JRE #513 - Joey "CoCo" Diaz

6/18/2014

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Joe Rogan Experience #513 – Joey “CoCo” Diaz

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Joey “CoCo” Diaz, a Cuban-American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his raucous and often controversial humor. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from Diaz’s unique perspective on life to the perils of Hollywood, and the intricacies of training and optimizing your body. Provocative, controversial, and viral topics are explored, alongside deep underlying themes like the pursuit of excellence, the dangers of shortcuts, and the importance of embracing your true self.

Major Topics Explored

1. Cordyceps Mushrooms and Altitude Training

Diaz and Rogan discuss the purported benefits of Cordyceps mushrooms, a type of fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its association with high-altitude training. They delve into the history of its use by Tibetan herders, the science behind its effects, and the methods athletes use to acclimate to high altitudes.

Cordyceps: Diaz recounts anecdotal evidence of Cordyceps’ effects on endurance and oxygen production, but emphasizes the lack of evidence for it growing within the body.
High Altitude Training: The conversation explores the benefits and drawbacks of high altitude training, noting the discomfort and risks involved, as well as the debate on the best training strategies.
BJ Penn’s Oxygen Tent: Rogan shares a humorous anecdote about BJ Penn’s attempt to simulate high altitude training in his home with an oxygen tent.
Altitude Sickness: Diaz describes the dangers of altitude sickness, comparing its symptoms to seasickness and warning against eating at high altitudes.

2. The Weed-Induced Blackout

Diaz shares a story of a non-smoker who passed out after taking one hit of a joint. He discusses the unpredictable nature of marijuana and its potential to induce unexpected reactions in those unfamiliar with its effects.

Anecdotal Evidence: Diaz highlights the range of reactions that marijuana can elicit, from laughter to paranoia, and how an individual’s tolerance can influence their experience.
The Dangers of Unfamiliar Substances: He emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s tolerance and the potential consequences of using substances without prior knowledge.
The “Not For Everybody” Argument: Diaz makes the point that marijuana is not for everyone and that it’s crucial to be mindful of its effects and potential risks.
The Unpredictability of Marijuana: He uses the story to illustrate the unpredictable nature of marijuana and how it can impact individuals differently.

3. The Dog Attack

Diaz recounts his childhood experience of being allergic to dogs and the numerous bites he endured, leading to a fear of dogs that he eventually overcame. He also discusses the responsibility of dog owners in raising well-behaved animals and the reality of dog attacks.

Overcoming Fear: Diaz shares his personal story of overcoming a childhood fear of dogs through exposure therapy.
Responsibility of Dog Owners: Diaz emphasizes that dog owners are responsible for training their dogs properly and ensuring they are not a danger to others.
The Role of Dogs in Society: He explores the complex role of dogs in modern society, noting their use as both companions and protectors, as well as the potential for harm they pose.
The Prevalence of Dog Attacks: Diaz highlights the alarming frequency of dog attacks, a topic often underreported and overlooked in the media.

4. The George Forman vs. Muhammad Ali Fight

Diaz and Rogan discuss the infamous fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali in Zaire, highlighting the cultural and political context surrounding the event, as well as the legendary status of both fighters. They also touch upon the role of Don King in promoting the fight and the influence of music in the event.

Cultural Significance: The conversation examines the fight’s cultural significance, particularly in Africa, where Ali’s popularity contrasted with Foreman’s association with the police force.
The Legacy of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman: They discuss the boxing legends’ legacy and their enduring impact on the sport. Diaz describes Foreman’s ferocity and Ali’s strategic brilliance in the ring.
Don King’s Role: Rogan and Diaz touch upon the controversial figure of Don King, the fight promoter, and his methods of promoting events.
The Music Festival: Diaz details the music festival that accompanied the fight, orchestrated by Don King to increase revenue.

5. The “Movie Deal” Con

Diaz discusses a common con in Hollywood, where aspiring filmmakers try to get funding from successful individuals by promising them a role in a low-budget project. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and persistence in pursuing one’s dreams, while cautioning against relying on shortcuts.

The Hollywood Hustle: Diaz details a common tactic used by aspiring filmmakers to get funding for their projects.
The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence: He encourages aspiring creatives to focus on developing their skills and building a solid portfolio rather than relying on shortcuts.
The Illusion of Shortcuts: Diaz warns against falling prey to the illusion of quick success, emphasizing that genuine success takes time, effort, and dedication.
The Reality of Hollywood: He offers a realistic perspective on the challenges faced by aspiring filmmakers, highlighting the need to be prepared to work hard and overcome obstacles.

