JRE #1044 – C.T. Fletcher

by

11/28/2017






Joe Rogan Podcast #1044 – C.T. Fletcher

Joe Rogan Podcast #1044 – C.T. Fletcher

This podcast features C.T. Fletcher, an ex-powerlifter, actor, and video-blogger, known for his intense workout routines and motivational speeches. The conversation covers his personal journey, including his struggles with heart health, his rise to fame through YouTube, and his unique perspective on fitness and mental fortitude. The episode also explores the complex relationship between muscle mass and athletic performance, the ethics of steroid use in sports, and the importance of overcoming adversity.

Topics

  1. C.T. Fletcher’s Heart Health:
    1. Fletcher has suffered two heart attacks, resulting in the installation of a pacemaker and an artificial valve.
    2. He is currently awaiting a heart transplant, facing a lengthy process and potential setbacks.
    3. Fletcher’s heart issues are hereditary, stemming from a family history of heart-related problems.
    4. His unwavering faith and positive attitude despite adversity inspire listeners.
  2. Rise to Fame through YouTube:
    1. Fletcher gained fame through his motivational YouTube videos, despite being relatively unknown before the age of 53.
    2. His intense workout routines, blunt honesty, and inspiring speeches resonate with viewers.
    3. He utilizes YouTube to connect with fans, share his fitness philosophies, and inspire them to achieve their goals.
    4. His YouTube success has led to international recognition and opportunities, transforming him from a local personal trainer into a global motivational figure.
  3. Muscle Mass and Athletic Performance:
    1. Fletcher believes that naturally-born muscularity is accompanied by a supportive cardiovascular system and lungs, enabling athletes to handle the added mass.
    2. Joe Rogan argues that while muscularity offers power and strength, it comes at the cost of reduced cardiovascular capabilities and endurance.
    3. They discuss the balance between muscle mass and endurance, recognizing the advantages and disadvantages for different athletic disciplines, especially in mixed martial arts (MMA).
    4. The debate centers around whether athletes born with muscularity have an inherent advantage or whether training and conditioning can overcome genetic predispositions.
  4. Steroid Use in Sports:
    1. Fletcher openly discusses his experience with steroids during his powerlifting career, acknowledging the performance-enhancing effects and the potential downsides.
    2. He emphasizes the need for a level playing field in competition, advocating for open steroid use if all athletes are participating.
    3. The conversation explores the ethics of steroid use, the prevalence of it in certain sports like MMA, and the consequences for athletes’ health and longevity.
    4. Fletcher’s personal experience highlights the allure of steroids for achieving peak performance and the potential for addiction and long-term health complications.
  5. Overcoming Adversity and Mental Fortitude:
    1. Fletcher shares his difficult childhood, marked by a strict and physically abusive father.
    2. He attributes his mental toughness to this upbringing, as it instilled resilience and a drive to succeed despite challenges.
    3. He emphasizes the importance of facing adversity head-on, refusing to make excuses and embracing the inevitable failures that accompany growth.
    4. Fletcher’s message resonates with listeners who have overcome their own struggles, demonstrating that overcoming adversity can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
  6. The Importance of Inspiration:
    1. Fletcher’s YouTube videos provide a powerful source of motivation and inspiration for viewers, pushing them to strive for excellence.
    2. He encourages listeners to confront their limits, challenge their comfort zones, and push themselves beyond their perceived capabilities.
    3. He argues that genuine inspiration stems from real individuals who have achieved success through hard work and dedication, rather than manufactured motivational messages.
    4. Fletcher believes that inspiration can empower individuals to take action and improve their lives, ultimately leading to personal growth and self-discovery.
  7. The Impact of Social Media:
    1. Fletcher acknowledges the negative aspects of social media, including online negativity, hate speech, and the constant pressure to perform.
    2. He encourages listeners to use social media strategically, focusing on positive interactions and avoiding unproductive debates and online bullying.
    3. The conversation highlights the dangers of online negativity and the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and self-care in the digital age.
    4. Fletcher emphasizes the need for authentic self-expression and avoiding the temptation to conform to online expectations and trends.
  8. The Value of Real-World Experience:
