

Shane Smith | Club Random with Bill Maher
Oct 27, 2024
Shane Smith, founder of Vice Media and Emmy-winning journalist, shares his wild experiences from war zones and media coverage. He humorously recounts drinking tea with the Taliban and battling a flesh-eating parasite. The conversation dives into the chaotic roots of Vice, notable figures like Dennis Rodman, and the absurdities of life in conflict areas. Reflecting on generational shifts and cultural perspectives, Shane highlights the shared humanity in politically fraught regions while offering hilarious anecdotes from his travels. A captivating blend of humor and hard truths!
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Parasite from Yellow Tea
- Shane Smith contracted a flesh-eating parasite in Afghanistan after drinking tea with the Taliban.
- He ignored warnings about drinking yellow tea, a cultural practice he felt obligated to follow.
Chicken vs. GDP
- Shane Smith observes an inverse relationship between a country's GDP and its chicken quality.
- He theorizes that lower GDP countries have better chicken because they are yard birds.
Vice's Start in News
- Vice's shift to serious news began after filming a heavy metal band in Baghdad during the Iraq War.
- Their coverage of the ongoing conflict contradicted the "Mission Accomplished" narrative, highlighting their "real news" approach.