Shangrila with Joe Begley

Every Lesson I Learned Last Year

I sat down with Ramon for our first podcast back.
 
 
Ramon: https://www.instagram.com/resolute_media_/
 
Joe: https://www.instagram.com/bigjoebegs/
 
 
 
In this episode, we explore a wide range of thought-provoking topics, from overcoming fear and imposter syndrome to lessons from legendary entrepreneurs, artists, and thinkers. If you're looking for insights on success, creativity, and mental resilience, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.
 
We kick things off with some skepticism about the episode itself (00:30), but quickly dive into the importance of writing things down and implementing them to solidify memory, as explained by Alex Hormozi (02:20). The conversation shifts to how problems are a precursor to success, drawing from both Hormozi's philosophy and lessons from the movie Hidalgo (05:00).
 
One core takeaway: Never wish for fewer epic stories (07:00). Challenges and struggles often create the best moments in life. We then ask a powerful question—What would I do if I wasn’t afraid? (08:30)—a concept that drives self-discovery and bold action.
 
Morgan Housel and Chris Williamson provide a framework for analyzing productivity: What feels like work but isn’t productive? What doesn’t feel like work but is actually productive? (10:30). This leads to practical tips, like avoiding sleeping with your phone in your room (14:00), and discussing Ramon's unique approach to productivity (15:00).
 
We challenge the notion of imposter syndrome, as Alex Hormozi argues that it often isn't real (18:45). Then, the conversation takes a personal turn with stories about Ramon’s dad and the Latinos for Trump movement (21:00), followed by an open discussion on depression and therapy (22:50). A key takeaway? Therapists need to move on—a controversial perspective worth unpacking (24:15).
 
Many people aren’t afraid of failure itself; they’re afraid of failing in front of others (26:30). This idea from Alex Hormozi leads to a discussion on lagging vs. leading metrics (29:30), with Orion Taraban explaining how focusing on daily actions leads to long-term success.
 
We also take a deep dive into The Beatles’ insane work ethic (31:50) and David Harley’s concept that real artists ship—meaning that creativity isn’t just about making things, but about putting them out into the world. Dan Mace’s philosophy further reinforces this idea: Look at what you have in your possession and create with it (33:50).
 
Then, we pivot to the spiritual side, discussing Soak by Ram Dass, the challenges of Austin comedy podcasts, and how to talk to famous, intimidating people (34:10). We explore how that which you can see gets prioritized (38:55) and how Founders Podcast provides deep insights into legendary figures like Steve Jobs (40:15).
 
Speaking of Jobs, we analyze being entertaining in business (42:51) and Mark Andreesen’s idea that the world is a malleable place (44:30)—suggesting that reality is shaped by those bold enough to mold it.
 
Finally, we close with a game-changing realization: Once I shifted from being scared to go onstage to excited, everything changed—a lesson from Mark Normand via Sean Millea (47:30).
 
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How the f*ck are you supposed to decide who to invite to a wedding - 23 with Brandon Legendre

00:00 The Old Pod
02:00 Brandon is engaged / Wedding Stress / How do you pick groomsmen
06:45 Brandon's Donation / People trying to get pregnant
15:00 Tyreek Hill / Getting women pregnant
20:30 Booze makes you not cum fast
22:00 Alcohol and Hangovers. Joe's vacation. Bachelor parties
24:45 Scramble the brains
32:00 Weed and booze breaks
44:00 Joe's Insane Rash
46:00 Nat is fat / Bullying your friends / Drinking problems / the fridge broke / stolen bike
55:00 Joe's Busted Fridge
I sat down with my producer, Brandon to discuss a number of things. Most importantly, his engagement and my fridge getting destroyed.
In this episode, Joe and Brandon dive into everything from wedding stress and picking groomsmen to the surprising downsides of booze. Brandon shares his engagement news and the chaos of planning a wedding (00:00). The conversation takes a wild turn when Brandon makes an unexpected donation that leads to a hilarious gay porn joke (06:45).
Joe gets personal about Tyreek Hill and the pressures of getting women pregnant (15:00), and the duo explores the connection between alcohol, hangovers, and how booze might just be the secret to not finishing too fast (20:30). Joe’s vacation stories, bachelor party antics, and the infamous brain scramble make for unforgettable moments (22:00).
Later, the guys discuss the pros and cons of weed and booze breaks (32:00), Joe’s insane rash (44:00), and why bullying your friends might just be the cure for everything—well, almost everything, except a busted fridge (46:00). As the episode wraps up, they ponder the political implications of Joe Biden’s presidency and the influence of The Wire on their lives (1:02:00), before taking a quick detour to Germany (1:17:00).

