7-Nov-18
Joe Rogan Podcast #1196 – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
This podcast delves into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, offering an intimate look at the life of a legend, Dale Earnhardt Jr., along with a candid discussion about the dangers of the sport and the lasting impact of head injuries. Provocative topics explore the thrill and risks of high-speed racing, the mental fortitude required for this profession, and the personal toll of concussions. Underlying themes highlight the complex relationship between a father and son, the evolution of a beloved sport, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges.
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Passion for Racing:
Earnhardt Jr.’s passion for racing stemmed from his father’s success in the sport, inspiring him to pursue a career in NASCAR.
He describes the electrifying feeling of driving at high speeds, particularly his first experience on a 2.5-mile track at Talladega.
The immense grip and violent forces of the car became an addictive, exhilarating experience.
He credits his unwavering passion for racing as a driving force behind his success, even in the face of immense pressure and danger.
2. The Mental Fortitude of Race Car Drivers:
Earnhardt Jr. reveals the intense focus and mental toughness required for racing.
He shares how he managed to remain calm during car flips, seeing it as a unique experience rather than a terrifying one.
He acknowledges the inherent risks of racing but insists he always felt safe in the car, particularly with recent advancements in safety measures.
He also emphasizes the crucial importance of maintaining control of one’s body, especially in the unpredictable environment of a crash.
3. The Hidden Dangers of Concussions:
Earnhardt Jr. candidly discusses his struggle with concussions, revealing his initial ignorance of the severity of the injury.
He describes his experiences with multiple concussions throughout his career, initially dismissing them as temporary setbacks.
However, after a particularly severe crash in 2012, he started experiencing prolonged symptoms and ultimately realized the need for professional help.
He shares his journey to recovery, including his treatment with Dr. Mickey Collins, a renowned expert in head injuries.
4. The Impact of Concussions on Mental Health:
Earnhardt Jr. opens up about the significant impact of concussions on his mental health, particularly anxiety.
He recounts how the injury affected his emotional regulation, making him prone to anger and impatience.
He credits his recovery to a combination of physical therapy, eye exercises, and medication to manage his anxiety.
He encourages listeners to seek help and emphasizes that treatment for concussions is possible, offering a better quality of life even for those who have suffered from the injury years ago.
5. The Evolution of NASCAR Safety:
Earnhardt Jr. acknowledges the significant advancements in safety measures in NASCAR over the years.
He contrasts the safety features of current race cars with those of the past, highlighting the progress made in protecting drivers.
He attributes these advancements to a greater understanding of concussions and the increasing emphasis on driver safety.
He expresses hope that future safety innovations will further minimize the risks of high-speed racing.
6. Earnhardt Jr.’s Relationship with his Father:
Earnhardt Jr. reveals a complex relationship with his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., a NASCAR legend.
He describes his father as a tough, demanding figure who primarily focused on his son’s character development and personal growth, rather than directly coaching him on racing.
He shares a memorable story of a childhood incident that shaped his relationship with his father, leaving him feeling inadequate.
He also reveals that his father never attended his late model races, choosing to trust his son’s abilities rather than offering direct guidance.
7. The Legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr.:
Earnhardt Jr. acknowledges the immense legacy of his father and the pressure he felt to live up to expectations after his father’s death.
He shares the emotional toll of navigating the sport after losing his father and the overwhelming presence of his legacy.
He expresses his determination to build his own legacy and maintain his father’s legacy, recognizing the weight of their names and the responsibility he carries.
8. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness:
Earnhardt Jr. underscores the importance of open conversations about mental health, especially in the context of sports and head injuries.
He shares how he initially hid his struggles with concussions and the negative consequences of delaying treatment.
He encourages athletes and individuals to seek help, challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and emphasizing the availability of effective treatments.
9. The Future of Racing and Safety:
Earnhardt Jr. reflects on the future of racing and the ongoing quest to enhance safety measures.
He recognizes the constant evolution of the sport, particularly in terms of technology and the relentless pursuit of speed.
He expresses concern over the increasing horsepower of consumer cars and advocates for responsible ownership and education.
He also highlights the importance of exploring new technologies and treatment options for concussions, including the potential of stem cell therapy.
10. The Importance of Personal Projects:
Earnhardt Jr. shares his passion for restoring and working on classic cars, emphasizing the therapeutic aspect of these projects.
