JRE #1542 – Cameron Hanes

This podcast features Cameron Hanes, a master bowhunter and elite athlete who has dedicated his life to becoming “the ultimate predator.” Hanes dives deep into his experiences in the backcountry, discussing his training methods, hunting strategies, and the unique world of predator-prey relationships. The conversation also touches on controversial topics like the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado, the role of hunters in conservation, and the impact of social media on the hunting industry. Provocative themes surrounding mental toughness, pushing physical limits, and the importance of purpose in life emerge throughout the conversation.

Podcast Topics

1. Cameron Hanes’s Backcountry Bowhunting Philosophy:

   1. Hanes emphasizes the importance of physical and mental preparedness for successful bowhunting in challenging terrain.
   2. He details his rigorous training routine, including ultramarathons, weightlifting, and specialized bowhunting exercises.
   3. Hanes describes his strategy for approaching and taking down elk, incorporating elements of stealth, patience, and precise execution.
   4. He highlights the mental fortitude required to stay focused, calm, and make crucial decisions under pressure in the wild.

2. The Controversy Surrounding Antifa and Wildfires:

   1. Rogan acknowledges a previous mistake he made regarding arrests related to wildfires in Oregon, clarifying that it was an isolated incident, not a widespread trend.
   2. Hanes, a resident of Oregon, expresses concern over the destructive nature of prolonged protests in Portland, questioning their effectiveness and the impact on the city.
   3. The conversation touches on the complexities of defining “Antifa,” noting its lack of structure and potential for individuals with extreme views to infiltrate the movement.
   4. The discussion delves into the broader context of political polarization, anger, and frustration in society, highlighting the challenging social and economic climate contributing to unrest.

3. The “Elites” and Theories of Control:

   1. Rogan and Hanes discuss the persistent theories of “elites” controlling the world, acknowledging the influence of wealthy individuals and special interest groups in politics and business.
   2. They express skepticism regarding the concrete nature and extent of this control, questioning the clarity of the term “elites” and the extent to which they truly dictate events.
   3. The conversation draws parallels between historical figures and contemporary politicians, suggesting a timeless tendency for power dynamics to play out in similar ways across different eras.
   4. The discussion touches on the importance of critical thinking, acknowledging the prevalence of conspiracy theories and the need to evaluate information carefully in an increasingly chaotic world.

4. The Harsh Realities of the Predator-Prey Cycle:

   1. Hanes shares graphic details about the brutal nature of wildlife, describing the deaths of elk calves at the hands of bears and mountain lions, emphasizing the harshness of the natural world.
   2. He discusses the impact of the dry climate in Southern Colorado on elk populations, highlighting the role of environmental factors in determining survival rates.
   3. Hanes details the solitary nature of mountain lions, their hunting strategies, and their impact on elk populations, emphasizing the importance of predators in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
   4. The discussion delves into the complex relationship between humans and predators, exploring the tension between admiration for these creatures and the need for responsible management in shared habitats.

5. The Debate Over Wolf Reintroduction:

   1. Hanes expresses strong opposition to the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado, citing concerns over the impact on cattle ranchers and potential for conflicts with humans.
   2. He highlights the lack of clarity in the management plan for wolves, emphasizing the potential for uncontrolled populations and consequences for native wildlife.
   3. The discussion explores the different perspectives on wolves, contrasting the views of urban populations who may romanticize the creatures with those of rural communities who experience firsthand the challenges they pose.
   4. The conversation underscores the complexities of ecological management, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of all stakeholders and the potential for unintended consequences.

6. The Power of Purpose and Mental Toughness:

   1. Hanes discusses the importance of having a purpose in life, emphasizing how goal-setting and pushing limits can unlock potential and lead to personal growth.
   2. He shares his own experiences with ultramarathons and training, highlighting the mental strength required to endure extreme physical challenges and the ability to overcome pain and exhaustion.
   3. Hanes admires individuals like David Goggins and Courtney DeWalt for their extraordinary mental toughness, exploring their unique mindsets and the lessons they offer for pushing beyond perceived limitations.
   4. The conversation explores the idea of “talent” versus dedication, emphasizing the significance of perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to continual improvement in achieving success.

