5-Nov-21
#1730 – Cameron Hanes
This podcast features Joe Rogan in conversation with Cameron Hanes, a master bowhunter, elite athlete, and author of Backcountry Bowhunting: A Guide to the Wildside. The conversation delves into Hanes’ philosophy of “becoming the ultimate predator,” touching upon themes of physical and mental resilience, the pursuit of excellence, and the importance of challenging oneself. We also hear insights into the world of bowhunting, its challenges, and rewards, as well as Hanes’ thoughts on the current state of the world and its political and social landscape.
Topics:
1. Hunting with Cameron Hanes:
- Cameron Hanes is a dedicated bowhunter, known for pursuing challenging game in demanding environments.
- He emphasizes the importance of physical and mental preparation for successful bowhunting, including rigorous training and a deep understanding of the animals he hunts.
- Hanes values the ethical and sustainable aspects of hunting, emphasizing the importance of a clean kill and using the meat obtained.
- He describes the exhilarating feeling of a successful hunt and the deep connection he feels with nature and the animals he pursues.
2. Cameron Hanes’ Training Philosophy:
- Hanes sees training as a means to an end, specifically for bowhunting.
- He believes in a purposeful approach to fitness, emphasizing the importance of having a goal that motivates you.
- He contrasts training for performance with training simply for aesthetics, advocating for a more functional and purposeful approach.
- He emphasizes the importance of consistency and building mental resilience through rigorous training.
3. Joe Rogan’s UFC Predictions:
- Joe Rogan delves into the upcoming UFC card, predicting outcomes for key fights.
- He analyzes the fighters’ strengths and weaknesses, highlighting their unique styles and strategies.
- Rogan discusses the importance of mental fortitude and the role of pressure in high-stakes fights.
- He shares his admiration for certain fighters’ mental and physical toughness, referencing their ability to overcome adversity and push their limits.
4. The Current Political Climate:
- Joe Rogan expresses his concerns about the current political climate, highlighting the division and polarization within the country.
- He criticizes the political maneuvering of both the Democratic and Republican parties, emphasizing a lack of focus on the needs of the country.
- Rogan questions the transparency and accountability of the government, referencing the JFK assassination and the ongoing debate surrounding the release of classified documents.
- He expresses his skepticism towards mainstream media and social media platforms, highlighting concerns about censorship and the control of information.
5. The Importance of Effort:
- Joe Rogan and Cameron Hanes discuss the value of effort and the importance of challenging oneself in life.
- They argue that a life filled with effort and challenges can be more fulfilling and enriching than a comfortable and easy existence.
- They emphasize the importance of embracing discomfort and failure as stepping stones towards growth and improvement.
- They advocate for a “no excuses” mentality, urging listeners to take control of their lives and strive for excellence.
6. The Nature of Success:
- The podcast explores different perspectives on success, contrasting external validation with internal motivation.
- Hanes, who has achieved significant success in his fields, emphasizes the importance of a continuous pursuit of excellence, rather than resting on past achievements.
- Rogan highlights the role of humility and the importance of recognizing the value of others’ accomplishments, even when they may seem unconventional.
- They discuss the significance of finding a purpose that drives you, emphasizing that success is not solely defined by external recognition.
7. Bowhunting as a Metaphor for Life:
- Cameron Hanes uses bowhunting as a metaphor for life, illustrating the importance of preparation, skill, and mental fortitude.
- He highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing a difficult goal, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty and the risk of failure.
- He discusses the importance of being present in the moment and making critical decisions under pressure.
- Hanes uses his experiences with bowhunting to offer insights into overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth.
8. The Power of Memory and Storytelling:
- Joe Rogan and Cameron Hanes discuss the importance of preserving memories and stories, particularly those related to hunting experiences.
- They highlight the power of photography and video to capture these moments and share them with others, ensuring their legacy.
- They explore the role of storytelling in connecting with others and conveying the emotions and experiences associated with hunting.
- They argue that preserving these memories serves as a reminder of the challenges overcome and the lessons learned through difficult pursuits.
9. The Importance of Nutrition and Diet:
- Joe Rogan and Cameron Hanes emphasize the importance of a healthy diet, particularly for those who engage in physically demanding activities.