He describes how these projects offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, providing a sense of control and purpose beyond his racing career.
He sees these projects as a way to connect with a different aspect of his love for automobiles, showcasing a different side of his personality.
11. Earnhardt Jr.’s Life Beyond Racing:
Earnhardt Jr. discusses his life beyond racing, revealing his enjoyment of simple pleasures like hunting and spending time with his family.
He describes how these activities provide a sense of peace and tranquility, serving as a counterbalance to the intense world of racing.
He highlights the importance of finding balance and disconnecting from the pressures of fame and competition, emphasizing the value of personal fulfillment and meaningful connections.
12. Earnhardt Jr.’s Book, “Racing to the Finish”:
Earnhardt Jr. discusses his book, “Racing to the Finish,” and its focus on his experiences with concussions.
He explains his motivation for writing the book, which is to share his mistakes and encourage others to seek help if they experience similar challenges.
He emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and the availability of treatment options, aiming to empower others to take control of their well-being.
13. The Importance of Seeking Help:
Earnhardt Jr. repeatedly stresses the importance of seeking professional help for concussions.
He shares how he initially tried to manage his symptoms on his own, but ultimately suffered negative consequences.
He encourages listeners to overcome any hesitation or stigma associated with seeking treatment, emphasizing that there is no shame in prioritizing one’s mental health.
14. Earnhardt Jr.’s Retirement:
Earnhardt Jr. discusses his decision to retire from NASCAR, highlighting the physical and mental toll of racing.
He shares his desire to prioritize his family and enjoy a different pace of life, recognizing the long-term risks of his chosen profession.
He expresses a sense of contentment with his accomplishments, acknowledging the opportunities and challenges he faced during his racing career.
15. The Future of Dale Earnhardt Jr:
Earnhardt Jr. shares his plans for the future, emphasizing his desire to be a good father and husband.
He expresses his commitment to raising his daughter and building a fulfilling life beyond the racing world.
He acknowledges the uncertainty of the future but expresses confidence in his ability to navigate any challenges that may arise.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I’ve always felt incredibly safe inside the car, you know, with especially with the I mean, in the last 20 years, this the safety stuff has really been focused on and improved and better and better and better.” – Earnhardt Jr. acknowledges the advancements in safety measures in NASCAR, showcasing the progress made in protecting drivers.
- “The the brain has the ocular stuff I mean, you can have injury to that part of your brain or you can have an injury to the vestibular part of your brain that that that may like, if you have bad balance, then that your eyes and your balance work together. And so if you have vestibular issues, that can create ocular issues and that can create that that can affect your anxiety and depression and things like” – Earnhardt Jr. explains the complex interplay between different parts of the brain, highlighting how a concussion can affect various senses and mental states.
- “It’s just it’s hard to explain. Doesn’t doesn’t make any no. When my if I come home, my daughter’s run up to me and jump in my arms. And I catch him and they give me a kiss and I’m hugging him and there’s a kind of love that doesn’t exist in any other way. Nothing you could have ever felt. Before with anything or anybody else.” – Earnhardt Jr. expresses the profound impact of fatherhood, describing the unique and powerful bond he shares with his daughter.
- “You know, I’ve got there’s people that are helping me work on these cars. I got a buddy of mine that actually helps me work on these cars, but When I finished that Nova wagon, I’ll probably never sell it. Even though it’s probably nothing special if someone else were to look at it, but it’s what I, you know, it’s what I put into it.” – Earnhardt Jr. reveals his deep connection to his projects, highlighting the personal value he places on his creations beyond their monetary worth.
- “I don’t know I always felt like that when I was younger, I kind of let my father down because there was this 1 time I was probably 12 years old and There was this me and my buddy, we were gonna play. Man, we’re here. We’re outside. We’re gonna play outside. My dad’s standing over there and there was a bucket. Full of shit. And he’s like, hey, come here. Pull Junior pick that bucket up, move it over here. And I went over there and tried to pick it up. And I was like, I can’t lift it. And he got so pissed off at me because he knew I didn’t try. And he got he said to my buddy, Ryan. He was Ryan come here. Pick the bucket up and take it over there. And he turned around and gave me this look of pure freaking disappointment. And I felt like that set the tone for our relationship.” – Earnhardt Jr. shares a poignant memory that encapsulates the complexities of his relationship with his father, revealing the lingering impact of a seemingly insignificant incident.