The Nikki Glaser Podcast – Episode #510: Are We Losing Empathy? Meeting a NOLA Survivor & Reddit
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Hosted By: Nikki Glaser
Produced By: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this thought-provoking episode, comedian Nikki Glaser delves deep into the pressing question: Are we losing empathy? Joined by her co-hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, the trio navigates through personal anecdotes, insightful discussions on meditation, the impact of online communities like Reddit, and an inspiring encounter with a New Orleans (NOLA) survivor. The conversation is rich with humor, honesty, and brutal insights into contemporary society.

Meditation and Self-Improvement

Exploring the Skepticism Toward Meditation
The episode kicks off with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang sharing their recent ventures into meditation. Bowen expresses a cynical view:

"The problem with meditation is just, you know, here we go people that everyone is so sure that meditation is the solution to your problems."
— Bowen Yang [02:22]

Matt counters with optimism about meditation's benefits, referencing a book called Feel Better No Matter What by Michael James and discussing how true artistic talent stems from being authentically oneself.

"The best artists... are not the most talented, but they are just the most themselves."
— Matt Rogers [05:21]

Authenticity vs. Counterculture in Comedy

Defining True Authenticity
The conversation shifts to the concept of authenticity in the arts. Bowen critiques certain comedians who, in his view, present confusing personas that the industry glamorizes as genius, questioning whether this masks a lack of genuine self-awareness.

"I find it to be artistic bullshit. I think it's..."
— Bowen Yang [05:59]

Matt disagrees, suggesting that those claiming to be "most themselves" might actually be adopting a countercultural façade rather than embracing their true selves.

"They are doing it like it's coming from a place of, like, they know themselves and they love themselves and they trust themselves."
— Matt Rogers [06:27]

Nikki interjects with the idea that it's more about self-awareness than empathy:

"I think it's self-awareness, not empathy. Has nothing to do with empathy."
— Nikki Glaser [20:37]

Telepathy and Mysterious Phenomena

Thought Frequencies and Telepathy
Bowen introduces a fascinating analogy comparing the brain to a snow globe, suggesting that thoughts are like frequencies from various sources:

"What if your thoughts are just like someone else's frequency?"
— Bowen Yang [10:48]

They discuss historical anecdotes, including stories about Judy Garland reportedly hearing radio frequencies and individuals with disabilities unintentionally receiving radio signals through medical implants.

"There's a recording of her and she sounds like that."
— Matt Rogers [10:55]

Bowen elaborates on ongoing telepathy episodes, particularly involving autistic children who report seeing and hearing beyond typical sensory experiences.

"These kids can also see things, see people all over."
— Bowen Yang [12:28]

The State of Empathy in Modern Society

Observations of Empathy Loss
The discussion turns towards real-world interactions, highlighting instances where empathy seems to be waning. Matt shares his frustration with witnessing a woman struggling to leash three dogs while another person showed overt excitement for the animals, questioning societal shifts in empathy.

"I really think people are losing empathy. I really think people are like, there is not anymore."
— Matt Rogers [18:57]

Bowen agrees, suggesting that declining self-awareness contributes to reduced empathy:

"We just slipping there."
— Bowen Yang [20:00]

Reddit's Influence on Empathy

Online Communities as Empathy Builders
Matt discusses how platforms like Reddit and 12-step meetings have fostered empathy by exposing individuals to diverse personal stories and experiences.

"I think Reddit really helps me be empathetic. I would actually implore people to go on it because you read about other people's experiences."
— Matt Rogers [23:22]

He shares insights from a subreddit discussion on recognizing someone's troubled past, emphasizing the importance of not prying into others' private struggles.

"If someone doesn't ask you about your family or talk about theirs, don't go prying."
— Matt Rogers [23:22]

Personal Anecdotes on Public Behavior and Empathy

Everyday Encounters Highlight Empathy Deficits
Matt recounts his day observing a homeless woman at Starbucks who was loudly listening to a religious podcast, expressing annoyance at her lack of situational awareness and contrasting it with his own experiences trying to maintain empathy.

"I think people are losing empathy. I really think people are like, there is not anymore."
— Matt Rogers [19:54]

Bowen reinforces this by emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in fostering empathy.

"Self awareness, not empathy. Has nothing to do with empathy."
— Nikki Glaser [20:37]

Meeting a Survivor: Trauma and Resilience

Inspiring Encounter with Adam, a NOLA Survivor
One of the most poignant moments of the episode is Matt's encounter with Adam, a survivor of a horrific car accident in the French Quarter. Adam shares how his training and traumatic experiences enabled him to react swiftly and save himself from severe injury.

"He said he's so glad that he did that because he thinks he would be having a really, really rough time right now if he did it."
— Matt Rogers [46:14]

Matt reflects on the emotional impact of meeting someone who has endured significant trauma and highlights the importance of resilience and support systems.

"It was such an honor to meet someone so strong who has been through something insane."
— Matt Rogers [51:03]

He also touches on coping mechanisms for trauma, such as playing Tetris, which he learned from Reddit as a way to manage PTSD symptoms.

"When you play Tetris after a traumatic event, it will help with the PTSD."
— Matt Rogers [52:02]

Adam's story serves as a testament to human resilience and the role of self-awareness in overcoming adversity.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Nikki Glaser, along with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, offers a compelling exploration of empathy in today's world. From personal meditative practices and the authenticity of artists to the profound stories of trauma and recovery, the conversation underscores the delicate balance between self-awareness and empathy. The inclusion of real-life experiences, especially Adam's harrowing survival story, adds depth and relatability, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own capacity for empathy and understanding.

Notable Quotes

• Bowen Yang [02:22]: "The problem with meditation is just, you know, here we go people that everyone is so sure that meditation is the solution to your problems."

• Matt Rogers [05:21]: "The best artists... are not the most talented, but they are just the most themselves."

• Nikki Glaser [20:37]: "I think it's self-awareness, not empathy. Has nothing to do with empathy."

• Matt Rogers [23:22]: "I think Reddit really helps me be empathetic. I would actually implore people to go on it because you read about other people's experiences."

• Matt Rogers [46:14]: "He said he's so glad that he did that because he thinks he would be having a really, really rough time right now if he did it."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a mirror reflecting our societal changes, challenging listeners to reevaluate their own levels of empathy and self-awareness. By intertwining humor with serious discourse, Nikki Glaser ensures that the conversation remains engaging while delivering impactful insights.