JRE #1693 - Evan Hafer

6-Aug-21

Joe Rogan Podcast #1693 – Evan Hafer

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Evan Hafer, founder and CEO of Black Rifle Coffee Company, and co-host of the “Free Range America” podcast. The episode delves into a variety of topics, ranging from Hafer’s personal journey as a Special Forces veteran to the controversies surrounding his coffee company. It explores themes of cancel culture, the influence of mainstream media, the importance of individual liberty, and the current political climate in the United States.

Topics Discussed:

Cancel Culture and the Right:

Hafer discusses his experience with cancel culture coming from the right, a phenomenon he found surprising.
He attributes this to a distrust in mainstream media and a tendency for conservatives to seek conspiracies within their own ranks.
He acknowledges the hyper-divisive nature of online discourse, fueled by misinformation and gaslighting on both sides.
He emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in online negativity and focusing on more meaningful aspects of life.

The New York Times Article and Black Rifle Coffee Company:

The New York Times article presented Black Rifle Coffee Company as a “Starbucks of the right,” drawing criticism from conservatives.
Hafer argues that the article misrepresented his company’s values and the hard work behind its success, attributing it to “luck” rather than dedication.
He highlights his personal sacrifices, including selling his possessions and running the company on credit cards, to build Black Rifle Coffee Company.
He emphasizes his commitment to the veteran community and his efforts to hire and support Afghan refugees who served with US troops.

The Kyle Rittenhouse Incident and Black Rifle Coffee Company:

Hafer clarifies that Black Rifle Coffee Company did not sponsor Kyle Rittenhouse, despite a viral photo of him wearing a Black Rifle Coffee Company shirt.
He explains that this incident was a result of misinformation spreading online and that his company was unfairly targeted by some conservatives who misinterpreted his statements.
Hafer underscores his stance against racism and antisemitism, stating that he does not want racist or antisemitic customers.
He emphasizes the importance of avoiding knee-jerk reactions and seeking accurate information before forming opinions.

The Pandemic and Social Media:

Hafer believes the pandemic has contributed to a climate of fear and isolation, exacerbating the negative aspects of social media.
He argues that social media is a poor medium for nuanced conversations, leading to misinformation, misinterpretations, and heightened anger.
He highlights the disconnect between the virtual world and real-world human interaction, emphasizing the need for genuine connection.
He urges listeners to be skeptical of information they encounter online, particularly when it comes to political issues and sensationalized narratives.

Political Polarization and the Two-Party System:

Hafer identifies himself as politically homeless, acknowledging his liberal social views and his conservative stance on issues like gun rights and discipline.
He believes that many people feel politically homeless in the current climate, finding themselves alienated by both major political parties.
He critiques the two-party system, emphasizing its limitations and the difficulty of breaking free from the existing power structure.
He suggests that a powerful and charismatic leader who can unite the center might be necessary to disrupt the two-party system.

The Rise of Podcasts and the Decline of Mainstream Media:

Hafer acknowledges the increasing popularity of podcasts and their ability to reach a wider audience than mainstream media.
He suggests that mainstream media is losing its influence due to a lack of trust, sensationalized narratives, and an inability to engage with complex issues.
He believes that podcasts offer a more nuanced and honest platform for discussing important topics, allowing for diverse viewpoints and open dialogue.
He sees the rise of podcasts as a positive development, empowering individuals to access alternative sources of information and engage in more meaningful conversations.

The Importance of Individual Liberty and Skepticism:

Hafer emphasizes the importance of individual liberty and encourages listeners to be skeptical of authority figures, particularly those in positions of power.
He warns against forfeiting personal freedoms to government overreach, citing the potential for abuse and the historical tendency of politicians to hold onto power.
He believes that a well-armed society can act as a deterrent against government overreach, providing a check on excessive power.
He stresses the need for constant vigilance and critical thinking, particularly when it comes to laws and regulations that restrict individual rights.

Gun Rights and the Second Amendment:

Hafer strongly supports the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms, drawing a parallel to the situation in Hong Kong, where citizens lack the ability to defend themselves against government oppression.
He emphasizes the importance of a well-armed citizenry as a safeguard against tyranny and highlights the historical precedent of empires falling when citizens are disarmed.
He believes that the government should respect the power of the individual and not fear its people, but rather recognize the importance of individual liberty.
He argues that responsible gun ownership is a key component of a free society and that restricting gun rights creates a slippery slope towards authoritarianism.

The Role of the Military, Police, and First Responders:

Hafer expresses his deep respect for the military, police, and first responders, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice.
He believes in the importance of discipline and authority, drawing on his personal experience as a Special Forces veteran.
He distinguishes between his support for law enforcement and his opposition to unethical actions by individuals within those institutions.
He highlights the need for accountability within these institutions and the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic issues.

The Importance of Personal Growth, Self-Reflection, and Embracing Mistakes:

Hafer emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-reflection, acknowledging his own mistakes and the value of learning from them.
He believes that life is a journey of continuous learning and that embracing mistakes is crucial for personal development.
He advocates for a mindset of constant improvement and a commitment to doing one’s best in all areas of life.
He encourages listeners to be kind to themselves and others, recognizing the complexities of the human experience and the importance of forgiveness.

The Impact of Comedy and the Search for Meaning:

Hafer discusses his passion for comedy and his admiration for comedians who push boundaries, challenge norms, and make audiences think.
He acknowledges the importance of finding humor in life’s absurdities and the role of comedy in bringing people together.
He believes that comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary, highlighting injustices and sparking conversations.
He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not succumbing to pressures to conform to societal expectations.

The Power of Connection, Authenticity, and Positive Impact:

Hafer emphasizes the importance of genuine connection, authenticity, and making a positive impact in the world.
He highlights the significance of family, friends, and community in providing support and meaning.
He believes in the power of positive influence and the responsibility to spread positivity and encouragement.
He advocates for embracing the human experience in all its complexities, recognizing that negativity only perpetuates a cycle of despair.

Memorable Quotes:

“I think there’s just such a mistrust with mainstream media, and that’s bred this hyper divisive gaslighting on both sides.” – Hafer reflects on the polarization of online discourse and the impact of distrust in traditional media outlets.
“It’s not luck. Luck is what you capitalize on after you put in a fuck ton of hard work.” – Hafer emphasizes the dedication and sacrifices required for success, dismissing the notion that his achievements were solely due to chance.
“There’s no room for racist or anti semites in my customer base. I’ll pay them to leave if they exist.” – Hafer’s strong stance against racism and antisemitism, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
“This place is fucking incredible. It’s crazy. It’s a little bit insane. It’s a little bit like, wild and a little bit extreme…” – Hafer expresses his love for the United States, celebrating its unique diversity and cultural richness.
“I’m politically homeless.” – Hafer acknowledges his complex political views, embracing a perspective that transcends traditional partisan labels.