JRE #1024 – Bert Kreischer

This podcast offers a glimpse into Bert Kreischer’s journey towards sobriety, his unique approach to challenges, and his reflections on various aspects of life. Provocative topics include alcohol and drug use, the benefits of sobriety, the nature of addiction, and the importance of community and friendship. Underlying themes explore the complexities of personal growth, the power of self-reflection, the value of pushing boundaries, and the impact of external influences on decision-making.

Joe Rogan Podcast Topics: #1024 – Bert Kreischer

1. Bert Kreischer’s Sober October Challenge

• Bert Kreischer decides to embark on a month-long challenge of abstaining from alcohol and marijuana, driven by a competitive spirit and a desire to prove his friends wrong.
• This challenge becomes a significant turning point in his life, leading him to experience profound changes in his health, sleep patterns, and overall well-being.
• Bert finds the challenge surprisingly easy, enjoying the benefits of sobriety and feeling a renewed sense of energy and vitality.
• His experience highlights the potential for positive change through self-imposed challenges, even if motivated by external factors.

2. The Impact of Sobriety on Bert’s Life

• Bert’s resting heart rate drops significantly due to sobriety, showcasing the positive impact on his cardiovascular health.
• He finds that coffee, previously impossible to consume due to his drinking, becomes enjoyable and revitalizing.
• His sleep patterns improve dramatically, leading to a more energized and productive lifestyle.
• This transformation illustrates the profound connection between substance use, overall health, and daily routines.

3. The Role of Friends and Community

• Bert emphasizes the importance of supportive friends and a strong community in his journey towards sobriety.
• He finds that the shared experience of the Sober October challenge, with his friends Tom Segura and Ari Shafir, creates a bond and motivates them to persevere.
• The constant communication and support from his friends, even amidst playful ribbing, helps him stay on track and encourages personal growth.
• This highlights the vital role of social support in achieving positive change and overcoming personal struggles.

4. The Power of Push-Ups and Hot Yoga

• Bert’s commitment to fitness and self-improvement extends beyond sobriety, with a newfound dedication to hot yoga and rigorous exercise.
• He embraces the challenge of hot yoga, initially struggling but ultimately finding it beneficial for his overall health and strengthening his feet.
• His approach to these activities demonstrates a willingness to push boundaries and embrace discomfort for personal gain.
• This highlights the potential for growth and transformation through challenging oneself and seeking out new experiences.

5. The Nature of Addiction and Its Impact

• Bert reflects on the insidious nature of addiction, acknowledging his struggles with alcohol and the ease with which he could relapse.
• He discusses the mental and physical dependence that addiction creates, highlighting the need for constant awareness and vigilance.
• His experience sheds light on the complex interplay between addiction, personal choice, and the impact of external factors.
• He encourages self-reflection and honest evaluation when grappling with substance use, recognizing the potential for both harm and benefit.

6. The Importance of Healthy Boundaries

• Bert shares his experience with being roofied multiple times, illustrating the dangers of trusting others and the importance of setting boundaries.
• His cautionary tale underscores the prevalence of such incidents, particularly for women, and the importance of vigilance and self-protection.
• He encourages others to be aware of their surroundings, to trust their instincts, and to take precautions to avoid potentially harmful situations.
• This discussion highlights the need for awareness and proactive measures to ensure personal safety and prevent victimization.

7. Reflections on the Entertainment Industry

• Bert delves into the complexities of the entertainment industry, discussing the pressures, temptations, and potential pitfalls of success.
• He reflects on the power dynamics and the potential for abuse, both in terms of sexual harassment and career manipulation.
• His observations highlight the need for self-awareness, strong boundaries, and a healthy perspective on fame and fortune.
• He advocates for honesty and accountability within the industry, urging both performers and those in positions of power to act ethically and responsibly.

8. The Role of Competition and Challenge

• Bert’s Sober October challenge exemplifies his competitive nature, using it as a motivator to push himself and achieve his goals.
• He finds that friendly competition with his friends not only provides entertainment but also fosters accountability and commitment to personal growth.
• His approach highlights the power of healthy competition as a catalyst for self-improvement, especially when framed within a supportive and fun environment.
• He encourages others to embrace challenges and seek out opportunities for growth, even if driven by a competitive spirit.

9. The Importance of Balance in Life

• Bert’s Sober October journey leads him to a new understanding of balance in his life, recognizing the need for both hustle and relaxation.
• He reflects on the detrimental effects of overworking, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing relationships, community, and personal time.
• His experience highlights the importance of integrating both professional and personal aspects of life, ensuring a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle.
• He advocates for a more balanced approach to success, recognizing the importance of both striving for achievements and appreciating the moments of relaxation and connection.

10. The Power of Stories and Personal Connection

• Bert’s storytelling abilities become a key element of his stand-up comedy, with the “Machine” story becoming iconic and defining his comedic persona.
• He recognizes the power of stories to connect with audiences, create shared experiences, and foster laughter and understanding.
• He emphasizes the importance of personal connection in comedy, acknowledging the need for authenticity and genuineness in sharing stories.
• This discussion highlights the human need for storytelling, its ability to bridge divides, and its potential to elicit both laughter and empathy.

11. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Expression

• Bert encourages others to embrace their own unique voices and perspectives, advocating for authenticity in self-expression.
• He cautions against conforming to trends or agendas, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and developing a personal style.
• His advice highlights the potential for artistic growth and fulfillment when embracing individuality and authenticity.
• He emphasizes the value of finding one’s own path and expressing oneself honestly, rather than following external pressures or expectations.

12. The Value of Friendships

• Bert expresses gratitude for his strong friendships with Tom Segura, Ari Shafir, and Joey Diaz, acknowledging their support and influence.
• He highlights the importance of having genuine friends who provide honest feedback, support, and guidance.
• His appreciation for these relationships underscores the essential role of friendship in providing a sense of belonging, acceptance, and encouragement.
• He advocates for cultivating strong friendships and cherishing those who contribute positively to one’s life journey.

13. The Fascination with the Animal Kingdom

• Bert’s conversations delve into the animal kingdom, exploring his fascination with hunting, wild animals, and the behavior of primates.
• He shares stories about his encounters with elk, bears, and chimpanzees, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the wild and the importance of respecting its power.
• His discussions touch upon the ethical considerations of hunting, the complexities of animal behavior, and the ongoing evolution of primates.
• This exploration showcases the human curiosity about the natural world, our relationship with animals, and the potential for learning from their behavior.

14. The Benefits of Isolation Tanks

• Bert is a passionate advocate for the use of isolation tanks, extolling their benefits for meditation, relaxation, and achieving altered states of consciousness.
• He highlights the potential for profound experiences and insights gained through disconnecting from external stimuli and entering a state of deep sensory deprivation.
• He emphasizes the role of isolation tanks in promoting mental clarity, reducing stress, and enhancing creativity.
• His enthusiasm showcases the emerging popularity of sensory deprivation tanks as a tool for personal exploration and self-discovery.

15. The Power of Personal Transformation

• Bert’s Sober October journey serves as a testament to the possibility of personal transformation and the power of self-discipline.
• He demonstrates that even with a history of substance abuse, positive changes are achievable through commitment, support, and a willingness to embrace challenges.
• His experience encourages others to believe in their own capacity for growth and to seek out opportunities for positive change.
• He underscores the importance of setting goals, seeking out support, and persevering through setbacks in pursuing personal transformation.

16. The Importance of Continuous Growth

• Bert emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth, particularly in the field of stand-up comedy.
• He stresses the need for constant self-reflection, honing one’s craft, and challenging oneself to elevate performance.
• He recognizes that complacency can lead to stagnation, advocating for a relentless pursuit of improvement and excellence.
• His approach inspires others to embrace a growth mindset, recognizing the potential for ongoing development and artistic evolution.

17. The Power of Laughter and Connection

• Bert’s humor and storytelling abilities are central to his podcast, creating a space for laughter, connection, and shared experiences.
• He emphasizes the transformative power of laughter, its ability to alleviate stress, promote bonding, and bring joy.
• He acknowledges the importance of humor as a tool for navigating life’s challenges and fostering a sense of community.
• His podcast becomes a platform for celebrating the human capacity for laughter, connection, and the transformative power of shared experiences.

18. The Evolution of Stand-up Comedy

• Bert discusses the changing landscape of stand-up comedy, from traditional clubs to online platforms and the rise of new comedic voices.
• He reflects on the evolution of comedic styles, the impact of social media, and the ever-expanding reach of stand-up specials.
• His insights highlight the dynamic nature of the comedic world, its adaptability to new technologies and its ongoing evolution in response to changing audiences.
• He encourages both established and aspiring comedians to embrace these changes and to explore new avenues for creative expression.

19. The Importance of Being Present

• Bert’s Sober October journey emphasizes the importance of being present and fully engaged in the moment.
• He encourages listeners to disconnect from distractions, to savor simple pleasures, and to appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
• His reflections highlight the transformative power of mindfulness, its ability to enhance well-being and to foster a deeper sense of appreciation for life.
• He inspires others to practice mindfulness, to cultivate a sense of gratitude, and to find joy in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

20. The Impact of Social Media and Online Culture

• Bert acknowledges the power and influence of social media, recognizing its potential for both connection and negativity.
• He discusses the prevalence of online negativity and its impact on mental health, particularly for those in the public eye.
• He encourages others to navigate social media with awareness, to set boundaries, and to prioritize mental well-being over online validation.
• His insights highlight the complexities of online culture, its potential for both connection and harm, and the importance of responsible online engagement.

Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “I might I’ve never felt better in my fucking life to be dead serious with you.” – Bert’s candid statement about his newfound well-being as a result of sobriety.
• “I don’t drink that much. But I feel way better too. It’s weird. It’s like I would have, like, maybe a shot before I go on stage some nights, but some nights not.” – Bert’s reflection on the subtle ways alcohol had become ingrained in his routines.
• “Dude, I enjoy getting up and going to Starbucks and getting a coffee more than I ever enjoyed going to a bar.” – A telling statement about Bert’s newfound appreciation for simple pleasures and a sense of community.
• “I don’t wanna stop partying, but I don’t want partying to be don’t want I think it got out of control in the sense that, like, I was it was like I’d get on stage and have a cocktail.” – Bert’s desire to find a balance between social enjoyment and moderation.
• “If you don’t have friends that love you and you love them, and you, like, legitimately happy to see them and you have laughs together and fun together, then all the money in the world won’t mean anything.” – Bert’s insightful observation about the true value of friendship and connection.