JRE #1227 – Mike Tyson

17-Jan-19

This episode features a captivating conversation with Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world, offering an unfiltered glimpse into his life, both inside and outside the ring. From Tyson’s early years in Brooklyn, New York, to his rise to boxing stardom and the subsequent controversies he faced, the podcast delves into the highs and lows of Tyson’s journey. Provocative topics discussed include drug use, fame, mental health, and the power of psychedelics. The podcast unravels the complexities of Tyson’s personality, highlighting his journey from a wild, unpredictable fighter to a more introspective and peaceful individual.

Major Topics

1. Mike Tyson’s Unique Relationship with Coffee: Tyson’s aversion to coffee stands out as a surprising quirk.
   1. He’s never had a cup of coffee in his entire life.
   2. His wife enjoys coffee, but he remains uninterested.
   3. This refusal is attributed to his heavy drug use during his younger years, suggesting an aversion to any substance he perceives as potentially addictive.
   4. It highlights Tyson’s unique perspective on substances, showcasing his selective approach to their consumption.
2. Early Drug Use and its Impact on Tyson’s Life: Tyson’s early exposure to drugs significantly shaped his life.
   1. He started smoking and drinking at the age of nine, then tried acid at eleven.
   2. He continued heavy drinking during his boxing career, only abstaining for training camps.
   3. He openly acknowledges the impact of drug use on his behavior and choices, highlighting the challenges he faced in overcoming addiction.
   4. His struggles shed light on the complex relationship between athletic success and substance abuse, revealing the vulnerabilities that lie beneath the public persona.
3. Tyson’s Views on Sex Before Fights: Tyson’s perspective on sex before fights challenges conventional wisdom.
   1. He believes the common myth that sex weakens a fighter is false.
   2. His logic rests on the idea that releasing sexual tension can alleviate anxiety and mental stress, leading to a more focused and composed performance in the ring.
   3. His approach reveals a unique and arguably more practical understanding of the mental and physical aspects of athletic performance.
   4. This perspective challenges traditional beliefs surrounding sex and athletic performance, encouraging a more nuanced discussion.
4. The Rise of Mike Tyson and its Cultural Impact: Tyson’s arrival in the boxing world transformed the sport.
   1. He catapulted heavyweight boxing from a fading spectacle to a cultural phenomenon.
   2. His captivating fights drew massive audiences, generating significant interest and excitement.
   3. He became a global icon, transcending sports to become a recognizable and controversial figure.
   4. His impact redefined the sport of boxing, highlighting its entertainment value and capturing the imagination of a new generation.
5. Handling Fame and Pressure: Tyson’s experiences with fame and the intense scrutiny of public life are explored.
   1. He acknowledges the difficulty of navigating such a high level of fame, especially at a young age.
   2. He describes how his fame was a “trip” and something that few could truly handle.
   3. He highlights the extremes of his fame, citing incidents where fans would leave their jobs to interact with him.
   4. His perspective sheds light on the challenges of maintaining personal identity and normalcy amidst immense public attention.
6. The Tiger Incident: Tyson’s infamous tiger ownership is a prominent topic, shedding light on his eccentricities.
   1. He acquired the tiger while in prison, demonstrating his impulsive nature and desire for something unique.
   2. He raised the tigers as cubs, showcasing a complex relationship with animals and a fascination with the wild.
   3. This incident highlights his penchant for extravagant behavior and the influence of his wealth and celebrity status.
   4. It reveals an intriguing side of Tyson’s personality, revealing his fascination with exotic creatures and his willingness to indulge his desires.
7. Comparisons with Other High-Profile Individuals: Tyson’s experiences are contrasted with other notable figures.
   1. His fame is compared to that of Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, highlighting the global appeal of combat sports stars.
   2. He references Pablo Escobar’s infamous zoo, suggesting a common trend among wealthy individuals to own exotic animals.
   3. He shares a story about meeting Joe Rogan on a flight, showcasing the surreal encounters that come with being a globally recognized figure.
   4. He draws comparisons with Justin Bieber, emphasizing the overwhelming pressures of achieving fame at a young age.
8. Tyson’s Views on John Jones: Tyson offers his insights on John Jones, a controversial figure in UFC.
   1. He acknowledges Jones’s exceptional skillset, specifically his mastery of distance in the octagon.
   2. He believes Jones has the potential to be one of the greatest fighters of all time but struggles with personal issues.
   3. He expresses concern about Jones’s past controversies, highlighting the negative consequences of poor decisions.
   4. His perspective offers a nuanced analysis of Jones’s career, showcasing both his immense talent and the personal challenges he faces.
9. The Importance of Self-Reflection: Tyson emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and personal growth.
   1. He acknowledges the importance of examining his past, recognizing his mistakes, and seeking to understand himself better.
   2. He contrasts his younger self, consumed by ego and ambition, with his current, more introspective and peaceful persona.
   3. He credits his struggles and experiences with helping him achieve this personal growth.
   4. His emphasis on self-reflection provides valuable insights into the process of overcoming adversity and finding inner peace.
10. Cus D’Amato’s Influence on Tyson’s Life: Tyson highlights the profound impact of Cus D’Amato, his mentor.
