Joe Rogan Experience #2480 - Arsenio Hall
In a Nutshell
Arsenio Hall and Joe Rogan reminisce about comedy legends like Richard Pryor, Mitzi Shore, and the Comedy Store's golden era, crediting phone bags and live experimentation for fostering raw stand-up creativity amid modern viral pitfalls. They critique late-night TV's decline, political polarization, corporate interference in art (e.g., Prince, Ice-T), and societal shifts like news anxiety, while praising simpler living, weed's benefits over harder drugs, and resilience from latchkey upbringings. Arsenio shares career highs from revolutionizing late-night with no-desk innovation and music, now happier at 70 with scaled-back life, smart investments, and no regrets despite network sabotage.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Arsenio Hall honors Mitzi Shore, who created the greatest comedy mecca. Richard Pryor was unparalleled; if you haven't learned from him, you're doing comedy wrong. Mitzi taught how to run a club right by letting comedians run it like inmates running the asylum. The Comedy Store is greater than ever; even got Jay Leno to return after explaining modern perks like getting paid, door splits, and phone bags.
Joe Rogan and others encouraged phone bags at the Mothership, now standard in clubs. Frees comedians to experiment without clips going viral on YouTube prematurely. Stand-up requires freeballing, fucking around in the moment—sometimes it works, sometimes it flops or goes too far. Stand-up is the only art form created live in front of a crowd; ideas develop alone but come alive onstage.
Joe, Arsenio, and Chappelle met Chris Rock in Cleveland. Chappelle transformed Yellow Springs, Ohio—joke: white people moving in is gentrification, but no word for what he's doing to the town. First time Arsenio saw phone bags; a celebrity in LA refused and stayed outside. Too many snitches filming for Instagram. Dave Chappelle gets lit onstage to create, films everything, reviews for seeds of material.
Arsenio creates high at home, tests sober onstage. Bad experiences performing high—memory fails. At Laugh Factory, did 5 minutes thinking it was 20; George Lopez called him out. In Tonight Show mode.
Joe corrects mix-up from Theo Von podcast: was podcasting with Charlie Sheen in studio during Charlie Kirk incident (learned during piss break). In Utah mountains during Jimmy Kimmel controversy—no service, used Starlink. Sleep deprivation wrecked memory after late night post-club, early school drop-off. Memory like a room of scattered boxes/files from thousands of podcasts. Compares to power hitters who strike out swinging big.
Creatine (10-20g) alleviates cognitive issues from sleep deprivation per studies. Joe skipped it for month before bloodwork to baseline kidneys (rumors of harm). Emphasizes sleep for peak brain function.
Weed enhances coordination, tissue awareness in lifting/jiu-jitsu/kickboxing—feel fibers moving, more sensitive. Not for everyone: causes procrastination, paranoia, anxiety, possible psychosis trigger (but maybe pre-existing propensity). Like alcohol—not for all; some handle a glass of wine, others spiral. Weed beneficial for millions; Arsenio's daddy's cocktail—joint laid out at home like old martini ritual. No hangover/swelling vs. alcohol.
Arsenio's cousin hid Scotch in toy box/garage, had drinking problem—made him wary of liquor. Joe's high school friend's cousin destroyed life with coke; never touched it himself.
No positive cocaine stories heard. Adderall makes some productive (journalists, students), but highly addictive. Crash afterward: exhaustion, dopey feeling. Jamie tried twice—up 2 days, no success.
NewsRadio writers stayed up all night playing video games, wrote loopy scripts at 2 AM, arrived to table reads wrecked but hilarious. Joe prioritizes sleep over all drugs; Ambien quarter-dose occasionally. Guy took Adderall daytime/Ambien nightly—house could burn, wouldn't know.
Reading fiction/physically nodding off (e.g., stuck on page 12 of The Alchemist). Non-fiction stimulating. Church, licenses put Arsenio out.
Insomnia worst problem. The Machinist: Christian Bale dropped to ~130 lbs from insomnia/not eating, went insane. Wrecked health for bad movie; then bulked for Batman. Extreme weight loss unhealthy.
Helps hiring by matching top talent with skills/interest. 4/5 employers get quality candidate in first day. Try free at ziprecruiter.com/rogan.
Arsenio Hall does not enjoy acting. He dislikes waiting around all day on set, 16-hour days, and the disingenuous environment around actors who communicate in specific ways to avoid being cast out. He avoids acting roles despite offers, refusing to go to Bulgaria for three months. He does not love watching his own roles enough to pursue more. At 70, he prefers being at home.
