20-Apr-21
Joe Rogan Experience #1637 – Action Bronson Podcast Topics
This podcast is a lively conversation between Joe Rogan and Action Bronson, covering a wide range of topics, from Bronson’s remarkable weight loss journey to his unique perspectives on life, art, and the power of the mind. This podcast highlights Bronson’s infectious enthusiasm and his ability to find humor in the unexpected.
- Action Bronson’s Weight Loss Transformation:
- Bronson’s weight loss journey began in March 2020, inspired by his wife and a desire to be there for his newborn child.
- He lost over 130 pounds, transforming his body through a combination of intense workouts and a mindful approach to food.
- He credits his trainer, Dave Valentino, for pushing him to his limits and guiding him through a diverse training regimen.
- Bronson emphasizes the importance of finding a trainer who resonates with you and motivates you to be your best.
- The Power of the Mind and the Unconscious:
- Bronson believes in the power of the mind and the subconscious, noting how he has manifested things he has spoken about, such as a chance meeting with Ahmad Rashad.
- He discusses the concept of “spooky action at a distance” in quantum mechanics, suggesting there might be unexplained connections between individuals and events.
- He believes in the importance of rituals and routines, even if they seem insignificant, as they can provide a sense of purpose and intention.
- He shares his personal ritual of dragging his foot across the doormat every time he enters his mother’s house.
- Exploring Psychedelics and Personal Growth:
- Bronson discusses his experiences with Salvia and DMT, highlighting the profound and transformative nature of these psychedelics.
- He shares a story of his friend Ari’s experience with Salvia, where he lived an entire life in a ten-minute trip.
- Bronson believes that psychedelics can provide insights and experiences that can’t be achieved through traditional means.
- He encourages the use of psychedelics for personal growth and expansion of consciousness.
- The Importance of Success and Living a Fulfilling Life:
- Bronson expresses his genuine joy in seeing others succeed, emphasizing the importance of being a positive force in the world.
- He highlights the significance of being present in the moment and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, especially after the forced stoppage of the pandemic.
- He advocates for finding happiness in being yourself and not letting external pressures define you.
- He believes that success comes in small steps and encourages the importance of persistence and dedication to achieving your goals.
- The Nature of Creativity and Artistic Expression:
- Bronson discusses the unpredictable and fluid nature of creativity, emphasizing the importance of embracing randomness and allowing ideas to flow freely.
- He emphasizes that creativity isn’t a linear process and that inspiration can come from unexpected sources.
- He believes that being entertained by others can spark new ideas and ignite the creative process.
- Bronson’s own artistic expression spans multiple mediums, including music, cooking, painting, and writing.
- The Impact of Drugs and Addiction on Artists:
- Bronson acknowledges the prevalence of drug use among artists, emphasizing the pressure and vulnerability they face.
- He shares a heartbreaking story of his wife’s labor, where DMX’s music helped deliver their child after an arduous 18-hour ordeal.
- He discusses the impact of drugs on the lives and careers of countless talented musicians, including DMX and other notable artists.
- He encourages artists to prioritize their well-being and seek support when needed.
- The Evolution of Rap and the Power of Authenticity:
- Bronson reflects on the changing landscape of rap music, noting that longevity is becoming increasingly common, exemplified by artists like Snoop Dogg.
- He highlights the importance of staying true to yourself and not conforming to expectations or trends.
- He discusses the potential of emerging artists like Lil Nas X, who are pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
- He emphasizes the significance of having a genuine connection with your audience and writing for the people you resonate with.
- The Role of “Cockamamie” People in the Entertainment Industry:
- Bronson humorously refers to overprotective executives as “cockamamie people” who may try to stifle creativity and authenticity.
- He highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who understand and support your artistic vision.
- He emphasizes that these “cockamamie people” may come and go, and ultimately, it’s essential to trust your instincts and follow your path.
- Bronson shares his own experiences with executives who tried to censor his work, but he ultimately followed his own creative impulses.
- The Significance of Fitness and Longevity:
- Bronson advocates for a holistic approach to fitness, incorporating strength training, mobility exercises, and a mindful diet.
- He emphasizes that fitness is not just about losing weight but about improving overall health and well-being.
- He shares his passion for kettlebells, Indian clubs, and other unconventional training methods.
- He believes that a healthy body can lead to a more fulfilling and energetic life.
