Joe Rogan couldn’t believe what he heard during a recent episode of the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience). The podcast host has a fascination with technology and he has featured guests like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, leading figures in the cutting edge of modern developments in their field like engineering and AI, respectively.
During episode no. 2124 of the JRE, Rogan was joined in the studio by comedians, Dave Attell and Ian Fidance. The highlight of the episode was when Attell pulled out a ‘flip phone’ in 2024, leaving Rogan stunned and amazed at the comedian’s reasoning for still using ‘old technology’ in the age of iPhones and Android smartphones!
Joe Rogan given a ‘blast from the past’ from Dave Attell
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Comedian Dave Attell surprised Joe Rogan when he started texting on a ‘flip phone’ during their podcast episode. Rogan exclaimed, “This is madness (Attell texting on his flip phone), how long does it take for you to accomplish this?”
Attell then finished up his text and Rogan probed further by asking, “So, you don’t have an iPhone at all anymore?”, to which Attell responded by revealing, “I have one, but this is me off the grid, this is my, when sh*t happens, right here, I’m ready to go.”
The comedian then went on to explain that he does own an iPhone but reserves his smartphone for emails. Rogan, incredulous, proceeded to send a text to Attell to witness the process firsthand. Still in shock, the podcast host further inquired, “It always makes sounds, every time you text a button it makes a sound? That doesn’t drive you nuts?”
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Attelll revealed that the noise does annoy people around him and Rogan then expressed disbelief at the ordeal by asking, “So it takes you like 4 presses to get to an S still? You’re doing that thing?” and Attell affirmed that indeed, he did.
Ian Fidance, who was also present in the room, then made another shocking revelation as he stated, “He still uses emoticons, like a colon and parenthesis”. But Attell jokingly ended the conversation by exclaiming, “Well, are you guys done with this tech beatdown? It’s like I’m a tech hoarder, ‘come out of the house buddy, come on, we love you!’”
In an age dominated by smartphones and emojis, Attell’s preference for simplicity and functionality stood out in the conversation. Despite the jests, Attell’s commitment to his flip phone showcased a unique perspective on modern technology.
And despite the disbelief and surprise at his guest’s choice of phone, Rogan has also revealed that he is wary of the impact smartphones and social media can have on children!
Rogan reveals a unique perspective on modern technology as a father
Despite his shock at Dave Attell using a flip phone, Joe Rogan has also stated that he is vigilant about his children’s time on their smartphones. A father to 3 girls, the host of the JRE, had revealed the ‘house rules’ when it comes to screen time for his kids.
During a conversation with UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley and his coach, Tim Welch, on the JRE MMA Show episode no. 147, Welch asked Rogan if he monitors and regulates the time his kids spend on their devices. As such, Rogan revealed, “Yeah, I monitor them. They – they can’t have their phones at night.”
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He also admitted that “I think if you deny kids social media, one of the things you’re gonna do is you’re gonna, kinda, socially alienate them, because all their friends are on social media.“ However, he also stressed the importance of discipline while allowing freedom.
Therefore, Rogan’s dual perspective on technology, both in his amazement at Attell’s choice and in his cautious approach to his children’s smartphone usage, reflects a balanced view of the role of technology in modern life.
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What are your thoughts on the prevalence of smartphones in modern society and what did you think about Joe Rogan’s reaction to the ‘flip phone’ being used by Dave Attell? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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