Politics as a game of narratives

A Note from James:

Tim Dillon is crazy—in the best way. Not “institution” crazy. Crazy smart. Years ago he told me things about Epstein, hustle culture, and how the world really works that felt outlandish then and obvious now. He’s quirky, honest, and usually right about what to pay attention to. Also, he’s flat-out funny. Let’s bring Tim back and see how much of that old conversation still hits today.

Episode Description:

This redux revisits James’s conversation with comedian Tim Dillon on narratives, media incentives, and why “it’s all a game.” Tim argues that most public debates are programmed like a TV network—stars, storylines, and predictable reactions—while the real action is off-camera. They examine why certain stories (Epstein, “suppressed” segments, political theater) catch fire and others vanish, the line between authenticity and performance in comedy, and how creators can actually build careers without gatekeepers. It’s a practical episode about staying sane—less who’s right, more how to think.

What You’ll Learn:

• A “game” heuristic for news and politics: spot the incentives (access, ads, algorithms) before you react to the headline.
• An authenticity filter for creators: why work rooted in your own experience connects—and how to test if a bit or idea is “real enough” to spread.
• A simple media-diet protocol: cross-reference sources and avoid getting “programmed” into outrage cycles.
• Platform strategy 101 for comics and solo creators: post consistently, control distribution, and stop waiting for gatekeepers to bless you.
• Career anti-fragility for uncertain times: ignore hustle theater; build repeatable systems that survive algorithm and industry swings.

Timestamped Chapters:

• [00:02] A Note from James — Why Tim’s “crazy smart” observations aged well.
• [03:09] Ignorance vs. Happiness — “If you learn how the world works, you won’t be happier—unless you make it fun.”
• [06:21] News Is a Bridge to the Next Ad Break — Access, scoops, and why some stories never see daylight.
• [08:25] History You Don’t Hear About — Smedley Butler, coups, and how missing chapters change the plot.
• [10:28] The Epstein Loop — From wall-to-wall coverage to silence—and what “access journalism” rewards.
• [15:38] How to Be Informed Without Going Insane — Cross-checking and opting out.
• [24:03] Rage, Class, and the Party at the Top — Why “difference” wins in politics and comedy.
• [38:04] UBI, Automation, and Fear Narratives — What’s real risk vs. campaign theater.
• [01:24:14] Owning Your Distribution — Algorithms, streaming “cartels,” and why your social feed is your venue.
• [01:30:08] From Garage to Millions of Views — The Megan McCain sketch and shipping scrappy work.
• [01:49:57] Authenticity Over Everything — Why “true to you” outlasts polished but hollow.

Additional Resources:

• Tim Dillon — Official site / podcast hub: https://timdilloncomedy.com/
• The Tim Dillon Show (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/2gRd1woKiAazAKPWPkHjds
• Tim on Instagram (@timjdillon): https://www.instagram.com/timjdillon/
• JRE #1251 — Tim Dillon (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/episode/12jteiLJyQaD85ynvJQBk9
• JRE #1390 — Tim Dillon (episode info): https://ogjre.com/episode/1390-tim-dillon
• ABC hot-mic / Epstein backstory:
• Axios recap — https://www.axios.com/2019/11/05/abc-news-jeffrey-epstein-amy-robach-project-veritas
• The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/nov/06/abc-news-leak-raises-questions-about-unaired-interview-with-epstein-accuser

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.