JRE #1744 – Derek from More Plates More Dates

This Joe Rogan podcast dives deep into the world of performance enhancement, exploring the science behind steroids, the ethics of doping, and the evolution of drug testing in sports. Derek, the fitness educator behind “More Plates More Dates,” provides insightful commentary on the use of testosterone, EPO, and other performance-enhancing substances, revealing the loopholes and complexities of detection. The conversation delves into the psychology of doping, the pressures athletes face, and the potential consequences of using performance-enhancing substances. Underlying themes explore the pursuit of excellence, the human drive for competitive advantage, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of synthetic substances to achieve peak performance.

Major Topics

1. The Prevalence and Evolution of Doping in Sports:

• Derek asserts that doping has been rampant in sports, particularly in the early days of UFC, where most athletes were suspected of using steroids.
• The podcast discusses how drug testing has become increasingly sophisticated, with advanced methods like carbon isotope tests and biological passports used to detect exogenous testosterone and other banned substances.
• The conversation highlights the ongoing arms race between athletes and anti-doping agencies, with athletes constantly seeking new and undetectable ways to enhance their performance.
• The podcast explores the ethical complexities of doping, acknowledging that athletes often feel pressured to use performance-enhancing substances to remain competitive.

2. The Science of Testosterone and TRT:

• Derek explains the intricacies of testosterone production, metabolism, and the role of sex hormone binding globulin (SHPG) in regulating free testosterone levels.
• He discusses the controversial topic of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and its use in sports, highlighting the potential for abuse and the difficulty in distinguishing between therapeutic and performance-enhancing levels of testosterone.
• The podcast delves into the carbon isotope test, a method used to detect exogenous testosterone derived from plant sources, and the potential for athletes to circumvent this test by using animal-derived testosterone.
• Derek discusses the potential for designer steroids and novel compounds that could mimic the effects of testosterone but remain undetected by current testing methods.

3. The Impact of Doping on Athletes’ Health and Performance:

• The podcast explores the long-term health risks associated with steroid use, including cardiovascular complications, tendon and joint problems, and potential for cancer development.
• Derek highlights the case of Ronnie Coleman, a renowned bodybuilder who has undergone numerous back surgeries and faces significant health challenges as a result of his extreme training and steroid use.
• The conversation touches on the psychological impacts of steroid use, including potential for addiction and body dysmorphia.
• Derek emphasizes the importance of responsible and measured use of performance-enhancing substances, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes health and longevity.

4. The Ethics of Performance Enhancement and the Pursuit of Excellence:

• The podcast delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of performance-enhancing substances, exploring the fine line between pushing boundaries and cheating.
• Derek discusses the pressures athletes face to achieve peak performance and the potential for doping to become a necessary evil in highly competitive environments.
• The conversation touches on the concept of “natural” performance and the blurred lines between what is considered acceptable and unacceptable within sports.
• The podcast highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in sports, emphasizing the need for athletes to be honest about their use of performance-enhancing substances.

5. The Role of Sleep and Recovery in Performance:

• Derek emphasizes the critical importance of sleep for recovery and performance, highlighting the negative effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function, hormone regulation, and overall health.
• The podcast discusses the prevalence of sleep apnea among athletes, particularly those with larger builds, and the significant benefits of using CPAP machines to improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of health complications.
• Derek highlights the potential for sleep to be considered a performance-enhancing drug, given its profound impact on athletic performance and overall well-being.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep as a key factor in maximizing athletic performance and achieving optimal health.

6. The Impact of Body Modification and Body Dysmorphia:

• Derek discusses the disturbing trend of extreme body modification, citing the example of the Black Alien Project, an individual who has undergone numerous procedures, including finger removal, to achieve a radical transformation.
• The podcast explores the potential role of body dysmorphia in driving these extreme modifications, highlighting the psychological complexities and potential for self-harm.
• Derek discusses the ethical considerations surrounding body modification procedures, particularly when they involve removing fully functional body parts.
• The conversation touches on the dangers of pursuing unrealistic beauty standards and the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity.

7. The Role of Nutrition in Performance and Health:

• Derek emphasizes the importance of nutrition for performance and health, highlighting the impact of dietary choices on hormone regulation, immune function, and overall well-being.
• He discusses the ketogenic diet and the carnivore diet, exploring their potential benefits for cognitive function, weight management, and overall health, but also acknowledging the potential for negative impacts on performance and digestive health.
• The podcast explores the role of carbohydrates in fueling workouts, discussing strategies for maximizing glycogen saturation and minimizing the negative effects of carb-dense meals on cognitive function.
• Derek advocates for a balanced and mindful approach to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of consuming whole, unprocessed foods and minimizing the intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks.

8. The Importance of Mental Clarity and Cognitive Enhancement:

• Derek discusses the use of nootropics, or “smart drugs,” to enhance cognitive function, memory, and focus, sharing his own experiences with alpha GPC, choline, and other cognitive enhancers.
• The podcast explores the potential for nootropics to enhance performance in various domains, including podcasting, public speaking, and creative endeavors.
• Derek highlights the importance of finding a balance between using nootropics and maintaining natural cognitive function, acknowledging the potential for dependence and overuse.
• The conversation emphasizes the value of mental clarity and cognitive fitness as essential components of overall well-being and success.

