Joe Rogan Experience #997 - Pauly Shore

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• Pauly Shore's Edible Experience: A vivid recount of taking extremely potent gummy bears from Joey Diaz, leading to an incapacitating high and the science behind why edibles hit differently (11-hydroxy metabolite).
• Marijuana Legalization & Culture: Observations on how the increasing legality of marijuana has normalized its presence and usage in public spaces.
• North Korea & Geopolitics: Extensive discussion on the tensions with North Korea, Kim Jong-un's rumored admiration for America/Trump (via Dennis Rodman), the oppressive nature of the regime, and historical context of the Korean War.
• Pauly Shore's Stephen Miller Impression: The viral success of Pauly's "Funny or Die" sketch impersonating White House Senior Advisor, Stephen Miller.
• Political Personalities & Scandals: Commentary on figures like Anthony Weiner (and his documentary), Donald Trump's public persona, and feuds like Trump vs. Rosie O'Donnell.
• The Comedy Store & Mitzi Shore's Legacy: An acknowledgment of Pauly's mother, Mitzi Shore, and her monumental impact on the history of stand-up comedy through The Comedy Store.
• Joe Rogan's Career Progression: Joe discusses the turning points in his stand-up career, particularly the transformative effect of his Netflix specials on his audience and venue sizes.
• Pauly Shore's Projects: Updates on Pauly's current work, including a show on Crackle and a documentary series about moving his mother.
• Innocence Project Benefit: Pauly invites Joe to perform at a benefit show for the Innocence Project, which Joe agrees to do.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Edibles' Potency Explained: Joe Rogan clarifies that the liver processes ingested THC into 11-hydroxy metabolite, a substance four to five times more psychoactive than THC, explaining why edibles often feel much more intense than smoking.
• Joey Diaz's Extreme Dosing: Pauly took half of a gummy bear potentially equivalent to 250mg, an "insane amount of weed" that rendered him unable to speak on Joey Diaz's podcast.
• Kim Jong-un's Unexpected Admiration: According to Dennis Rodman, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly "loves America" and Donald Trump, creating a bizarre diplomatic dynamic.
• The Horrors of North Korean Life: The insight into North Korea's culture of "rats" where citizens must constantly report on each other's perceived missteps highlights the severe oppression.
• Trump's "Teflon Foreskin": Joe Rogan humorously describes Donald Trump's resilience to criticism, stating "the [expletive] has teflon foreskin things you saying bounce right off and give a [expletive] he's like yeah insane yeah."
• Mitzi Shore's Pivotal Role: Both comedians emphasize that Mitzi Shore was arguably "one of the most important characters ever in the history of stand-up comic," establishing a crucial platform for countless comedians.
• Netflix's Impact on Comedy Careers: Joe Rogan highlights how his Netflix specials were a "game-changer," significantly expanding his reach and allowing him to sell out much larger venues.
• White House Proximity: Pauly Shore notes the surprisingly small and accessible nature of the White House press room and the building's close proximity to the street.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• Tom Segura's Warning: "dude [expletive] gummy bears watch out."
• On Edibles' Potency: "When you eat marijuana it's processed by your liver and it produces something called eleven hydroxy metabolite it's a totally different psychoactive substance that's four to five times more psychoactive than THC."
• Joey Diaz's Indifference: (Joe Rogan on Joey letting Pauly drive high) "he would let you fly a [expletive] plane on those things he doesn't give a [expletive] he's just like you'll forget about [expletive] anyways."
• Pauly's Diplomatic Solution for North Korea: "I think Trump should hire Dennis Rodman and like put like a tracking device on them and their jet skiing out and [expletive] in the ocean drinking and [expletive] and the SEAL Team six comes in and [expletive] takes Kim Jeong-hoon and flies into America and then gives all the North Korean internet and like sets them free."
• Appreciating Freedom: "We don't realize how lucky we are... to live in America."
• Pauly's "Vagina Coordinator" Idea for Trump: (A joke about a hypothetical role) "I want him to let me borrow it [Trump's plane] so I can pick up vagina from in the Midwest... bring some you know one tooth wonders bring him bring him to the cuz dude he hasn't gotten anything think about it but he's been like cut off strange hundred percent."
• Trump's Resilience: (Joe Rogan on Trump) "the [expletive] has teflon foreskin things you saying bounce right off and give a [expletive] he's like yeah insane yeah."
• Mitzi Shore's Impact: (Joe Rogan on Pauly's mom) "your mom's probably one of the most important if not the most important characters ever in the history of stand-up comic."
• Netflix's Influence: (Joe Rogan on his career) "now with the Netflix special changed everything so many people have Netflix man."

Overall Themes

• The Absurdity and Complexity of Modern Life: The episode blends discussions of extreme drug experiences, geopolitical tensions, and political satire, highlighting the often surreal and unpredictable nature of contemporary society.
• Freedom vs. Oppression: A strong contrast is drawn between the liberties enjoyed in America and the harsh realities of a dictatorial regime like North Korea, prompting an appreciation for fundamental human rights.
• The Evolving Landscape of Comedy: The conversation explores the transformation of the comedy industry, from the foundational role of clubs like The Comedy Store to the revolutionary impact of digital platforms like Netflix and viral online content.
• Substance Exploration and Its Consequences: The opening segment serves as a vivid illustration of the powerful and potentially overwhelming effects of potent psychoactive substances, particularly edibles.
• Legacy and Personal Journey: Both comedians reflect on their careers, personal growth, and the lasting impact of influential figures (like Mitzi Shore) and pivotal career moments (like Netflix specials).