JRE #8 – Tom Segura

This podcast with Joe Rogan and Tom Segura takes listeners on a wild ride through a whirlwind of topics, showcasing Segura’s audacious lifestyle and his unconventional views on everything from wealth and fame to sex and psychedelics.

Major Topics:

1. Tom Segura’s “Baller” Lifestyle:
   • Segura openly discusses his lavish spending and how his wealth has changed his perspective on life.
   • He recounts how he amassed his fortune through poker winnings and discusses his subsequent “bucket list” approach to living.
   • Segura shares insights into the world of high-stakes gambling and the psychological aspects of the game.
   • He delves into the intricacies of social media fame and how his unconventional posts have garnered a massive following.
2. Sex, Relationships, and Double Standards:
   • Segura candidly discusses his philosophy on sex and relationships, challenging traditional notions of monogamy.
   • He argues that sex for money is a “pure” interaction when both parties are clear about their desires and expectations.
   • Segura delves into the dynamics of power and wealth in relationships, highlighting the often-unfair double standards faced by wealthy men.
   • He expresses his disdain for the legal complexities of marriage and divorce, viewing them as potential traps for those with substantial wealth.
3. The Legalization Debate:
   • Segura passionately advocates for the legalization of prostitution, comparing it to other regulated professions.
   • He argues that making pleasure a crime is ridiculous and that legalization would reduce crime, generate tax revenue, and lead to safer practices.
   • Segura critiques the influence of powerful corporations and political figures in maintaining drug prohibition.
   • He explores the hypocrisy surrounding drug legalization and highlights the dangers of alcohol compared to many illegal substances.
4. The Illusion of Wealth and Fame:
   • Segura shares his perspective on the allure and pitfalls of fame, acknowledging its paradoxical nature.
   • He challenges the idea that wealth equates to happiness, arguing that it can lead to an insatiable desire for more, potentially creating a sense of emptiness.
   • Segura explores the idea that material possessions can possess you, ultimately hindering true freedom and happiness.
   • He discusses the importance of personal fulfillment and self-discovery in navigating the complexities of wealth and fame.
5. The Power of Perspective and Self-Awareness:
   • Segura highlights the transformative power of personal experiences and the importance of reevaluating perspectives.
   • He shares his own journey of self-discovery, acknowledging the role of both physical and mental challenges in shaping his outlook.
   • Segura discusses the value of embracing both positive and negative experiences as catalysts for growth and understanding.
   • He emphasizes the importance of recognizing your own motivations and desires in pursuing goals and finding fulfillment.
6. The Impact of Psychedelics:
   • Segura explores his experiences with various psychedelics, including DMT, mushrooms, and ayahuasca.
   • He discusses the transformative potential of these substances, particularly in altering perspectives and overcoming addictions.
   • Segura shares anecdotes about the profound insights and altered states of consciousness he has experienced.
   • He acknowledges the risks and importance of responsible use and emphasizes the potential for positive personal growth through psychedelic exploration.
7. The Role of Hard Work and Determination:
   • Segura emphasizes the importance of sheer willpower and dedication in achieving goals, even in the face of adversity.
   • He recounts his own experiences in the military and his relentless pursuit of becoming a Navy SEAL, despite physical limitations.
   • Segura discusses the mental toughness required to overcome physical and emotional challenges, highlighting the power of perseverance.
   • He shares insights into the psychological aspects of success and the importance of believing in yourself, even when facing skepticism from others.
8. The Evolution of Poker and the Power of Intuition:
   • Segura discusses the evolution of poker from a more traditional game of skill and intuition to a data-driven, software-assisted approach.
   • He shares his perspective on the changing dynamics of the game and the challenges of competing with players who have mastered the analytical side of poker.
   • Segura argues that despite the advancements in technology, human intuition and psychological understanding remain crucial in poker.
   • He explores the art of reading opponents, understanding their tells, and navigating the complex psychological landscape of the game.
9. The Duality of Happiness and Misery:
   • Segura discusses the paradoxical nature of happiness and the idea that experiencing both joy and misery is essential for a fulfilling life.
   • He draws parallels between the highs and lows of gambling and the human experience, highlighting the importance of embracing both positive and negative emotions.
   • Segura argues that the pursuit of happiness alone can lead to an emptiness, emphasizing the need for a balanced perspective.
   • He shares his insights into the psychology of addiction and the importance of finding fulfillment outside of material possessions and fleeting pleasures.
10. The Impact of Social Media on Connection and Interaction:
    • Segura explores the complex impact of social media on human connection and interaction.
    • He acknowledges the positive aspects of social media in fostering global connection and disseminating information.
    • Segura also points out the potential drawbacks of social media, including the erosion of face-to-face interaction and the normalization of online communication.
    • He discusses the changing landscape of dating and the shift towards online platforms, highlighting the evolving dynamics of human connection in the digital age.
11. The Rise of the “Dan Bilzerian” Phenomenon:
    • Segura discusses the rise of “Instagram baller” culture and the emergence of figures like Dan Bilzerian, who have become famous for their lavish lifestyles.
    • He analyzes the appeal of this lifestyle and the fascination with wealth and extravagance that it represents.
    • Segura explores the complexities of the “baller” persona and how it has been amplified by social media.
