The Joe Rogan Experience #2396 – Andrew Schulz
Released: October 18, 2025
Host: Joe Rogan | Guest: Andrew Schulz
Episode Overview
In a dynamic and sprawling conversation, Joe Rogan sits down with comedian Andrew Schulz to riff on culture, comedy, AI, viral moments, the internet’s divisive impact, the path of standup in 2025, celebrity, free speech, media narratives, and the bonds between comics. The episode weaves through light-hearted tales, cutting critiques of media and politics, deep dives into the psychology of comedy, and the volatile state of public discourse, all with candid humor and camaraderie.
Main Themes & Key Discussion Points
1. AI, Music, and the Meme-ification of Culture
00:13–04:41
- The episode opens with Jamie (the podcast’s producer) sharing AI-generated versions of classic 50 Cent tracks, reimagined in other genres.
- Schulz: “You realize how good his lyrics are when you run through AI, like you revisit the lyrics. Like the Many Men lyrics are fantastic.” (03:49)
- They riff on the ease and creativity behind AI music remixes, their absurdity, and how quickly viral content mutates online.
- The discussion morphs into playful banter about being "toxic rich dudes," lighting cigars, and the comic persona.
2. Cultural Perceptions, Social Media, and Public Personas
07:07–15:58
- Schulz and Rogan discuss the dehumanization that comes with internet virality, especially in response to tragedy or controversy.
- Schulz shares a story about being DM’d by another comic, Charlie, who checked in about a potentially damaging headline—an act of unexpected solidarity, contrasted with others who chase clout or pile on misrepresentation.
- They explore how the internet “flattens” nuanced people, rewarding those who trigger insecurities/fears.
- Schulz: “The algorithm flattens all of us into a two-dimensional person and only the views that tap into your biggest insecurities, your biggest fears…” (12:32)
- The conversation extends to political discourse around labels like the "manosphere," podcast ecosystems (“Rogan-verse”), and media blaming podcasters for election outcomes.
3. Immigration, Media Narratives, and Public Reactions
15:58–17:42
- Migration debates: discussing New York’s migrant influx, “not in my backyard” attitudes, and hypocrisy among elites (e.g., Martha’s Vineyard episode).
- Schulz highlights journalists like Ezra Klein getting attacked by both sides simply for being reasonable.
- Schulz: “You try to be nuanced and reasonable…but why would the algorithm reward anything nuanced and reasonable?” (17:27)
4. The Internet’s Wild Side & AI Deepfakes
17:42–20:26
- They riff on the absurd places the internet and AI content go, from humorous to dangerous, including deepfake porn, celebrity face-swaps, and the lack of “rules” online.
- Rogan: “It's sort of like if you gave the world matches for the first time and they’re like, I could just start a fire.” (20:26)
5. Property, Red Tape, and Rebuilding After Disaster
21:24–27:06
- Discussing destructive wildfires in California, arson, looting, and how red tape/bureaucracy stifles rebuilding.
- Rogan and Schulz compare urban life in New York (benefits of regulation) vs. the more laissez-faire rules in Texas.
6. Comedy Scenes, Cities, and the Drive for Success
31:29–36:12
- Schulz compares the cultures of New York and LA:
- NY is about “making money to make up for a shitty childhood”; LA is about seeking fame for validation.
- LA’s declining film/music industry, high costs, and "attention economy" come under comedic fire.
- Appreciation for New York’s diversity, niche subcultures, and “bubbles” that value skill/talent over status.
7. Pool, Hustling, and Artistry in Practice
36:12–57:58; 54:01–57:58
- Extensive riffing on the culture of pool hustlers—elaborate gamesmanship, fake names, the dance of ego versus skill, and famous names like Jeremy Jones and Efren Reyes.
- Rogan: “Amongst pool players, it’s part of the fun…maybe you’re gonna get got, but it can only happen in two ways. If you are naïve, or if you suck.” (43:35)
- Rogan connects the importance of having non-monetary passions (like pool, archery) that humble and ground successful people: “It’s absolute truth in pool or archery…good for artists because art is so subjective.” (56:09)
- Both reflect on the need for failure and humility—even as public figures.
8. Child Stardom, Parenting, and Societal Pressures
59:53–65:46
- Childhood fame and its destructive effects. Anecdotes about Miley Cyrus, Britney Speaks, Michael Jackson, and the relentless pressure from “stage parents.”
- Rogan: “Childhood stars are all up…there’s no way you get that famous that young and you don’t get a little crazy because of it.” (59:53)
- Reflecting on their own upbringings and philosophies about supporting kids (vs. living vicariously through them).
9. Boys, Girls, and Gendered Socialization
65:59–68:42
- Observations about innate play differences between boys and girls, sibling dynamics, and what raising a son vs a daughter reveals about human nature.
10. UFC & Fight World—Behind the Scenes
68:42–73:28
- Speculating about future mega-fights, Jon Jones’ tactics, Alex Pereira’s striking, and the reality of fighters always training with injuries.
- Commentary on how fighters (and comics) revert to their most comfortable instincts when under pressure.
11. Comedy, Viral Moments, and Outrage Cycles
98:31–109:01
- How the internet warps narratives, with disinformation, bots, and cheap “outrage farming.”
- Schulz: “The internet is full of 30 second clips that will confirm whatever you believe... it will be sent right to your phone.” (101:08)
- Rogan: “Outrage farming…they're doing it specifically to try to get us at each other’s throats.” (102:20)
- Advice for younger comics: the internet is what it is, the challenge is awareness and resilience.