Joe Rogan compliments Arsenio looking good at 70, joking about creatine. Arsenio agrees to try it, noting he'd look even better.
Arsenio recounts Richard Pryor visiting his first LA condo between the Comedy Store and the Improv. No furniture, they sat on the floor drinking cognac (kvassier), listening to jazz on a boombox. Pryor said, "This reminds me of when I was happy."
Arsenio was too excited then to process it but later realized Pryor was happy with simple things before complexity from money and big houses with unused guest houses full of cobwebs. Now Arsenio has simplified: just him, his woman, scaled-down life, no staff, happier without complications.
"This reminds me of when I was happy."
Joe agrees that's better than needing constant people and projects for importance, advising comedians against assistants to avoid entitlement and resentment. Example: David Spade's assistant duct-taped and tased him.
People working for the wealthy often resent them, feeling entitled despite their roles (e.g., gardener doesn't make $5 million). Housekeepers and staff may hate employers. Arsenio fired his barber after learning he charged different prices: Johnny Gill $100, Arsenio $350, richer friend even more, based on wealth.
Joe shares a billionaire friend obsessed with overcharges, signing his own checks, perhaps why he's rich.
Arsenio is happier now than during Arsenio Hall Show peak due to less pressure and work, enjoying money without it. He invested well so when lights went out, he was secure. Now relaxed, giving advice to young comics.
Arsenio Hall Show started 1987-88 after Coming to America (1986-87). Changed late night from stiff desk format (like principal's office, ties, smoking on Johnny Carson). Arsenio ditched the desk on executive producer Marla Kilbourne Brown's advice after standup freedom; never went back. Allowed holding nervous guests' hands like Rosie Perez. Desks elevated hosts above stars for ego or set design.
Joe notes George Lopez did no-desk too.
Paul Anka wrote theme song.
Governor Bill Clinton played saxophone on show to get young vote, changing campaigns. Arsenio's joke: "Finally a Democrat blowing something other than the election." Led candidates to casual shows like JRE over stiff ones. Invited George H.W. Bush via Marlin Fitzwater, refused due to loose format mentality.
"Things that make you go hmmm" from Comedy Store, C+C Music Factory song, used in ads like Nordstrom's sale. Cheating technique for random jokes: "Hey, why don't black women breastfeed chocolate milk?"
Now anyone can have a show (Mike Epps from bed). Kids succeed with makeup tutorials, toy unboxing (weird when monetized). Joe watches cooking (ASMR, no talking, lady in apron), pool, furniture-making, particle physics (large hadron collider simulating Big Bang).
From 3 channels signing off at 2 AM (static after flag) to Fox (Simpsons, In Living Color by Keenen Ivory Wayans, Tracy Ullman), cable, infinite streaming/YouTube. Arsenio prefers short 3-minute clips, fits modern culture better than childhood.
Arsenio intimidated by JRE topics like pyramids, Cat Williams. Joe notes plenty of non-intellectuals succeed; Bill Clinton dauntingly smart off-air. Katt Williams brilliant (funny people are intelligent), Bill Cosby too.
Joe wants Clinton podcast despite scandals (Epstein), admires accomplishments: balanced budget (rare, now $39 trillion debt), sensible 1992 campaign talk. Arsenio notes Clinton moved right sensibly, politicians need compromise beyond party ideologies. Polarizing today with strict lines (e.g., open borders debate).
Clinton's statements during his presidential run and presidency sound like right-wing talking points but are sensible. Freedom of speech was paramount for the left, which was open-minded, emphasized education, discourse, social safety nets, welfare, food stamps—essential for society as a community looking out for everyone in different life positions.
The left shifted to claims like trans women are women and men can get pregnant. Political labels require a year attached due to party changes; Democratic Party was once the party of the Klan. Lincoln was a Republican pushing to abolish slavery. Political views shift; apply today's standards cautiously.
Hillary Clinton in 2008: Illegal immigrants should pay stiff penalties, learn English, deported if any criminal history—no questions asked. Crowd cheered; sounds MAGA.
Manipulation by two teams forces picking sides. Politically homeless; neither party makes sense. Need logical centrist government focusing on improvements without left-right labels. Logical ideas dismissed if from opposing side—like Dolphins vs. Raiders fandom.
