JRE #894 – #WhoIsFat – Day 1

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features a hilarious and insightful conversation between Joe Rogan, Tom Segura, and Bert Kreischer as they kick off their weight loss challenge. The episode delves into the origins of the viral “Bert is Fat” meme, the psychological impact of fat-shaming, the joys and struggles of weight loss, and the absurdity of their bet with Ari Shaffir, who’s responsible for funding their ultimate prize.

Topics explored range from the impact of social media and the intense nature of online culture to the nuances of human behavior and the allure of pushing one’s boundaries. Underlying themes of self-improvement, overcoming personal challenges, and the contrasting approaches to achieving goals add layers of depth to the conversation.

Topics

1. The Birth of the “Bert is Fat” Meme:

• The story begins with a movie scene depicting Gerard Depardieu in a bloated, alcoholic state. Tom and Bert jokingly compared Depardieu to Bert.
• The internet took the comparison and ran with it, creating hilarious photoshopped images of Bert as Depardieu.
• Bert, initially flattered by the comparisons, was quickly overwhelmed by the negative aspects of the meme.
• The meme gained momentum due to the shared experience of internet humor and the ease of relatable content on social media.

2. Fat-Shaming as a Motivator:

• Bert, despite his initial discomfort, acknowledges that the meme ultimately served as a catalyst for his weight loss journey.
• The constant bombardment of “Bert is Fat” jokes pushed him to confront his weight and make a change.
• The conversation touches upon the controversial nature of fat-shaming, with Bert arguing that it can be an effective tool for those who are overweight.
• Bert emphasizes the importance of honesty in the context of fat-shaming, stating that it’s not about cruelty but about recognizing and addressing a health concern.

3. The Weight Loss Challenge:

• Tom and Bert set a goal of reaching a BMI classification of “overweight” rather than “obese.”
• The bet with Ari involves the winner choosing a trip, with Ari paying for the flights.
• Bert initially wanted to go to the Super Bowl, while Tom desired a trip to Paris to watch a soccer game.
• The challenge hinges on weight loss within a specific timeframe, with the possibility of a draw and a tiebreaker.

4. Tom Segura’s Disciplined Approach:

• Tom adopts a strict diet and exercise routine, emphasizing lean proteins and greens, and consistently exceeding his daily cardio goals.
• His dedication to the challenge results in significant weight loss, showcasing his commitment to achieving his objective.
• Tom’s approach represents a more sustainable lifestyle change, prioritizing long-term health and well-being.
• He highlights the potential challenges of transitioning from a strict regimen back to a more balanced lifestyle.

5. Bert Kreischer’s “Mickey Mantle Gene”:

• Bert describes himself as having a “Mickey Mantle gene,” a predisposition towards reckless behavior and a tendency to go all out.
• This gene leads to periods of intense focus and discipline, followed by inevitable lapses in judgment and impulsive decisions.
• Bert’s approach involves a dramatic shift in diet and exercise, often relying on extreme measures to achieve short-term goals.
• He acknowledges the potential risks associated with his approach, but ultimately embraces the challenge with his characteristic humor and enthusiasm.

6. The Impact of Online Culture:

• The podcast highlights the overwhelming nature of online culture, where memes and trends can rapidly spread and dominate public discourse.
• The “Bert is Fat” meme exemplifies the intensity of online humor and the potential for relentless criticism and negative commentary.
• Bert recounts the intrusive and hurtful comments he received, showcasing the harsh reality of online fat-shaming.
• The episode underscores the importance of digital literacy and the need to navigate online spaces with awareness and sensitivity.

7. The “Long Strand DNA” Mentality:

• Bert believes that his “long strand DNA” gives him a unique ability to push his limits and achieve seemingly impossible goals.
• He attributes his success to an unwavering mindset and a relentless drive to succeed, despite facing immense challenges.
• This mentality is contrasted with Tom’s more measured and sustainable approach, highlighting the diverse ways individuals approach self-improvement.
• The conversation delves into the complexities of human motivation, exploring the role of personality traits and ingrained beliefs in shaping our actions.