12. Cultural Institutions, Free Speech & American Exceptionalism
109:27–115:02
- The importance of comedy “roasts” and antagonistic tradition with authority—something Rogan sees as uniquely American.
- Schulz: “We have a relationship with government that’s antagonistic…that’s uniquely American. I love the idea of humbling our heroes.” (109:06)
- Concern over the erosion of free speech in England and Canada; the need to defend and propagate American free speech norms.
- Rogan: “If England falls [on this], we’re in real trouble, man.” (112:17)
13. Immigration, Voting, and Political Machinations
147:14–150:51
- Discussion of ICE, configuring political representation based on population counts, how both Democrats and Republicans game the system with population and census data.
- Schulz: “If you can afford a bunch of people, you get more congressional seats…” (149:13)
- Contradictory attitudes among different Latino immigrant groups (e.g., Cubans), and how voting blocks behave.
14. Comedy World, Loyalty, and Public “Pylon” Culture
Randomly interspersed; 88:56–98:31; 162:03–168:28
- Schulz and Rogan reflect on the corrosive effect of jealousy and internet “cancellation” culture among comics.
- Discussed the Marc Maron/Santino “Bad Friends” drama and Schulz’s ethos: always stand by real friends even if the internet turns on them.
- Rogan recounts helping Tony Hinchcliffe during a cancellation: “He thought his life was over... I announced the opening act... Salt Lake City... They stood up, arms raised... It was beautiful to watch him realize, like, ‘oh, I’m going to be okay.’” (168:28)
15. Pathways in Modern Standup Comedy
159:45–161:14
- In past eras there was a “clear path”—HBO special, Rogan podcast, viral clips. Now, with saturation, younger comics feel lost and sometimes vent their frustration as bitterness or backlash.
16. Aliens, Human History, and the Unknown
209:02–211:51
- Rogan shares updates on Bob Lazar’s claims and strange finds in Egypt—giant underground metallic objects, the mythic “Labyrinth,” and how persistent rumors and ancient texts fuel modern speculation.
17. Land Acknowledgments, Virtue Signaling, and Historical Irony
220:37–221:15
- Schulz lampoons Canadian-style land acknowledgments and politics of apologies for past conquests.
- Schulz: “I'm going up there and be like, yo, this used to be yours. But the boys came in, got y'all the fuck out of here. You really want me to go and remind everybody what happened before the comedy show?” (220:37)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Internet Realities:
- “I don’t think we all exist in the same reality anymore…The algorithm flattens all of us into a two-dimensional person.” — Andrew Schulz (07:26, 12:32)
- “Part of the fun is, like, maybe you're gonna get got, but it can only happen in two ways. If you are naïve, or if you suck. ... If you're the best, you can't get hustled.” — Rogan (43:35)
- “The internet is what it is. We just gotta be aware of what we’re consuming. Don't ban fast food. Just be aware that when you eat a Big Mac, you might not feel as good as when you eat a chicken salad.” — Schulz (104:02)
On the Fragility of Fame:
- “Childhood stars are all up. There’s no way you get that famous that young and you don’t get a little crazy because of that.” — Rogan (59:53)
- “You need something that scares you. Being scared is good.” — Rogan (58:55)
- “It’s nice to have something that humbles you.” — Schulz (57:20)
On Comedy & Loyalty:
- “At a baseline, people don’t want to see people abandon their friends...even if you disagree with what that person did...you go, I kind of would want that guy as a friend.” — Schulz (163:42)
- “I would still do that with Santino. That’s your boy. I love him. He’s an amazing hang.” — Rogan (163:11)
- “I cut young guys and young women a lot more slack than I do the OGs. ... You should know what it’s like to be attacked. If you have an opinion on what these people are doing, have compassion, be charitable. That’s what I try to do." — Rogan (156:06)
On American Free Speech:
- “Stop acting like [free speech] is the norm. We’re the unique ones... We need to protect it and propagate it through the world.” — Schulz, Rogan (112:17–112:27)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- AI music/50 Cent Songs: 00:13–04:41
- Media, Perception, Dehumanization: 07:07–15:58
- Manosphere, Internet flattening: 12:32–17:42
- AI Deepfakes, Rules of the Internet: 17:42–20:26
- Red Tape, Fire Rebuilding: 21:24–27:06
- Comedy Scenes NY vs LA: 31:29–36:12
- Pool Hustling & Artistry: 36:12–57:58
- Child Stardom Discussion: 59:53–65:46
- Fight World Speculation (Jon Jones, Pereira): 68:42–73:28
- Internet Outrage Cycles: 98:31–109:01
- Cultural Institutions–Roasts, Free Speech: 109:27–115:02
- Immigration, Political Machinations: 147:14–150:51
- Comedians Defending Each Other: 162:03–168:28
- Pathways in Modern Standup: 159:45–161:14
- Aliens & Egypt Discoveries: 209:02–211:51
- Land Acknowledgments: 220:37–221:15
Conclusion
Blending comedic riffing, philosophical reflection, and cultural commentary, this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience offers a raw, unfiltered look at life in the spotlight, the psychological gauntlet of being a modern public figure, and a trenchant critique of media and internet trends. Through stories—funny and sobering—Rogan and Schulz champion loyalty, self-awareness, and cultivating passions that humble and center you, ending on the reminder that despite all the noise (online and off), what matters most often comes down to friendship, resilience, and honest conversation.
Episode in a sentence:
A no-holds-barred, laugh-packed exploration of comedy, modern culture, media manipulation, AI absurdity, and staying real in a world that rewards outrage and superficiality.