People cling to rigid ideologies to avoid thinking, adopting predetermined opinions. Heart Democratic, wallet Republican no longer fits; too complicated. Everyone should be anti-fraud regardless of side, unless committing it.
Two-party system flawed; no side fully represents. Prefer 5-15 legitimate parties. Voting Libertarian (done with Joe Jorgensen, Gary Johnson) is rejecting both major parties—like voting rugby in Dolphins-Raiders game.
Third parties blocked by money, donations, corporations, other countries. Citizens United allows unlimited corporate giving. Money in politics core problem.
Politicians make money while TSA workers don't, still get checks post-office. California lockdowns: no outdoor dining, paychecks tied to city GDP—optics and control, no repercussions. California lost billions; someone should answer.
Epstein files: no prosecutions despite knowledge. Contrast: prosecuting journalists for leaking on downed pilot. Misdirection in magic—coin in one hand distracts from other. American politics uses misdirection.
Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal led to bombing other countries for distraction. Epstein files distract with Iran war talk.
News causes stomach hurt, sadness, anxiety. Comics must watch for mental rolodex, crowd work. Without comedy, avoid social media, news; retreat to mountains. Participation affects mental health more than outcomes; can't control politicians.
Millionaires can't fully affect system without massive money for Malibu dinners with presidents. Support candidates as least evil option—painful philosophy. No peaceful, God-loving leader emerges; genuine changers get shot. Sam Kinison/Bill Hicks bit: people with ideas get killed. Sociopaths making billions resist disruption.
United Healthcare CEO shot; public cheered. Attractive killers treated leniently—experimental trials show hot guy gets off easier for murder. Women propose to serial killers like Richard Ramirez.
Evolutionary: women attracted to killers for protection—no hesitation. Girl provoked fights publicly to test man's defense.
Club incident: guy pulled girl's tube top down, exposing her; her man had to fight despite risks. Avoid clubs with potential psychopaths.
No clubs for 70-year-olds. Kids don't dance; no cabbage patch, slow dances at New Year's. Clubs linked to violence, drugs, shootings.
TikTok replaced club dances—viral challenges like Korn's 'Freak on a Leash' (25-year-old song back on Billboard via TikTok dance). Austin's Concourse: shirtless crowds, lasers, ecstasy, staring at DJ—no real dancing.
1960s-70s nightclubs, disco, Saturday Night Fever: John Travolta sparked dance-offs, everyone learned moves. Soul Train on TV. No modern equivalents.
Arsenio dreamed of music-heavy show from age 11, mimicking Soul Train in basement with friend Junior lip-syncing Temptations at rent parties.
Network wanted less black; flew Boyz II Men from Philly with Temptations—14 brothers choreographed. Promised inheriting Johnny Carson's audience if compliant, but show too expensive (Prince's purple piano).
Reboot at Ice House: network took Twitter, wouldn't return; used for other promotions. Picked up for second season, then demanded no music, no house band—cheaper talk format like Joe Rogan pre-JRE.
Fallon-Will Smith on horse expensive; networks prioritize numbers over vision. Whitney Houston just talking got huge ratings—pushed talk-only. Arsenio kicked the bag resisting; loved his show, no regrets despite corporate money focus.
Corporate execs miss unique expression of host for ads, money. Every show must be unique to host.
Executives interfering with Quentin Tarantino's scripts would prevent chaotic, crazy movies. Examples: bashing a woman's head on a mantle piece or shooting a girl in the parking lot in Jackie Brown. Artists need to be free to find their audience.
Ice-T explained Cop Killer on Arsenio Hall's show. Body Count is a metal band, not just known for rap hits like 6 in the Morning, Hustler, Colors. Ice-T reinvented himself: "I always love this kind of music. You can't tell me what the fuck I do."
Ice-T played a cop for 25 years, irony from knowing him as a pimp in Pimps Up, Ho's Down. Arsenio booked him despite pushback to expose America to new conversations, pushing the envelope with more power. Compared to Schwarzenegger: "You don't think he's really the Terminator. I'm not a cop killer, but there's a message through this character."
Arsenio urged Tupac to speak on air without Twitter. Tupac called: "They want me to take an AIDS test before this movie. Unless I'm really going to fuck Janet, I don't think I should have to." Arsenio: "Please don't say anymore. Just come on the show." Non-music talk shows did well because people want real conversations, not canned pre-programmed promo.
