JRE #1518 - David Choe

31-Jul-20

Joe Rogan Experience #1518 – David Choe Topics

This podcast features David Choe, a renowned painter, muralist, explorer, and artist, diving into a wide range of topics, from his personal struggles and experiences with fame to his unique perspective on art, society, and the human condition. Prepare to be captivated by Choe’s unfiltered honesty and unconventional approach as he delves into topics that are sure to spark conversation and challenge conventional thinking.

1. David Choe’s Nervousness:

David Choe reveals his extreme nervousness about appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast, leading to a visceral reaction that resulted in him pulling over to vomit.
Choe’s anxiety stems from the potential for being “canceled” due to his often provocative and unconventional views, a fear amplified by the “pylon” effect of social media.
He has a history of being “canceled” for his outspokenness, but he claims to actually enjoy it, seeing it as a catalyst for growth and bigger and better things.
Despite his anxiety, Choe recognizes the potential for positive outcomes from sharing his experiences with a large audience.

2. David Choe’s Self-Hate:

David Choe openly acknowledges his struggle with self-hate and low self-esteem, a condition he attributes to a lifelong pattern of negative self-talk.
He reveals his inability to articulate positive self-affirmations, even under the guidance of a therapist, highlighting the ingrained nature of his self-deprecating tendencies.
Choe’s self-hatred stems from past experiences of rejection, failures, and negative comparisons with others, leading to a sense of inadequacy.
He believes that this self-hatred, while deeply uncomfortable, fuels his art, driving him to create with intensity and passion.

3. David Choe’s Quest for Transcendent Art:

David Choe argues that discomfort and struggle are essential ingredients for creating truly impactful and memorable art, challenging the notion that happiness and comfort lead to great creativity.
He draws inspiration from renowned artists and comedians who have used their pain and suffering as fuel for their work.
Choe maintains that comfort can stifle creativity, leading to mediocrity, while discomfort forces artists to push boundaries and explore new territories.
He acknowledges the potential trade-off between pursuing joy and peace and creating transcendent art, ultimately choosing to embrace the discomfort and challenges that fuel his artistic expression.

4. David Choe’s “Buck Wild” Podcast:

David Choe recounts his past podcast, which he describes as “buck wild,” featuring raw and unfiltered conversations filled with embarrassing and humiliating moments.
He reveals that the podcast was taken off the air by his support system when he went “off the rails,” indicating the potentially damaging consequences of his unrestrained expression.
Choe acknowledges that his podcast was legendary for its unfiltered nature, but he also recognizes the potential harm that can come from such raw and uncensored content.
He discusses the importance of wildness and freedom of expression in a world that often promotes self-censorship and fear of consequence, highlighting the power of vulnerability and authentic sharing.

5. David Choe’s Experience with Psychodrama:

David Choe shares his experience with psychodrama, a therapeutic technique that involves role-playing traumatic experiences to rewire the brain.
He describes the process of reenacting a traumatic moment, dissecting it with others playing the roles of individuals involved, and ultimately rewriting the narrative.
Choe highlights the unique application of psychodrama to the internal dialogues and conflicting personalities within himself, a reflection of his multifaceted nature.
He suggests that his experiences with psychodrama could be a potential source of content for a Patreon page, highlighting the raw and relatable nature of his internal struggles.

6. David Choe’s “Fight, Flight, or Freeze” Response:

David Choe reveals his dominant response to stressful situations is “flight or freeze,” highlighting his aversion to confrontation and his preference for avoiding potentially harmful encounters.
He acknowledges that both “flight” and “freeze” responses require careful assessment and quick decision-making, especially in potentially violent situations.
He emphasizes the importance of knowing when to escape and when to fight, prioritizing self-preservation and minimizing the risks associated with physical confrontation.
Choe’s tendency to “freeze” in the face of hostility stems from a combination of past experiences and his desire to avoid further pain and conflict, a reflection of his complex emotional landscape.

7. David Choe’s Experience with Racism:

David Choe recounts an experience where he was congratulated by non-white friends for the success of the Korean film “Parasite,” highlighting the unintended racism inherent in associating individual achievements with entire ethnic groups.
Choe challenges the notion of a “model minority” and the pressure on Asian Americans to conform to certain expectations and avoid upsetting white people.
He shares a poignant story of his father’s experience as an immigrant facing discrimination and hardship, setting the stage for a discussion about the perpetual foreigner complex.
Choe’s experiences highlight the complexities of racial identity and the lasting impact of historical and social injustices on individuals and communities.