7. The Importance of Physical Maintenance:

   1. Hanes emphasizes the importance of physical maintenance for longevity and performance, detailing his regimen of massage therapy, NormaTec recovery boots, and targeted muscle work.
   2. He credits his ability to avoid significant injuries to a combination of genetics, consistent recovery practices, and a focus on proper training techniques.
   3. Hanes shares his experience with CBD and its impact on inflammation and pain management, highlighting its potential benefits for athletes and those with chronic conditions.
   4. The discussion explores the role of technology and innovation in enhancing athletic performance and recovery, demonstrating how advancements can support the pursuit of excellence.

8. The Political Landscape and the Upcoming Election:

   1. Rogan and Hanes discuss the upcoming election, expressing concerns about the polarization of the country and the potential for chaos following the results.
   2. They acknowledge the significant challenges facing the country, including the economic fallout of the pandemic, racial tensions, and a growing distrust in political institutions.
   3. The conversation explores the impact of social media on political discourse, highlighting the spread of misinformation, the echo chambers of opinion, and the challenges of having nuanced conversations in a highly charged environment.
   4. The discussion delves into the importance of the US Constitution and its impact on the country’s enduring stability, acknowledging the brilliance of its design and the challenges of upholding its principles in a rapidly changing world.

9. The World of Boxing and the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. Match:

   1. Rogan and Hanes analyze the upcoming exhibition match between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr., discussing their individual styles, their legacies, and the potential for an unexpected outcome.
   2. They acknowledge Tyson’s legendary power and intimidation, while recognizing Jones Jr.’s speed and agility, creating a compelling clash of styles.
   3. The conversation explores the impact of age and physical decline on athletes, highlighting the challenges of maintaining peak performance over time.
   4. The discussion touches on the entertainment value and historical significance of this event, acknowledging the appeal of witnessing two iconic boxers return to the ring, even in a non-competitive format.

10. The Role of Social Media in Sports and Entertainment:

    1. Rogan and Hanes discuss the evolving role of social media in sports and entertainment, highlighting its impact on fighters’ careers and their ability to cultivate a persona.
    2. They discuss the rise of fighters like Colby Covington, who have used social media to promote themselves and create a controversial image, potentially benefiting from the attention it generates.
    3. The conversation acknowledges the power of social media to both elevate and destroy reputations, highlighting the importance of managing online presence and the potential for unintended consequences.
    4. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of boxing, noting the increasing popularity of exhibition matches and the intersection of traditional sports with the world of entertainment and social media.

11. The Importance of Discipline and Inspiration:

    1. Rogan and Hanes emphasize the importance of discipline in achieving long-term success, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of inspiration.
    2. They highlight the significance of consistent effort and dedication in pursuing goals, emphasizing that inspiration alone is not enough to overcome challenges.
    3. The conversation discusses the power of social media to provide inspiration, showcasing individuals like David Goggins who push limits and motivate others.
    4. Rogan and Hanes acknowledge the importance of finding a purpose that fuels motivation and provides a sense of direction in life, emphasizing the role of personal fulfillment and growth.

12. The Ethics of Hunting and the Importance of Respect:

    1. Hanes defends the ethical practices of hunting, highlighting the importance of respect for the animal and the role of hunters in wildlife management and conservation.
    2. He contrasts the practices of responsible hunting with the cruelty of factory farming, emphasizing the humane and sustainable nature of his approach to harvesting wild game.
    3. The conversation touches on the emotional aspect of hunting, acknowledging the importance of honoring the animal and utilizing every part of the kill in a respectful manner.
    4. Hanes emphasizes the mental and physical challenges of bowhunting, highlighting the skills and dedication required to be successful, and the importance of treating the experience with reverence.

5 Memorable Quotes

1. “The beautiful thing about the woods as a reset is that when you’re out there and quiet, you realize, oh, none of these animals out here give a fuck about me. They don’t know who I am.” – Hanes emphasizes the importance of the backcountry for grounding and perspective.
2. “You get enough people that join on to a movement, and the movement has no, like, directive or leaders. They’re just there showing up. And you’re gonna get morons that do things like light books on fire and throw them into the lobby.” – Rogan highlights the dangers of unorganized movements.
3. “You don’t have to be in, like, really crazy shape, but, like, when hunting, and you know how it is, in the mountains, there’s so many yeah. You can get up and down the mountains.” – Hanes explains the physical demands of backcountry bowhunting.
4. “People that live, like, in BC, in Northern BC, there’s a lot of wolves. There’s, like, wolf issues up there. And those people, they have a completely different attitude about what a wolf is.” – Hanes underscores the varying perspectives on wolves depending on proximity and personal experience.
5. “Those gods of war have reignited my ego.” – Tyson’s quote captures the intensity and drive behind his return to boxing.