JRE #336 - Scott Sigler

3/12/2013

Joe Rogan Experience #336 – Scott Sigler

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast features Scott Sigler, an American author known for his science fiction and horror books. The conversation spans various topics related to Sigler’s writing process, his experience in the publishing industry, and his personal interests. Provocative topics include the allure and danger of secret societies, the impact of technology on storytelling, and the complexities of human nature. Underlying themes explore the power of storytelling to connect with readers, the importance of authenticity in creative expression, and the ever-evolving nature of entertainment.

Major Topics:

1. Scott Sigler’s Writing Process:

Sigler’s writing process is rooted in a blend of research and intuition, often drawing inspiration from real-world scientific discoveries and cultural phenomena.
He emphasizes the importance of grounding his stories in plausibility, even when exploring fantastical concepts.
Sigler collaborates with scientists and experts to ensure accuracy in his depictions of science and technology.
He uses a detailed outlining process to structure his narratives, often seeking feedback from others before embarking on a first draft.

2. Self-Publishing and Building an Audience:

Sigler’s career took an unexpected turn when he couldn’t secure a traditional publishing deal. He decided to self-publish his books as audiobooks and give them away for free as podcasts.
This unconventional approach allowed him to build a dedicated audience and garner attention from publishers.
Sigler’s podcasts provided a direct connection with readers, fostering a sense of community and allowing him to gauge their responses to his stories.
This strategy ultimately led him to a traditional publishing deal and a successful writing career.

3. The Power of Storytelling:

Sigler believes in the transformative power of storytelling, arguing that a well-written book can captivate readers and transport them to other worlds.
He emphasizes the importance of crafting engaging narratives that resonate with readers on an emotional level.
He cites Stephen King as a major influence, particularly for his ability to create memorable characters and captivating plot twists.
Sigler acknowledges the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment and recognizes the need for writers to adapt to new platforms and technologies.

4. Secret Societies and Conspiracy Theories:

Sigler explores the fascination with secret societies and conspiracy theories in his writing, acknowledging their enduring appeal.
He highlights the inherent tension between the desire for order and the allure of the unknown.
He suggests that the existence of real-world cases of corruption and cover-ups fuels the imagination of those who believe in secret societies.
He acknowledges the importance of exploring these themes in fiction, but cautions against relying on unfounded claims and sensationalism.

5. The Future of Humanity and Technology:

Sigler speculates on the potential impact of technology on human evolution, considering the possibilities of genetic engineering, advanced prosthetics, and artificial intelligence.
He explores the ethical considerations surrounding these advancements, particularly in relation to sports and human performance.
He envisions a future where humans could become significantly different from their current form, both physically and mentally.
He uses his fiction to explore the potential consequences of these transformations, considering both the benefits and risks they present.

6. The Dark Tower Series:

Sigler considers Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series to be a masterpiece, particularly the first three books.
He acknowledges the series’s unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, creating a rich and immersive world.
He finds the metafictional elements, such as King’s inclusion of himself in the narrative, to be a clever and engaging twist.
He praises the series for its complex characters, compelling plot, and thought-provoking themes.

7. The Influence of Stephen King:

Sigler acknowledges Stephen King’s significant influence on his writing, particularly King’s ability to create memorable characters and captivating plot twists.
He cites King’s on Writing as a valuable resource for aspiring writers, emphasizing King’s straightforward and practical advice.
He admires King’s prolific output and his willingness to experiment with different genres.
He recognizes the impact of King’s work on the genre of horror and his enduring popularity.

8. The Nature of Success and Fame:

Sigler offers insights into the complexities of success and fame, highlighting the potential pitfalls of self-importance and the pressure to maintain momentum.
He suggests that a humble approach and a focus on storytelling are crucial for sustaining a successful career.
He cautions against the dangers of becoming complacent and losing sight of what truly matters.
He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing creative fulfillment rather than external validation.

9. The Allure of Danger and Adrenaline:

Sigler explores the human fascination with danger and adrenaline, suggesting that it’s deeply rooted in our evolutionary past.
He discusses the appeal of activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, and MMA fighting, which provide a safe outlet for primal instincts.
He acknowledges the risks involved in these activities but recognizes the allure of pushing boundaries and experiencing the rush of danger.
He suggests that these activities can serve as a way to connect with our more primal selves and experience a sense of exhilaration.

10. The Impact of Head Trauma in Sports:

Sigler expresses concerns about the long-term impact of head trauma in sports like football and MMA.
He highlights the dangers of repetitive concussions and sub-concussive trauma, which can lead to cognitive decline and other health issues.
He suggests that rule changes and advancements in protective gear are needed to mitigate these risks.
He advocates for greater awareness of the potential consequences of head trauma and encourages athletes to prioritize their long-term health.

11. The Role of Testosterone and Performance:

Sigler discusses the role of testosterone in athletic performance and its potential to be affected by head trauma.
He highlights the link between low testosterone levels and depression, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue in athletes.
He acknowledges the use of testosterone replacement therapy to mitigate the effects of head trauma, but also raises ethical considerations.
He emphasizes the need for ongoing research and dialogue to understand the complex interplay between testosterone, head trauma, and athletic performance.

12. The Future of Pro Sports:

Sigler speculates on the potential evolution of pro sports, considering the ongoing increase in size, speed, and strength of athletes.
He envisions a future where athletes might become significantly different from humans, as advancements in genetics and technology continue to reshape human capabilities.
He raises concerns about the potential for ethical issues and safety risks as these advancements become more widespread.
He explores the potential for pro sports to evolve into a spectacle that is both exciting and challenging for athletes and fans.

