Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – "The Upside of Being Canceled | Rob Schneider"

Release Date: December 1, 2024

Introduction

In the December 1, 2024 episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro engages in a candid and in-depth conversation with renowned actor and comedian Rob Schneider. The discussion delves into Schneider's experiences with the Democratic establishment in Hollywood, his reasons for leaving California, the phenomenon of being canceled, and his perspectives on the current political climate in America. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into Schneider's viewpoints on free speech, political polarization, and the future of comedy.

Rob Schneider on Political Climate and Hollywood

Frustrations with the Democratic Establishment: Rob Schneider opens the conversation by expressing his disillusionment with the Democratic Party's dominance in Hollywood. He criticizes the party for pushing narratives that he believes undermine traditional American values and free speech.

[02:01] Rob Schneider: "I saw the ratings go down about 56%. Hard to believe, you know, people, after a while of being called racist and misogynist, it runs its course for their audience..."

Leaving California: Schneider discusses his decision to leave California, attributing it to the state's increasing alignment with Democratic ideals and policies that he finds restrictive and contrary to his beliefs. He highlights the decline in public safety and quality of life as significant factors in his move.

[16:43] Rob Schneider: "I knew that there was a pincher move happening. And as soon as Obama in 2013 propagandized... that was the beginning of tyranny coming from the left."

Hollywood and Anti-Conservative Discrimination

Challenges for Conservatives in Hollywood: The conversation shifts to the systemic discrimination conservatives face in Hollywood. Schneider recounts his experiences and observations of how political beliefs can hinder career opportunities within the entertainment industry.

[31:11] Rob Schneider: "I'm out. I'm gonna get hired in Hollywood. But there's something more important than getting hired in Hollywood, and that is I felt that we were close to having our rights taken away."

Impact on Creative Freedom: Schneider emphasizes the importance of free speech and the detrimental effects of censorship on creativity and expression in Hollywood. He warns of a potential shift towards a one-party system reminiscent of California's political landscape.

[35:03] Rob Schneider: "They screwed up Hollywood. Not only was there in the pandemic, but then the stupid idiots at the Screen Actors Guild union..."

Impact of Trump and the Republican Party

Donald Trump's Role: Schneider offers a nuanced view of Donald Trump, recognizing his unique position in American politics. He discusses Trump's approach to leadership and policy, contrasting it with previous administrations.

[07:05] Unknown Host: "Robert Kennedy said a couple of days ago, if he follows through and what he says he's going to do with free speech... he stands to be the most consequential president since Lincoln."

[10:27] Unknown Host: "Donald Trump... is a very funny person. Like he is a standup comedian working a room."

Republican Strategies: The discussion explores the challenges faced by the Republican Party in maintaining unity and effectively addressing the electorate's concerns. Schneider underscores the need for the party to focus on practical issues rather than personality-driven politics.

[53:20] Rob Schneider: "The Republicans really need to focus in and do the job that they've been asked to do."

Comedy and Free Speech

State of Modern Comedy: Schneider reflects on the evolving landscape of comedy, highlighting the increasing tensions between comedians and societal expectations. He shares anecdotes about being canceled and the importance of resilience and authenticity in comedic expression.

[43:32] Unknown Host: "Has there ever been such a fraught time in comedy?... Tony Hinchcliffe being made the centerpiece of the entire presidential campaign..."

Future of Comedy: Looking ahead, Schneider expresses optimism about the resurgence of genuine comedy that challenges political elites and promotes free speech. He discusses his own projects aimed at fostering a more inclusive and diverse comedic environment.

[50:00] Rob Schneider: "We're going to start shows here in Arizona. And I think we're going to do content that's for everybody that isn't trying to indoctrinate people with this woke nonsense."

Future Projects and Conclusion

Media Ventures: Towards the end of the episode, Schneider shares his plans to collaborate with notable figures from the UK, including broadcaster Andrew Doyle and BAFTA-winning writer Graham Linehan. These ventures aim to create content that aligns with Schneider's vision of unbiased and family-friendly entertainment.

[50:00] Rob Schneider: "We're going to start shows here in Arizona... independent producers are the ones going to be taking the risks and providing content for people that people are going to want to watch."

Closing Remarks: Ben Shapiro concludes the episode by praising Schneider's contributions to fostering open dialogue and challenging the status quo. Schneider reciprocates the appreciation, acknowledging Shapiro's role in promoting conservative values and precise communication.

[56:02] Rob Schneider: "You have been a hero for me... you really led the charge. There was nobody doing what you were doing."

Notable Quotes

• Rob Schneider on Media Influence:

  "[02:01] Rob Schneider: People, after a while of being called racist and misogynist, it runs its course for their audience..."

• On Free Speech and Censorship:

  "[31:11] Rob Schneider: I felt that we were close to having our rights taken away."

• On the Future of the Republican Party:

  "[53:20] Rob Schneider: The Republicans really need to focus in and do the job that they've been asked to do."

• On Resilience in Comedy:

  "[43:32] Unknown Host: ...the closing days of a campaign might not be like your chief political consultant for the Trump campaign..."

Conclusion

This episode of The Ben Shapiro Show with Rob Schneider provides a robust exploration of the intersection between politics, entertainment, and free speech in contemporary America. Schneider's insights into Hollywood's political landscape, coupled with his experiences of being a public figure advocating for conservative principles, offer listeners a thought-provoking narrative on the challenges and opportunities facing those who dare to speak against the prevailing winds. The dialogue not only underscores the importance of maintaining America's foundational freedoms but also highlights the evolving dynamics within the entertainment industry and political spheres.