8. David Choe’s Encounter with a Racist Man:

David Choe recounts an encounter with a racist man who yelled at him and his father, “Go back to where you come from,” a chilling reminder of the prejudice and hostility faced by Asian Americans.
Choe emphasizes the need to prioritize self-preservation and avoid engaging in potentially dangerous physical confrontations, despite the anger and frustration caused by such encounters.
He highlights the harmful effects of such encounters on individuals and the importance of recognizing that perpetrators are often in pain themselves, perpetuating a cycle of violence and negativity.
Choe’s experiences underscore the importance of understanding the root causes of prejudice and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

9. David Choe’s “Invisible” Asian Identity:

David Choe discusses his experiences growing up as an Asian American, often feeling invisible and voiceless, a perception he believes stems from societal biases and the “model minority” stereotype.
He reveals that this invisibility, while initially isolating and frustrating, has provided him with an advantage, allowing him to observe and experience the world in a unique way.
Choe’s experiences highlight the power of perception and the way individuals are often stereotyped based on their racial or ethnic background.
He shares a compelling story of his hitchhiking experiences, where his Asian identity allowed him access to a range of perspectives and encounters that might not have been possible otherwise.

10. David Choe’s Confession-Filled Hitchhiking Experiences:

David Choe recounts numerous hitchhiking experiences, where he encountered individuals who, after an initial period of small talk, confessed to shocking and often disturbing secrets.
He shares stories of confessions ranging from incest and drug abuse to murder, highlighting the raw vulnerability and darkness that can exist beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary people.
Choe’s experiences underscore the human capacity for both great good and great evil, suggesting that the lines between the two are often blurred and easily crossed.
He highlights the importance of understanding the complex motivations and circumstances that can lead individuals to make choices that go against societal norms and expectations.

11. David Choe’s Quest for a Dinosaur in the Congo:

David Choe recounts a harrowing and adventurous journey to the Congo in his youth, driven by a genuine belief that he could find a living dinosaur.
He describes the challenging conditions, including civil war, disease outbreaks, and cultural barriers, highlighting the risks he took in pursuit of his quest.
Choe’s story showcases his adventurous spirit and his willingness to embrace the unknown, even when it comes at a significant personal cost.
He shares his encounter with pygmies, who welcomed him into their village and provided him with a glimpse into a traditional and often overlooked way of life.

12. David Choe’s Near-Murder in the Congo:

David Choe reveals a deeply unsettling incident where he contemplated murder in the Congo after being mistreated by his traveling companion, a German man who was exploiting the local women for sexual gratification.
He shares the psychological torment he experienced while in the jungle, the desperation he felt, and the moment where he almost succumbed to his anger and rage.
Choe’s story highlights the fragility of human nature and the capacity for violence that exists within us all, especially when confronted with intense suffering and injustice.
He ultimately chose not to kill, revealing a glimmer of humanity and self-control that saved both him and his companion from a potentially tragic fate.

13. David Choe’s Encounter with the Hadza Tribe in Tanzania:

David Choe describes his experience living with the Hadza tribe in Tanzania, a hunter-gatherer group that has lived a traditional lifestyle for thousands of years.
He shares the lessons he learned from their way of life, highlighting their connection to nature, their emphasis on community, and their lack of modern conveniences and vices.
Choe recounts his struggle to adapt to their lifestyle, his initial reliance on modern comforts, and his gradual acceptance of a simpler and more fulfilling existence.
He emphasizes the profound impact of the Hadza tribe on his life, helping him to reconnect with a primal way of being and find peace in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming.

14. David Choe’s Physical and Mental Struggles:

David Choe openly discusses his struggles with addiction, mental health, and physical fitness, acknowledging that he is a “sick person” in need of constant self-care and therapy.
He shares his journey through numerous rehab programs and therapeutic approaches, highlighting the complexities of his mental and emotional landscape.
Choe reveals his tendency to “chase the highs” and his vulnerability to addiction, a reflection of his innate need for stimulation and his struggle to find contentment.
He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, and ongoing work towards healing, both for himself and for others who struggle with similar challenges.

15. David Choe’s Perspective on Success and Happiness:

David Choe challenges the conventional notion that success equates to happiness, arguing that material possessions, fame, and external validation often fail to provide lasting contentment.
He highlights the emptiness and dissatisfaction that can accompany a life solely focused on achievement and outward success, a feeling that he himself has experienced despite his considerable accomplishments.
Choe encourages listeners to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, suggesting that genuine happiness often stems from a combination of internal work and meaningful connections.
He emphasizes the importance of identifying what truly brings joy and fulfillment, and pursuing those things with passion and dedication, rather than chasing external validation and fleeting pleasures.