Pre-ins: cards with topics like what Jackie Collins wants to discuss or Nicole Kidman requesting no mention of Tom Cruise. Arsenio: "Tell Nicole, the only reason that bitch is here is cuz I think Tom Cruise is going to walk out."
PR people prioritize maximum money, no ripples: smile, sell records, movies, TV ratings.
Prince frustrated by demands for repeats of hits like Waterfall: "How many beats per second? Give us that again." Revolutionary artist; early song Head about getting head. Opened for Rolling Stones singing Soft and Wet, audience didn't dig it.
Predicted Napster, advocated owning property to avoid slavery from predatory record contracts owning artists. Changed name to symbol with slave insignia on jaw: "What are you going to do now? I'm a symbol."
People recognized him anyway. Arsenio missed seeing him live at Great Western Forum and late Vegas hotel show after midnight despite small intimate audience.
Lost Prince to Fentanyl in an elevator. Musicology album: toured attaching album to ticket, instant million-seller. Genius ahead of time; record companies sell only the art, get penny a copy, own everything.
Now albums aren't bought, yet labels latch onto young artists who see deals as success: "You got a deal with the devil." Advice: put music on YouTube or Soundcloud, share organically.
Hosting MTV Awards 1991, Prince had no ass in pants. Arsenio's monologue joked about it; got black and white suit with Prince symbols, no ass/no leg. Never wore it.
Took Prince to after-hours joint south of Wilshire in lady's house: pitbulls, fence, solo cup liquor. Prince in acrylic cane, suit matching shoes, listened to music with strippers. ~2 years after leaving talk show; cane likely from hip replacement, not just fashion, from jumping off speakers landing on heels.
Prince good basketball player, athlete. Arsenio has Prince's police hat with chain and modified Smith & Wesson 38 (mic in barrel).
Friends with Charlie Murphy; Chappelle's Show segments on Prince's basketball skills despite height, crossover move, roller skating with lollipop backwards on one foot. Insane body control from dancing, but show after show tears joints: blew hips out.
Examples: Ted Nugent knees from jumping off speakers, Maynard from Tool hip from stomping.
Standup easier on body than dancing/jumping; comedians take care from neck up. Rogan does standup Tuesdays/Wednesdays at club, off nights too. Arsenio promised partner to visit Mothership together; Rogan invites anytime.
Green room for comics on show preparing; vetted to avoid disruptions. Everyone wants in: Shane Gillis, Ron White, Tony Hinchcliffe.
Arsenio's kids not interested in acting/standup. Rich kids bad at standup: can't handle bombing, lack poverty/struggle pain most comics have. No great comic from great childhood/wealth, except Wayans brothers sons (family thing; Damon set up stage in house).
Damon Wayans underappreciated great comic, low-key standup, TV money. Avoids podcasts to not get in trouble from "velvet prison" of TV dad roles.
Howie Mandel on America's Got Talent but real/edgy on stage/green room. Did Mothership sets, podcast, club. Drops F-bombs when free.
Mitzi sent Arsenio, Howie, Paulie Shore to Westwood Comedy Store to improve. No nepo babies: made Paulie work. Most important non-comic in comedy history.
Arsenio took Mitzi to Universal Amphitheater: Pauly opening for Sam Kinison, blew her away.
Mitzi: told Joey Diaz "Fat Baby" (lineups listed as such), girl green wig for hook, wild ideas.
1980 New Year's Eve, Arsenio from Cleveland via Chicago to LA. Mitzi starting Belly Room for women, considering black comics night (only George Wallace, Dave Tyrie, Paul Mooney then). Suggested "Cotton Comedy"; Paul Mooney: "Wonderful!"
Mooney wrote 15 minutes on news day-of, crushed. Requested last spot, stayed long, messed with others: "Don't leave too early, my friends are at your house robbing that bitch." Small crowds, bottle of champagne with straw, sip on punchlines.
Greats watched him late at Original (O). Arsenio called Keenan to meet for 11:15 Mooney when news happened; always clever angle.
Richard Pryor would perform every night at the Comedy Store, starting with five minutes and extending to an hour, turning it into a great special at the theater. After sets, without cell phones, he'd smoke a cigarette in the main room on closed nights like Monday or Sunday, holding court. Paul Mooney would bring napkins with tags, like the joke "you go to prison, you get justice, just us" on the back of an album. Richard worked the original room nightly, then entertained guests in the main room: Burt Reynolds, Moses (Charlton Heston), Bernie Casey, Burt Reynolds with Sally Field. Everyone bowed to the King Dog.
