JRE #1127 - Jesse Itzler

6/5/2018

Joe Rogan Experience #1127 – Jesse Itzler

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur, author, and founder of The 100 Mile Group. The conversation centers around Itzler’s unconventional life experiences, highlighting his pursuit of personal growth and pushing boundaries. Provocative topics include the Miss America pageant, Itzler’s 15-day stay in a Russian Orthodox monastery, and his unorthodox approach to life and business. Underlying themes explore the value of self-discovery, the importance of challenging personal limitations, and the power of intentional living.

1. The Miss America Pageant and Beauty Standards

The podcast begins with a discussion about the Miss America pageant’s decision to eliminate the swimsuit competition, sparking debate about beauty standards.
Itzler criticizes the decision, arguing that the pageant has always been a beauty contest and that judging contestants based on their physical appearance is inherent to the event.
The conversation delves into the role of feminism in this debate, with Itzler questioning the anger expressed by some feminists at his mocking of the pageant.
The topic serves as a springboard to discuss the societal pressures around beauty and the impact of social media on self-perception.

2. Living with the Monks: A Quest for Inner Work

Itzler describes his decision to live with Russian Orthodox monks in a monastery in upstate New York for 15 days, a journey documented in his book “Living With The Monks.”
He was drawn to the experience as a way to invest in his inner work and explore meditation and reflection after dedicating much of his life to physical challenges like running a hundred miles.
The podcast delves into the daily routine of the monastery, including the monks’ commitment to celibacy, poverty, obedience, and stability.
Itzler recounts his struggles with meditation and his initial sense of being overwhelmed by the lack of distractions and constant introspection.

3. The Unexpected Business of Monks: Dog Breeding and Training

The monastery’s unexpected source of income is revealed: breeding and training German Shepherds.
The monks are presented as masterful dog trainers, with Itzler describing their unique approach and the dogs’ remarkable obedience.
The conversation explores the connection between dogs and their owners, highlighting how dogs respond differently to different individuals based on perceived dominance and control.
Itzler shares a lesson learned from the monks, comparing the dog’s unwavering focus on its goal to the importance of staying focused in life despite distractions.

4. The Power of Disconnecting and Finding Clarity

Itzler emphasizes the transformative power of disconnecting from distractions and engaging in introspection.
He draws parallels between his monastery experience and the benefits of sensory deprivation tanks, both of which remove external stimuli and allow for deeper cognitive processing.
Itzler highlights the concept of “decision fatigue” and how eliminating unnecessary decisions frees up mental energy and promotes clarity.
He describes his shift in perspective regarding his relationship with time and the finite nature of life, prompting a reevaluation of priorities and a desire to live with greater purpose and intention.

5. Carving Out Time for Yourself and Building a Life Resume

Itzler advocates for carving out dedicated time for personal growth and well-being, even in a busy life, citing his own commitment to 3 hours of personal time each day.
He describes his system for managing time and eliminating distractions, prioritizing tasks that align with his core values and contribute to his life’s goals.
Itzler shares how he eliminated mindless consumption of sports games, freeing up time and energy for more fulfilling activities.
He encourages listeners to build their “life resume,” engaging in experiences and activities that create lasting memories and contribute to their personal growth.

6. The Cabin Rule and the Importance of Adventure

Itzler’s “cabin rule” involves committing to an adventure or challenge every 2 months, creating lasting memories and pushing personal boundaries.
He shares his experience climbing Mount Washington, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and living with a sense of urgency.
The conversation explores the idea of creating meaningful experiences and fostering a mindset of embracing challenges rather than seeking comfort.
Itzler emphasizes the transformative power of pushing past limitations and discovering hidden potential.

7. The Impact of Running a Hundred Miles and Overcoming Limitations

Itzler recounts his experience running a hundred miles, a feat he achieved after training for just 90 days.
He highlights the mental shift that occurred during the race, challenging his perception of his own limitations and demonstrating the power of pushing beyond comfort zones.
Itzler argues that many people underindex their capabilities in various areas of their lives, settling for routines and comfort rather than striving for greater achievements.
The conversation delves into the importance of embracing discomfort and the lessons learned through struggle and pushing personal boundaries.

8. The Lessons of David Goggins: A Master of Pushing Limits

Itzler describes his experience living with ultra-marathon runner and motivational speaker David Goggins for a month, a period that transformed his perspective on self-discipline and pushing limits.
Goggins’s unorthodox methods included daily “sucking” tasks and challenges designed to push Itzler beyond his comfort zone.
Itzler shares anecdotes of Goggins’s relentless drive, including jumping into a frozen lake and demanding Itzler to complete a hundred pull-ups in one session.
The conversation highlights the value of having mentors and surrounding yourself with people who push you to grow and challenge your limitations.

9. The Importance of Positive Influences and Avoiding Negativity

Itzler underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and inspirational people.
He emphasizes the detrimental impact of negativity and how it can hinder personal growth and well-being.
Itzler advises avoiding interactions with individuals who consistently complain and focus on the negative, emphasizing the need to protect one’s energy and avoid draining influences.
He highlights the value of seeking out mentors, role models, and individuals who inspire and motivate, emphasizing the power of positive energy to fuel personal growth.

