JRE #1181 – John Dudley

This podcast dives into the world of archery and hunting with John Dudley, a pro archer and host of “Nock On TV”. From intense UFC analysis to the philosophical quandaries of private hunting ranches, the conversation tackles a wide range of topics, highlighting Dudley’s adventurous spirit and insights.

Major Topics & Deep Underlying Themes:

1. UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor Brawl

   1. The podcast opens with a discussion of the UFC 229 fight, analyzing the chaotic brawl that erupted after Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor.
   2. Rogan and Dudley dissect the tensions leading up to the fight, the crowd dynamics, and the subsequent violence, which spilled into the stands and concession areas.
   3. They discuss the intense atmosphere and the high percentage of individuals in the crowd who likely possess fighting skills, emphasizing the potential for escalating violence in such environments.
   4. The discussion explores the specific grappling techniques used by Khabib, highlighting his dominance and Connor McGregor’s lack of preparedness for such a skilled grappler.

2. Khabib’s Wrestling Prowess and the Importance of Training

   1. The podcast delves into Khabib Nurmagomedov’s background, emphasizing his extraordinary wrestling skills honed from a young age.
   2. The conversation highlights a video of Khabib wrestling a bear as a child, showcasing his early exposure to intense physical challenges, a stark contrast to modern American childhood experiences.
   3. Rogan and Dudley discuss the significance of consistent training, comparing it to the demands of elite archery, where missing a single shot can make or break a tournament.
   4. They explore the role of muscle memory, leverage, and the dedication required to excel in both archery and combat sports, highlighting the similarities in training regimens.

3. The Impact of Steroids and Performance Enhancement in Sports

   1. The podcast delves into the topic of performance-enhancing drugs, specifically discussing the use of beta-blockers in archery and their effects on heart rate control.
   2. They explore the history of beta-blocker use in archery, including incidents where athletes were stripped of titles for testing positive.
   3. The discussion touches upon the ethical dilemmas surrounding performance enhancers in sports, emphasizing the pressure to perform and the potential for cheating in high-stakes competitions.
   4. Rogan and Dudley acknowledge the gray areas of performance enhancement, especially with substances like alcohol, highlighting the complexity of defining what constitutes fair play in competitive environments.

4. The Thrill and Perils of Rollercoasters

   1. The conversation veers towards a discussion of rollercoasters, focusing on a recent experience at New York, New York, which Rogan describes as “sketchy” and outdated.
   2. They touch upon the potential dangers of rollercoasters, referencing recent incidents of derailments and injuries, emphasizing the inherent risks involved.
   3. The conversation explores the contrasting attitudes towards risk, contrasting Rogan’s willingness to embrace adrenaline-pumping experiences with Dudley’s cautious approach.
   4. This segment highlights the varying levels of thrill-seeking and risk tolerance among individuals, underscoring the importance of personal choices and understanding of potential dangers.

5. The Controversial Nature of Private Ranches and Exotic Hunting

   1. The podcast delves into a philosophical debate about the ethics of private ranches and exotic hunting, focusing on the state of Texas as a unique case study.
   2. Rogan and Dudley discuss the vastness of private ranches in Texas, where animals are confined within fenced-in properties, questioning the legitimacy of “free range” claims.
   3. They explore the ethical considerations of hunting animals raised in controlled environments, contrasting it with hunting animals in the wild.
   4. This segment examines the complexities of defining ethical hunting practices, highlighting the varying perspectives within the hunting community and the tensions between conservation and recreational enjoyment.

6. The “Code” of Public Land Hunting and the Debate Over Secret Spots

   1. The conversation dives into the unspoken “code” surrounding hunting on public land, particularly the practice of keeping secret spots hidden from others.
   2. Rogan and Dudley debate the merits of this code, questioning whether it undermines the concept of public land being accessible to all.
   3. They compare this code to similar practices in fishing, acknowledging that while it may stem from a desire to protect hard-earned knowledge, it can also create a sense of exclusivity.
   4. This segment highlights the clash between individual rights and community access, emphasizing the importance of finding balance and respecting the shared nature of public resources.

7. The Importance of Food Sourcing and Ethical Meat Consumption

   1. The podcast explores the importance of understanding food sources, highlighting Dudley’s passion for hunting and cooking wild game.
   2. They discuss the ethical considerations of meat consumption, contrasting hunting and raising animals for slaughter, particularly for those who advocate for “free-range” practices.
   3. The conversation touches upon the differences in hunting experiences, ranging from intense backcountry hunts to more controlled ranch environments.
   4. This segment underscores the connection between hunting, cooking, and a deeper understanding of where food comes from, emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical practices.

8. The Power of Slow Cooking and Wild Game Cuisine

   1. The conversation revolves around Dudley’s expertise in slow cooking, particularly his signature elk neck recipe, showcasing the transformative power of low-and-slow cooking.
   2. They discuss the advantages of using pellet grills, highlighting their temperature control and efficiency, as well as the natural wood-fired flavor they impart to food.
   3. The podcast explores the art of cooking wild game, emphasizing the importance of breaking down tougher cuts and the value of simple ingredients for maximizing flavor.
   4. This segment celebrates the joys of cooking and sharing food, demonstrating Dudley’s culinary skills and the camaraderie that surrounds shared meals in the wilderness.

9. “Free Range American”: A Brand Promoting Adventure and Community

   1. The podcast introduces “Free Range American”, a brand co-founded by Dudley and Andy Stump, that celebrates adventurous individuals and outdoor pursuits.
   2. They discuss the brand’s mission to inspire and empower people to “do awesome shit”, encouraging them to embrace their passions and share their experiences.
   3. The podcast highlights the upcoming “Do Awesome Shipmobile” project, where they will travel to military bases and cook wild game for service members, promoting clean eating and a sense of community.
   4. This segment emphasizes the importance of shared experiences, supporting the military, and fostering a culture of adventure and community among outdoor enthusiasts.

5 Memorable Quotes:

1. “It’s hard not to see cauliflower ears at a UFC event.” – Rogan highlights the prevalence of fighting skills among the crowd, emphasizing the potential for violence.
2. “Bears have a really good guard.” – Dudley, describing Khabib’s wrestling prowess, references the bear wrestling video as a testament to Khabib’s early training.
3. “That’s why we imagine if Mendez got to go out and wrestle bears.” – Rogan contrasts Khabib’s early training with American childhood experiences, highlighting the stark differences in cultural norms.
4. “You can’t have too many wolves because if you do, you’re gonna have very few of those other animals.” – Rogan underscores the delicate balance of predator-prey relationships in nature, emphasizing the need for responsible wildlife management.
5. “If you find it, you gotta just keep it quiet.” – Rogan criticizes the “code” of keeping secret spots on public land, arguing that it undermines the shared nature of public resources.