6. The Importance of Consistent Work Ethic

Diaz emphasizes the importance of consistency in achieving success in any field, drawing from his own experience in stand-up comedy. He compares his own journey to the persistence required in jiu-jitsu, where even small improvements build towards greater progress.

The Stand-Up Comedy Ethic: Diaz shares his philosophy of consistently honing his craft, even during periods of doubt and setbacks.
The Power of Repetition and Practice: He stresses the importance of constant practice and repetition in mastering any skill, whether it’s stand-up comedy, jiu-jitsu, or anything else.
Embracing the Journey: Diaz emphasizes that success is not a destination but a journey of continuous learning and growth.
The Importance of Showing Up: He reinforces the importance of showing up consistently, even when progress is slow or seemingly insignificant.

7. The “Desperatos” and the Open Mic Scene

Diaz describes a type of individual he calls “Desperatos” – those who desperately seek a quick break in comedy or other fields, often looking for shortcuts or connections. He contrasts this approach with the importance of building skills and gaining experience through open mic nights and other performance opportunities.

The Desperatos: Diaz describes the common character he sees in comedy, those seeking easy fame and fortune without putting in the hard work.
The Value of Open Mic Nights: He encourages aspiring comics to gain experience through open mic nights, where they can develop their skills and build a fan base.
The Importance of Networking: Diaz emphasizes the importance of networking in comedy, but stresses that genuine networking comes from performing consistently and building a reputation.
The Reality of Breaking Into Comedy: He provides a realistic perspective on the challenging process of breaking into comedy, urging aspiring comics to be patient and persistent.

8. The Rise of Stand-Up Comedy and the Impact of TV

Diaz discusses the evolution of stand-up comedy, reflecting on how the landscape has changed over the years with the rise of television and the internet. He highlights the changing role of late-night talk shows and the enduring importance of live performances.

The Changing Landscape of Comedy: Diaz shares his observations on how comedy has evolved with the advent of television and the internet, noting both the opportunities and challenges.
The Power of Late-Night TV: He reflects on the once-dominant role of late-night talk shows in launching comedic careers, noting its diminishing impact today.
The Importance of Live Performances: Diaz stresses that live performances remain essential for comedians to develop their skills and connect with audiences.
The Global Reach of Comedy: He acknowledges the global reach of comedy thanks to the internet, opening new opportunities for comedians to reach audiences worldwide.

9. The Horse Racing Steroid Scandal

Diaz discusses the prevalent use of steroids in horse racing, expressing concern over the welfare of the animals and the ethical implications of doping.

Animal Welfare: Diaz expresses his dismay at the widespread use of steroids in horse racing, highlighting the potential risks to the animals’ health and well-being.
Ethical Concerns: He questions the ethics of doping horses to enhance their performance, suggesting that it is fundamentally unfair to the animals.
The Dangers of Steroids: Diaz outlines the potential health risks associated with steroid use in horses, including heart attacks and other complications.
The Need for Reform: He calls for greater oversight and regulation of horse racing to protect the animals from the dangers of doping.

10. The Strongman Back Injury

Diaz and Rogan discuss a video of a strongman competitor suffering a back injury while lifting an Atlas Stone. They humorously dissect the incident and explore the risks associated with extreme strength training.

The Dangers of Extreme Strength Training: The conversation highlights the inherent risks associated with extreme strength training, particularly with heavy weights.
The Importance of Proper Form and Technique: Diaz and Rogan emphasize the importance of proper form and technique in preventing injuries.
The Body’s Limits: They acknowledge that even seasoned athletes can exceed their body’s limits, leading to injuries.
The Importance of Safety: The conversation underscores the need for safety precautions and responsible training practices to minimize the risk of injury.

11. The Steroid Industry and Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Diaz and Rogan delve into the steroid industry and the growing popularity of testosterone replacement therapy. They discuss the potential risks and benefits, as well as the ethical implications of using steroids for non-medical purposes.

The Steroid Industry: The conversation explores the use of steroids in bodybuilding and other sports, highlighting the potential for abuse.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Diaz and Rogan discuss the increasing prevalence of testosterone replacement therapy, noting its potential benefits and risks, as well as the potential for misuse.
The Role of Chiropractors: They touch upon the controversial role of chiropractors in prescribing testosterone replacement therapy, raising concerns about the lack of oversight.
The Ethical Implications of Steroid Use: Diaz and Rogan explore the ethical implications of using steroids for non-medical purposes, particularly in sports.