Joe Rogan notes Lenny Bruce as the godfather of comedy for honesty and social commentary, but Richard Pryor made it way funnier, turning it into talk about life. Before Lenny, comedy was just jokes like "two Jews walk into a bar."
Rodney Dangerfield took 10 years off, sold aluminum siding, wrote constantly, and made it in his 40s. He was a beast.
In the main room, Stevie Wonder played piano on the far left of the stage while people snorted coke; Stevie thought they had allergies. Burt Reynolds on stage with Robin Williams. Burt gave a parking attendant $100. Photo shows Richard holding court after his set.
Jamie suggests printing photos for the green room at the Mothership. Sign in the back was from a 1950s mob club, seen in Mity's storage room with old CRO stuff.
Entry has young Richard Pryor's mug shot from age 18, reason unknown. Arsenio has mug shots from everyone arrested: Larry King for bad checks and gambling, Willie Nelson. Book in garage is first edition coffee table book of celebrity mug shots, thin; suggests a second edition possible with David Bowie, Jim Morrison, Rick James.
Neither Joe nor Arsenio has been arrested or taken a mug shot. In 1960s-70s, arrests were for joints. Jimmy got arrested in Toronto for heroin. Arsenio pulled over in 1989 with a joint; cop made him rip it up and drop it in the sewer, saying "get your life together."
Near end of life at Laugh Factory, wife in balcony fed lines via wireless earwig: "I don't get no respect." Heartwarming that she helped him do what he loved. His framed handwritten Tonight Show notes in green room, bolded punchlines, donated by Whitney Cummings.
Joe saw Rodney at 19 as security guard at Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Rodney wore bathrobe with nothing underneath, went on stage with bathrobe and slippers, murdered. After Back to School movies, smoked weed backstage, didn't give a fuck despite success. Inspired Joe at 19, scared of future, seeing someone with millions and fame just doing standup his way.
Easy E wore gifted bathrobe on Arsenio's show, picked teeth with knife; Paramount upset. Arsenio snuck in via first-run syndication for 6 years, did it his way, wouldn't change it despite 26 years total. Hired Johnny Carson's architect for his house. Everyone wanted to be Johnny; Jay Leno hid in closet to listen. Arsenio dreamed of being old white man with desk.
As kid magician, read Johnny did sleight of hand, saw it as sign from God.
Everyone wanted Tonight Show; own shows like Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin, Dinah Shore didn't suffice. Needed Jim McCawley to say "Tonight Show is yours." Roseanne's "domestic goddess" Tonight Show debut was wild, ahead of her time, aggressive, no sexuality, great writing. She still visits Mothership, wild but cool: rearranged show for Magic Johnson's HIV announcement, still came with Tom Arnold to support.
Landline phones required redialing if missed. iPhone freaked people out without buttons; Arsenio resisted from Blackberry. Now talk to phones, dictate texts. Siri won't transcribe N-word, writes other N things or refuses.
Phones evolved: 1996-98 Motorola era, Arsenio's first in Halliburton briefcase with antenna. Joe had car roof antenna in 1989. Couldn't imagine kids watching movies, gaming, socializing via phones. Young men now use dating apps, no pimp hand or rap.
Joe and Arsenio were only parents not giving kids phones young. Arsenio's son noted two without; Joe's daughter had kid phone dialing only parents (frog phone?). Now worries: Roblox predators, DM creeps, online gaming headsets with strangers.
Early games typed chat; voice chat crazier. Creeps target kids online.
Arsenio worked magic shop at 12 for cash, latchkey kid, mother two jobs, no warnings. Met older magicians, went to houses for tricks; 40-year-old Pen & Teller employee friend yearly in Cleveland, mother unaware. Got lucky, no issues.
Latchkey kids resilient: figured life out alone, outside without phones at 10-11. Vs. helicopter parenting, tracking kids. Arsenio lied about sleepovers at 14 to stay with girlfriend whose nurse mom worked 11-7; lived like couple till grandparents surprised, jumped nude off balcony.
Our generation most emotionally resilient; current least, always seeking anxiety sources. No bike helmets, station wagons with rear-facing seats, no seatbelts. Old cars dangerous: drum brakes, no traction. Joe has resto mods with modern suspension/brakes.
