#2442 - Ehsan Ahmad

Overview

This episode features comedian Ehsan Ahmad discussing his new comedy special Too Soon, the evolving comedy scene in Austin, and a wide range of cultural, historical, and societal topics. The conversation spans everything from the challenges of modern dating to the intricacies of ancient civilizations, with plenty of humor and thought-provoking insights.

Notable Quotes

- If you can get good where you are first and then move to Austin, that might be better now than a blind move to Austin. - Ehsan Ahmad, on the competitive Austin comedy scene.

- Most things that die do not leave a fossil. - Joe Rogan, reflecting on the mysteries of extinct and undiscovered species.

- You can choose everyone, so you don't commit to anything. - Ehsan Ahmad, on the impact of dating apps and modern relationships.

🎭 The Austin Comedy Scene

- Ehsan Ahmad reflects on moving to Austin in 2021, describing it as a gold rush for comedians. He highlights how the scene has grown from a small group of comics to a thriving ecosystem with numerous venues.

- The Joe Rogan Comedy Mothership is credited with fostering a supportive environment where comedians can refine their craft by performing in challenging spots.

- The importance of cold opening and hosting as tools for building comedic strength is emphasized, with Ehsan likening it to running with ankle weights.

🌐 Modern Dating and Social Trends

- Ehsan Ahmad discusses the decline of in-person interactions among Gen Z, attributing it to the rise of dating apps and the disappearance of third spaces like malls and libraries.

- He notes a significant cultural shift, with many young people delaying marriage and children due to economic pressures and changing priorities.

- The conversation touches on the rise of OnlyFans and its impact on younger generations, with Joe Rogan pointing out the long-term consequences of such platforms.

🦖 Lost Civilizations and Ancient Mysteries

- The duo dives into the mysteries of ancient civilizations, discussing undeciphered scripts like the Voynich manuscript and the Rongorongo glyphs of Easter Island.

- They explore the survival of ancient species like the coelacanth, a fish thought to be extinct for 66 million years, and speculate on the possibility of undiscovered creatures.

- Joe Rogan highlights the loss of indigenous languages and cultures, particularly in Mexico and Australia, due to colonization.

💡 Conspiracies and Corruption

- The conversation delves into political conspiracies, including the Franklin scandal and theories about election interference.

- Joe Rogan and Ehsan Ahmad discuss the mental toll of diving deep into corruption and conspiracy theories, emphasizing the importance of balance and mental health.

- They touch on the complexities of global politics, including the situation in Venezuela and Iran, and the challenges of deciphering truth in a world of misinformation.

🍖 Food and Late-Night Dining in Austin

- Both express a longing for late-night dining options in Austin, reminiscing about iconic spots like Canter's Deli in LA and Katz's Deli in New York.

- They discuss the vibrant food scene in Austin, from barbecue joints like Terry Black's to food trucks offering unique options like bulgogi fries.

- The upcoming opening of Katz's Deli in Austin is highlighted as a potential game-changer for the city's late-night food scene.