Adam November 28, 2011 at 5:44 am

Wow Mr. Jillette has really been making the rounds lately. Of course I expect your interview to bring something quite different to the table…as usual. I’m looking forward to listening and didn’t have the maturity to resist having to be the first comment.

Justin November 28, 2011 at 8:10 am

*Takes a breath* Okay, I am a massive P&T fan and insist that Penn is an absolutely brilliant magician and performer. *pause* and this makes me all the more sorry to say his latest delve into the ‘New Atheism’ arena is absolutely dreadful. At or below the level of annoying college dropouts who make trollish Youtube ‘Atheist Channels’ and I absolutely hate this for ruining my admiration.
Anyways, the reason I’m venting is because I’m nearly considering skipping this podcast so I can try and save some respect for the guy and just try and remember him as the amazing magician he is. Not a horrible wannabe philosopher.

.... *breath*... okay I’m in. I’m going to listen to this one. Wish me luck!

Nathan Allen November 28, 2011 at 11:32 am

One of my favorite entertainers, interviewing another one of my favorite entertainers.  Sweeeeeeeeet.

Andrew November 28, 2011 at 2:52 pm

Marc, I love your show and have a lot of respect for your ability to inspire real insight in so many people, but if I were in your seat, I would have thrown Mr. Jillette out of my figurative garage for insulting me with his navel-gazing, pedantic, insipid musing. What a fucking cock. Almost nothing in this interview has even the slightest hint of truth- I don’t think you cracked even the smallest sliver of the corner of Jillette’s facade of tedious, boring self-satisfaction. I know you’re not a journalist and you’re not here to hold people’s feet to the fire- believe me, I appreciate that you indulge people because it’s rare that you’re going to get something as amazing as, say, the Norm McDonald interview if you’re just telling people to stop bullshitting. But please, when even I can hear you thinking that this person is bullshit while I’m listening to the episode in my incredibly loud office, you should try listening to yourself a little more closely, too.

And Jillette is wrong about laser eye surgery- it’s a cash cow based on everybody innovating the shit out of their various proprietary techniques with relatively little oversight, which is why the FDA chose to have public hearings and revise their advisories on it in 2008. I cannot believe the twisted logic he employs to show that’s somehow proof of the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

Adam November 28, 2011 at 3:09 pm

Enlighten us Justin, what is so annoying about disbelief?  As Penn has so eloquently said in his book and in other articles, the disbeliever does not claim to know the answers.  Is it really that annoying to hear that some people require even a shred of evidence to back up the outrageous claims?  I’m sorry that it is such a threat to have people question your precious beliefs.

chris November 28, 2011 at 4:04 pm

I’m surprised that Penn has a Newfoundland background. We Newfoundlanders claim every possible famous Newfoundlander in existance including Shannon Tweed who spent about 3 months there.  Also, if he was talking to a Canadian comic, he’d have plenty of Newfoundland material - we tend to be the butt of all Canadian jokes.

James November 28, 2011 at 5:18 pm

I enjoyed the interview as always. Thanks Marc!

Litiot November 28, 2011 at 6:04 pm

Dear Mrs. Jillette, i’m sorry to inform you that your son is a fucking asshole. God Bless!

Justin November 28, 2011 at 7:35 pm

@Adam,

Adam, speaking of people becoming hysterical when their precious little beliefs are challenged I want to simply ask you:
        What would give you any reason to ‘believe’ I am anything but an Atheist? From the post you responded to? I would even suggest my post might indicate I am an Atheist.
While you try to answer this question (if only in your own mind so we dont turn this into a crappy YT atheist channel) but keep in mind that after Penn did some anti-theism rants on Atheist Adam Carolla’s podcast - ATHEISTS wrote comments complaining and even asking him to stop embarrassing their cause.

