JRE #763 – Action Bronson

by

2/23/2016






Joe Rogan Podcast #763 – Action Bronson: Topics and Analysis

This podcast features Action Bronson, a rapper and former chef, discussing his unique path, the world of food and cooking, the rise of online content, his love for music, his thoughts on body building, and a whole lot more, all sprinkled with Bronson’s hilarious and often outrageous humor.

Major Topics and Analysis:

  1. Action Bronson’s Unique Identity:
    1. Bronson embraces his eccentric persona and refuses to be confined to any specific label.
    2. He sees himself as an individual who defies categorization and transcends conventional boundaries.
    3. He embraces his own quirks and idiosyncrasies, rejecting societal pressures to conform.
    4. His approach to life and his career reflects his non-conformist spirit, challenging audiences to view him on his own terms.
  2. The Rise of Online Content and its Impact on TV:
    1. Bronson highlights the increasing popularity and accessibility of online platforms like YouTube and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
    2. He believes online content is poised to overshadow traditional television, offering viewers greater control and flexibility.
    3. He champions the benefits of online platforms for reaching a wider global audience, particularly for shows like his, “Fuck, That’s Delicious.”
    4. He expresses concerns about the limitations of traditional television networks in terms of reach and accessibility, advocating for broader distribution on YouTube.
  3. The Changing Landscape of the Culinary World:
    1. Bronson discusses the evolving image of chefs, shifting from the traditional, formal French stereotype to a more modern, tattooed, and rebellious approach.
    2. He acknowledges the impact of Anthony Bourdain’s show in popularizing a more experimental and unconventional culinary culture.
    3. He explores the different schools of thought within the culinary world, from experimental and artistic chefs to more mainstream figures like Guy Fieri.
    4. He emphasizes the growing popularity of chefs as celebrities and rockstars, acknowledging their cultural influence and artistic expression.
  4. The Allure and Perils of Excess:
    1. Bronson openly discusses his struggle with weight fluctuations, acknowledging his love for food and his occasional indulgences in unhealthy treats.
    2. He grapples with the conflicting desires for both indulgence and fitness, recognizing the challenges of maintaining self-control.
    3. He contemplates the impact of unhealthy eating habits on his body and overall well-being, recognizing the need for a more balanced approach.
    4. He shares his personal experiences with different diets, highlighting the difficulty of finding a sustainable and satisfying approach to weight management.
  5. The Power of Dedication:
    1. Bronson recounts the story of his friend Brian Fraser, a dedicated bodybuilder who achieved incredible results through sheer hard work and discipline.
    2. He contrasts Fraser’s unwavering commitment with his own struggle to maintain focus, acknowledging the challenges of juggling multiple passions and responsibilities.
    3. He recognizes the transformative power of dedication, acknowledging the impressive results achieved by individuals who make a commitment to change.
    4. He underscores the importance of prioritizing one’s goals, emphasizing the need for unwavering commitment to achieve lasting success.
  6. The Cultural Impact of Food:
    1. Bronson delves into the cultural significance of food, exploring the different ways in which food serves as a source of comfort and pleasure.
    2. He highlights the inherent irony of the most delicious foods often being the least healthy, questioning the design of nature in this regard.
    3. He discusses the importance of indulging in food in a way that brings joy and satisfaction, even while acknowledging the potential consequences.
    4. He emphasizes the emotional connection to food, recognizing its role in creating memories and fostering shared experiences.
  7. The Debate Surrounding Ketogenic Diets:
    1. Bronson dives into the ongoing debate surrounding ketogenic diets, exploring the arguments for and against this popular approach to weight loss and improved health.
    2. He shares his own experiences with keto, highlighting the positive effects he’s experienced, including reduced hunger and fewer food cravings.
    3. He acknowledges the controversy surrounding keto, discussing the concerns expressed by some who believe it can be harmful, while also recognizing the potential benefits.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of individual experimentation and finding a diet that works best for one’s unique body and lifestyle.
  8. The World of Extreme Sports and Risk:
    1. Bronson examines the world of extreme sports, focusing on the feats of individuals like James Kingston, who perform death-defying stunts like jumping between buildings.
    2. He explores the psychological motivations behind such risky behavior, questioning the limits of human endurance and the desire for adrenaline.
    3. He discusses the inherent danger involved in extreme sports, recognizing the potential for serious injury or even death.
    4. He highlights the awe-inspiring nature of these feats, acknowledging the incredible physical and mental strength required to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