8. The Importance of Self-Awareness:

• Bert acknowledges his tendency to overestimate his abilities and make risky decisions, demonstrating a level of self-awareness.
• He recognizes the importance of acknowledging his limitations and the potential consequences of his actions.
• Tom’s disciplined approach emphasizes the value of planning and setting realistic goals, highlighting the importance of a balanced mindset.
• The conversation underscores the crucial role of self-reflection and understanding one’s own tendencies in achieving personal growth.

9. The Role of Friendships:

• The podcast emphasizes the strong friendship between Bert and Tom, which forms the foundation of their shared experience.
• Their mutual respect and understanding allow them to push each other while remaining supportive and empathetic throughout the challenge.
• Their contrasting personalities and approaches to weight loss highlight the diverse ways friendships can thrive and enrich our lives.
• The episode celebrates the power of camaraderie and the importance of having friends who challenge and inspire us.

10. Ari Shaffir’s Financial Frugality:

• Ari, a wealthy comedian, displays a reluctance to pay for the trip despite the bet he made with Bert and Tom.
• He attempts to weasel out of the agreement by questioning their heights and weight, demonstrating his stingy nature.
• The episode portrays the contrasting views on money and financial responsibility, with Bert embracing a more carefree approach and Ari prioritizing frugality.
• The conversation raises questions about the complexities of wealth and the impact it can have on relationships and personal values.

11. The Power of Discipline:

• The podcast highlights the significance of discipline in achieving long-term goals, specifically in weight loss.
• Tom’s success exemplifies the power of consistent effort and commitment to a plan, showcasing the benefits of a structured approach.
• Bert’s struggle with maintaining discipline highlights the challenges of battling ingrained habits and the importance of finding sustainable strategies for long-term success.
• The conversation explores the diverse motivations behind weight loss, ranging from health concerns to personal aspirations.

12. The Mindset of Athletes:

• The conversation touches upon the intense dedication and focus required of athletes, particularly in combat sports.
• Bert references Chris Cyborg’s dramatic weight cuts, showcasing the extreme measures some athletes take to make weight for competitions.
• The episode highlights the potential risks associated with such extreme methods, particularly on the body and mental health.
• The discussion contrasts the disciplined approach of athletes with the more casual attitude of Bert and Tom, emphasizing the diverse motivations and pressures driving their choices.

13. The “Art” of Stand-Up Comedy:

• The podcast delves into the creative process of stand-up comedy, showcasing the importance of constant experimentation and refining material through live performances.
• Bert and Tom discuss the benefits of performing multiple sets in a weekend, emphasizing the importance of refining material through repetition and audience feedback.
• They highlight the value of taking risks and embracing imperfections in the pursuit of comedic excellence.
• The episode offers insights into the demanding and rewarding world of stand-up comedy, showcasing the dedication and resilience required to succeed.

14. The Importance of Balance:

• The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of balance in life, particularly in the context of personal goals and aspirations.
• Bert and Tom acknowledge the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while managing the demands of their careers and personal lives.
• The conversation highlights the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in all aspects of life, emphasizing the value of moderation and self-care.
• The podcast reminds listeners that personal growth is a continuous journey, requiring adaptability, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace both successes and setbacks.

Memorable Quotes

• “The best thing about money, the number one thing about money that’s the best thing about it is when you make money, you don’t have to think about it.”
• “I’ve got that long strand DNA. I’m different.”
• “Everybody wants to think they’re different, but everybody does. Everybody does.”
• “The worst feeling is feeling like a lazy bitch is not doing shit.”
• “It’s my mentality. You know how many fucking dummies I’ve met that tell me they could fight in the UFC? I know I could beat anybody’s because my mentality, I could finish the liens.”