    1. He credits D’Amato with shaping his boxing career, guiding him both physically and mentally.
    2. He describes D’Amato as a man of wisdom, who provided invaluable insights into the mental aspects of boxing.
    3. He acknowledges D’Amato’s unique approach to training, focusing on psychological conditioning as much as physical development.
    4. His reverence for D’Amato underscores the significance of mentorship and its role in shaping a successful athlete.
11. Tyson’s Relationship with Kevin Rooney: Tyson discusses his collaboration with Kevin Rooney, his trainer.
    1. He highlights Rooney’s contributions to his early success, emphasizing the strong partnership they formed.
    2. He acknowledges that their relationship, like most, evolved over time, with challenges and eventual separation.
    3. He describes Rooney as a well-respected trainer, indicating the value he placed on Rooney’s expertise.
    4. His reflections offer insight into the complexities of coach-athlete relationships and the challenges of maintaining a successful partnership.
12. Tyson’s Views on Boxing Today: Tyson shares his observations on the current boxing scene.
    1. He acknowledges a sense of detachment from the sport, no longer actively following it.
    2. He highlights the immense power of Deontay Wilder, acknowledging his unique physical attributes.
    3. He expresses admiration for Tyson Fury’s resilience and his ability to rise from adversity.
    4. His perspective suggests a shift in priorities, focusing on his current endeavors rather than dwelling on the past.
13. The Impact of Marijuana on Tyson’s Life: Tyson discusses the role of marijuana in his life.
    1. He reveals his long-standing relationship with marijuana, dating back to his childhood.
    2. He credits marijuana with helping him manage his moods and achieve a sense of peace.
    3. He openly discusses the benefits he derives from marijuana, advocating for its therapeutic qualities.
    4. His perspective sheds light on the potential benefits of marijuana, challenging societal perceptions and fostering a more open discussion about its use.
14. Tyson’s Experiences with Psychedelics: Tyson details his experiences with psychedelics, particularly DMT and 5-MeO-DMT.
    1. He describes the profound and transformative nature of these experiences, likening them to a near-death experience and rebirth.
    2. He highlights the ego-dissolving effects of these substances, providing a sense of connection to the universe and a shift in perspective on life.
    3. He acknowledges the challenges of describing these experiences, emphasizing their ineffable and profound nature.
    4. His willingness to share these experiences encourages a more open discussion about psychedelics and their potential for personal growth.
15. The Role of Hypnosis in Tyson’s Boxing Career: Tyson reveals the use of hypnosis in his early training.
    1. He describes how D’Amato used hypnosis to condition him mentally, instilling a fierce and dominant mindset.
    2. He highlights the effectiveness of this approach, emphasizing the power of suggestion and its role in shaping his boxing style.
    3. He acknowledges the lack of attention to shutting off this mindset, revealing the potential for negative consequences in later life.
    4. This revelation sheds light on the unique and unconventional methods used in Tyson’s training, highlighting the impact of psychological conditioning on his success.
16. Tyson’s Transition into Business and Entertainment: Tyson discusses his shift from boxing to entrepreneurship and entertainment.
    1. He describes his transition as a “fresh start,” marking a new chapter in his life.
    2. He highlights his involvement in cannabis ventures, particularly Tyson Ranch, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
    3. He shares his experiences with stand-up comedy and the positive reception he received.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of finding new passions and pursuing fulfilling ventures beyond his boxing career.
17. Tyson’s Perspective on His Past: Tyson reflects on his past with a sense of detachment and acceptance.
    1. He expresses a desire to move beyond his past, not dwelling on the negative aspects.
    2. He acknowledges the conflicting emotions associated with his legacy, reconciling his past persona with his current self.
    3. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and pursuing a fulfilling life moving forward.
    4. His perspective offers a powerful message about personal transformation and the ability to overcome past challenges.
18. The Importance of Honesty and Openness: Tyson highlights the power of honesty and vulnerability.
    1. He emphasizes the importance of being truthful and open about his experiences, regardless of their negative aspects.
    2. He acknowledges the value of sharing his struggles and mistakes, recognizing their potential to inspire others.
    3. He believes that such honesty can be beneficial for individuals and society as a whole.
    4. His perspective underscores the importance of transparency and authenticity in navigating the complexities of life.

Memorable Quotes

1. “That is the most outrageous thing about you. It is that you’ve never had coffee. Your whole life. Never had coffee. No.” – Joe Rogan
2. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t own the drug that did you think coffee would be nothing? Yeah. That’s what I’m saying. Yeah. That’s what I’m saying. Like, it doesn’t make any sense.” – Mike Tyson
3. “When I came home, I had those consulates. They’re waiting for me.” – Mike Tyson
4. “I don’t think most I mean, most people regardless of whether they’re famous or not, just still don’t get to that point where they’re able to look back and examine who they were and and doing wild shit and With ruthless honesty. Yeah. That’s what you’re saying. — reflecting yourself to discover who you really are.” – Joe Rogan
5. “You know? I’ve never been a person to this. It it’s magnitude. It just kinda relaxation. I just enjoyed my time with you. I was very uptighted, and I sound like you’re very uncomfortable with myself.” – Mike Tyson