JRE #2032 – BJ Penn & Tulsi Gabbard

7-Sep-23

This Joe Rogan Experience podcast brings together two intriguing figures: BJ Penn, a mixed martial arts legend and former Hawaii gubernatorial candidate, and Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. Representative, Iraq War veteran, and political commentator. They discuss a wide range of topics, delving into conspiracy theories, the devastating Maui wildfires, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the influence of the “deep state.” Underlying themes explore the dangers of misinformation, the erosion of trust in government, and the challenges of navigating a world seemingly controlled by powerful, self-serving entities.

Podcast Topics

1. The JFK Assassination and Conspiracy Theories:

• The podcast opens with a discussion of the JFK assassination and the infamous Zapruder film. Joe Rogan and BJ Penn delve into the historical context of the event and the emergence of conspiracy theories surrounding it.
• They highlight the role of Dick Gregory, a stand-up comedian, in bringing the Zapruder film to the public eye and the impact it had on public perception of the event.
• The conversation then segues into broader discussions about conspiracy theories, their prevalence in modern society, and the challenges of discerning truth from fiction in a world saturated with information.
• Rogan and Penn contemplate the role of distrust in government and the influence of social media in amplifying and disseminating conspiracy theories.

2. The Maui Wildfires and Government Response:

• Tulsi Gabbard, who previously represented Maui in Congress, shares her firsthand experience with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires, highlighting the lack of communication and transparency from government officials.
• The conversation examines the state’s preparedness for such disasters, with Gabbard pointing to a history of underfunding and understaffing of Maui’s fire department.
• They discuss the controversy surrounding road closures and restrictions on access to the affected areas, questioning the government’s motives and the impact on residents.
• The podcast delves into the governor’s proposal to acquire land in Lahaina, sparking concerns about government overreach and the potential displacement of residents.

3. The Ukraine War and Foreign Aid:

• Rogan and Gabbard discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the massive amounts of money the U.S. is sending to support the Ukrainian government.
• They question the rationale behind the level of financial aid, comparing it to the lack of support for disaster relief efforts in Hawaii.
• Gabbard expresses concerns about the military-industrial complex’s influence in perpetuating the war and the potential for financial gain through the conflict.
• They highlight the discrepancies in the government’s response to the Maui wildfires and the Ukraine war, suggesting a prioritization of foreign aid over domestic needs.

4. Government Incompetence and Lack of Transparency:

• Gabbard and Rogan criticize the Biden administration’s response to the Maui wildfires, pointing to the lack of communication, transparency, and inadequate financial aid.
• They discuss the symbolic nature of President Biden’s visit to Maui, highlighting his delayed response and the inadequate $700 payment offered to affected residents.
• The conversation examines the broader context of government incompetence, citing the East Palestine train derailment and the lack of attention given to that community.
• Gabbard and Rogan emphasize the need for government officials to prioritize the needs of their constituents, urging them to show up and communicate effectively during times of crisis.

5. The “Deep State” and Political Corruption:

• The podcast delves into the concept of the “deep state” and the alleged influence of powerful, unelected entities on government policy.
• Rogan and Gabbard discuss the perceived corruption within the political system, citing instances of self-serving actions by politicians and the potential for financial gain through war and other government programs.
• They highlight the financial discrepancies between the aid sent to Ukraine and the aid provided for disaster relief efforts, suggesting a prioritization of certain interests over the needs of the American people.
• The conversation explores the motivations behind the alleged actions of the “deep state,” suggesting that it may be driven by a desire for control, power, and financial gain.

6. The Erosion of Trust in Government:

• Gabbard and Rogan discuss the growing distrust in government institutions, citing the lack of transparency, the perceived corruption, and the failure to address critical issues.
• They express concerns about the politicization of government agencies and the abuse of power for personal gain.
• The conversation highlights the consequences of this erosion of trust, including the spread of misinformation, the rise of conspiracy theories, and the increasing polarization of society.
• They emphasize the importance of holding elected officials accountable and restoring faith in the democratic process.

7. Social Media Censorship and Free Speech:

• Gabbard and Rogan discuss the role of social media platforms in shaping public discourse and the potential for censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.
• They cite examples of censorship, including the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story, the demotion of Tucker Carlson’s videos, and Gabbard’s own shadow banning on Instagram.
• They raise concerns about the influence of powerful entities, such as the government and large corporations, on social media platforms and their ability to manipulate information.
• The conversation highlights the importance of free speech and the need to hold social media platforms accountable for their actions.

