JRE #483 – Mark Kendall

This podcast features Joe Rogan and Mark Kendall, a renowned pool player and lead guitarist best known for his role in the hard rock band Great White. The conversation takes a wide-ranging journey, exploring themes of dedication, success, addiction, music, and the unique challenges of fame.

Provocative topics include the pressures of fame, the dangers of addiction, and the importance of a strong work ethic. Underlying themes highlight the complexities of human psychology, the transformative power of music, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Topics and Summary:

1. Mark Kendall’s Pool Playing Prowess
   1. Kendall’s reputation as a skilled pool player, recognized even by experienced players like Jay Halford.
   2. The nuanced world of pool handicaps and weight systems, highlighting the diverse skill levels and competitive strategies.
   3. Kendall’s insights into the importance of breaking well and playing behind the break, a crucial element in high-level competition.
   4. The controversy surrounding players who complain about skilled breakers, emphasizing the importance of individual improvement rather than resentment.
2. Dedication and the Pursuit of Excellence
   1. The parallels between the dedication required for achieving excellence in guitar and pool, involving consistent practice and a deep commitment.
   2. Kendall’s own journey, balancing his passion for music with a childhood spent playing baseball, and the tough decision to dedicate himself fully to music.
   3. The ever-evolving nature of athletics, particularly the impact of strength and conditioning programs, and the potential for improvement through dedicated training.
   4. The benefits of incorporating exercise and a healthy lifestyle, not only for physical well-being but also for mental stability and reducing anxiety.
3. Addiction and the Shadows of Success
   1. The relationship between intense dedication and addiction, examining how the same personality traits that drive excellence can lead to destructive behaviors.
   2. Kendall’s personal struggle with alcohol and his successful recovery, highlighting the challenges of dealing with pressure and the allure of escape.
   3. The concept of “wasted talent,” exploring how addictive tendencies can derail individuals with remarkable potential in various fields.
   4. The unique pressures of the music industry, where overwhelming fame and constant praise can contribute to mental health struggles and substance abuse.
4. The Alienating Nature of Fame and Celebrity
   1. The profoundly alienating nature of extreme fame, particularly the overwhelming attention and expectations placed on celebrities.
   2. Kendall’s personal experience with performing for massive crowds and the contrast with feeling nervous in smaller settings, demonstrating the psychological impact of different scales of attention.
   3. The importance of managing expectations and avoiding self-importance, emphasizing the need for grounding and perspective in the face of intense public scrutiny.
   4. The danger of taking criticism and negative feedback too personally, highlighting the need for resilience and perspective in navigating the sometimes brutal world of public opinion.
5. The Power of Passion and Persistence
   1. Kendall’s early obsession with Santana’s music, which fueled his dedication to guitar playing from a young age.
   2. The significance of having a natural ear for music, recognizing the importance of both technical skills and innate talent in musical mastery.
   3. The role of inspiration and the impact of artists like Billy Gibbons and the feeling of music coming from the “soul” rather than merely technical mastery.
   4. Kendall’s view that talent, while important, requires dedication and persistence to achieve greatness, emphasizing the importance of hard work alongside natural ability.
6. The Importance of Practice and Repetition
   1. The importance of consistent practice, even in moments of success, as exemplified by Shane Van Boening, who dedicates hours to honing his skills.
   2. The transformative power of repetition in developing skills, not only in pool but in various fields like music and comedy.
   3. The necessity of consistent practice to avoid going through the motions and maintain a fresh, enthusiastic approach to performance.
   4. The dangers of becoming trapped by past success, particularly in music, where the pressure to deliver familiar hits can stifle creativity and innovation.
7. The Unique Challenges of Comedy
   1. The constant need for new material in comedy, unlike music where established hits remain popular.
   2. The risks of going on stage with no material, as exemplified by Jim Carrey’s experimentation and the potential for disastrous outcomes.
   3. The importance of recognizing and accepting that bombing is a part of the process, emphasizing the need for resilience and self-reflection.
   4. The diverse styles and audiences in comedy, highlighting the challenges of finding the right approach for a specific audience and the potential for mismatches in comedic timing and delivery.
8. Navigating the Music Industry
   1. The stark contrast between the music industry in the United States and Europe, where more diverse musical styles are embraced and appreciated.
   2. Kendall’s observations of the willingness to take risks in Europe, allowing for more eclectic lineups and a more open-minded audience.
   3. The importance of persistence and hard work in securing opportunities, particularly the importance of getting your name out there and consistently performing.
   4. The power of dreaming big and visualizing success, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation and believing in your own potential.
9. The Nature of Criticism and Hating
   1. The destructive nature of negative criticism, particularly online, and its potential to impact mental health and self-esteem.
   2. The importance of separating criticism from personal identity, recognizing that negative comments are often reflective of the critic’s own issues and do not define the individual.
