JRE #944 – Scott Eastwood & Cameron Hanes

This podcast features a captivating conversation with actor Scott Eastwood and bowhunting athlete Cameron Hanes, delving into their unique perspectives on life, nature, and self-improvement. Provocative topics include Clint Eastwood’s parenting style, the challenges of navigating Hollywood, the transformative power of wilderness experiences, and the allure of bowhunting and ultramarathons. Underlying themes explore the importance of finding purpose and grounding, the pursuit of personal mastery, and the value of embracing primal instincts within a modern world.

Major Topics:

1. Scott Eastwood’s Upbringing with Clint Eastwood:

   • Scott’s early exposure to Hollywood through watching Clint Eastwood’s films like “Unforgiven.”
   • The unconventional family dynamics of having a father with multiple wives and children.
   • Scott’s upbringing in Hawaii, where he faced challenges as a white boy in a predominantly Hawaiian community.
   • The influence of Clint Eastwood’s environmental advocacy on Scott’s own commitment to conservation.

2. The Challenges and Perks of Being Clint Eastwood’s Son:

   • The pressure of living up to his father’s legacy, but also the absence of handouts and expectations for him to achieve success on his own.
   • Scott’s desire to tell stories, which led him to pursue acting, despite not necessarily wanting to be an actor.
   • His commitment to building a career based on hard work and his own reputation, rather than relying on his father’s influence.
   • The challenges of navigating a Hollywood culture where image and connections often outweigh talent.

3. The Transformative Power of Wilderness Experiences:

   • Cameron Hanes’s philosophy of “Ultimate Predator” training, which emphasizes physical and mental resilience through bowhunting, ultramarathons, and wilderness living.
   • The importance of connecting with nature as a way to ground oneself and find purpose.
   • How these experiences can help reduce stress and put everyday challenges into perspective.
   • The humbling effect of realizing one’s insignificance in the vastness of nature.

4. The Role of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms:

   • Scott’s experiences with chronic sleepwalking and night terrors, and his search for solutions through understanding circadian rhythms.
   • The impact of artificial light and technology on our sleep cycles.
   • The importance of aligning our sleep patterns with the natural cycle of light and darkness.
   • The profound sense of peace and contentment found in aligning oneself with nature’s rhythms.

5. The Allure and Skills of Bowhunting:

   • The challenging and rewarding nature of bowhunting, which involves patience, precision, and mental focus.
   • The importance of physical fitness and a low resting heart rate for success in bowhunting.
   • The adrenaline rush and the intense moment of truth when a hunter takes a shot.
   • The deep connection to nature and the respect for the animals that bowhunting fosters.

6. Ultramarathons and the Pursuit of Extreme Endurance:

   • Cameron Hanes’s commitment to ultramarathons, including the “Bigfoot 200,” a 205-mile race that he has completed multiple times.
   • The extreme physical and mental challenges of these races, pushing athletes beyond their perceived limits.
   • The mental discipline required to go without sleep for extended periods, especially for those aiming to win.
   • The camaraderie and sense of accomplishment shared by those who take on these grueling challenges.

7. The Importance of Finding a Mentor:

   • The role of mentors in guiding individuals on their journey of self-improvement and achievement.
   • Cameron Hanes’s own mentorship of Scott Eastwood in bowhunting and wilderness skills.
   • The value of having someone who can teach you the right techniques and help you avoid common pitfalls.
   • The importance of finding someone who shares your passion and inspires you to push your boundaries.

8. The Role of Discipline and Hard Work:

   • The importance of self-discipline in achieving success in various fields, including acting, bowhunting, and ultramarathons.
   • How discipline allows individuals to overcome obstacles and stay focused on their goals.
   • The value of consistent effort and the dedication required to excel in any pursuit.
   • The importance of having a strong work ethic and taking responsibility for one’s own success.

9. The Controversial World of Bear Hunting:

   • The ethical debate surrounding bear hunting, with some arguing that it’s necessary for population control and ecosystem balance.
   • The visceral reactions and emotional responses that often arise from the topic of bear hunting.
   • The arguments against bear hunting, primarily focused on animal welfare and the unnecessary killing of apex predators.
   • The complexities of managing wild animal populations and the potential consequences of human intervention.

10. The Fascinating and Controversial Nature of DMT:

    • The discovery that DMT is produced by the pineal gland, a gland long associated with spiritual experiences.
    • The potential role of DMT in near-death experiences and dreams, offering a glimpse into a different state of consciousness.
    • The debate on whether DMT is a chemical gateway to the afterlife or simply a neurochemical that creates profound visual experiences.
    • The ethical and legal complexities of psychedelic drugs, with DMT being a Schedule I substance, yet naturally occurring in many plants.

11. The Rise of Fake News and the Erosion of Trust:

    • The proliferation of fake news and misinformation online, making it increasingly difficult to discern truth from fiction.
    • The ease with which false information can spread rapidly online, especially through social media platforms.
    • The dangers of believing unverified information, which can lead to misunderstandings, distrust, and even harm.
    • The challenges of combating fake news and the need for critical thinking and media literacy.

12. The Future of UFC:

    • The upcoming fight between Michael Bisping and Georges St-Pierre, a match that has raised questions about the UFC’s hierarchy and its focus on entertainment over sporting integrity.
    • The UFC’s shift towards manufacturing big fights, rather than letting them evolve organically.
    • The impact of the UFC’s acquisition by WME-IMG, an entertainment company, on the organization’s priorities.
    • The need to balance entertainment with the integrity of the sport and respect for the fighters’ hard work and rankings.

13. The Importance of Cultural Context:

    • How cultural norms and perspectives shape our views on hunting, animal welfare, and other topics.
    • The example of Australia, where hunting feral cats is widely accepted, but hunting horses is considered taboo.
    • The need to understand the cultural context of different practices and avoid imposing our own values on others.
    • The importance of finding common ground and respecting diverse perspectives.

14. The Role of Social Media in Spreading Information:

    • The powerful impact of social media on shaping public opinion and disseminating information.
    • The potential for social media to amplify both positive and negative messages.
    • The importance of using social media responsibly and critically evaluating information before sharing it.
    • The challenges of navigating a world where information is constantly flowing and the boundaries between truth and fiction are blurred.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Dude your dad’s Clint Eastwood. That’s so crazy.” – Joe Rogan expresses his disbelief and amazement at Scott Eastwood’s lineage.
• “My dad is cleanse with bitch. He would just be like, oh, shit. They just walk away. Fused. Like, what happened to me? I just gotta hit with a rock.” – Scott Eastwood describes his father’s stoic and detached nature.
• “Nothing there changes in Iota. Yeah. I mean, it’s nothing is so it’s like your existence doesn’t even matter.” – Cameron Hanes reflects on the humbling experience of being in the wilderness and realizing the insignificance of individual existence.
• “It’s a fucking great movie. I remember seeing it. Remember the movie. I went to see in the movie theater. And when the credits rolled at the end, I just wanted to ask. Whoa.” – Joe Rogan shares his visceral reaction to watching “Unforgiven,” highlighting its power and intensity.
• “Everybody’s holding. Like, it’s a schedule 1 compound, but everybody tests positive for it. Like, it’s get you said, it’s illegal. But is it is it illegal?” – Joe Rogan raises a thought-provoking question about the legality of DMT, which is both a Schedule I substance and naturally occurring in plants.