Arsenio's first car 1973 Chevelle; had Cutlass. High school 1980s, muscle cars aspirational. Joe has 1970 Chevelle from 17, cherry condition: no dents, perfect paint, great sound.
Arsenio Hall owns a black 1970 Chevelle with white stripes, reminiscent of his youth at 16 when Burt Reynolds drove up in a Trans Am with a big eagle from Smokey and the Bandit movies with Sally Field. He almost lost his mind seeing it. Joe Rogan confirms $100 tip reference.
Arsenio visited Jay Leno's garages with his 1965 Corvette resto mod. Leno drove it, the only other person to do so. Leno has multiple warehouses, never sells cars. Recently acquired two army tanks, one from the King of Jordan. Drives everything, including tanks through Sherman Oaks. Crashed a motorcycle a few years ago climbing a hill.
Arsenio toured with Leno and Craig Kilborn as Kings of Late Night, starting with five dates, adding 20 more.
Leno was a great comic in the 70s, edgy on Letterman with bits like opening a philosophy shop after college. The Tonight Show was his ultimate goal.
Arsenio never did Letterman standup, prefers nightclub comedy for drunk audiences over 5-minute TV sets. His comedy needs time to build. Worked on Tonight Show set with Johnny Carson's producer who changed jokes (e.g., vacation instead of gift shop), eventually deemed not a "Johnny comic." Performed on a Monday with Joan Rivers, later guest with Johnny to promote Coming to America.
Old Don Rickles clips on Tonight Show with band member Snookie using blow gun noises can't be done now. Comedy has gone backwards in some ways; can't joke about certain things. Arsenio avoids reading about himself, ignores critics. On stage, focuses on his own performance, not non-laughers who have their own issues—some just smile or take it in.
Only bothered if he stumbles. Bombs happen with new jokes. At Mothership, Bottom of the Barrel show pulls premises from a whiskey barrel (e.g., ice cream sundae) and runs with them—many go nowhere, but it's a premise factory. Audience expects polish when paying, but bombing is part of taking chances.
Arsenio less chance-driven, feelings hurt easily, but agrees to do feared things.
Richard Pryor at original Comedy Store built bits from a cigarette pack with smoke effects, from 2 to 5 minutes like making a quilt. Would bomb Monday, murder by Saturday. Damon Wayans sat with premises for 10 minutes until finding the gold.
Damon's HBO Last Stand special phenomenal. Wanted to be movie star but vulnerable, truthful (e.g., club foot as kid). Films and archives every set since 1990s, reviews to find what works, no fear of silence. Chris Rock at Comedy Store warned crowd new material wouldn't be that funny, post-Bring the Pain and Bigger and Blacker.
Disliked Rock's special with three outfits/locations (e.g., Johannesburg, Cleveland)—distracts from premise, takes away magic of being in the moment. Changing outfits (leather jacket to silk shirt) pulls focus from the content.
Damon archives all sets, seen at Improv lab 9-10 years ago. Potential amazing documentary. Monster in early 90s at Comedy Store.
Joe from Boston to New York: Catch a Rising Star, Comic Strip, Dangerfield's, Boston Comedy Club (Barry Katz). Preferred road (Connecticut, Long Island, New Jersey) for money ($250 vs. $25), headline 45-60 minutes to build real hour sets vs. stitched 10-15 minute sets.
Inspired at Al Green concert by comic with juice glass doing 30 minutes. House burned down, lost drums, doves, magic boxes. Opened for Lou Rawls, Patty LaBelle, Patrice Ruschen, Johnny Guitar Watson, Temptations, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bon Jovi (VH1 theater-in-round, moved pretty girls front for camera), Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson (jazz audiences mellow, perfect for comedy). Alonzo Bodden does jazz cruises.
Hosts Playboy Jazz Festival at Hollywood Bowl yearly (previously Bill Cosby). Sat on Malibu beach with Miles Davis painting without easel, red trumpet nearby. Equates comedy to jazz improvisation ("going in D").
Quincy Jones demo: water in pop bottles by Sheila E. for Off the Wall tracks, isolated elements like bass, drums, Michael's voice in 18-channel studio.