12. The Benefits of Kettlebell Training

Diaz and Rogan discuss the advantages of kettlebell training for building strength, endurance, and core stability. They contrast kettlebell training with traditional weightlifting techniques and provide insights into their own training routines.

The Versatility of Kettlebell Training: Diaz and Rogan highlight the versatility of kettlebell training, emphasizing its ability to improve strength, endurance, and core stability.
Kettlebell Training vs. Weightlifting: They differentiate kettlebell training from traditional weightlifting, noting the focus on functional movements and momentum.
Building Core Strength: Diaz emphasizes the effectiveness of kettlebell exercises for strengthening the core muscles, a key component for overall fitness and injury prevention.
Personal Training Routines: Diaz and Rogan share insights into their own training routines, highlighting their emphasis on kettlebell exercises.

13. The Importance of Proper Posture

Diaz shares insights on the importance of proper posture, drawing from his experience with a chiropractor. He explains how poor posture can lead to back pain and other health issues, emphasizing the need to maintain a strong core and healthy spinal alignment.

The Impact of Poor Posture: Diaz outlines the consequences of poor posture, highlighting its impact on spinal health and overall well-being.
The Importance of a Strong Core: He emphasizes the role of core strength in maintaining good posture and reducing back pain.
The Evolution of Human Posture: Diaz explores the evolution of human posture, suggesting that our current upright stance may be contributing to back problems.
The Benefits of Kettlebell Training for Posture: He highlights how kettlebell training can improve posture by strengthening the back and core muscles.

14. The Naropa Institute and the Pursuit of Knowledge

Diaz shares his experiences at the Naropa Institute, a Buddhist college in Boulder, Colorado, where he learned meditation and explored various philosophical and spiritual ideas. He reflects on the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, regardless of one’s background or beliefs.

The Naropa Institute: Diaz describes his experience at the Naropa Institute, highlighting its focus on Buddhist teachings and personal growth.
The Pursuit of Knowledge: He encourages individuals to actively seek knowledge and understanding, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.
The Importance of Open-Mindedness: Diaz emphasizes the need to be open-minded and willing to challenge one’s assumptions.
The Power of Meditation: He reflects on the benefits of meditation, which he learned at Naropa, and its ability to enhance mindfulness and self-awareness.

15. The Hypocrisy of Veganism

Diaz tackles the hypocrisy of veganism, specifically addressing the practice of feeding cat food to cats. He argues that the act of feeding a carnivorous animal with meat contradicts the core principles of veganism, highlighting the complexities of ethical choices in a world where life takes life.

The Vegan Dilemma: Diaz exposes the contradiction of vegans owning cats and feeding them meat-based cat food, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of veganism.
The Nature of Animals: He acknowledges the inherent nature of carnivorous animals and the inherent need for them to consume meat.
The Hypocrisy of Veganism: Diaz critiques the hypocrisy of vegans who participate in the cat food industry, contributing to the death of animals while claiming to be against animal cruelty.
The Reality of Life Takes Life: He emphasizes the fundamental truth that all life takes life in some way, urging individuals to be mindful of the complexities of ethical choices.

16. The Importance of Self-Righteousness

Diaz criticizes the tendency for individuals to become self-righteous, often adopting a moral superiority that can alienate and polarize. He argues that embracing diversity of thought and accepting different perspectives is essential for healthy discourse and personal growth.

The Dangers of Self-Righteousness: Diaz highlights the potential for self-righteousness to lead to intolerance, judgment, and division.
The Need for Open-Mindedness: He emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and accepting that others may have different beliefs and perspectives.
The Importance of Dialogue: Diaz encourages individuals to engage in constructive dialogue and respectful debate, rather than resorting to moral superiority.
The Value of Diversity: He underscores the richness and value that diversity of thought brings to society.

17. The Social Nature of Hobbies and Religion

Diaz explores the changing nature of hobbies and religion, suggesting that they have become increasingly social activities rather than deeply personal expressions of belief or passion. He argues that this shift can lead to superficial engagement and a lack of genuine commitment.

The Social Nature of Hobbies: Diaz observes the shift in hobbies from personal pursuits to social activities, questioning the depth of engagement.
The Socialization of Religion: He discusses how religion has become more about social belonging than genuine belief for many individuals.
The Importance of Authenticity: Diaz encourages individuals to pursue hobbies and beliefs that genuinely resonate with them and reflect their true values.
The Need for Meaningful Engagement: He emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that hold true meaning and purpose rather than seeking superficial validation.

18. The Starbucks Culture and the Pursuit of Conformity

Diaz criticizes the widespread adoption of Starbucks as a symbol of conformity and the pressure to fit in. He contrasts the current trend with the simpler, more authentic coffee culture of the past, highlighting the importance of individuality and self-expression.