Is AI Going to Take Over Music - #21 with Alec Boyd

Shangrila Podcast #21 with Alec Boyd Alec is a good friend of mine living in Austin, Texas. He is the creator and frontman of Beach Street Music. He has toured and produced for numerous bands around the country. In this episode, I sit down with Alec Boyd, a local Austin musician, for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on comedy, music, and everything in between. We start by exploring the nuances of speaking voice volumes and the realization that your comedian friends are essentially your coworkers. We talk about how important it is to hang out with regular friends who keep you grounded (00:00). Alec shares his journey of being drawn to comedy, and we discuss The Bike Riders movie, imagining what it would be like if the Sex Pistols actually showed up to band practice (02:00). From there, we dive into the concept of selling out and the challenge of setting personal standards as an artist (04:00), leading to a discussion on the world of indie rock and bedroom pop (07:00). We then tackle the topic of homogeneity in music, the grid system that influences modern sounds, and the rise of artists like Steve Lacy (11:00). I share my experience hearing a truly terrible song, which sparks a conversation on AI music and the role of "feel" in creativity (13:00). This transitions into my attempt to become a DJ and how computer-generated music intersects with AI (16:00). We touch on the legendary Austin comedy venue, The Mothership (21:00), and then dive into what it means to be mega-famous, using Taylor Swift as an example (24:00). Alec and I explore the idea of creating music that is perfect but not necessarily popular (27:00), and we take a moment to reflect on the documentary Searching for Sugarman and my own experience of getting robbed (28:30). We talk about the feedback loop that artists can get caught up in when chasing perfection. The conversation then shifts to the stand-up creation process, where we break down the intricacies of crafting a joke and the parallels between music and comedy (32:55). Alec shares a clip from The Replacements, leading to a discussion about the band and their influence on music (35:45). Finally, we wrap up by reminiscing about the pre-internet days of discovering new music and how platforms like Spotify have changed the way we experience and find new sounds (39:00). Throughout the episode, we discuss a wide range of artists, including the Sex Pistols, Tame Impala, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Dom Dolla, Steve Lacy, Pavement, R.E.M., Burial, Elle King, Post Malone, Zach Bryan, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Barry Manilow, Roxy Music, Iggy Pop, Rodríguez, The Rolling Stones, The Replacements, and Diarrhea Planet. Filmed at The Creek and The Cave Studios in Austin, Texas.

The Basement Tapes (Semi-Solo)

In this wild and unpredictable solo episode, chaos reigns as we jump from a Black Sabbath cover to taking tequila shots, and even delve into a bizarre experience at a Chinese massage parlor. The conversation takes a twist into Chinatown and mafia stories before a musical interlude with a Sturgill Simpson cover. Things get heated during a debate about air purifiers, which somehow turns into a therapy session, before spiraling into off-the-rails chaos and dead baby jokes. We wrap up with a discussion on smart homes, a journey to the origins of Shangrila, and a reminder that this is definitely not Coldplay. Buckle up—this episode is a rollercoaster from start to finish.

Back from The Depths of Hell - Nat Rogachevsky

Nat Rogachevsky is my boy.Dive into Shangri-La, where host Joe Begley takes you on a journey through captivating conversations and thought-provoking topics. Each episode explores a range of subjects, from intriguing cultural phenomena to personal stories and beyond, all delivered with Joe’s signature insight and engaging style.
What to Expect:
In-Depth Discussions: Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and curiosity to every episode, offering listeners a deep dive into each topic.
Guest Interviews: Hear from a diverse array of guests who share their expertise, experiences, and unique perspectives.
Engaging Stories: Enjoy compelling narratives and personal anecdotes that bring each subject to life.
Thoughtful Insights: Gain new perspectives and ideas that provoke reflection and inspire conversation.
 