As for the podcast - yes I did suck it up and listen and I don’t regret it.  It wasn’t so bad at all. In fact, I enjoyed it.
I do have to agree with Crate (see above) Penn is… well.. a magician. A great magician and he applies that to his ‘philosophy’, politics, religion. He shouts a lot, uses aggression, booming words, then slight smooth (appearing) rhetoric, then folds and palms and SHOUTS and then misdirects.
After he is done you can ‘feel’ he made a lot of good points, nailed religion, owned politics, trumped fools,
yet,
just like fantastic magic acts - behind it all is a lot of silliness, dumb simple gimmicks, nonsense and bluffing smoke and mirrors.
But yes.. he is very good at it! Which, in a way is admirable in its own right. Just like Magic acts are.

jared November 28, 2011 at 9:43 pm

Jillette is great until he talks about politics -_-

Jmech4889 November 28, 2011 at 9:46 pm

The wtf comments section has been tainted by politics… Is nothing sacred?

vadgeman November 28, 2011 at 11:01 pm

Another solid interview. But Tom Waits, already, please? I know you can wrangle it. It ain’t like the guy’s press-shy, and he has a new album to pimp.

Jcar November 29, 2011 at 12:14 am

I’ve never understood why libertarians always have to be such assholes.  And that’s not meant as an insult, but just a somewhat perplexing observation.  I’m pretty liberal, but I’m able to get along with people from most political backgrounds.  I grew up in the midwest, afterall, so I have tons of republican friends, most of whom are pretty nice people politics aside.  But I swear, every single libertarian I have ever met has been a massive, fucking, asshole. 

Which has always confused me as given that libertarians tend to be pretty socially liberal you would think that we’d get along better as we’d at least see eye to eye on certain things.  But that’s really not the case.  I’ve known tons of genuinely good and well intentioned conservatives, but have yet to meet a similar libertarian.  It’s just something about the philosophy that attracts assholes, I think, and not only makes them all think that they are the brilliant chosen ones who are blessed with the genius to see truth as it absolutely is (while everyone else is stupid and deluded), but also that they absolutely fucking have to tell you about it—which is the most annoying part.

Maybe I’ve just had bad luck.  There has to be at least one genuinely nice and worthy libertarian out there, right?

ANyhow, after seeing one too many episodes of “Bullshit” I’ve stopped taking Jillette seriously as anything other than a great magician.  Despite the fact that I usually agreed with the conslusions made on the show, the way they went about arguing their points was totally cheap, unfairly dismissive, and just a perfect exercise of how not to make an argument if you want to be taken seriously or make any sort of valid point at all.

ziggy November 29, 2011 at 1:03 am

Would have been better if Marc didn’t let him endlessly circle and string out replies on the smallest most inconsequential points. I didn’t learn much about him at all, how his career started and progressed, I was just drowned in lukewarm words.

RB November 29, 2011 at 9:02 am

It seems quite contradictory to claim that all people are good, while at the same time deeply distrusting government leadership to do the right thing with your tax money. Penn seems idealistic but at the same time very realistic about human nature. I’d like to hear more extended conversation in this area. This topic, to me, is the dilemma that many liberals face. We want to set up government programs to help people, but often get the impression that our money is misused and wasted by corrupt leaders and interests. Since Penn is such a good talker, maybe he can be on again?

Gloria November 29, 2011 at 9:14 am

Man, he’s tedious.  Good magician, though.  Some of us actually did grow up with a good upbringing, unconditional love from supportive parents, good education, etc., and still believe in some sort of Higher Power.  Frankly, I don’t give a damn if someone believes in God or not; ultimately the question is whether you’re a decent person.  Penn seems like a decent person, but he sure is a douche-y Atheist.

trevor November 29, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Hey guys sometimes intelligent people come to different conclusions. calm down for christs’ sake its words on the internet

silentsport November 29, 2011 at 5:32 pm

Did the interview suddenly cut out at 46 min. and change just for me?