  9. The Mystery of the Congo and its Unseen Creatures:
    1. Bronson discusses the vast and unexplored Congo rainforest, highlighting the possibility of undiscovered species and the potential for exciting scientific discoveries.
    2. He explores the legend of the Bondo ape, a giant chimp that was once thought to be a myth but has been recently documented.
    3. He delves into the fascinating characteristics of this rare ape, including its unusual crest and its habit of walking upright.
    4. He underscores the incredible diversity of the Congo ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of protecting these unique and threatened environments.
  10. The Power of Music:
    1. Bronson reflects on the impact of music on his life and career, discussing his preference for listening to music in foreign languages.
    2. He explores the unique appeal of music in unknown languages, emphasizing the way it transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
    3. He highlights the role of music in his creative process, explaining how it inspires his writing and songwriting.
    4. He emphasizes the emotional power of music, recognizing its ability to evoke a wide range of feelings and emotions.
  11. The Legacy of Prank Calls:
    1. Bronson reminisces about the classic prank call comedy duo, the Jerky Boys, and their influence on his own comedic style.
    2. He discusses the evolution of prank calls from their early days of cassette tapes to the advent of television shows like “Crank Yankers.”
    3. He explores the ethical boundaries of prank calls, acknowledging the potential for harm and the importance of respecting others.
    4. He recognizes the comedic value of prank calls, highlighting their ability to create humor and challenge social norms.
  12. The Perils of Being Publicly Known:
    1. Bronson touches upon the challenges of being a public figure, discussing the potential for negative attention and the scrutiny that comes with fame.
    2. He explores the duality of having a public persona while trying to maintain a sense of privacy and personal boundaries.
    3. He acknowledges the pressure to maintain a certain image while also being true to himself and his authentic self.
    4. He highlights the complexities of navigating the public eye, recognizing the need for both resilience and a sense of humor.
  13. The Impact of the 2016 Election:
    1. Bronson shares his thoughts on the 2016 US presidential election, commenting on the rise of Donald Trump as a political force.
    2. He explores the factors that have contributed to Trump’s popularity, including his unapologetic rhetoric and his ability to connect with a segment of the population.
    3. He discusses the potential consequences of Trump’s policies, expressing concerns about the future of the country.
    4. He recognizes the divisive nature of the election, emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding.
  14. The Importance of Accepting Yourself:
    1. Bronson emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one’s unique qualities, encouraging listeners to be comfortable in their own skin.
    2. He recognizes the diversity of human experiences and the need for understanding and acceptance of different perspectives.
    3. He advocates for authenticity and self-expression, encouraging individuals to live their lives according to their own values and beliefs.
    4. He promotes a message of positivity and self-love, encouraging listeners to celebrate their individuality and strive for their own personal fulfillment.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “Dude, I’ve been watching your stuff on Vice. And first of all, what a great idea? What a great idea to come up with that hashtag. Fuck that delicious. Thank you, ma’am. because your your Instagram picture is it is a one big fuck that’s delicious.” – Action Bronson expresses his appreciation for the creativity and humor of his own show.
  • “I think that if you really wanted to do it though, you would be like Brian, you would be dedicated to it, and you’d really wanna do it. You’d you’d get into it. But it’s one of those things where you wanna do, but you’re also like a guy who really enjoys life.” – Bronson acknowledges the challenge of finding balance between commitment and enjoying life’s pleasures.
  • “You know, it’s like, you wake up in the morning, you go to YouTube for some shit, you listen some music, you put a mix on, you watch some highlights for some shit. You know, like, YouTube has become a pleasure. You know, it’s like a it’s a new age of digging in the crates.” – Bronson expresses his love for the power and accessibility of YouTube, comparing it to the traditional art of searching for music.
  • “It’s so crazy that just just a few moments of mouth pleasure is worth fucking up your entire body. Like your body, the thing that carries you around in this life, the thing that you need more than any thing. And just for a few moments of mouth pleasures.” – Bronson reflects on the irony of indulging in unhealthy foods for fleeting pleasure.
  • “It’s amazing how powerful a little cat is. They’re ferocious. They’re — Yeah. — it’s nonstop. Yeah. They’re too quick. You don’t know what to do.” – Bronson highlights the impressive power and speed of cats, contrasting them with the clumsiness of humans.