JRE #1446 – Bert Kreischer

24-Mar-20

Podcast Topic Breakdown: Joe Rogan Experience #1446 – Bert Kreischer

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience takes a hilarious and insightful dive into the world of Bert Kreischer, a stand-up comedian known for his wild, party-hard persona. The conversation touches on numerous topics, ranging from Kreischer’s newfound sobriety and reflections on his lifestyle to his views on the pandemic, the entertainment industry, and the nature of animals.

Underlying themes throughout the podcast explore the importance of finding your authentic self, the power of genuine friendships, the dangers of unchecked confidence, and the search for meaning and purpose beyond the superficial trappings of success.

Major Topics

1. Bert Kreischer’s Sobriety and Lifestyle:
   1. Kreischer shares his recent decision to quit drinking and the positive impact it’s having on his health and well-being.
   2. He reflects on the toll his party-hard lifestyle takes on his body and acknowledges the need for better coping mechanisms than alcohol.
   3. Rogan praises Kreischer’s resilience and robustness, highlighting his ability to endure his past excesses.
   4. Kreischer’s newfound sobriety allows him to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, like relaxing in a hammock.
2. The Coronavirus Pandemic and Its Impact:
   1. Kreischer expresses his growing concern about the pandemic, particularly after learning about Michael Yo’s severe experience with COVID-19.
   2. He discusses the unpredictable nature of the virus and the uncertainty surrounding its long-term effects.
   3. Kreischer highlights the importance of being open to adjusting opinions based on new information, emphasizing a cautious approach.
   4. He acknowledges the pandemic’s impact on his career and his thoughts on navigating the current situation.
3. The “Tiger King” Phenomenon and the Fascination with Big Cats:
   1. Kreischer gushes over “Tiger King,” a Netflix documentary series about big cat owners, calling it “the most amazing show I’ve ever seen.”
   2. He highlights the show’s depiction of eccentric characters, dangerous animals, and shocking events.
   3. Kreischer speculates on the human fascination with big cats, comparing it to a desire for connection with powerful creatures.
   4. He contrasts the responsible ownership of pets with the dangers of keeping wild animals in captivity.
4. The Nature of Comedy and Its Boundaries:
   1. Kreischer delves into the nature of humor, discussing the risks involved in pushing boundaries and the importance of understanding the “game.”
   2. He shares his thoughts on the “woke” culture and the challenges of navigating a world increasingly sensitive to jokes.
   3. Kreischer reflects on his own experiences with controversial jokes and the reactions they elicit, both positive and negative.
   4. He emphasizes the importance of having a shared understanding of humor within a community, especially among fellow comedians.
5. The Value of Community and Friendships:
   1. Kreischer emphasizes the importance of community, particularly after his experiences of feeling disconnected and unsafe during his childhood.
   2. He highlights the significance of finding genuine friendships beyond the world of comedy and appreciating those who are comfortable with his eccentricities.
   3. Kreischer shares his admiration for fellow comedians who understand and appreciate his sense of humor.
   4. He underscores the role of friendship as a source of support and strength, particularly during challenging times.
6. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Expression:
   1. Kreischer encourages embracing your true self, even if it doesn’t always align with societal expectations.
   2. He stresses the importance of avoiding the pursuit of fame and superficial success, emphasizing the value of authenticity.
   3. Kreischer reflects on his own journey of self-discovery and the lessons he’s learned about the true nature of happiness and fulfillment.
   4. He encourages listeners to challenge the conventional wisdom about success and embrace their unique path.
7. The Role of Leadership and the Pandemic:
   1. Kreischer delves into the importance of effective leadership, particularly during times of crisis, highlighting the need for honesty and clarity.
   2. He criticizes politicians who prioritize personal gain over the well-being of their constituents, emphasizing the importance of integrity.
   3. Kreischer expresses his desire for a leader who can inspire hope and unity during the pandemic.
   4. He explores the complex challenges facing world leaders, from managing the pandemic to addressing economic instability and international relations.
8. The Impact of Upbringing and Environment on Character:
   1. Kreischer reflects on his upbringing in different environments, from the suburban idyll of Newton to the rough-and-tumble streets of Jamaica Plain.
