JRE #1372 – Kevin Smith

This podcast features a conversation with Kevin Smith, a renowned filmmaker, actor, comedian, and podcaster. The discussion ranges from personal anecdotes and career insights to reflections on the evolution of podcasting and the unique position Rogan has attained in the industry. Provocative topics include Rogan’s views on his own success, the “authenticity” of stardom, and a deeper look into the impact of combat sports on the brain. The podcast also touches on the ever-evolving world of cannabis, with a focus on its therapeutic benefits, and a discussion about Kevin Smith’s health journey, including his veganism and intermittent fasting.

Major Topics

1. Joe Rogan’s Perspective on His Success

   1. Rogan describes his current status as “beyond” podcasting, having transcended the medium and achieved a level of influence that extends far beyond his initial platform.
   2. While enjoying the creative process and connecting with guests, Rogan acknowledges the shift in how the world perceives him due to his massive following.
   3. He feels the weight of responsibility that comes with being a public figure, recognizing that his words have a significant impact on his audience.
   4. Rogan maintains his approach despite the immense pressure, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity and refusing to compromise his values for greater commercial success.

2. Kevin Smith’s Perspective on Rogan’s Success

   1. Smith views Rogan’s success as a testament to his authentic self, underscoring that it’s Rogan’s genuineness that has resonated with millions.
   2. Smith highlights how Rogan’s success transcends the typical Hollywood model, demonstrating that building an independent platform can lead to incredible influence.
   3. He admires Rogan’s integrity for rejecting offers that might compromise his creative vision and autonomy.
   4. Smith acknowledges Rogan’s impact on the podcasting landscape, recognizing how Rogan’s influence has changed the way people consume and produce content.

3. The Evolution of Podcasting

   1. The conversation delves into the early days of podcasting, when the medium was relatively new and uncharted territory for both Rogan and Smith.
   2. They discuss the lack of established formats or “seasons” in early podcasting, reflecting on how it was a continuous stream of content without the traditional structure of television shows.
   3. The podcast highlights how podcasting has become a springboard for other creative ventures, often used as a proof of concept for TV shows and other media projects.
   4. They explore how the rise of podcasting has transformed the industry, with more and more people using it as a platform to share their ideas and experiences.

4. Rogan’s Stance on Cannabis

   1. Rogan’s personal experience with cannabis use and its impact on his life is discussed, highlighting his perspective on its therapeutic benefits.
   2. The podcast delves into the role of cannabis in reducing inflammation and alleviating anxiety, citing personal anecdotes and research on its potential medical uses.
   3. Rogan advocates for CBD, sharing his own daily use and its positive effects on his overall well-being. He emphasizes the importance of sourcing quality cannabis products.
   4. The conversation touches on the growing market for cannabis products, showcasing the evolution of this industry and the emergence of innovative strains and applications.

5. Kevin Smith’s Health Journey

   1. Smith’s personal journey with weight loss and adopting a vegan lifestyle is explored, revealing how his health choices have drastically altered his life.
   2. The podcast delves into Smith’s decision to become vegan, influenced by his daughter’s advocacy and his own desire to improve his health after a heart attack.
   3. Smith discusses the benefits of intermittent fasting, highlighting his experience with reducing breakfast and the positive impact on his energy levels and weight management.
   4. The conversation touches on the importance of strength training for maintaining bone density and overall health, particularly as one ages. Smith shares his plans to incorporate strength training into his routine after his current tour concludes.

6. The Dark Side of Combat Sports

   1. Rogan, an avid commentator for UFC, provides a raw and honest perspective on the risks and consequences of combat sports, particularly the impact of head trauma.
   2. He shares personal anecdotes about seeing fighters suffer from long-term brain damage, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to retire and prioritizing one’s health.
   3. Rogan discusses the potential of subconcussive trauma and its insidious impact on brain health, going beyond the visible effects of knockouts.
   4. He advocates for fighters to understand the inherent dangers of combat sports and to be realistic about their long-term well-being, encouraging them to make difficult but necessary decisions regarding their careers.

7. The Mystery of Unexplained Phenomena

   1. The podcast dives into the realm of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), exploring accounts of high-speed objects observed by military personnel.
   2. Rogan shares his own skepticism while acknowledging the compelling nature of these reports, citing the accounts of experienced pilots and the difficulty in dismissing their observations.
   3. The conversation explores the potential implications of advanced technology beyond human comprehension, referencing Bob Lazar’s claims about Area 51 and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
   4. Rogan speculates on the potential motivations behind UAP activity, ranging from observation to potential interventions, raising questions about the unknown and the potential for contact with other intelligent life forms.

8. The Concept of Simulation

   1. The podcast delves into the philosophical concept of simulation, examining the possibility that our reality might be a computer-generated environment.
   2. Rogan discusses Nick Bostrom’s argument about the likelihood of simulation based on the vastness of the universe and the potential for advanced civilizations to create indistinguishable virtual realities.
   3. The conversation touches on the implications of living within a simulation, raising questions about the nature of consciousness and the meaning of existence.
   4. Rogan explores the philosophical and existential implications of this concept, highlighting how it challenges our understanding of reality and the limitations of our current knowledge.

9. Kevin Smith’s Filmmaking Journey

   1. Smith reflects on his transition from the world of combat sports to the world of filmmaking, highlighting how he found his passion and realized his artistic potential.
   2. He describes his early experiences in stand-up comedy, recognizing how it provided a platform for his comedic talent and helped him develop his voice as a storyteller.
   3. Smith shares the story of how he met Jason Mewes and the birth of their collaboration, highlighting the impact of their partnership and their shared journey in Hollywood.
   4. He reflects on his creative approach to filmmaking, embracing his own unique style and refusing to conform to industry expectations. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with his audience and fostering a sense of community.

10. The Importance of Connecting with the Audience

    1. Smith emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with his audience, demonstrating how he has consistently engaged with his fans throughout his career.
    2. He highlights how his use of social media and online platforms has allowed him to connect directly with his fans, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
    3. Smith discusses his commitment to taking his films on tour, allowing him to interact directly with his audience and create a more intimate and personal experience.
    4. He emphasizes the significance of being present with his audience, engaging in Q&A sessions and creating a sense of connection that goes beyond a traditional film release.

Memorable Quotes

• “Everything feels exactly the same but different.” – Rogan describes the paradoxical nature of his success, how it feels familiar yet profoundly altered by his increased influence.
• “It’s still fun. I still enjoy talking to people like you and I had my friend Kyle Kalinsky on earlier. I’ve had some really interesting people on. I love I’ve always enjoyed talking to interesting people, so that’s the same. Everything’s the same in that regard. It’s different in that. It’s it’s very obvious when I go places that it’s having more of an impact because you you’re the same person. Right? But the world changes, like the impact. You put out the signal and the world sort of changes in shifts.” – Rogan reflects on the evolving nature of his influence, acknowledging that his words now carry greater weight and impact.
• “I hate that acting shit.” – Rogan candidly expresses his aversion to acting, highlighting his preference for his podcasting and other endeavors.
• “I’ve lost a human being. I’ve delivered a child and it went somewhere. It’s now. Used to care it. Like, an in full That is a twin and ship.” – Smith humorously describes his significant weight loss, comparing it to delivering a child and seeing that weight go “somewhere else.”
• “Don’t wait until you drop dead to find out you were got all along.” – Smith reflects on the importance of realizing one’s potential in life, emphasizing that it’s never too late to achieve something meaningful.