Insane Southeast Asia stories, Stolen Phones, Doc Ellis, and Some Mean Spirited Fun - #18

Spencer Cavins is my absolute boy. He has been crushing shows around Austin. In this episode, we dive into a range of intriguing topics. We start with a discussion on tennis before shifting to insights from Peter Attia on longevity and injuries. Next, we explore the infamous Doc Ellis and the Red Sox's chicken and beer scandal. Our conversation then takes an international turn with a look at Japanese culture, followed by Spencer's jaw-dropping story from Thailand and Joe's riveting tale from Cambodia. We also touch on the unfortunate incident of Joe's stolen phone, share a similar story from our friend Raza, and highlight some key details about Joe's phone theft. Finally, we discuss Joe's exclusion from the Lyndon B. Johnson museum and delve into some humorous remarks about Nat, as well as our memories of "The Boys" and the France trip that never came to be. Join us for a rollercoaster of anecdotes and reflections!Spencer's IG: https://www.instagram.com/spencercavins/

Should You Be Able to Joke About Anything - #17 with Ryan Goodcase

The most important thing you can do for us is subscribe to the RSS feed.Here's the link for all major platforms: https://www.joebegs.com/podcastMe and Ryan spent a good two years running around the bay area doing comedy. He was one of the best comics we had, and it's pretty incredible to see him racking up 10s of millions of views with his Netflix is a Joke tape.Ryan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryangoodcase/ Episode summary:In this episode, we embark on a multifaceted exploration of comedy and its intersections with life, starting with the seemingly mundane yet crucial topic of dehydration and the importance of staying hydrated. This leads into a deeper conversation about the benefits of therapy and the significance of remaining true to oneself both on and off stage. We then delve into the age-old debate among comedians: should one have a well-crafted act or should they perform as they genuinely feel in the moment? This discussion naturally transitions into the technical aspects of home recording music and effective joke-writing tactics, offering insights and tips for both budding and seasoned comedians. We don't shy away from controversial and sensitive topics, such as SIDS and dead baby jokes, questioning whether there are subjects that should be off-limits in comedy and pondering the potential effects of jokes on people's behavior. The episode further explores the idea of a "hack" in comedy, shedding light on what it means and why it's often viewed negatively. Sharing personal anecdotes, we recount experiences from performing comedy in the South Bay, and lighten the atmosphere by sharing our favorite jokes from comedy legends Rodney Dangerfield and Louie CK. Personal stories about the significance of family names and emotional connections to cousins, alongside reflections on the works of Woody Allen, bring a heartfelt touch to the discussion. We also touch on the theme of death, examining its impact on our lives and our comedy. The episode wraps up with a fun and casual chat about our favorite treats and drinks, from fudge and whiskey cokes to ranch waters and memorable visits to Buckees. This episode is a blend of humor, introspection, and candid conversations, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the comedy landscape.00:00 Intro / Dehydration01:45 Drinking / Therapy 4:00 Monotone and Being Yourself5:30 Should you have an act or should you act as you feel onstage10:20 Home recording music12:20 Joke writing tactics16:30 SIDS / Dead Baby Jokes18:45 Is there anything we shouldn't talk about. Do jokes have an effect on people's behavior?23:00 What is a hack?25:45 Doing comedy in the South Bay29:40 Ryan's Favorite Dangerfield Joke / Joe's favorite Louie joke31:00 The Goodcase family name34:00 Emotional Connection to your cousins and Woody Allen36:30 Death38:00 Fudge, Whiskey Cokes, Ranch Waters, and Buckees

Poker Losses, The Gambler's Mentality, and How To Figure Out If You're Good at Something - t1000

It was great having JC back on the podcast. As all of you are well aware, I am not a professional poker player, but I still find these episodes interesting because of the crossover into my own life. I found it especially interesting when JC was talking about the nit game. The nit is an externality in the poker game that was tough to account for. It substantially changes the way the players play the game. I hope you enjoy this one. Please subscribe to our RSS feed. Subscribe to our RSS feed: https://www.joebegs.com/podcast JC's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t1000_jc/ Episode Summary: In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the highs and lows of the host's journey, starting with candid reflections on sobriety attempts and a jaw-dropping tale of losing $150,000 in one sitting. The discussion unfolds to explore the intricate dynamics of the nit game, early financial losses, and the high-risk, high-reward world of leverage and whales. Listeners gain insight into the gabler mentality and the pursuit of passion, juxtaposed with Hormozi's theory on high-risk success and the philosophy of going all in. As the conversation progresses, the host shares the inspiration drawn from following Theo Von, standing at the start line of a new career, and enduring brutal downswings. The episode also covers maintaining happiness amid shifting goalposts, the art of booking and recognizing talent in comedy, and the inevitable comparisons and trash talk in the industry. Concluding with a raw and honest moment about almost quitting comedy, this episode is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:25 Sobriety Attempts 03:20 Losing $150,000 in one sitting 10:30 The added complexity of the nit game in this situation 16:45 Young Losses 18:00 Leverage, whales and upside 21:30 Gablers mentality and risk taking 23:30 Should you do what you love? 25:15 Hormozi's Theory on High Risk Success 28:00 Going all in 30:00 Following Theo Von 33:00 Standing on the start line of a new career 35:55 JC's Brutal Downswing, Joe's Tough 2023 and great 2024 , Depression, and Achievement 39:00 Keeping the goal posts from moving and happiness because of and in spite of success 43:00 Booking people in comedy, and talent. How to know if you're actually any good at something. 45:45 People that feel the need to talk trash. Comparing yourself to others. 51:08 Channels that trash comics (CLIP) 53:30 Almost Quitting Comedy

