JRE #1797 – Josh Barnett

This podcast is a captivating journey into the mind of Josh Barnett, a man who embodies strength, resilience, and a deep understanding of the human condition. From his ventures in mixed martial arts and professional wrestling to his passion for whiskey and his insightful observations on society’s ills, Barnett offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective. Provocative topics include his take on the MMA world, his experiences with celebrity culture, and his reflections on societal trends. Underlying themes explore the importance of character, discipline, and the enduring power of community.

Major Topics Explored

1. Barnett’s Whiskey Venture:
   • Barnett’s partnership with Warbringer Bourbon, a company that he helped develop and create a signature whiskey.
   • His journey to crafting a truly authentic whiskey, driven by his passion for the spirit and his desire to avoid the pitfalls of celebrity-backed brands.
   • The intricacies of whiskey production, including the importance of the mash bill, fermentation, and distillation, as well as the role of aging in oak barrels.
   • The unique flavor profile of Warbringer Bourbon, characterized by its smoky essence, which Barnett explains is achieved through a unique smoking process of the corn mash bill.
2. Barnett’s Perspective on Fighting:
   • Barnett’s reflections on his long and illustrious career in mixed martial arts, and how his experiences have shaped his perspective on life.
   • The unique challenges faced by heavyweight fighters, particularly the later age at which they mature physically.
   • His admiration for fighters who continue to compete at a high level later in their careers, highlighting George Foreman’s exceptional comeback as an example.
   • His thoughts on the recent resurgence of Victor Henry in the UFC, emphasizing the importance of experience, technique, and mental fortitude in achieving success in MMA.
3. Barnett’s Coaching Philosophy:
   • Barnett’s approach to coaching, which transcends technical instruction, encompassing a mentorship role in the lives of his athletes.
   • His belief in the importance of character and discipline, not just for achieving success in fighting but also for navigating the complexities of life.
   • His selective approach to coaching, seeking athletes who possess the right character and commitment to grow both as fighters and as individuals.
   • His emphasis on understanding the mental game, including the importance of motivation, confidence, and mental resilience, as well as the ability to break down opponents and develop a game plan that plays to their strengths and minimizes their weaknesses.
4. The Rise of Provocative MMA Promotion:
   • Barnett’s critical take on the growing trend of trash-talking and promotional hype in MMA, arguing that it can detract from the genuine respect and integrity of the sport.
   • His perspective on the current state of MMA as an entertainment sport, acknowledging its entertainment value but cautioning against the dangers of overemphasizing spectacle at the expense of true athleticism and respect for the craft.
   • His thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, specifically the sucker punch incident and its implications for the sport’s image.
   • His stance against violence in public, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, resolving conflict peacefully, and maintaining a high standard of behavior, particularly for public figures.
5. The Will Smith/Chris Rock Slap:
   • Barnett’s critical analysis of the Will Smith/Chris Rock incident at the Oscars, challenging the notion that Smith’s actions were justified or excusable.
   • His argument that Smith’s actions were an irrational and impulsive act fueled by a distorted sense of reality and a lack of accountability for his actions.
   • His emphasis on the importance of personal responsibility and the need to address conflict directly and respectfully, rather than resorting to violence.
   • His perspective on the broader implications of the incident, including the potential for it to set a dangerous precedent for public discourse and the need for a higher standard of behavior, especially for public figures.
6. Barnett’s Perspective on Society:
   • Barnett’s observations on the state of modern society, characterized by an increasing sense of unreality, a lack of sincerity, and a tendency to embrace superficiality over authenticity.
   • His insights into the dangers of excessive technology and the need for discipline and critical thinking in navigating a world saturated with information, misinformation, and manufactured narratives.
   • His thoughts on the rise of managerialism and the dangers of a class of elites who are more focused on maintaining power and control than on solving real-world problems.
   • His perspective on the importance of physical activity, mental challenges, and a genuine appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life as essential elements of a fulfilling human experience.
7. Barnett’s Approach to Death:
   • Barnett’s candid reflections on his own mortality and his acceptance of the inevitability of death.
   • His emphasis on living life with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to his principles.
   • His belief in the importance of finding meaning and connection in the face of life’s impermanence.
   • His determination to meet death head-on, not with fear but with courage, dignity, and a profound appreciation for the time he has been given.
8. Barnett’s Observations on Modern Culture:
   • Barnett’s concerns about the lack of genuine honor and respect in modern society, exemplified by the recent rise of social media culture.
   • His insights into the dangers of relying on social media as a primary influence, highlighting the potential for it to create a distorted sense of reality, promote superficiality, and hinder the development of genuine human connection.
   • His perspective on the importance of authenticity, sincerity, and finding meaning and purpose beyond the superficiality of modern culture.
   • His call for a return to a deeper understanding of the human condition, embracing the complexities of life and striving for authenticity in our interactions with the world and each other.
9. Barnett’s Passion for Pro Wrestling:
   • Barnett’s deep connection to professional wrestling and his role as the creator and host of “Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport,” a unique pro wrestling show known for its intensity and realism.
   • His commitment to bringing back the “strong style” of pro wrestling, characterized by its focus on realistic action, athleticism, and a high level of skill.
   • His perspective on the importance of pro wrestling as a form of storytelling, mirroring the complexities and dramas of human life within the confines of a wrestling ring.
   • His excitement for his upcoming match against Minoru Suzuki at Bloodsport, highlighting the event’s unique blend of pro wrestling and MMA, and emphasizing the intense and authentic nature of the matches.

Memorable Quotes

• “I’ve been someone who’s a connoisseur of whiskey for a long time, and I wanted to do it, but I wanted to do it in a in a way that I felt was legit.”
• “You know, there’s a lot of guys who have way more Jack noses than you. This is a long career fighting.” – Barnett with a laugh.
• “People are watching it. So who’s terrible? The Kardashians or the audience?”
• “It’s the approach. I love the shit out of whiskey, which has a long history in lineage to how you make it.”
• “I’m not calling for like, a Luddite NG Hat. What’s going on with technology is that it’s there’s nothing wrong with it, but what is wrong is not having discipline and not having the ability to accurately assess whether or not something is good for you or bad for you.”