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Comment by kjakm | Hacker News Reader

Given it's hosted by a comedian and has a diverse range of guests from entertainers to scientists to wackos, I've always thought of it as a show meant to entertain (which occasionally informs). I don't think it has ever pretended to be somewhere for robust intellectual discussion.

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Where do you go for "robust intellectual discussion"?

One thing about Joe Rogan is that he covers a far broader spectrum of people than anyone else. Who has Alex Jones/Elon Musk/Neil deGrasse Tyson on?

To be frank I find most "robust intellectual discussion" stultifying e.g. hacker news has exactly this problem.

>Where do you go for "robust intellectual discussion"?

Sam Harris and Tim Ferriss have great long form interviews with interesting people.

I used to listen to Tim Ferris years ago, even bought the 4 hour workweek but for whatever reason I eventually lost interest. I think he was a bit predictable and bland also a bit too deep into "Tech" culture.

Never really paid much attention to Sam Harris so might have another look at him.

One of the most interesting things about Joe Rogan is that he's not a one trick pony e.g. Comedy/Fighters/TV personality etc. I find him more interesting as a result.

Worth looking into Tim Ferriss again. He's done so many episodes of his podcast now that there is a wide range of guests. I'd say if it leans towards any subject it wouldn't be tech but maybe health/body related subjects.

The difference for me is that Harris and Ferris don't make as much room for the interviewee, will often talk more than their guests, and their shows in-general focus more on their own guru egos and view points.

Rogan doesn't self-promote on his podcast, and he creates space for his guests to go deep on their specialties.

> I don't think it has ever pretended to be somewhere for robust intellectual discussion

I agree, but many vocal fans on Twitter and YouTube disagree.

I almost included a point on this in my original comment. You’re right but I get the impression those are the same type of people that think only “intellectuals” like them can truly understand Rick & Morty.

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