   3. The idea of using criticism as a learning opportunity, examining negative feedback for potential insights into areas for improvement.
   4. The focus on individual excellence and the importance of avoiding negativity, recognizing that “winners” don’t waste time on hating and focus their energy on their own pursuits.
10. The Importance of Gratitude and Giving Back
    1. The significance of maintaining a sense of gratitude for opportunities and success, avoiding arrogance and self-importance.
    2. The impact of connecting with fans and appreciating the personal stories they share about how music has touched their lives.
    3. The importance of giving back and offering support to struggling individuals, particularly in the realm of addiction recovery.
    4. The power of music to connect people across generations and cultures, fostering a sense of shared experience and emotional resonance.
11. The Evolution of the Music Industry
    1. The impact of the internet on music distribution and consumption, making music more accessible but also altering the dynamics of the industry.
    2. The shift in power from major labels to artists, who now have more control over their music production and promotion.
    3. The importance of direct artist-to-fan connections through social media and online platforms.
    4. The challenges faced by major labels in adapting to the changing landscape and the rise of independent artists.
12. Bruce Lee, Mixed Martial Arts, and the Pursuit of Excellence
    1. The profound impact of Bruce Lee on martial arts and the evolution of mixed martial arts (MMA) as a culmination of various martial disciplines.
    2. The importance of real-world competition experience and the level of skill required to compete at the highest levels of MMA.
    3. The debate surrounding the potential outcome of a hypothetical fight between Bruce Lee and a modern MMA champion, highlighting the evolution of fighting styles and techniques.
    4. The enduring legacy of Bruce Lee as an innovator and artist, transcending mere martial arts skills and impacting the world of cinema and performance.
13. Pool Playing in Film and the Pursuit of Authenticity
    1. The challenges of portraying pool playing realistically in film, highlighting the need for authentic skills and understanding of the game.
    2. The success of Tom Cruise in “The Color of Money” in capturing a sense of realism, despite some minor technical inaccuracies.
    3. The struggles of other actors, like Paul Newman in “The Hustler,” to portray believable pool skills, demonstrating the difficulty of mimicking the nuanced movements of the game.
    4. The rare instances of actors who were skilled pool players before entering acting, like Jackie Gleason, who brought a level of authenticity to their performances.
14. The Importance of Diet and Nutrition
    1. The fundamental role of a healthy diet in overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of consuming fresh vegetables and healthy proteins.
    2. The value of supplementing a healthy diet with vitamins and minerals, particularly when identified through blood work and guided by a nutritionist.
    3. The dangers of relying on processed foods and fast food, highlighting the potential negative health impacts and the need for mindful food choices.
    4. The concept of “cheat meals” or “earned meals” as a way to maintain a healthy balance while allowing for occasional indulgences.
15. The Power of Yoga and Movement
    1. The transformative benefits of yoga for both physical and mental health, including improved flexibility, balance, relaxation, and mindfulness.
    2. The importance of movement and stretching for overall well-being, particularly as we age.
    3. The potential for yoga to alleviate back pain and improve posture.
    4. The enduring practice of yoga in various cultures and its proven benefits for physical and mental health.
16. The Legendary Rainbow Bar and Grill
    1. The historical significance of the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Hollywood, serving as a gathering place for musicians and celebrities.
    2. The iconic status of the Rainbow, attracting legendary musicians and bands like The Stones, Motorhead, and many others.
    3. The unique atmosphere and legendary status of the Rainbow, particularly its association with rock and roll history and its significance in the Hollywood scene.
    4. The ongoing legacy of the Rainbow, continuing to attract musicians and fans alike, and serving as a reminder of the vibrant and enduring nature of the rock and roll spirit.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “When people are telling you you’re the greatest man on earth and you’re the best guitar player in the world and all this stuff, you kinda just don’t wanna take it serious, and it can drive you crazy.” – Kendall emphasizes the potential for fame to lead to self-doubt and a distorted perception of reality.
2. “I don’t really think that an addict is just an addict. I really don’t think the music has that much to do with it, but I think a trigger for, you know, like, say, a recovering addict or whatever. He’s out on the road. He’s in this band. He has all this pressure from everybody telling them how great he is and everything because that can become pressure. ” – Kendall explores the complex interplay between success and addiction.
3. “The only people that ever got that kind of attention in the past were kings. I mean, even the leaders of tribes, they they just never got that kind of attention.” – Rogan highlights the relatively recent phenomenon of widespread fame and the potential for it to be psychologically disruptive.
4. “I just think it’s completely alien to the human race and didn’t exist until mass media was invented.” – Rogan continues his exploration of the impact of mass media on human psychology and the unprecedented levels of attention that celebrities now face.
5. “If you love what you’re doing and you work hard at it, you really given your maximum effort? I mean, what what else can you ask from yourself?” – Rogan emphasizes the importance of finding a passion and dedicating yourself fully to its pursuit.