16. David Choe’s Perspective on Asking for and Receiving Help:

David Choe discusses the cultural challenges associated with asking for and receiving help, particularly for men, who are often taught to be self-reliant and avoid vulnerability.
He shares personal experiences with his own reluctance to accept help, highlighting the stigma and shame associated with acknowledging weakness and need.
Choe emphasizes the importance of breaking down these barriers and creating a more supportive and compassionate culture where people feel empowered to ask for help when they need it.
He acknowledges that helping others can be challenging and requires patience and understanding, but ultimately, it is a crucial aspect of creating a healthier and more supportive community.

17. David Choe’s “Extreme Curiosity” and “Wildness”:

David Choe’s podcast is marked by his “extreme curiosity” and willingness to embrace the unknown, a trait that has led him to explore the world in unconventional and often dangerous ways.
He shares stories of his travels to the Congo, his encounters with various tribes, and his willingness to push personal boundaries in pursuit of adventure and knowledge.
Choe’s “wildness” is a significant aspect of his persona, a quality that has both helped and hindered him, leading to both significant accomplishments and devastating consequences.
He challenges the notion that “wildness” is inherently negative, suggesting that it can be a source of creativity, passion, and personal growth when channeled constructively.

18. David Choe’s Journey towards Self-Acceptance:

David Choe’s podcast serves as a testament to his ongoing journey towards self-acceptance, highlighting his struggles with self-hate, his willingness to confront his demons, and his relentless pursuit of personal growth.
He recounts his experiences with therapy, psychodrama, and various therapeutic approaches, showcasing his commitment to healing and becoming a better version of himself.
Choe’s journey is not linear or easy, marked by setbacks and relapses, but his unwavering determination to learn and evolve is inspiring.
He offers a message of hope and encouragement to listeners who struggle with similar challenges, reminding them that growth and change are possible through perseverance and self-compassion.

19. David Choe’s “Breaking Bad” Roommate:

David Choe recounts a surreal encounter with a roommate during his time at an intensive outpatient program, where he was encouraged to confront his tendency to lie and exaggerate.
He shares the story of his roommate, a high-powered government official struggling with addiction and self-destructive behaviors, highlighting the shared human struggle with imperfection and vulnerability.
Choe’s experience with his roommate emphasizes the importance of boundaries and self-advocacy, showcasing how he learned to stand up for himself and hold others accountable.
The story reveals a glimpse into the complexities of addiction and the challenges of recovery, suggesting that even seemingly successful individuals can be deeply troubled and in need of support.

20. David Choe’s Perspective on Learning from Experience:

David Choe’s podcast is a tapestry of stories, reflecting his unconventional approach to life and his willingness to learn from both positive and negative experiences.
He encourages listeners to embrace their own “wildness” and “extremes,” recognizing that even seemingly destructive behaviors can be a source of growth and self-discovery.
Choe emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, seeking help when needed, and finding joy in the journey of personal evolution, despite the inevitable challenges and setbacks.
His story offers a reminder that we are all on a journey of self-discovery, and through our shared experiences, we can learn, grow, and ultimately become better versions of ourselves.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“Every fucking horrible thing that’s happened in my life. physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, spiritual abuse, prison getting my career taken away or this or, you know, anything. has always led to bigger and better.” – Choe’s outlook on adversity, turning negativity into motivation for growth.
“Comfort is the killer of everything, man, but I’m rich as fuck. Yeah. I’m very comfortable. But you’re you’re comfortable financially, but that’s how you keep sharp. you keep sharp by not being comfortable in other ways.” – Choe’s perspective on the necessity of discomfort to maintain creativity and sharpness.
“You must fucking suffer. You must suffer. You have to suffer. Comfort is the is the killer of creativity.” – A bold statement challenging the conventional pursuit of comfort, placing emphasis on suffering as a catalyst for artistic greatness.
“The world needs more wild people. People are goddamn scared right now, David. Mhmm. They’re scared. There’s a bunch of people out there that are terrified to be free.” – A call for authenticity and vulnerability in a world often dominated by fear and self-censorship.
“You don’t have to understand their language. You don’t know by now? What what do I know? You’re an alien.” – A playful and provocative comment on Choe’s unconventional approach to life, suggesting that his experiences and perspectives set him apart from the ordinary.