16-Mar-23
“`html
This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Luke Combs, a popular country music singer-songwriter, covering a wide range of topics, including his musical journey, the influence of social media, his passion for hunting, and his personal struggles with mental health.
Provocative topics include Luke’s self-doubt as an artist, the evolution of country music, the complexities of fame, and his unique approach to mental health.
Underlying themes explore the role of luck in achieving success, the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist, the allure of the outdoors, and the challenges of navigating mental health in a high-pressure environment.
Major Topics
- Luke Combs’ Rise to Fame:
- Luke Combs discusses his early days in Nashville and how he leveraged social media, specifically Vine, to build a following before signing a record deal.
- He credits his success to being in the right place at the right time and emphasizes the role of luck in achieving success in the music industry.
- He shares his experiences with the Nashville music scene, highlighting the contrast between mainstream and non-mainstream country music.
- He reflects on the changing landscape of country music and the influence of social media.
- The Power of Instinct:
- Luke Combs reveals how he didn’t discover his passion for music until he was 22, despite participating in choir and musicals throughout high school.
- He credits a conversation with his mother and the influence of Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw for inspiring him to pursue music.
- He emphasizes the importance of following one’s intuition and embracing opportunities that feel right.
- He highlights how his path to success wasn’t a master plan, but rather a series of instinctive decisions that led him to his passion.
- The Unique World of Music:
- Luke Combs discusses the unique experience of hearing his own music playing in public, especially on boats, and how it makes him feel connected to his fans.
- He reflects on the role of music in creating memories and providing a soundtrack to life’s experiences.
- He shares his perspective on the evolving music industry and the importance of artists taking chances.
- He discusses the influence of artists like Kanye West and Chris Stapleton on his musical taste and the importance of embracing change.
- Hunting and the Outdoors:
- Luke Combs talks about his love for hunting and his journey from a novice hunter to a dedicated outdoorsman.
- He explains how hunting became a cathartic experience for him, providing a sense of peace and escape from the demands of his career.
- He discusses the importance of ethical hunting and his admiration for Steven Rinella, host of the popular hunting show “MeatEater.”
- He shares his experience meeting Rinella and his subsequent passion for hunting in Montana and other locations.
- The Intricacies of Whitetail Deer Hunting:
- Luke Combs dives into the world of whitetail deer hunting, highlighting the complexities of hunting strategies, understanding deer behavior, and the importance of land management.
- He shares a thrilling story of encountering a massive 230-inch buck in Oklahoma and how he narrowly missed a shot opportunity.
- He discusses the differences between hunting in Tennessee and Oklahoma and the unique challenges presented by hunting whitetail deer.
- He emphasizes the thrill of the hunt and the unpredictable nature of encountering wild animals.
- The Allure of Elk Hunting:
- Luke Combs expresses his desire to hunt elk and describes the allure of the experience, highlighting the majestic nature of elk and the challenging terrain they inhabit.
- He references the physical demands of elk hunting, comparing it to “poor man’s elk hunting” and discussing the dedication required to be successful.
- He shares his admiration for Steven Rinella’s elk hunting adventures and his interest in experiencing the thrill of pursuing this magnificent animal.
- He discusses the importance of conservation and the ethical considerations involved in elk hunting.
- The Dangers of the Mexican Border:
- Luke Combs shares a chilling story about the dangers of traveling in Mexico, specifically the kidnapping and murder of four Americans near the US-Mexico border.
- He discusses the realities of drug trafficking and the impact of drug prohibition on the region.
- He expresses concern about the dangers associated with hunting in Mexico due to cartel activity and highlights the importance of safety precautions.
- He reflects on the complexities of the US-Mexico relationship and the challenges of navigating a region plagued by violence and instability.
- Mental Health and the Power of the Mind:
- Luke Combs opens up about his personal struggles with Purely Obsessional OCD, a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder that manifests as intrusive thoughts and anxieties.
- He describes the debilitating effects of the disorder, the challenges of managing intrusive thoughts, and the constant mental battles he faces.
- He emphasizes the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms and the paradox of avoiding intrusive thoughts, which can exacerbate the condition.
- He discusses the impact of the disorder on his creativity and how he’s learned to live with uncertainty and accept his thoughts without allowing them to control him.
- The Paradox of Success:
- Luke Combs discusses his unique perspective on success and how he doesn’t always experience the expected emotional highs associated with achieving significant milestones.
- He reflects on his struggles with feeling like he hasn’t “earned” his success due to his natural talent and discusses his desire to achieve something solely through his own efforts.
- He acknowledges the importance of staying grounded and maintaining humility, even in the face of immense success.
- He discusses the importance of focusing on the process rather than solely on the results and how this mindset contributes to his creativity and his ability to connect with his fans on a deeper level.
- The UFC and the GOAT Debate:
- Luke Combs discusses his love for UFC and expresses his admiration for fighters like Chuck Liddell, Jon Jones, and Kamaru Usman.
- He shares his thoughts on the “GOAT” debate, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of different fighters and the challenges of comparing eras.
- He argues for Jon Jones as the greatest fighter of all time, emphasizing his dominance across different weight classes and his relentless pursuit of improvement.
- He discusses the unique talents of fighters like Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Demetrious Johnson and the importance of recognizing different forms of greatness in mixed martial arts.
- The Power of Perspective:
- Luke Combs acknowledges the challenges of staying grounded and maintaining perspective in the face of immense success.
- He discusses the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who support his career and the dangers of becoming isolated by fame.
- He emphasizes the importance of remaining approachable and connecting with fans on a personal level.
- He shares his insights on the importance of humility, gratitude, and staying true to oneself, even in the face of intense scrutiny and pressure.
- The Journey of Personal Growth:
- Luke Combs opens up about his struggles with weight and his desire to achieve a higher level of physical fitness.
- He discusses the importance of committing to a long-term process of personal transformation, acknowledging the challenges of achieving lasting results.
- He shares his perspective on the importance of setting goals, taking action, and celebrating progress along the way.
- He expresses his desire to be a role model for his children and to show them that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.
Memorable Quotes
- “My biggest fear is, like, making the same record a hundred times.” – Luke Combs reflects on his desire to evolve as an artist and avoid repeating himself.
- “I think if you people have to do that though, if you you know, if that’s what you feel. Yeah. I think they go along with you, especially today. I think people are more willing than ever to let people take chances.” – Luke Combs expresses his belief that audiences are more receptive to artists taking risks in the current music landscape.
- “Don’t make a living, make a life.” – Luke Combs emphasizes the importance of pursuing a passion over simply seeking a paycheck.
- “There’s something about those animals, man. What’s a turkey hunting? They call it poor man’s Elk hunting.” – Luke Combs highlights the unique appeal of elk hunting and discusses the thrill of the hunt.
- “I think it’s almost like it’s a chemical thing for me. And, like, I hate that so much because I I did enjoy it so much, and it was, like, it was such a great thing for me. Like, when like, creatively or, like, just to relax, dude, or, like, have a great time with my buddies, dude.” – Luke Combs describes the frustrating experience of losing his ability to enjoy marijuana due to his mental health struggles.
“`