5-Feb-19
This episode features a lively conversation with Travis Barker, the renowned drummer of Blink-182, exploring his journey, musical prowess, and unexpected interests. From his commitment to veganism to the complexities of his drumming career, the podcast delves into Barker’s personal philosophies and experiences, revealing his unique perspective on life and success. Underlying themes touch upon the transformative power of fatherhood, the pursuit of personal growth through physical challenges, and the ongoing fascination with the unexplained.
Major Topics
- Travis Barker’s Veganism:
- Barker’s vegetarian journey began at the age of 13 and evolved into veganism after a near-fatal plane crash.
- He shares his experience of being forced to consume meat in the hospital, leading to his decision to embrace a fully vegan lifestyle.
- Barker’s involvement with the vegan restaurant Crossroads, co-owned by his friend and renowned vegan chef Tal Ronin.
- He highlights the restaurant’s popularity among non-vegans, emphasizing the quality and appeal of its cuisine.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries and Drumming:
- Rogan questions how Barker’s arms withstand the intense repetitive motion of drumming.
- Barker details his training regimen, including battle ropes and boxing, to strengthen his arms and shoulders and prevent repetitive stress injuries.
- He discusses the prevalence of such injuries among people with repetitive jobs and the importance of physical preparation.
- Barker emphasizes the importance of training for functionality rather than solely focusing on strength training.
- The Influence of Fatherhood:
- Barker shares how fatherhood sparked a desire for a lifestyle change and a commitment to personal growth.
- He reveals how becoming a father shifted his priorities and instilled a protective instinct, motivating him to improve his health and habits.
- Barker contrasts this transformative experience with the lack of this “switch” in some people, prompting him to question those who do not prioritize their children’s well-being.
- He expresses his admiration for those who dedicate themselves to being present and loving parents, highlighting the profound impact of fatherhood on his life.
- CBD Use and Trigeminal Neuralgia:
- Barker discusses his use of CBD for anxiety, sleep, and managing his chronic pain condition, trigeminal neuralgia.
- He describes trigeminal neuralgia as a debilitating condition that causes intense facial pain and explores its potential triggers, including injuries and dental work.
- Barker emphasizes the effectiveness of CBD in reducing the pain associated with this condition and shares his experience with gabapentin as an alternative.
- He highlights the importance of exploring alternative treatments, such as CBD, for nerve pain and promotes open dialogue about the condition.
- Gluten Intolerance and Wheat Evolution:
- Barker’s journey to understanding his gluten intolerance, initially dismissed as a “hoax”.
- He shares his experience with a gluten-free diet, highlighting its positive impact on his overall well-being.
- Barker discusses the evolution of wheat in America, emphasizing how its density has increased to maximize yield, leading to more complex gluten and potential digestive issues.
- He recommends sourcing pasta from Italy, where wheat is grown in a less dense and more digestible form.
- The Role of Discipline in Music:
- Barker underscores the dedication required for musical success, emphasizing the importance of regular practice and discipline.
- He contrasts this disciplined approach with the more spontaneous nature of stand-up comedy, where practice primarily occurs in front of an audience.
- Barker explains his preference for not practicing specific songs before a show, focusing on improvisational skills and maintaining a fresh and exciting performance.
- He shares how his dedication to training ensures he can execute his musical ideas without being restricted by physical limitations or fatigue.
- Touring as a Vacation:
- Barker reveals a surprising perspective on touring, describing it as a vacation compared to his busy home life.
- He contrasts the constant demands of his personal and business ventures with the more structured and relaxed environment of touring.
- Barker acknowledges the perks of touring, including dedicated support staff and a pre-arranged schedule, while highlighting the freedom and variety of his activities at home.
- He highlights the challenge of saying no to opportunities due to his passionate nature, emphasizing the fulfillment he finds in pursuing diverse endeavors.
- Music Production and Genre Diversification:
- Barker delves into his music production work, showcasing his passion for working with various rap artists across diverse genres.
- He describes his production process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and experimentation, and shares his experiences working with artists like Suicide Boys and XXXTentacion.
- Barker emphasizes his preference for diversifying his work to avoid boredom and maintain creativity, emphasizing the importance of seeking out new challenges.
- He highlights the fulfilling nature of being a “sound architect”, shaping the sonic landscapes of different genres.
- Touring with Lil Wayne:
- Barker recounts his experience touring with Lil Wayne, highlighting the unique energy and intensity of the rap scene.
- He details the elaborate setup of the tour, involving multiple artists, a dedicated tour bus, and extensive show durations.
- Barker emphasizes the significance of being one of the few drummers to break into the rap genre, highlighting the challenges of finding a space for live drumming within that musical landscape.
- He expresses his appreciation for the opportunities that have allowed him to expand his musical horizons and experience the world of hip-hop firsthand.
- Barker’s Plane Crash and Recovery:
- Barker recounts the harrowing details of his 2008 plane crash, emphasizing the trauma and physical injuries he sustained.
