JRE #868 – John Dudley

This episode of the Joe Rogan podcast features a conversation between Joe and John Dudley, his archery guru and hunting buddy, recorded during a hunting trip in Iowa. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of bow hunting and the fascinating world of deer biology to the complexities of weight cutting in MMA and the historical significance of archery. Underlying themes include the meditative nature of hunting, the importance of physical conditioning, and the inherent risks associated with extreme sports.

1. The Thrill of Bow Hunting:
   • Joe and John discuss their experiences bow hunting in Iowa, emphasizing the intensity and mental focus required for a successful hunt. They describe the unique challenges of bow hunting compared to rifle hunting, including the shorter range and the need for precise shot placement.
   • The podcast highlights the mental game of bow hunting, emphasizing the importance of patience, observation, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Joe and John recount a story about encountering a mature deer, noting the deer’s intelligence and its immediate recognition of them as potential hunters.
   • Joe compares the mental and physical demands of bow hunting to those of fighting, highlighting the single-shot nature of bow hunting, where a single mistake can have significant consequences.
   • The podcast touches on the ethical aspects of bow hunting, discussing the importance of making a clean kill and avoiding unnecessary pain for the animal.
2. The Biology of Deer:
   • Joe and John explore the fascinating biology of deer, specifically the growth and shedding of antlers. They discuss the process of velvet shedding and the need to preserve antlers shot during the velvet phase.
   • The podcast delves into the rutting season, a period of intense sexual activity for deer that lasts for three weeks. During this time, deer exhibit aggressive behavior and are prone to accidents.
   • Joe and John discuss the importance of managing deer populations through regulated hunting and the role of hunters in feeding the hungry through programs like the “hush” in Iowa.
   • The podcast highlights the overpopulation of deer in Iowa, leading to numerous instances of near-misses with vehicles.
3. Weight Cutting in MMA:
   • Joe and John discuss the controversial practice of weight cutting in MMA, arguing that it can be detrimental to fighters’ health and performance. They cite the example of Rafael Dos Anjos, a former UFC champion, who struggled to make weight for a fight and appeared significantly weakened.
   • The podcast highlights the dangers of dehydration and the potential for serious health complications, even death, as a result of extreme weight cutting. Joe and John express their hope that the new UFC owners will implement changes to eliminate weight cutting.
   • The podcast explores the impact of weight cutting on fighter performance, arguing that fighters are often not at their best when severely dehydrated.
   • Joe and John advocate for a more comprehensive system of weight classes in MMA, with smaller increments between divisions to minimize the need for extreme weight cutting.
4. The History of Archery:
   • Joe and John delve into the history of archery, emphasizing its origins as a weapon used for both hunting and warfare. They discuss the development of the recurve bow and its role in the Mongol Empire’s rise to power.
   • The podcast explores the effectiveness of arrows as projectiles, highlighting their ability to penetrate armor and their significant impact force. Joe recounts a story about testing ballistic helmets for the military with arrows, demonstrating their power.
   • The podcast discusses the Mongol archery technique, which involved using a thumb ring for releasing the arrow. This technique is considered more repeatable and precise than traditional methods using fingers.
   • Joe and John discuss the evolution of archery technology, from traditional recurve bows to modern compound bows, and the increased accuracy and power of modern bows.
5. The Importance of Physical Conditioning:
   • Joe and John discuss the importance of physical conditioning for archers, emphasizing the need for shoulder stability, range of motion, and core strength. Joe emphasizes the benefits of clubbells, kettlebells, and chin-ups for developing these attributes.
   • The podcast delves into the science behind hanging exercises, such as chin-ups, for improving shoulder health and alleviating pain. Joe credits John for teaching him this technique and highlights its potential benefits for archers.
   • The podcast underscores the benefits of using simple and readily available equipment, like kettlebells and chin-up bars, for effective training. Joe suggests that these are essential tools for any archer.
   • The podcast explores the importance of core stability for archers, as it provides a solid foundation for proper technique and shot execution.
6. The Mongol Empire and Its Impact:
   • Joe and John discuss the Mongol Empire and its devastating impact on the world. They cite a New York Times article that estimated the Mongol Empire’s killing of 10% of the human population, a staggering number.