Justin November 29, 2011 at 11:36 pm

@ Michael,
Well said and you got it bang-on. I once had a little ‘mini-debate’ with Penn about Christianity versus Atheism. It didn’t take me long to think of this ‘Top Ten Ways to know you’re an Atheist’ meme where one of the top picks was:
“You last went to Church when you were about 12 and for the rest of your life you have a ‘child’s god’ which you easily refute”
This reminded me of Penn who was chortling and easily debunking god for (something like) “Obviously if god existed you would drive through red lights because since you believe in god he would make them turn green using his powers!”.
Easily refuting a 12 year olds understanding of what a superman god!

But I think you did call it right and it’s partly why I hate it when he talks about politics, religion because it does come off (you got it) as ‘Juvenile’. I feel like a 17 year old is ‘ranting’ on YT,
yet,
wow what an awesome magician and fantastic showman! and yes I am saving money to see P&T (hopefully next Summer).

I have to admit Penn must be an awesome guest and deserves attention because I’m posting twice and look at all the comments! So what can I say but he is obviously a great guest!

DIEfirsties November 30, 2011 at 12:00 am

I’m so sick of reading these faggy comments by people who try to get attention by being the FIRST POSTER.  Die a painful death already

Great interview btw.  Penn is a very interesting person and even though I find it hard to buy his whole package I never fail to find him extremely intriguing.

Lionel Hutz, Esq. November 30, 2011 at 11:26 am

I do find Penn to be quite gregarious and funny in bursts, yet when he’s given a forum to just yak about politics and anything, he can get on my last nerve quickly. I will concede I am in the libertarian camp but not his theological camp, yet even how he espouses libertarianism can irk me as well. Also, I’m not inclined to put “CATHOLIC” on my license plate like Penn has on his “atheist”, “godless”, and “nogod”.  Also, he really is devout when it comes to his disbelief (if that sounds like an oxymoron, those are Penn’s words not mine).

There’s also that weird dichotomy people have when it comes to discussing politics. Case in point, Bill Maher annoys me because I find his personality aberrant. I could care less that he’s a liberal or an apatheist, that has nothing to do with why I don’t like him, and I have plenty of friends who are irreligious liberals. I also know plenty of libertarians and Catholics that you couldn’t pay me to hang out with them. I have friends of all political and theological persuasions and that’s exactly what they are—friends—not someone running for election.
Penn is who he is, and I respect his honestly immensely. One can still find his arguments facile though.

Dustin Timbrook December 01, 2011 at 1:27 am

If there’s one thing certain about Penn’s appearance on the show it’s that he was incredibly polite and kind-spirited, as was Marc. A lot of the comments here could not be more mean-spirited. Where is the reciprocity from you commentors? Penn spoke about his beliefs in response to the questions he was given, never blasted anyone who has come to different conclusions, and made clear that by their very nature his political beliefs aren’t to be forced on anyone. In response you’ve all spewed the most vitriolic venom I’ve read in ages, many of you pronouncedly doing so without even listening to the interview. It would be great if WTF guests weren’t thrown to the lions in the comments section of Marc’s site.

Joe Tily December 01, 2011 at 1:04 pm

^ really well said Dustin.
Another good episode by the way Marc . . . .

Joey December 02, 2011 at 1:33 am

Wow, Dustin.  I was going to post something similar, but it wouldn’t have been as well said.  I don’t agree with Penn’s politics (definitely agree with his atheism), but he was incredibly nice, incredibly open, and acted like he was happy to be there and just have a conversation.

Patrick December 03, 2011 at 8:18 am

I can’t say whether this was a good interview. I’ve heard Penn talk about all kinds of topics plenty of times and I never get the sense that he is revealing something he hasn’t already discussed in public before.  He likes to talk. It makes almost everything he says sound like a canned speech.

Although I believe he is sincere about what he says, I believe he suffers from what I call the “philosopher-king delusion” which often results when a marginally-informed person thinks he has a solution for all of mankind’s problems. Very often, this is a result of coming into some big money. It’s extra painful to listen to such people when they are so cheery.