    1. Both Fletcher and Rogan emphasize the importance of personal experience in gaining genuine knowledge and understanding.
    2. They argue that theoretical knowledge is valuable, but real-world experience provides the most insightful lessons and practical wisdom.
    3. The conversation highlights the limitations of armchair expertise and the importance of immersing oneself in the subject matter to truly comprehend it.
    4. Fletcher’s personal journey, both in fitness and life, demonstrates the power of lived experiences in shaping perspectives and forging authenticity.
  9. The Importance of Mental Health:
    1. Fletcher discusses the impact of steroid use on his mental health, acknowledging the potential for amplified aggression and mood swings.
    2. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining emotional well-being, recognizing that mental health is just as crucial as physical health.
    3. The conversation touches on the challenges of mental health within the competitive landscape of sports, highlighting the pressures and strains faced by athletes.
    4. Fletcher encourages listeners to prioritize their mental health, seeking support and acknowledging the importance of emotional well-being in achieving personal goals.
  10. The Power of Gratitude:
    1. Fletcher attributes his positive outlook to his mother’s unwavering belief in gratitude, even during difficult times.
    2. He advocates for embracing a grateful perspective, even in the face of adversity, as it fosters resilience and a sense of purpose.
    3. The conversation encourages listeners to shift their focus from negativity to appreciation, emphasizing the power of gratitude in shaping a positive mindset.
    4. Fletcher’s message underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating the good in life, even in the midst of challenges.
  11. The Importance of Authenticity:
    1. Fletcher encourages listeners to embrace their true selves, rejecting societal expectations and pressures to conform.
    2. He emphasizes the value of individuality, recognizing that personal growth and success are achieved through pursuing one’s own path.
    3. The conversation highlights the dangers of comparing oneself to others and the importance of focusing on personal growth and self-improvement.
    4. Fletcher’s journey serves as a testament to the power of authenticity, demonstrating that true success comes from being true to oneself.
  12. The Reality of Death and Facing Mortality:
    1. Fletcher openly discusses his impending heart transplant and the possibility of death.
    2. He acknowledges the emotional impact of facing mortality, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present moment.
    3. He encourages listeners to confront their own mortality, recognizing the preciousness of life and the need to live it to the fullest.
    4. Fletcher’s vulnerability and honesty in sharing his experiences offer a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living each day with intention.
  13. The Nature of Competition and the Pursuit of Excellence:
    1. Fletcher recognizes the inherent intensity and pressure of competition, particularly in combat sports.
    2. He encourages athletes to embrace the challenges of competition, pushing themselves to achieve their full potential.
    3. The conversation explores the psychological aspects of competition, acknowledging the fear of failure, the drive to succeed, and the importance of mental resilience.
    4. Fletcher’s perspective on competition highlights the value of embracing challenges, overcoming adversity, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
  14. The Power of Human Connection:
    1. Fletcher emphasizes the importance of human connection, particularly for individuals facing difficult challenges.
    2. He recognizes the value of support systems, both within families and communities.
    3. The conversation highlights the power of shared experiences and the role of compassion and empathy in helping others through difficult times.
    4. Fletcher’s personal journey and his ability to connect with millions of viewers underscores the importance of human connection in fostering resilience and achieving personal growth.

Memorable Quotes

  • “For all the people all the people who said that I would never be able to sit down across the table from Jordan. I wanna take a special moment to say fuck y’all right now.”
  • “I don’t let anybody fuck with my Twitter. Nobody’s nobody’s doing that. That’s all me.”
  • “I’m telling you it was everything that you’re fucking saying. So but, you know, Biting Fletcher is, you know, I I recently since this last heart attack, I recently went to him. I was waiting for 58 years to hear an apology from him that was never gonna come.”
  • “I had to get that burden off me and I’ve been having that last harder. I didn’t wanna die carrying that burden with me of hating my dad. So I went to my dad and I asked him to forgive me.”
  • “I’m still alive, so I’m blessed. That’s awesome. That people need to hear that.”