    • He compares Bilzerian’s online presence to that of Italian social media star Gianluca Vacchi, showcasing the different approaches to building a brand and cultivating a following.
12. The Benefits and Risks of Stem Cell Therapy:
    • Segura delves into his own experience with stem cell therapy, discussing the potential benefits for treating various ailments.
    • He shares his insights into different types of stem cell therapies and the ongoing research in this field.
    • Segura highlights the limitations and risks associated with stem cell therapy, particularly in the context of sports and anti-doping regulations.
    • He explores the ethical considerations surrounding stem cell therapy and the potential for abuse.
13. The Importance of Finding Your Path:
    • Segura emphasizes the importance of following your own path and pursuing your passions, regardless of societal expectations.
    • He challenges the notion that conventional career paths are the only path to success and fulfillment.
    • Segura encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness and find their own way to achieve their goals.
    • He shares his own journey as a testament to the power of pursuing unconventional paths and embracing personal fulfillment.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Now it seems normal. As crazy as that sounds. So I’ve been doing it for a while, but that’s actually kind of exactly what I did. I was, I think it started in maybe like 2011, 12. So I had a girlfriend for about 2 or 3 years. And she was like, pretty happy the fact she was a playmate. She had, like, a hundred thousand followers and she was gonna move to LA to become famous and this and that. And we ended up breaking up. And I actually ended up getting a place in San Diego. Then I got a place in LA and I started playing this, you know, real big poker. And I mean, I beat 1 guy for, like, 54000000, and then, you know, I beat another guy for, like, 10. And, you know, so there’s, like, you know, some pretty big Christ. Yeah. Like, you know what I’m saying? It was like, there are some pretty big, you know, winds there. And and I was single, and I was just like, You know what? Fuck it. I’m just kinda kinda like, bucket list shit. Like, whatever, like, whatever I wanted to do when I was a kid, I’m just gonna fucking deal it, you know, and I just did.”
• “I think a correct relationship is a guy that could be fucking, you know, 5 or 10 girls and he chooses to hang out with this 1 girl because he likes her. He likes hanging out with her. And she hangs out with him because she enjoys this company. And and regardless of what the reason because a lot of people are like, oh, you know, that girl’s a gold digger or they wanna hate on them. But, you know, at the end of the day, if a guy has made his money, from, you know, successful business and, you know, being smart and and he hasn’t fucked it off. Like, you know, or he’s a doctor or whatever, that to me is more of a part of who that guy is than a girl that’s just born hot. So for a guy to like a girl just because she’s hot. I feel like it’s like the most superficial thing of all time.”
• “You’re not supposed to be able to do this. But Gannon had a fucking head like a fire hydrant and just super game and great endurance. And so Kimbells used to taking these guys out and he couldn’t take Gannon out. And Gannon eventually beat him down and they had some crazy nonsense like a 30 count. Like, when he goes down, you count to 30 before you get back up. I’m not kidding. Yes. He beat it once. He beat it once, and then Gannon got him knocked him down again, but it like, you could see Kimbell starting to get tired and that was the big thing.”
• “It was so weird though. The first time I did it, it it seemed like I had a lot more profound effect than the second, but the first time So I went down to Mexico because you can’t do it in the US. So I went down there, I got, like, 90000000 of the 19 year old bone marrow oxygen and pryb, whatever and and they injected in you. The next day, I went to get some dental work done and I got a root canal, whatever it was, but they injected 25 vials of, like, lidocaine or Novocaine or whatever it is. And they said that my body was just cycling it through, like, instantaneously. Right? So I had all this dental work done The next day I was completely healed from all the dental work, which is pretty crazy. What? Yeah. And they said they’ve never given anybody that much lidocaine ever. Even you know, and and and they’re like, you know, the the guy asked me if I do Coke. And I’m like, no. Like, I haven’t done that since I was 25. He’s like, yeah. He’s like, normally like nobody can, you know, needs this much unless they have some kind of a thing. And I’m like actually normally really drug sensitive.”
• “I’ve preached this for a long time. I think just so much of your life is just perspective. I mean, it really is. And I I you know, a lot times I have these these crazy parties on by disabled veterans out or whatever and trying to show them a good time. And 1 time. I I had this 1 guy who got both his legs blown off in Afghanistan and super cool dude, like, really humble, nice guy. And there was this like super hot chick that was at the at the party and I really wanted to fuck her, but I was like, oh, see if she can get her to fuck him. And I I paid her a fucking ton of money, which is kinda fucked up. She had a fucking disguise. And I and I I was I was fucked up, but I had passing out. I forgot about it. And the next day, we’re we’re sitting there at breakfast. And I was just like, I was so fucking miserable, and I look over this seat, and I’m almost like, you know, what the fuck are you so happy? He’s like smiling and eat this shit. I’m just like, you know, I’m hung over. I’m like, what the fuck are you so happy about? You know? He’s like he’s like, shit man. He’s like, I feel great. Oh, you’re not hungover. He’s like, yeah. He’s like, I don’t give a shit, though. And and I’m just like, dude, I gotta ask you, man. I’m like, you got you got a fucking best attitude out of, like, since you’ve been here, like, you’ve always been fucking positive. I was like, you know, is there ever, like you know, did you ever have, you know, moments where you’re just, like, fucking depressed about, you know, the the fucking amputation or any of that stuff was like, does that fuck with you? I was like, how do you like, how do you maintain such a good edge? I was like, I think it’s amazing. And he’s like, what are you talking about? He’s like, losing my life is the best thing that ever happened to me.”