#2305 – Rich Vos

In episode #2305 of 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' Joe welcomes stand-up comedian Rich Vos for a conversation that meanders through a variety of topics, including Vos's penchant for buying jewelry, his experiences with anxiety, and his career in comedy. Vos opens up about his struggle with feeling empty inside and how his purchases are an attempt to fill that void. He also touches on his material possessions, including his Lexus car, which he repeatedly buys and trades in for newer models as a way of coping with depression.

Vos and Rogan discuss the nature of success and the perpetual desire for 'one more thing' to feel accomplished, with Vos candidly sharing his feelings of inadequacy despite having a successful career and a loving family. They dive into the topic of self-sabotage and the fear of success, which leads to a broader conversation about comfort in discomfort and Vos's past drug addiction.

The discussion shifts to Vos's experiences in the comedy world, including his observations about the industry's focus on numbers and ticket sales over talent. He reflects on the near successes of his television pilots and the nuanced rejections that felt like veiled affirmations. Vos also reminisces about working with legendary comedians like Bill Hicks and his own evolution as a comic, touching on the importance of respect from peers over industry accolades.

Throughout the episode, Vos's humor shines through as he recounts stories from his past, including buying a car on his wife's birthday and the dynamics of their relationship. The conversation takes a turn into more personal territory as they discuss Vos's history of drug use, his recovery, and the impact of addiction on his life and career.