8. The UN’s Advocacy for Decriminalization of Sex with Minors:

• Gabbard and Rogan discuss a controversial UN report that has been interpreted by some as advocating for the decriminalization of sex with minors.
• They analyze the language of the report, highlighting the potential for misinterpretation and the need for clarity on the UN’s position.
• The conversation delves into the broader context of the normalization of pedophilia, citing examples of TikTok videos and other instances where the issue is being discussed more openly.
• They express concerns about the potential for harm to children and the need for robust safeguards to protect them from exploitation.

9. The “15-Minute City” Concept and Restrictions on Freedom:

• The podcast touches upon the “15-minute city” concept, a model of urban planning that aims to make cities more livable by ensuring essential services are within a short distance.
• Gabbard and Rogan express concerns about the potential for this concept to be used to restrict people’s movements and create a surveillance society.
• They discuss the parallels between the “15-minute city” concept and the COVID-19 lockdowns, highlighting the potential for government overreach and the erosion of individual liberties.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding individual freedom and the need for transparency in urban planning initiatives.

10. The Dangers of the “Woke” Agenda:

• Gabbard and Rogan discuss the concept of “woke ideology” and its impact on society.
• They raise concerns about the potential for this ideology to be used to silence dissenting voices and suppress free speech.
• They highlight the hypocrisy of certain individuals, such as John Kerry and Bill Gates, who advocate for climate change action while engaging in behaviors that contradict their message.
• The conversation explores the broader implications of “woke ideology” and its potential to create a more divisive and intolerant society.

11. The Importance of Critical Thinking and Seeking the Truth:

• Gabbard and Rogan emphasize the importance of critical thinking and seeking out the truth, especially in a world saturated with misinformation.
• They discuss the dangers of blindly accepting information from authority figures and the need to question narratives presented by the media and government.
• The conversation highlights the need to challenge assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and verify information before accepting it as truth.
• They encourage listeners to engage in critical discourse and to hold those in power accountable for their actions.

12. The Role of Trauma and Fear in Shaping Society:

• The podcast explores the impact of trauma and fear on individuals and society as a whole.
• Gabbard and Rogan discuss the potential for childhood trauma to lead to violence and aggression, and how fear can be exploited by those in power.
• They highlight the role of anxiety and fear in shaping public perception and how it can be manipulated to control and influence people.
• The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and healing from trauma to create a more peaceful and compassionate society.

13. The Need for Individual Responsibility and Resilience:

• Gabbard and Rogan discuss the importance of individual responsibility and resilience in navigating the challenges of a complex and often chaotic world.
• They encourage listeners to take control of their own health, education, and well-being.
• The conversation emphasizes the need to be critical thinkers, to exercise their freedoms, and to participate actively in the democratic process.
• They highlight the strength of the human spirit and the power of community in overcoming adversity.

14. BJ Penn’s MMA Legacy and Impact:

• The podcast concludes with a discussion of BJ Penn’s remarkable MMA career and his impact on the sport.
• Rogan and Gabbard acknowledge Penn’s influence on a generation of fighters and his legacy as a Hawaiian icon.
• They reflect on Penn’s unique fighting style and his ability to inspire others.
• The conversation underscores the importance of Penn’s story as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and resilience.

Memorable Quotes

• “The term conspiracy theory started getting thrown around right around the time that Kennedy got assassinated.” – Joe Rogan on the origins of the term “conspiracy theory.”
• “The immediate line of response needed to come from the county and from the mayor and from their emergency response director. And, unfortunately, they did not communicate.” – Tulsi Gabbard on the lack of communication from government officials after the Maui wildfires.
• “People were left without any kind of communication from anyone in a position of authority to provide help for days weeks. And it created massive problems.” – Tulsi Gabbard on the consequences of the lack of government communication in Maui.
• “If you’re playing chess, you have to abide by the chess federation’s rules, you play is certain a lot of time. You know what to do. You don’t piss anybody off. You know, I work the rules.” – BJ Penn on the game of politics and the need to play by the rules.
• “The concern is about, you know, whatever the agenda is. That’s the concern. And if the American people want the guy to go there and give a little speech and talk about, I would run with marijuana once and they’ll go do it.” – Joe Rogan on the motivations behind government actions and the lack of genuine concern for the American people.