#2373 - Dave Landau

Overview

This episode features comedian Dave Landau, who shares his wild journey through addiction, recovery, and his path to comedy. The conversation spans Detroit's history, the pitfalls of addiction, the absurdities of modern life, and the transformative power of humor.

Notable Quotes

- I went from being at a party to waking up handcuffed to a hospital bed with charcoal being dumped down my throat. – Dave Landau, on the chaos of his drinking days.

- Bears will eat you asshole first in front of your kids. They don’t care. – Joe Rogan, on the dangers of wildlife.

- The drugs I used to self-medicate as a kid are now used to treat depression. Turns out I was ahead of the curve. – Dave Landau, reflecting on his past drug use.

🕰️ Detroit’s Rise, Fall, and Resilience

- Joe Rogan and Dave Landau discuss Detroit’s history, from being the Paris of the Midwest to its economic collapse.

- Landau highlights the bizarre juxtaposition of million-dollar condos next to abandoned buildings.

- They explore the impact of corporate decisions, like outsourcing auto manufacturing, on Detroit’s decline.

- Gentrification and urban farming efforts are met with skepticism, with Landau humorously recounting stories of urban hippies clashing with reality.

🍺 Addiction, Recovery, and the Road to Comedy

- Landau shares harrowing tales of his alcoholism, including 13 arrests, four DUIs, and a stint in a mental institution.

- He recounts being institutionalized after drinking a fifth of vodka through a beer bong and waking up to a werewolf-obsessed roommate.

- Comedy became his salvation, with a teacher encouraging him to pursue Second City in Detroit.

- Landau reflects on how his chaotic past now fuels his comedy, turning pain into humor.

🐺 Wildlife and Human Folly

- The duo dives into the absurdities of human-wildlife interactions, from reintroducing wolves to Colorado to bears fighting in suburban cul-de-sacs.

- Rogan recounts a story of a wolf entering a dog park, causing all the dogs to scatter in fear.

- They discuss the ecological consequences of meddling with nature, like introducing invasive species to solve other problems, often with disastrous results.

🚗 The Dark Side of Pharmaceuticals and Corporate Greed

- The conversation shifts to the opioid crisis, with Landau recalling his own struggles with prescription painkillers.

- Rogan critiques the pharmaceutical industry’s role in creating addiction epidemics, citing the Sackler family and the rise of pill mills in Florida.

- They explore the broader societal impact of corporate greed, from the opioid crisis to the exploitation of workers in Detroit’s auto industry.

🎭 Comedy as Redemption

- Landau credits his father and a supportive teacher for inspiring his love of comedy.

- He reflects on the Detroit comedy scene, where diverse audiences helped him hone his craft.

- The conversation ends on a hopeful note, with Landau expressing gratitude for his second chance at life and comedy.