The Starbucks Phenomenon: Diaz observes the societal influence of Starbucks and its role in creating a sense of conformity.
The Loss of Individuality: He expresses concern over the pressure to conform to certain trends and social norms, particularly in the context of coffee consumption.
The Simplicity of the Past: Diaz contrasts the current Starbucks culture with the simpler coffee culture of the past, where coffee was a more straightforward beverage.
The Importance of Self-Expression: He encourages individuals to embrace their individuality and express themselves authentically, even in seemingly insignificant aspects like their choice of coffee.

19. The Drug Trade and its Impact on Society

Diaz delves into the complex world of the drug trade, discussing the role of the Chinese mafia in heroin trafficking, the prevalence of heroin use in various countries, and the failure of government efforts to eradicate the drug trade.

The Chinese Mafia’s Role: Diaz highlights the long history of the Chinese mafia’s involvement in heroin trafficking and their sophisticated operations.
The Global Heroin Trade: He discusses the worldwide prevalence of heroin use, emphasizing the massive market and its impact on societies.
The Failure of Drug War Efforts: Diaz critiques the ineffectiveness of government efforts to eradicate the drug trade, pointing to the continued increase in heroin production despite billions spent on combating it.
The Complexities of Drug Policy: The conversation raises questions about the effectiveness of current drug policies and the need for a more nuanced approach.

20. The Importance of Mental Health

Diaz touches on the importance of mental health, acknowledging that not everyone is cut out for high-pressure careers like stand-up comedy or other competitive fields. He recognizes the struggles faced by those with mental health issues and emphasizes the need for support and understanding.

The Importance of Mental Health: Diaz acknowledges the importance of mental health and recognizes the challenges faced by those with mental health issues.
The Impact of Mental Health on Success: He highlights how mental health can influence an individual’s ability to pursue their goals and achieve success.
The Need for Support: Diaz emphasizes the importance of seeking support and understanding when dealing with mental health challenges.
The Value of Individuality: He encourages individuals to embrace their unique journeys and recognize that not everyone is destined for the same path.

21. The Power of Hollywood and the Dangers of Exploitation

Diaz explores the dark side of Hollywood, discussing the potential for exploitation and abuse, particularly within the context of young aspiring actors and the power dynamics within the industry.

The Hollywood Power Dynamic: Diaz highlights the power imbalance that exists within Hollywood, where individuals with influence can exploit those seeking success.
The Dangers of Exploitation: He warns about the potential for exploitation and abuse, particularly targeting young and vulnerable individuals.
The Importance of Staying Safe: Diaz encourages individuals to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves.
The Need for Change: He calls for a more equitable and ethical environment within Hollywood to safeguard those seeking to break into the industry.

22. The Unpredictability of Life and the Importance of Embracing the Journey

Diaz and Rogan reflect on the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of embracing the journey, even with its challenges and setbacks. They highlight the importance of finding joy in the present moment and appreciating the unexpected twists and turns that life throws our way.

The Unpredictability of Life: Diaz and Rogan acknowledge that life is unpredictable and that our plans can be disrupted by unforeseen events.
The Importance of Embracing Change: They encourage individuals to be adaptable and embrace change as a natural part of life.
The Joy of the Journey: Diaz and Rogan emphasize that the true satisfaction lies in the journey, not just the destination.
Appreciating the Present Moment: They encourage individuals to find joy in the present moment and appreciate the unique experiences that life offers.

Memorable Quotes

“You know, your whole body’s filled with little growing organisms.” – Diaz’s humorous take on the presence of fungi in our bodies, emphasizing the constant cycle of life and decay.
“It’s a better way of moving. When human beings start standing up, apparently the flaws in the design of the back begin to surface.” – Diaz’s perspective on human evolution and its implications for back pain, suggesting that our current posture may not be optimal.
“Get the fuck out of here with that. You don’t need that. You need heavy kettlebell swings, those motherfuckers, and press them and do windmills.” – Diaz’s strong and comedic endorsement of kettlebell training, dismissing traditional exercises like sit-ups and leg lifts.
“Life takes life whether you like it or not, unfortunately.” – Diaz’s straightforward and often controversial take on the fundamental truth that all life is connected through a cycle of consumption and decay.
“You forget, bro. You forget because we’re subjected to such bad fucking movies.” – Diaz’s humorous and critical commentary on the state of modern cinema, emphasizing the nostalgia and appreciation for classic films.

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JRE #513 – Joey “CoCo” Diaz