13. The Importance of Honesty and Authenticity:

Sigler emphasizes the importance of being honest and authentic in one’s creative work, acknowledging the dangers of self-deception and pretense.
He suggests that a genuine approach is crucial for connecting with readers and fostering a meaningful relationship with them.
He embraces his own quirks and eccentricities, using them to create a unique and engaging persona.
He argues that authenticity is key to creating work that is both compelling and meaningful.

14. The Power of Community and Collaboration:

Sigler highlights the importance of community and collaboration in creative pursuits, acknowledging the value of feedback and support from others.
He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with fellow writers, editors, and fans.
He expresses gratitude for the support he has received from his audience and the collaboration he has enjoyed with other creative professionals.
He believes that a strong sense of community can foster creativity and accelerate growth in any artistic field.

15. The Evolving Landscape of Entertainment:

Sigler discusses the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, acknowledging the growing influence of digital platforms and streaming services.
He highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by these changes, particularly in terms of audience engagement and storytelling.
He embraces new technologies and platforms, using them to connect with readers and promote his work.
He suggests that writers and artists need to be adaptable and innovative to thrive in this dynamic environment.

16. The Nature of Human Corruption:

Sigler delves into the complexities of human corruption, exploring the potential for power, money, and secrecy to corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals.
He suggests that corruption can manifest in subtle ways, often without the perpetrator being fully aware of their actions.
He highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of transparency and accountability.
He uses his fiction to explore the consequences of corruption and the challenges of confronting it.

17. The Allure of the Supernatural:

Sigler acknowledges the enduring allure of the supernatural, exploring the ways in which it taps into our deepest fears and desires.
He discusses the importance of balancing realism with fantastical elements in his writing.
He suggests that the supernatural can serve as a metaphor for the unknown and the unfathomable aspects of human nature.
He uses his writing to explore the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural, challenging readers to question their own beliefs.

18. The Role of Sex and Sexuality in Storytelling:

Sigler discusses the role of sex and sexuality in storytelling, acknowledging the ways in which it can be used to explore themes of power, desire, and transgression.
He highlights the potential for these themes to be both titillating and thought-provoking.
He suggests that the depiction of sex and sexuality in fiction can reflect broader cultural attitudes and societal norms.
He acknowledges the importance of handling these themes with sensitivity and respect.

19. The Ethics of Genetic Engineering:

Sigler explores the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering, considering the potential benefits and risks of altering human genes.
He suggests that these advancements raise profound questions about the definition of human nature and the potential for unintended consequences.
He uses his fiction to explore the potential consequences of genetic engineering, considering both the benefits and risks.
He encourages a thoughtful and nuanced discussion about the ethical implications of these technologies.

20. The Importance of Seeking Truth and Knowledge:

Sigler emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and knowledge, particularly in an age of misinformation and disinformation.
He encourages readers to be critical thinkers and to question the information they encounter.
He believes that a commitment to truth is essential for building a more just and equitable society.
He uses his writing to explore the search for truth and the challenges of navigating a complex and often contradictory world.

Memorable Quotes:

“I don’t think anyone out there minds spending money for shit that they like. The problem is when you buy that record or you buy that audiobook and you heard the sample and you’re like, ‘Well, that was great,’ then you get to the end of it and you’re like, ‘This guy got lazy. This story ends crappy. I’ve wasted my time. I’ve wasted my money.’ You’re pissed off. You’re angry that you spent money on something that you didn’t like. So I flipped that. Like, I’m gonna give it to you and you’re gonna listen to it. And when you get to the end, you are going to miss work and you are gonna go all night long and not not be able to sleep because I’m in your skull taken over. And then when they get done like that, I like that book, I like the way that ended, this is my author, then they go buy everything that I’ve ever made.”
“It’s it’s so blue collar. And, you know, for a small town guy like me, you read that. It’s like, ‘You can read on writing by Stephen King. And see, stop falling in love with yourself. Stop sucking your own dick, farting the phrase. You’re not that important. You’re not that great. Just tell the story. Stop putting in words that are gonna make everybody realize how important you are and just tell your tell your story.'”
“The the biggest thing is the freeze because there’s now there’s so many entertainment options. You know, when Stephen King was coming up in the seventies, There was movies, books, and TV, and that was all there was. And now I gotta compete against the fucking Xbox and PlayStation and downloaded content and podcasts and podcasts and podcasts and YouTube. I gotta compete against all that just to try and get somebody to get, like, yeah, I’m gonna go ahead and ask for 10 hours of your time to read this this book that doesn’t really mean anything. That’s a tough sell today.”
“If you can if you can if you can if you can compete against the larger guys who cut weight. Mhmm. You know, that’s that’s Well, it’s been really cool to watch with W. C. coming in the the MMA actually getting more weight classes. Yeah. because I used to, you know, I wrestled at 126 in college, and there was nowhere when you watching MMA, there’s nowhere to see guys of that size, at least until W. C. came along. They started to get more of the fly weight in there. And is the UFC gonna continue to expand all the all the weight class?”
“I think the veterans probably are, but, you know, when you are twenty two years old and someone’s paying you 100 of $1000 to play football, and that’s been your dream your whole life, you’re still 22 in your bulletproof. I think that the rules have to come in to adjust behavior. It has to be run from the top down. because these these you know, you were 22. And then there’s if I was playing the NFLers, nobody could tell me anything. I’m gonna go hit that motherfucker as hard as I possibly can. That’s how I make my that’s how I make my money. That’s how people know me because I’m the guy who brings the heat. It’s not it’s it’s never gonna stop from the players themselves.”

JRE #336 – Scott Sigler