Kill Tony, Mormonism, and Life After Living in a Warzone - Episode 15 with Scott Filmore

This week, Joe and producer Brandon are joined by Scott Filmore, who is the man. He moved to Austin recently. I've had him on a couple of my shows and he crushes every time. We went deep on his childhood in LDS, he recent experience as a back-to-back Kill Tony Bucket pull, and of course his experience as a gay dude in Austin. I love this guy. I hope you do too. Scott's IG: https://www.instagram.com/scottfillmorecomedy/ Pod on All Platforms: https://www.joebegs.com/podcast In this episode, the hosts start with some light-hearted nonsense to set a humorous tone before quickly diving into a discussion about gay sex. This is followed by a segment on Salt Lake City, where the hosts share anecdotes and observations about the city. At the 14:30 mark, Joe begins to share his origin story, which leads into a deeper exploration of Mormonism and its influence on his life. The conversation then transitions to Joe's start in standup comedy and his interactions with Bill Carrol, an influential figure in his career. The hosts return to the topic of calling people gay, adding more humor to the discussion about gay sex. Joe shares stories from his Mormon missionary trip, an engagement to a woman, and an adventurous trip to Ukraine, blending personal experiences with humor. Joe recounts his time in China and reflects on the experience of knowing people in war zones, adding a serious note to the otherwise light-hearted episode. The tone shifts back to humor with a story about a sexual encounter in a foxhole and a mention of the legendary "Ghost of Kiev." At the 36-minute mark, Joe shares a story involving Jimmy Fallon and alcoholism, mixing celebrity gossip with humor. This leads into a discussion about laziness and drinking, with the hosts sharing their perspectives and personal anecdotes. Joe then dives into Scott Filmore's experience on the show "Kill Tony," providing commentary and humorous insights. The hosts discuss people they consider assholes and praise Shane Gillis, highlighting why they think he's notable or commendable. The episode wraps up with Joe sharing a personal story related to his experiences and perceptions about being gay, filled with humor and self-reflection. 00:00 Nonsense 06:00 Being Gay 08:30 Salt Lake City 14:30 Joe's origin story 15:00 Mormonism 20:30 Starting Standup and Bill Carrol 24:30 Calling people gay 26:00 Mormon missionary trip, an engagement to a woman, and a trip to Ukraine 29:00 Joe in China, and what it's like to know people in a war zone 33:00 Getting blown in a foxhole 35:00 The Ghost of Kiev 36:00 The Jimmy Fallon Alcoholism Story 37:55 Laziness and drinking 39:25 Scott Filmore's Kill Tony Story 50:00 Assholes / Shane Gillis is The Man 57:00 Joe's Gay Story

A Special Monday Solo Ep - The Caitlyn Clark Conspiracy Theory, Rick Rubin vs Jacob Collier, Ireland & More - #14 with Brandon Legendre

We decided to shake things up and do one with just the boys. In this episode, we kick things off with a deep dive into Women's Basketball and an intriguing Caitlyn Clark conspiracy theory. Next, we explore how McGregor uses trash talk as a powerful promotional tool. Then, we switch gears to discuss the dynamic sports power couple, Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum, and delve into their lives on and off the field. Following that, we highlight the multi-talented Childish Gambino, celebrating his diverse contributions to music, film, and culture. In a thought-provoking segment, we examine the unconventional advice "Don't Give The Customer What They Want," featuring insights from industry giants Noel Gallagher, Rick Rubin, and Jacob Collier. Finally, we journey to the beautiful and complex landscape of Ireland, exploring its rich history, culture, and modern-day charm. Join us for a blend of sports intrigue, music innovation, and cultural exploration! 00:00 Women's Basketball and my Caitlyn Clark conspiracy 8:15 McGregor and using trash talk as a promotion mechanism 14:40 Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum 17:00 Childish Gambino 18:15 Don't Give The Customer What They Want - Noel Gallagher, Rick Rubin, and Jacob Collier 26:00 Differences between Ireland and America