Comedy writer Rob Long discusses Hollywood's lack of originality, the struggles of being a conservative in a progressive industry, and the influence of psychedelics on his creativity. The conversation touches on faith, Jesus, psychedelic experiences, and the evolving comedy landscape.
Integrating blockchain, machine learning, and Jesus can shape future understanding and bridge technological advancements with spirituality.
Utilizing machine learning tools like the Mem app for personal knowledge management enhances accessibility and improves daily routines.
Reflecting on Jesus' teachings of love and selflessness amidst diverging values highlights the ongoing journey of embodying such ideals in a complex world.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Faith, Technology, and Creativity
Rob Long discusses the importance of faith and the big questions in today's world, highlighting the significance of blockchain, machine learning, and Jesus. He emphasizes the role of these elements in shaping future understanding and bridging the gap between technological advancements and spirituality.
Machine Learning and Personal Knowledge
Long delves into the impact of machine learning on daily life, highlighting an app called Mem that curates personal knowledge and acts as an offsite brain. He emphasizes the growing importance of integrating machine learning into personal routines for enhanced knowledge management and accessibility.
Reflections on Jesus and Faith
Long shares his perspective on Jesus, portraying him as a figure who advocates for love, selflessness, and the idea of giving. He discusses the challenges of embodying such ideals in a world driven by diverging opinions and values, emphasizing the ongoing journey of understanding and following Jesus' teachings.
Navigating Abundance and Scarcity
Long reflects on the concept of abundance in today's society, highlighting the shift from a scarcity-driven mindset to one where material needs are met. He addresses the anxiety of choice and the struggle to embrace abundance, suggesting a focus on giving back and the challenges of aligning personal beliefs with societal norms.
Comedy, Entertainment, and Social Commentary
Long discusses the evolution of comedy in entertainment, emphasizing the role of humor in reflecting societal realities. He explores the impact of polarisation on entertainment content and underscores the importance of honesty and humor in depicting diverse perspectives, aiming to entertain and engage audiences without necessarily aiming to unite them.
Today's guest is comedy writer Rob Long, who served as a writer for and producer of the great sitcom Cheers for years, writes the weekly Martini Shot commentary, and cohosts the GLoP Culture podcast with Jonah Goldberg and John Podhoretz. He is a columnist for Commentary and a cofounder of Ricochet, the online community and podcast platform. At a live event in New York City, Reason's Nick Gillespie spoke with Long about whether Hollywood is out of ideas, what it's like being a libertarian-leaning conservative in a very progressive industry, and the role that psychedelics have played in his creative process.
Chapters:
0:00- Blockchain, Machine Learning, and Jesus
3:22- What's Scarier; God Or Guns?
8:59- Road To Damascus, Hollywood
13:45- Jesus: A Weird But Groovy Dude
17:30- A Hollywood Solution To Hell
22:50- A Psychedelic Life Lesson
29:48- Comedy As Aggression
32:09- MDMA: A Non-Specific Amplifier
34:25- O Hollywood Mega-Hit, Where Art Thou? 43:35- The Comedies That Made Rob Long
Nick Gillespie with Students for Sensible Drug Policy's Kat Murti, May 8. 2023. In a world where drug use and policy are rapidly changing, what role will younger people play in challenging legal and cultural prohibitions of psychoactive substances? Join us for a candid conversation with Kat Murti, the new executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, which for over 25 years has been the leading voice on college campuses for changing laws and attitudes about psychedelics and other drugs. She will be interviewed by Reason Editor at Large Nick Gillespie and the conversation, including audience Q&A, will be recorded for a future episode of The Reason Interview with Nick Gillespie podcast. Use the discount code REASON42 at checkout for 20 percent off all tickets.