Marc could have challenged some of his statements, but I don’t know that he wants to risk a confrontational interview with someone he doesn’t know that well. He could have short-circuited the BS by redirecting the conversation more frequently. Nevertheless, by letting him pontificate, it became pretty clear that this is just a really good magician/showman who believes a lot of stupid shit. (See all the other comments.)

By the way, I have family in Newfoundland and I’ve been there a few times There is a rich history of Newfie comedy in both spoken work and song which goes back generations. It’s funny as hell if you’re familiar with the culture and can understand what they’re saying…. I’se the b’y.

Don Pasqueda December 06, 2011 at 3:39 pm

For me, Maron’s interview with Jillette convinced me that, when in Vegas, I should see Carrot Top.

TheSKS December 07, 2011 at 11:38 pm

Sounds like Marc just let Penn make his libertarian case and left it up for the listener to decide where they fall.  I like that.  Great episode Marc!

Police Magician December 08, 2011 at 11:23 pm

Penn, like anyone else, has opinions about things.  They are his just as we have our own opinions about things.

If you agree or disagree with him, so be it.  I enjoyed the interview.  The question I have is, are Penn and Teller breaking up or are they just busy with seperate endeavors now?

Ugh December 09, 2011 at 7:21 pm

I don’t know who’s a bigger blowhard - Penn Jillette or Kevin Smith. But I can’t listen to either one of them.

Hannah December 10, 2011 at 6:03 pm

I will not force you to go to a library…..Yuck

rube December 10, 2011 at 10:07 pm

Penn Jillette is a garrulous, affable fellow. Was I entertained by this episode? Certainly, but afterwards I felt sad. Felt like PJ was just honing his myth; I had to compare it to a show with another “Public Libertarian” entertainer, Joe Rogan (upon whose show “Fear Factor” Penn and Teller once appeared. Teller did the athletics, Penn provided color.) I am not a fan or detractor of Rogan, but that interview had some soul (Rogan’s, and of course Marcs. Combined). It was contentious, but affable. Thought they were “good” at the end, but apparently not—very surprised to hear Marc express frustration (to put it mildly) on Tom Scharpling’s show (WFMU). Sorry Marc got torqued and didn’t resolve his issues with the “jocko” Rogan, but both men acquitted themselves well, and the results were richer at the front end (the listener. me.) Which isn’t to say I am happier with Marc’s unhappiness

That said, I enjoyed both shows. There are better episodes than either (big big people and smaller). Maybe this little conundrum I made for myself is part of why I like WTF.

Marc, am I not supposed to be talking about you in the third person on the comments? Let’s say I made a mistake. Interview suggestion: Larry King.

barny drood December 24, 2011 at 11:31 am

i’ve met some cool atheists,and i’ve also met a lot of resentful people, who simply have a need to put something in a box, and not think about it.  that’s fine,if it works for you,who am i to argue. however,if you stop and think for a second: is it not rather silly, to say you don’t believe in sometning, that can’t be proven or disproven to begin with. how is this any less an act of “faith”, than the certainty of the pious believer?!  i agree with margret atwood,when she says, that atheism is another religion,it most certainly is. atheists don’t like to hear this. it would make more logical sense, if they said,“i don’t WANT to believe in god”; instead of “i DON"T believe in god”.  because, as i said, it can’t be disproved either way.  so,  absolute disbelief,is irrational. which is, very funny,when you think about how much atheists worship, at the alter of so called “rationalism”,which is it’s own BS self-indulgent conceit, in my opinion.

Marc Hodgkinson January 03, 2012 at 6:13 pm

I was most surprised that he didn’t know any jokes about Newfoundland.  Ask any Canadian -  Newfie Jokes are the most common of all the jokes up here - probably because they enjoy the humour so much.  A Newfie imitation is pretty easy to perfect and most of the jokes involve them looking stupid throughout the set-up - but ultimately being surprisingly clever at the end.  The politics makes me think - so, agree or disagree - I like using my brain matter.  Have to agree with some of the other posters - he is a bit of a blowhard - and Marc does an excellent job, as always, of prompting and listening.

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