WHO IS JOEL HAAS?

I'm Joel Haas. I've smoked marijuana pretty much every day since my 4 freshman years of college, Yeah, I literally had 4 freshman years but I eventually graduated with my B.A. after 6.5 years and got my first job in comedy working at the Comedy Works comedy club in Tampa, Florida. 

I’ve had an amazing career in the comedy world spanning over 25 years. I've produced comedy albums for many of today’s biggest comedians like Gabriel Iglesias, Jim Gaffigan and Kevin Nealon. I created the World’s first uncensored comedy channels for SiriusXM Satellite Radio and helped Pandora create their comedy channels. I've also produced many chart topping original comedy ringtones with my label Hahaas Comedy. As much fun as I’ve had, my life has been far from a laughing matter.

I was born without fingers on my left hand. At age 3, I had surgery that gave me a claw (two fingers basically) and some pretty good mobility. It ain't perfect but I can slice a steak and handle my meals. I've made the best with the hand I've been dealt and I've held my own.

I'n 2006, I had hearing loss issues that couldn't be diagnosed. It was devastating to deal with, as up to this time I'd made a career out of being a comedy producer and comedy radio DJ.  My ears are my work tools. This led to years of doctors without solutions. I ultimately had to give up many things but also the four things I loved most in life...alcohol, caffeine (coffee!), salt (well sunflower seeds and anything heavy in salt) and smoking and eating pot! Thank god I could at least still tolerate vaping pot.

A few years ago I finally gave in and tried a hearing aid. It magically helped reduce the always fluctuating ringing and "pacified my brain." To this day my issues have no cure but my quality of life is a 1000 times better. I can truly enjoy my life, every day, every hour, every minute...worry free from going deaf from what were spontaneous attacks with no advance warnings. 

In 2011, I had a double hip replacement. Both at once! It was a life changing event. It ultimately gave me some pretty good mobility and reduced pain massively. It's a different kind of pain and irritation these days, more of a muscle thing as I now have small bones floating in the muscles around my hips. Yes it’s as uncomfortable as it sounds but my quality of life has skyrocketed and I'm grateful. Big time grateful! My titanium hips aren't perfect but I've been able to walk mostly pain free and live my life to the fullest. My new hips have also allowed me to exercise and work out and I just can’t seem to slow down. 

This is what inspired me to do High Speed Dining and the 420 Coast to Coast Tour. I wanted to enjoy my life while I'm on top of my game and healthy. I've learned that I get the most enjoyment and have the least amount of worries when I'm high and eating the tastiest meals in the world. Thank god I found two things I love that I can enjoy stress free. So this year as I tuned 50 years old I set out on the greatest stoned culinary journey ever attempted. It's been an incredible success and simply invigorating. 

I've had the greatest year of my life and I'm thrilled I can take you on the journey with me through my High Speed Dining podcasts. While I don't say it enough THANK YOU TO EVERY CHEF AND RESTAURANT TEAM MEMBER I'VE EVER COME IN CONTACT WITH. YOU HAVE WOWED ME WITH YOUR PASSION AND DELICIOUS MASTERPIECES. Thank you for boosting the quality of my life and enriching me with new loves and passions. 

On the career side, I've spent a lifetime in Comedy Radio including 8 amazing years at XM Satellite Radio as a DJ and the Comedy Director and founder of Nationwide Uncensored Comedy Radio. My main channel XM Comedy, was always one of the networks top rated channels. On the side I recorded hundreds of comedians and produced hundreds of comedy albums working with the likes of Gabriel Iglesias, Louis CK, Kevin Nealon, Jim Gaffigan, Frank Caliendo, Mike Birbiglia, Joey Coco Diaz and so many more. I left XM in 2009 when they merged with Sirius to create SiriusXM. Since then I've had tremendous success with original comedy ringtones and my label Hahaas Comedy. I also consulted Pandora as they created their Comedy Channels. I've had a wonderful career in the funny business and now I'm bring that experience, creativity and sense of humor to you with High Speed Dining. Let's get high on legal recreational marijuana and eat at the best Fine Dining restaurants in the World (where recreational marijuana is legal!)