the adaptation of comedy during the pandemic to the impact of social media on public figures and personal identity.

Key Discussion Points

• The Con Artist Relationship Behind "Good on Paper": Iliza recounts the incredible story that serves as the foundation for her movie, detailing her relationship with "Dennis Kelly" who lied about attending Yale, working at a hedge fund, and even his mother's cancer diagnosis. Her own mother played a key role in uncovering the truth by contacting Yale's yearbook and someone within the Skull and Bones society, while a cousin utilized a "pizza test" to expose his Yale fabrication. Ultimately, the man admitted his lies, claiming he "didn't realize I would fall in love with you," and his mother later dismissed Iliza as a "failed actress with a drug problem."
• The Los Angeles Exodus and Criticisms: Joe defends his recent move from Los Angeles to Austin, citing LA's failing power grid (illustrated by a recent 5-day blackout caused by an individual hitting a pole on Mulholland Drive), persistent wildfires, and a spiraling homeless crisis where hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually with worsening results. He criticizes the "virtue signaling" around the issue and the lack of viable solutions, coining the phrase "farming homeless people" to describe the systemic failures, which he argues prompted his and Elon Musk's departure.
• Cancel Culture and Public Scrutiny: The hosts delve into the pervasive nature of cancel culture and the intense scrutiny public figures face online. Iliza shares her experience of receiving backlash for a social media post about taking a private jet for work travel, highlighting the double standards and rapid judgment that can derail careers. They discuss how the anonymity of the internet fosters a "mob" mentality, often lacking empathy and seeking to "devour" individuals, mirroring medieval public hangings, and how apologies rarely satisfy the public's desire for retribution.
• Body Image, Social Media Filters, and Ageism: Iliza addresses the societal pressures on women concerning body image, particularly the influence of fashion trends, social media filters, and the demand for "eternal youth." She discusses the prevalence of young women getting Botox and surgical enhancements to emulate digitally altered appearances, creating an "uncanny valley." She also contrasts men's general preference for curves with the fashion industry's historical promotion of thin ideals, emphasizing that true self-acceptance is often a long journey for women.
• Pandemic Innovation in Comedy: The conversation highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic forced creative adaptation within the comedy world. Iliza shares the success story of her Instagram-based cooking show, "Don't Panic Pantry," co-hosted with her chef husband Noah, which began as a daily quarantine project and resulted in a cookbook deal with Clarkson Potter. They also credit Bert Kreischer with pioneering drive-in comedy shows and Andrew Schulz for his innovative Instagram specials that later translated into Netflix deals, showcasing the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of comedians during challenging times.

Notable Moments

• Iliza's Mother's Detective Work: Iliza's mother, suspicious of her daughter's boyfriend Dennis Kelly, independently investigated his claims by calling the Yale yearbook, which confirmed no record of him. She also contacted a friend who was part of the secret Skull and Bones society, who verified that Dennis was not a member, showcasing a formidable maternal intuition and investigative spirit.
• The "Failed Actress" Retort: After Iliza's friend courageously called Dennis Kelly's mother to inform her of her son's extensive lies, the mother's response was a stunning deflection: she accused Iliza of being a "failed actress with a drug problem" and suggested Dennis was merely trying to "let her down gently," underscoring the deep denial and complicity within the con artist's family.
• The Drive-In Comedy Credit Debate: A humorous back-and-forth ensues when Joe confidently asserts that Bert Kreischer "invented" drive-in comedy shows during the pandemic. Iliza, while acknowledging Bert's hustle, politely corrects him, stating she also did drive-ins independently. Jamie's on-the-spot research confirms Bert's earlier start in June, leading to playful taunts from Joe about being "right by many months."

Key Takeaways

This episode uniquely blends personal revelation with broader cultural commentary, offering listeners a compelling narrative of deception that blossomed into a Netflix film. It provides a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges of maintaining authenticity and personal well-being in the public eye, particularly regarding online judgment and societal pressures. The discussion highlights the resilience and innovation of comedians in adapting to unprecedented global events, while also prompting reflection on the complexities of modern social issues and the importance of individual agency amidst societal demands.