9. The Role of Genetics and Epigenetics in Performance and Health:

• Derek discusses the influence of genetics on individual responses to training, nutrition, and performance-enhancing substances.
• He highlights the role of epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression, in shaping an individual’s predisposition to obesity, disease, and other health outcomes.
• The podcast explores the potential for genetic testing to personalize training and nutritional strategies, tailoring them to an individual’s unique genetic profile.
• Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding both genetic and environmental factors in achieving optimal health and performance.

10. The Changing Landscape of News Media and Political Polarization:

• The podcast discusses the decline of traditional news media and the rise of political polarization, with outlets like CNN increasingly viewed as propaganda machines.
• Derek expresses a desire for objective news reporting, highlighting the importance of factual accuracy and unbiased reporting in a time of heightened misinformation and disinformation.
• The conversation explores the potential for independent news sources and alternative media platforms to provide more balanced and trustworthy information.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills in navigating the complex and often misleading information landscape.

11. The Reality of Gold Diggers and the Dynamics of Relationships:

• The podcast delves into the phenomenon of gold diggers, exploring the motivations behind women seeking relationships with wealthy men.
• Derek discusses the ethical complexities of gold digging, acknowledging that it is a viable business move for women who are attractive and willing to leverage their assets to secure financial gain.
• The conversation touches on the psychology of gold diggers and the potential for these relationships to be driven by a desire for security, status, or a lack of ambition.
• Derek highlights the importance of self-awareness and healthy boundaries in navigating romantic relationships, particularly when wealth and status are involved.

12. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Acceptance:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in both personal and professional life.
• Derek advocates for being true to oneself, regardless of societal expectations or pressures to conform.
• The conversation touches on the importance of finding a partner who accepts and appreciates one’s true self, rather than trying to force oneself into a mold that doesn’t fit.
• Derek highlights the potential for authenticity to be a key factor in achieving success and fulfillment, both in relationships and in pursuing one’s goals.

13. The Role of Hard Work and Consistency in Achieving Success:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of hard work and consistency in achieving success in any domain, particularly in fields like podcasting, stand-up comedy, and fitness.
• Derek shares his own experiences of starting his YouTube channel and podcast without specific goals or expectations, but ultimately achieving significant success through dedication and perseverance.
• The conversation highlights the potential for pursuing one’s passions with genuine enthusiasm and dedication to lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes.
• Derek encourages listeners to embrace a growth mindset and approach their endeavors with a willingness to learn, adapt, and constantly improve.

14. The Power of Passion and Purpose in Driving Success:

• Derek discusses the importance of finding passion and purpose in one’s work, highlighting the difference between creating content for the sake of views and creating content with genuine intent and a desire to make a positive impact.
• He shares his own motivations for creating content related to performance enhancement, preventative medicine, and health optimization, expressing a deep desire to help people improve their lives.
• The conversation emphasizes the potential for passion to fuel creativity, drive innovation, and lead to significant accomplishments.
• Derek encourages listeners to pursue their passions with enthusiasm, believing that their contributions can make a real difference in the world.

15. The Importance of Connecting with Others and Building Relationships:

• The podcast highlights the importance of building genuine connections with others, both in personal and professional life.
• Derek emphasizes the value of finding friends, mentors, and collaborators who share similar interests and support each other’s endeavors.
• The conversation touches on the power of community and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and supportive individuals.
• Derek encourages listeners to cultivate meaningful relationships and embrace the power of collaboration in achieving their goals.

16. The Importance of Humor and Perspective in Navigating Life’s Challenges:

• The podcast features numerous instances of humor and lightheartedness, showcasing the importance of finding joy and perspective in the face of life’s challenges.
• Derek shares anecdotes about his own experiences with challenges and setbacks, demonstrating a willingness to laugh at himself and embrace life’s absurdities.
• The conversation highlights the potential for humor to foster resilience, build connections, and provide a much-needed release from stress.
• Derek encourages listeners to embrace a sense of humor and find the lightheartedness in everyday life, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

Memorable Quotes

• “It’s not like they make obvious where their shortcomings are and where the loopholes are because they would obviously prefer people to not know what they’re doing current research on to tighten up. But, yeah, there’s definitely leeway still or else they would not still be in the lab trying to figure out ways to bullet perfect essentially.”
• “If you do it in something like toward the France, of course, you’re gonna do that research. They have They had teams behind them.”
• “The only people that it didn’t benefit was the figure skiers. So they didn’t do it to the figure skaters.”
• “I’ve always been real honest about it because I’ve always been, like, I just I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. Just like I don’t think there’s anything wrong with talking about doing mushrooms or smoking weed.”
• “I want you to think about this. Why are they doing that stuff? Well, they’re doing that stuff because it works.”