- He describes the complex recovery process, involving numerous surgeries, physical therapy, and mental health challenges.
- Barker shares his experience with being placed on bipolar medication following the crash, questioning the rationale behind it and expressing his preference for managing his mental health through therapy and self-reliance.
- He highlights the profound impact of the crash on his life and the strength he found in overcoming adversity, acknowledging the ongoing effects of the trauma but emphasizing his determination to live a full life.
- Barker’s Tattoo Journey:
- Barker discusses his love for tattoos, sharing his history of getting inked since the age of fifteen and expressing their addictive nature.
- He details his extensive tattoo coverage, showcasing his commitment to the art form and revealing the stories behind his various pieces.
- Barker recounts the impact of his plane crash on his tattoos, discussing the loss of certain designs and the process of re-tattooing over skin grafts.
- He emphasizes the importance of tattoos as personal narratives, representing moments in time and serving as reminders of his life experiences.
- Tom DeLonge’s UFO Obsession:
- Barker shares his longtime friend Tom DeLonge’s deep-seated fascination with UFOs and alien life, revealing how this passion has been a constant in their friendship.
- He recounts DeLonge’s relentless pursuit of these interests, from searching for UFOs on tour buses to assembling teams for Bigfoot expeditions.
- Barker expresses his respect for DeLonge’s passion while acknowledging his skepticism, highlighting the conflicting perspectives within their friendship.
- He describes DeLonge’s fervent belief in the existence of extraterrestrial life, even when presented with demonstrably fake videos.
- The Reality of Bigfoot:
- Barker discusses his skepticism regarding Bigfoot, highlighting the lack of conclusive evidence and the potential for misinterpretations of animal behavior.
- He shares his experience with a Bigfoot expedition for a television show, revealing his interactions with believers and their accounts.
- Barker highlights the potential for mistaking black bears for Bigfoot, given their ability to stand on two feet.
- He acknowledges the possibility of Bigfoot’s existence while maintaining a pragmatic perspective, suggesting that the evidence needs to be more compelling.
- The Power of Passion:
- Barker emphasizes the importance of passion in pursuing one’s goals and cautions against relying on safety nets.
- He shares his personal experience of choosing his passion for drumming over a stable job, highlighting the transformative power of dedication and commitment.
- Barker acknowledges the potential risks involved in pursuing a passion but underscores the significance of pursuing what truly inspires you.
- He encourages listeners to embrace their passions and persevere, emphasizing the potential for success when you dedicate yourself fully.
- Elon Musk and Tesla:
- Barker expresses his enthusiasm for Elon Musk and his Tesla electric vehicles, sharing his own experience driving a Tesla Model S P100D.
- He describes the transformative nature of driving a Tesla, emphasizing its effortless acceleration, quiet operation, and advanced technology.
- Barker acknowledges the potential for Tesla’s to overshadow other vehicles, highlighting their groundbreaking design and performance capabilities.
- He expresses his admiration for Musk’s innovative spirit and his commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
- The Future of Longevity:
- Barker explores the possibilities of future advancements in longevity and gene editing, drawing on discussions with experts like David Sinclair and Rhonda Patrick.
- He discusses the potential for reversing aging and extending human lifespans, envisioning a future where people live to be 300 years old.
- Barker expresses his excitement for the potential of these advancements while acknowledging the ethical and societal implications they raise.
- He emphasizes the importance of continued scientific research in pushing the boundaries of human potential and enhancing our understanding of aging.
- Classic Cars and Nostalgia:
- Barker discusses his passion for classic cars, particularly 1940s and 1950s Cadillacs and Chevy trucks.
- He shares his appreciation for the history and craftsmanship of these vehicles, emphasizing their unique character and connection to a bygone era.
- Barker highlights the nostalgic feeling associated with driving classic cars, emphasizing the simplicity and purity of the driving experience.
- He acknowledges the potential for classic cars to become a relic of the past as technology advances, expressing his admiration for their enduring appeal.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I feel like just normal people’s wrist strength that probably don’t have because there’s been so much grinding like they pop and — Oh, Jesus. — do all sorts of weird things. But yeah.”
- “I just had this urge to wanna, like, box and be better. That’s so interesting. Like, just from knowing that you were gonna be a dad, I just wanted it to be better.”
- “You know, like, you see people who are horrible fathers or horrible parents, and I just don’t get, like, how didn’t how didn’t that switch turn on for you? Right. You know? How yeah. Like, the ones who don’t wanna be around the kids freak me out the most.”
- “The world needs him. You know? Like, when you said that I got excited — Yeah. — like, the guy’s been silent for 20. I’m like, woah. You know, there’s something about that that makes you go, wow.”
- “It’s not a it’s not it’s not a definite thing. You were in this weird limbo space. Like, man, am I gonna be a loser my whole life? Like, what what’s gonna happen to me? And those moments, man, when you look back and you realize you could have quit, but you you kept going.”