   2. He highlights the impact of these experiences on his character development and his appreciation for the value of community.
   3. Kreischer believes that growing up in cold climates builds character and teaches individuals about the realities of nature and its consequences.
   4. He contrasts his experiences in cold weather with the more laid-back environment of California, acknowledging the value of both.
9. The Power of Obsession and Its Role in Creativity:
   1. Kreischer discusses the role of obsession in his creative process, acknowledging both its benefits and its potential downsides.
   2. He shares his experiences with obsessive focus on stand-up specials and the challenges of maintaining balance.
   3. Kreischer argues that while obsession can fuel creativity, it’s important to recognize its potential for unhealthy behavior.
   4. He reflects on the balance between obsessive drive and the importance of enjoying the process, highlighting the importance of self-awareness.
10. The Future of Comedy and the Pandemic:
    1. Kreischer speculates on the future of comedy in a post-pandemic world, suggesting that the outrage culture might subside.
    2. He discusses the potential for increased acceptance and understanding of humor, particularly in light of shared adversity.
    3. Kreischer believes that the pandemic might encourage a shift in priorities, with people focusing more on community and human connection.
    4. He expresses hope that the pandemic will lead to a greater appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
11. The Role of Pets in Life and the Importance of Responsibility:
    1. Kreischer shares his love of dogs and his experiences with various breeds, from Mastiffs to German Shepherds to Bullmastiffs.
    2. He highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, discussing the need for training and understanding of different breeds.
    3. Kreischer emphasizes the unique bond between humans and their pets, comparing them to family members.
    4. He reflects on the joys and challenges of owning pets, including the responsibility of providing them with love, care, and a safe environment.
12. The Significance of the “Joe Rogan Experience” Podcast:
    1. Kreischer expresses his gratitude for Rogan’s podcast, acknowledging its transformative impact on his life and career.
    2. He reflects on the power of Rogan’s platform to connect people and share diverse perspectives.
    3. Kreischer highlights the importance of finding podcasts that resonate with you and the value of independent content creators.
    4. He acknowledges the impact Rogan’s podcast has had on the broader landscape of podcasting, emphasizing its influence on the industry.
13. The Nature of Fame and Its Impact on Individuals:
    1. Kreischer reflects on the unique challenges of fame and the pressure it places on individuals to maintain a certain image.
    2. He shares his insights on dealing with intrusive paparazzi and the complexities of navigating public scrutiny.
    3. Kreischer expresses his admiration for those who handle fame gracefully, particularly Johnny Depp, whom he describes as remarkably put together despite his immense stardom.
    4. He acknowledges the complexities of living in the public eye and the potential for negative consequences, highlighting the importance of self-preservation.
14. The Importance of Finding Your Tribe and Connecting with Others:
    1. Kreischer highlights the importance of finding your tribe and surrounding yourself with people who understand and appreciate you.
    2. He shares his experiences with finding a group of like-minded comedians who support and challenge him.
    3. Kreischer emphasizes the power of human connection and the importance of fostering meaningful relationships.
    4. He acknowledges the role of shared experiences and interests in forging strong bonds.

Memorable Quotes

• “I’ve exhaled for the first time in a very big way.” – Kreischer reflects on the positive impact of sobriety, acknowledging a sense of relief and liberation.
• “You gotta think at how many people are home right now, and how many people when you leave them home, just watch Netflix.” – Kreischer points to the potential for increased viewership of his new special due to the pandemic lockdowns.
• “It’s a very, very strange disease according to doctors.” – Kreischer highlights the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and its unpredictable effects.
• “I think there’s a lot of people that shouldn’t have fucking dogs, man.” – Kreischer expresses his concern about irresponsible pet ownership, highlighting the need for responsible pet care and training.
• “I think we’re gonna be stronger in not in the not dismissing the losses and the the people that are gonna badly miss loved ones.” – Kreischer acknowledges the pain and grief caused by the pandemic while expressing hope for future resilience and growth.