- The Controversial World of Steroids and Bodybuilding:
- Bronson openly discusses the use of steroids in bodybuilding and the impact they have on physical transformation.
- He expresses admiration for bodybuilders who are open about their steroid use, contrasting it with those who deny it.
- He acknowledges the risks and potential side effects of steroid use but emphasizes the importance of personal choice and understanding the consequences.
- He highlights the transformation of comedian Camille Nanjiani’s physique, suggesting that he likely used steroids.
- The World of MMA and the Rise of Francis Ngannou:
- Bronson discusses the exciting world of MMA, highlighting his passion for the sport and the raw athleticism of the fighters.
- He shares his belief that Francis Ngannou is a rising star in MMA, a real-life superhero story with incredible athleticism and a captivating backstory.
- He emphasizes Ngannou’s resilience and determination, overcoming tremendous hardships to reach the top of his field.
- Bronson believes that Ngannou has the potential to become the biggest name in all of sports.
- The Importance of Positive Choices and Personal Transformation:
- Bronson emphasizes the power of making positive choices and how they can lead to significant personal transformation.
- He highlights his own journey, demonstrating that even significant challenges can be overcome with determination and a commitment to improvement.
- He encourages listeners to embrace the possibility of positive change and to believe in their own potential for growth.
- He shares stories of inspiring individuals, such as Lou Ferrigno, who have made impressive transformations in their lives.
- The Power of Forgiveness and the Dangers of Cancel Culture:
- Bronson acknowledges the negativity and judgment prevalent in today’s society, exacerbated by social media and cancel culture.
- He advocates for a more compassionate and understanding approach, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes.
- He believes that a culture of constant negativity can be harmful and counterproductive.
- He encourages listeners to focus on positivity and to support each other’s growth and well-being.
- The Allure of the Unknown and the Mystery of the Mayans:
- Bronson expresses his fascination with the unknown and the mysteries of the world, particularly the disappearance of the Mayan civilization.
- He speculates that the decline of the Mayans might have been caused by diseases introduced by European explorers.
- He emphasizes the importance of learning from history and understanding the impact of human actions on the world.
- Bronson’s interest in ancient civilizations and their mysteries reflects his curiosity about the past and the mysteries it holds.
- The Art of Cooking and the Desire for Authenticity:
- Bronson discusses his passion for cooking and his desire to create authentic and artistic culinary experiences.
- He envisions opening a restaurant where he cooks whatever he feels inspired to create, without a set menu.
- He emphasizes the importance of a connection between the chef and the diner, creating a unique and memorable experience.
- Bronson believes that cooking is an art form, and his approach reflects his creative and adventurous spirit.
- The Importance of Community and Connecting with Others:
- Bronson highlights the importance of community and surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people.
- He discusses the role of shared experiences, like cooking over a fire or watching MMA fights, in forging bonds and strengthening relationships.
- He believes that connecting with others can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Bronson emphasizes the power of community to create a more positive and fulfilling life.
- The Evolving Landscape of Entertainment and the Future of Movies:
- Bronson discusses the changing landscape of entertainment, reflecting on the popularity of streaming services and the ease of access to content.
- He discusses the potential for reboots and remakes of classic movies, such as Blade, Black Panther, and The Sopranos.
- He expresses his admiration for certain actors, such as Wesley Snipes, Michael Jai White, and Kevin Spacey, and their contributions to the film industry.
- Bronson believes that there are still opportunities for classic movies to be revisited and reimagined for new audiences.
- The Mystery of NFTs and the Evolution of Digital Art:
- Bronson expresses confusion and amusement about the world of NFTs, acknowledging that he doesn’t fully understand the concept.
- He shares his experience with selling a couple of his tweets as NFTs, highlighting the absurdity and potentially lucrative nature of this new form of digital art.
- He believes that NFTs represent a significant shift in the art world, creating new possibilities for artists and collectors.
- Bronson’s willingness to embrace the unknown and to poke fun at the complexities of NFTs reflects his adventurous and curious spirit.
- The Unpredictability of Weather and the Enduring Power of Nature:
- Bronson discusses the challenges of predicting weather and the limitations of modern technology in forecasting future events.
- He reflects on the importance of observing nature and recognizing its power, highlighting his grandfather’s knowledge of telltale signs of rain.