10. The Power of Struggle and the Joy of Overcoming Challenges

Itzler argues that comfort is not the ultimate goal, but rather a byproduct of achieving difficult goals and pushing personal limits.
He highlights the importance of embracing struggle and discomfort as necessary components of personal growth and fulfillment.
Itzler emphasizes the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from overcoming challenges, citing his own experience with hot yoga and the satisfaction of pushing through difficult moments.
The conversation encourages listeners to embrace discomfort, pursue challenging goals, and find joy in the process of overcoming obstacles.

11. The Role of Gratitude and Appreciating the Journey

Itzler emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the journey, even during difficult times.
He highlights the value of gratitude for the lessons learned and the opportunities for growth, even through setbacks.
Itzler encourages listeners to celebrate their accomplishments, both big and small, and find joy in the process of progress.
The conversation promotes a mindset of continuous learning, acknowledging that life is a journey of growth and transformation.

12. The Importance of Living with Intention and Purpose

Itzler advocates for living with intention and purpose, making conscious choices that align with personal values and goals.
He encourages listeners to take ownership of their lives, making decisions that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their priorities, make choices that align with their values, and live with a sense of purpose.
Itzler emphasizes the power of making small, intentional changes that accumulate over time, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

13. The Value of Unconventional Experiences and Stepping into the Unknown

Itzler highlights the transformative power of stepping into the unknown and embracing unconventional experiences.
He encourages listeners to challenge themselves with new experiences, seek out mentors and challenges, and embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth.
Itzler suggests that personal growth often comes from venturing beyond comfort zones and engaging in activities that stretch the limits of our self-perception.
The conversation encourages listeners to embrace a spirit of adventure, seek out opportunities for personal growth, and find fulfillment in pushing their boundaries.

14. The Power of Mentorship and the Importance of Learning from Others

Itzler highlights the value of mentorship and the importance of learning from others who have achieved success or overcome challenges.
He emphasizes the transformative power of surrounding yourself with people who inspire and motivate, and the lessons learned from those who push you beyond your perceived limitations.
The conversation underscores the importance of seeking out mentors and role models who can provide guidance and support, and the benefits of learning from those who have walked the path before you.
Itzler encourages listeners to identify individuals who inspire them, seek their guidance, and learn from their experiences.

15. The Power of Human Connection and the Importance of Community

Itzler emphasizes the importance of human connection and the role of community in personal growth and well-being.
He highlights the power of surrounding yourself with people who support, inspire, and challenge you.
The conversation underscores the importance of fostering meaningful relationships, building a supportive network, and seeking out individuals who share your values and aspirations.
Itzler encourages listeners to prioritize connection, build strong relationships, and find joy in the company of those who lift them up.

16. The Importance of Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

Itzler encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their motivations.
He emphasizes the importance of identifying and challenging limiting beliefs, and the need to continuously strive for personal growth.
The conversation underscores the value of self-awareness, the power of introspection, and the importance of continuously seeking ways to improve and evolve.
Itzler encourages listeners to embrace a growth mindset, seeking out opportunities for learning, and continually seeking to expand their horizons.

Memorable Quotes:

“People need to go out and run those hundred miles. Yeah. They’ll listen up fast.” – Itzler emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself and experiencing discomfort.
“I went up there really just to detach and get away from feeling overloaded and feeling distracted and man, I’m a father of 4, and I have a business, and my wife has an entrepreneur, etcetera. And I just wanted to see, like, you know, kind of my been my journey. I learned best by diving into the unknown just like I did with Dave and just as I I’ve done in businesses and other things.” – Itzler describes his motivation for seeking out challenging experiences and stepping outside his comfort zone.
“You’ve been trying to do forever. Forever. And where do they get funding? They’re self sufficient. So they they breed German Shepherd’s. They sell them. Right. That’s kinda 1 income stream. And then they’re masters, world masters of dog train training. So every 2 weeks, they have 10 dogs that come in, and they and I’ve I’ve watched this. I mean, they literally dogs come in like spuds Mackenzie. And leave, like, they just left etiquette school. Like, it’s it’s it’s was you know, like, anytime you’re in the presence of the people that are the best in the world of what they do, it’s fucking fascinating. And these guys were masters they are. The masters of I’m gonna show there’s a lot of people that are great, but in their space of dog training and breeding.” – Itzler describes the unexpected business venture of the monks, highlighting the mastery they possess in their craft.
“I think the average American makes like 35000 to 50000 decisions a day. And there’s a real thing called decision fatigue.” – Itzler introduces the concept of “decision fatigue” and its impact on our mental energy.
“I wanna live with urgency. And I wanna do as much shit as I can and put as much on my plate of this stuff I love to do with the people I love in my life and have it on my resume. And that’s how I wanna live my life forward.” – Itzler expresses his desire to live life to the fullest, embracing challenges and creating meaningful experiences.