   • The podcast highlights the ruthlessness and brutality of the Mongol Empire, noting that their actions had a significant impact on the Earth’s carbon footprint. Joe and John discuss the Mongol Empire’s doctrine, which valued nomadic life and saw settled people as inferior.
   • Joe encourages listeners to explore Dan Carlin’s “Hardcore History” podcast series on the Mongol Empire, praising its exhaustive research and insights.
   • The podcast uses the Mongol Empire as an example of the potential for a single group to have a profound impact on the world, both positive and negative, through its ideology and actions.
7. The Fascinating World of Wildlife:
   • Joe and John discuss the fascinating world of wildlife, highlighting the unique sounds and behaviors of elk during the rutting season. They recount their encounters with a “sword bull” and the dominance he exerted over other bulls in his herd.
   • The podcast explores the different sounds elk make, from bugles to groans, and the significance of these sounds in elk communication.
   • Joe and John discuss the extinct Irish Elk, an incredibly large species of deer with massive antlers. They express their amazement at its size and speculate on the reasons for its extinction.
   • The podcast delves into the world of New Zealand’s unique wildlife, including the Haast Eagle, a giant extinct eagle that was capable of preying on humans. Joe and John marvel at the size and power of these creatures and discuss the controversial role of the Maori in their extinction.
8. The Controversial Nature of Hunting:
   • The podcast touches on the controversial nature of hunting, acknowledging the negative reactions some people have towards it. Joe emphasizes his respect for animals and his commitment to ethical hunting practices.
   • Joe and John discuss the role of hunters in managing wildlife populations, particularly in areas where invasive species, such as wild pigs, pose threats to the environment and agriculture.
   • The podcast explores the unique case of wild pig hunting in Texas, where helicopter hunting with machine guns is permitted due to the overpopulation of wild pigs.
   • Joe emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of hunting and the role of hunters in managing wildlife populations, while also acknowledging the ethical concerns surrounding hunting practices.
9. The Benefits of Onnit Supplements:
   • Joe and John promote the benefits of Onnit supplements, specifically Alpha Brain, Shroom Tech Sport, and New Mood. They discuss how these supplements help them maintain focus, energy, and sleep during their demanding hunting trips.
   • Joe emphasizes the importance of maintaining good levels of neurotransmitters for optimal brain function, particularly when traveling and experiencing jet lag. He credits Alpha Brain for helping him stay alert and focused during long hunting days.
   • Joe and John discuss the benefits of New Mood for promoting restful sleep, especially during hunting season, where limited sleep is often the norm.
   • The podcast promotes Onnit Academy, a fitness facility in Austin, Texas, and its resources for athletes, including information on exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and nutrition.
10. The Importance of Community and Support:
    • The podcast highlights the importance of community and support in pursuing hobbies and passions, specifically in archery. Joe recounts his experience attending the Western Expo, where he met John Dudley and was introduced to his podcast, “Knock On Archery.”
    • The podcast emphasizes the value of learning from experts in a chosen field, acknowledging John’s expertise in archery and his ability to provide valuable insights. Joe also recognizes the importance of having a community of like-minded individuals to share knowledge and experiences.
    • Joe and John discuss the importance of finding good archery schools and clubs, particularly those that provide a supportive and knowledgeable environment for learning and developing skills.
    • The podcast acknowledges the importance of having a network of friends and mentors who can provide support and guidance in pursuing personal interests and achieving goals.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s like a meditation, like a discipline, and this incredibly difficult task through it, you’re you’re trying to You’re trying to, like, find the layers of the onion. You’re trying to deep dig deep into the heart of the thing. to find out what it really is.”
• “This dehydration shit has gotta stop. It’s a time bomb. It’s a ticking time bomb. and it’s waiting to blow up in the face of the most exciting sport in the world.”
• “That’s why they’re short so that you can do it. So I ended up I was on one of my coaching tours through Europe. So the guy that was actually escorting me his name was Andre. I actually got on his back. And I mean, I mean, I mean, I mean, I hate it. Like a horse. Like a horse.”
• “It’s so difficult to do to take a £35 club with all the weight at the end of it. So it’s weird leverage — Yeah. — and then control it. swinging it over the top of your head and then bringing it down with full control of it and pausing it in front of you.”
• “I suggest you do the same. Thanks for tuning in. I appreciate you folks. And and big kiss. Thanks for tuning in to the podcast, folks.”