- He shares his personal experience with Hurricane Gloria and the unpredictability of natural events.
- Bronson’s reflections on the natural world reflect his appreciation for the awe-inspiring and often unpredictable nature of life.
- The Evolution of Technology and the Impact on Pornography:
- Bronson reminisces about the early days of satellite television and the ease of accessing pornographic content.
- He highlights the shift from physical media to the internet as the primary distributor of pornography.
- He discusses the evolving ways in which people consume and interact with pornography, contrasting older methods with the modern use of smartphones.
- Bronson’s reflections on the evolution of pornography reflect his humor and willingness to embrace the absurdity of life’s changes.
- The Importance of Staying Grounded and Embracing Simplicity:
- Bronson emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and appreciating the simple things in life.
- He advocates for a more mindful and deliberate approach to living, focusing on personal happiness and well-being.
- He shares his love for cooking over fire and his appreciation for the primal nature of human existence.
- Bronson’s reflections on simplicity and authenticity encourage listeners to find joy in the everyday moments of life.
- The Unpredictability of Life and the Importance of Living in the Moment:
- Bronson acknowledges the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of living in the moment.
- He encourages listeners to embrace the journey and to find happiness in the present rather than focusing solely on the future.
- He shares his own experiences with the unexpected, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience.
- Bronson’s reflections on the unpredictability of life encourage listeners to find joy in the present moment and to embrace the unexpected.
5 Memorable Quotes
- “It was a long time coming. It’s it’s it’s just I’m I’m happy that it happened now. because if I if it didn’t happen, it would have been something else. I would have been in a grave — Yeah. — or somewhere else who the hell knows where they would have put me.”
- “I love people succeeding. I really do. It makes me so happy. I don’t know why. You know, I think when I was a kid, when I was really young, when I was I started teaching Taekwondo, when I was probably, like, 16, 16 ish somewhere around them when I started teaching, and I really got anyway because it it helped me get better. But I also had a few students that went from white belt, and they graduated and got higher belts. And I took them to tournaments, and I had them win tournaments. And, oh my god. made me so happy. My feeling is more more more happy than myself because with myself, it would make I would have conflicted feelings. Like, hurting people is a weird thing. Like, gives you conflicted feelings if you’re happy, but you also feel real weird because that could have been you, and you see this dude rising in agony it’s it’s very strange. But when someone else that you train goes and succeeds, it feels good, feels really good. When you watch them improve.”
- “You know, I bring I always have the barbecue and the trunk of the Cherokee always. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is my car, the driving that fucking thing for them. I love that car. You got the YETI thing in the back? Pack all this stuff that I need. I got the Japanese hardwood charcoal. Yes. I got my torch to light it. Yes. And I got my my little Weber grill. I’m good to go.”
- “I think there’s weird windows into possibilities that occasionally we access. And I think that’s, like, when you have a real tight relationship with a good friend. And then, like, they text you when you’re thinking about them, you you’re thinking about calling them. And, you know, You have close relation, like like your brothers, and then you get a email, you get a phone call, you get a text, you know, like, ah, he was thinking about me too. connected. We’re connected. There’s some there’s some like, in when you hear quantum mechanics and quantum physicists talk about quantum states where, like, spooky action at a distance where these these molecules, these atoms, there’s something that happens to these quantum particles where one in one area of the world, it will there’s some sort of a reaction with something that’s completely like, miles and miles apart, and there’s somehow another connected, and they can’t they know because they can measure it, but they don’t understand the connection. They don’t know they don’t know what’s going on. And we are made of all these things. Right? And so if you can observe this at the quantum level, which is this incredibly small level that you literally can’t see with your eyes. If you can measure this and know this, then how why wouldn’t we have some strange or why wouldn’t it be possible that we have some strange connection with each other, some strange connection with life that maybe doesn’t totally make sense.”
- “Well, like you speak to this. I could speak to this in the sense that I never followed through with anything, like a long time ago. And now all I do is try to do my best in everything and put my fucking best foot forward. Don’t do anything that my heart’s not in — Yeah. — because I never give it my oil. Yeah. And it’s it’s not fair to what I’m doing, you know, to that specific thing. Like, there’s been situations where I I I did it for the wrong reason, like, just doing it for money. or doing it’s this is not good. It’s it it always turns out, Roy, it never feels good here.”