- They discuss the benefits of consuming wild game, highlighting its nutrient-dense qualities and its role in supporting physical performance.
- They advocate for a diet rich in whole foods and natural ingredients, emphasizing the importance of minimizing processed foods and refined sugars.
- They share their own dietary practices, offering insights into their personal experiences with nutrition and its impact on their well-being.
10. The Role of Adversity:
- Joe Rogan and Cameron Hanes discuss the role of adversity in shaping character and fostering resilience.
- They believe that overcoming challenges and setbacks can lead to personal growth and a stronger sense of self.
- They emphasize the importance of learning from failures and using them as fuel for continued improvement.
- They highlight the impact of adversity on shaping their own perspectives on life and their approach to overcoming obstacles.
11. The Importance of Community:
- Cameron Hanes discusses the sense of community that exists among hunters and the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge.
- He emphasizes the value of supporting one another and helping others achieve their goals, particularly in the realm of hunting.
- He describes the satisfaction he derives from sharing his harvests with friends and family, illustrating the social aspect of hunting.
- He highlights the importance of mentorship and the role of experienced hunters in guiding others through their journey.
12. Joe Rogan’s Thoughts on the JUUL Podcast:
- Joe Rogan reflects on his podcast with JUUL, highlighting its impact on listeners and its ability to inspire and motivate.
- He shares his admiration for JUUL’s resilience and her ability to overcome adversity, turning her challenging experiences into a successful career.
- He emphasizes the power of storytelling and the ability to connect with others through shared experiences.
- He recognizes the significance of JUUL’s story in demonstrating the potential for personal transformation and achievement.
13. The Power of Conversation:
- Joe Rogan discusses the significance of conversation and its role in learning, growth, and connection.
- He reflects on the unique dynamic of his podcast, emphasizing its ability to create a sense of intimacy and authenticity, despite the millions of listeners.
- He acknowledges the importance of being a good listener and the value of creating a space for open and honest dialogue.
- He highlights the power of conversations to challenge perspectives, expand knowledge, and foster understanding.
14. The Importance of Taking Chances:
- The podcast concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to embrace the unknown and take chances in life.
- Joe Rogan and Cameron Hanes encourage listeners to step outside of their comfort zones and pursue their passions, regardless of the risks.
- They emphasize that taking chances can lead to personal growth, fulfillment, and a deeper appreciation for life.
- They argue that the fear of failure should not deter individuals from pursuing their dreams and living a life filled with purpose and adventure.
Memorable Quotes:
1. “When you have a purpose, like I have a purpose and other people have different purposes, but if I see people in the gym, my guys in the gym, and they’re just training, not I I feel not bad or I don’t really know how I feel, but because if the goal is just to be big or it just is not the same as having a purpose.” – Cameron Hanes emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven training, contrasting it with purely aesthetic goals.
2. “I think at the championship level, like the true champions, and I think tomorrow is like a champion of champions. Mhmm. I think I think he’s in this all time great category.” – Joe Rogan highlights the exceptional qualities of UFC champion Kamaru Usman, placing him among the greats of the sport.
3. “The the the death from a hunter is the best death that animal has ever gotten. Mhmm. They’re they’re not gonna get a better death. that death is gonna be quicker than any wolf or any mountain lion or any bears. They were gonna give them and they’re not gonna live forever.” – Cameron Hanes defends the ethics of hunting, arguing that a clean kill is often the most humane outcome for the animal.
4. “The the the Democrat party is in real trouble with that guy at the helm. It’s not it’s not right, but they hated Trump. Yeah. so much. They would take that over Trump. Yep. They took it over originally. They didn’t I don’t think they thought it was gonna be this bad though.” – Joe Rogan criticizes the current political situation, expressing concern over the Democratic Party’s support for Joe Biden, despite his perceived shortcomings.
5. “The the biggest thing for me is now I can recognize a difference. So before, I was like the people you’re talking about, the crabs and the I was one of the crabs. Right? Most people are. So, yeah, I was talking shit. I was minimizing what other people did and saying, well, you know, I could do that too if I had this or that.” – Joe Rogan reflects on his personal growth, acknowledging how his perspective has changed after achieving success and becoming more self-aware.