Arsenio Hall recalls Quincy Jones, recognizing him from Ohio, inviting him to the studio after seeing his standup at the Roxy. Quincy plays a scratch track demo of James Ingram's "100 Ways" and "Just Once", seeking a singer. Arsenio questions what's wrong with Ingram, and Quincy agrees he's good. It turns out Ingram is from Ohio. This highlights Quincy's music genius as a jazz musician, enabling him to produce Off the Wall and revive Michael Jackson. Joe Rogan notes the layers in the sound, like Sheila E with pop bottles. Arsenio bought The Jackson 5's Moving Violation album and knew Michael needed Quincy. He compares to Rick Rubin's creative process.
Arsenio took over Joan Rivers' show, aiming for his own style with "friends of the show." He booked LL Cool J performing "I'm Bad", then "The Freaks Come Out at Night" and Houdini, finding his home. He expected the 11-week gig to lead to his own show after strong ratings, unlike Joan's exit due to low numbers. Returning from Coming to America, he discovered Fox hired Conan O'Brien for The Wilton North Report. Paramount offered first-run syndication, explained alongside pitches from Oprah's King brothers. It worked with some CBS affiliates, though now only Byron Allen thrives, suing cheaters and winning. His Comics Unleashed will replace Colbert's Late Show.
Late shows don't work anymore; expensive like Colbert's costing $50 million yearly. With three channels, one talk show dominated; now internet allows anytime viewing without 11 p.m. tuning. Format restricts depth, cutting every seven minutes for commercials like Tide, unlike their 2-hour-40-minute flowing conversation. No national gatherings except sports, Super Bowl, live boxing, UFC. Arsenio watched Cheers finales with Must See TV.
Joe didn't watch Chris Rock's live Selective Outrage live but later; content wasn't available repeatedly growing up. Joe did his Netflix special live for the fear, initially refusing then reconsidering while driving home, feeling like a coward. Benefits: legitimate nervousness, absent from regular shows. Compares to primal hunting fear like killing wild hogs or elk with bow and arrow—one-shot intensity. Likes scary things for growth, except cocaine—no success stories, unlike inventions. Would do standup live again; plans next one live.
Prepared more than ever: listened to recordings nightly, wrote act repeatedly by hand and typing, watched recordings. Felt loose on show night in San Antonio; no changes, no mistakes. Like fighting, full preparation avoids regrets. Unlike filming four specials picking the best, live with millions watching is scary but fun.
Joe barely leaves Texas, loves it. Thought of leaving LA 20 years ago, tried Colorado in 2009 at 8,500 feet—too much. Fears massive LA earthquake; arrived post-Northridge. Freeways collapsed; feels LA poorly run, chaotic shell game of grift, money, homeless crisis like Skid Row's 50 blocks. Austin feels like a small town with everything, stronger community. LA pushes problems to Skid Row since decades ago, taking people from Beverly Hills downtown. Arsenio saw it in 2005 filming Fear Factor downtown, took wrong turn—zombie movie. Dave Hurwitz was his intern, set up for Joe with worms.
No mental institutions since Reagan shut them; now schizophrenia on streets with drugs, needles encouraged. Arsenio wouldn't run for California governor—terrible job, wants to expose fraud but gets killed, loses rich money. Politics unfixable with dirty money; congressmen on $170k/year worth $80 million via insider trading across parties. Humor neutral, jokes like favorite Menendez brother or Lyle with toupee.
Menendez docudrama portrays psychos. Offered OJ role in scripted OJ Simpson doc but too recognizable; Cuba Gooding Jr. played him well, with John Travolta. Arsenio's book story: OJ stormed Stage 29 at Paramount angry after booking Leslie Nielsen (Naked Gun) over him, despite OJ's request. Parked outside elephant door. Pre-murder, pre-CTE knowledge. NFL hits caused violence, like Junior Seau's suicide preserving brain. OJ played race card: "thought black host different." Later in club with New Edition, drunk with Nicole and Faye Resnick; OJ admitted, "I still love her, tried to give her up, can't." She died soon after. Missed show during Bronco freeway chase, wanted to monologue.
Arsenio had gigantic cultural impact, looks fantastic at 70. Invite to Joe's club; neon mothership sign from Brigham pre-club, UFO obsession since Parliament-Funkadelic concert with George Clinton's One Nation Under a Groove. Book: Arsenio (also audiobook), cool AI pictures making him look 35.
"Nobody's got like a meth story. Like, man, I started doing meth and I started seeing the world for what it really is."
"That's like asking me who my favorite Menendez brother is."
"I still love her. I've tried to give her up and I can't."
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