24-Mar-22
Joe Rogan Podcast Topics: #1796 – Ali Siddiq
This episode features stand-up comedian, writer, and community advocate Ali Siddiq, known for his special “Ali Siddiq: It’s Bigger Than These Bars,” filmed live at Bell County Jail in Texas. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from whiskey-making to fighting styles, and delves into the nature of reality, social media, and the human condition.
Podcast Topics:
- Whiskey-Making and Warmaster Bourbon:
* Joe Rogan and Ali Siddiq discuss the creation and process of Warmaster Bourbon, a smoky bourbon Siddiq co-developed.
* Siddiq emphasizes the importance of quality and legitimacy in the whiskey market, highlighting the time and effort required to make good bourbon.
* The podcast explores the unique process of smoking corn for Warmaster, which gives the bourbon its distinctive smoky flavor.
* Siddiq shares tips on how to enhance or reduce the smoky flavor of Warmaster depending on personal preference. - Joe Rogan’s Fighting Career and the UFC:
* Rogan details his long career as a mixed martial arts fighter, including his experiences and reflections on the sport.
* He discusses the physical demands of fighting, particularly the impact on the body, and his decision to prioritize his health.
* Rogan shares his thoughts on the UFC’s performance institute and its benefits for fighters.
* He highlights the evolution of MMA, emphasizing the increasing skill level of fighters across various organizations. - Victor Henry’s Impressive UFC Debut:
* Rogan and Siddiq discuss Victor Henry’s dominant UFC debut against a seasoned fighter, Houni Barcelos.
* They analyze Henry’s fighting style, emphasizing his technical prowess, endurance, and mental composure.
* Rogan highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of MMA, arguing that top-level fighters exist beyond the UFC.
* He praises Henry’s commitment to training and his dedication to the sport. - The Baja 1000 and Off-Road Racing:
* Siddiq shares his experience participating in the Baja 1000, a grueling off-road race in Mexico.
* He describes the demanding physical and mental challenges, including navigating treacherous terrain, enduring extreme conditions, and dealing with unexpected hazards.
* Siddiq highlights the unique camaraderie and sense of adventure that come with off-road racing.
* He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and preparation in this dangerous sport. - The “Overhauling” TV Show and Dan Panosian:
* Rogan discusses his experience with the TV show “Overhauling,” where cars are given extreme makeovers.
* He details the elaborate scheme they devised to surprise comic artist Dan Panosian, featuring a staged car theft and paint-splattering stunt.
* Rogan highlights Panosian’s calm demeanor and trust in him, emphasizing their close friendship.
* He showcases the collaborative nature of the project, involving multiple individuals and companies in the car’s restoration. - The Rise of Electric Vehicles and Their Impact on Driving Experience:
* Rogan expresses his reservations about converting classic cars to electric, arguing that it diminishes the soul and spirit of the original machine.
* He criticizes the trend of creating artificial engine sounds for EVs, deeming it a further detachment from the authentic driving experience.
* Rogan acknowledges the allure of performance and technology in EVs, but emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to the mechanical nature of vehicles.
* He highlights the unique driving experience offered by manual transmission cars and his appreciation for the visceral connection to the vehicle. - The Evolution of Pro Wrestling and its Relation to MMA:
* Siddiq discusses the history of catch wrestling, tracing its roots back to England and its influence on professional wrestling.
* He explores the transition of pro wrestling from a legitimate sport to a more entertainment-oriented format, highlighting the role of worked matches and larger-than-life characters.
* Siddiq connects the history of pro wrestling to MMA, emphasizing the similarities in their early stages and the evolution of both sports into more entertaining formats.
* He shares anecdotes about legendary catch wrestlers like Carl Gotch and Billy Robinson, highlighting their rigorous training regimens and influence on the sport. - The Role of Conditioning in Martial Arts:
* Rogan and Siddiq discuss the importance of conditioning in martial arts, emphasizing its role in both physical performance and mental fortitude.
* They cite Karl Gotch’s belief that conditioning is the “greatest hold” and his rigorous training requirements for students.
* Rogan argues that conditioning not only enhances physical capabilities but also builds character and discipline.
* They highlight the mental challenges of endurance training and its impact on pushing personal limits. - Coaching and Mentorship in Martial Arts:
* Rogan explains his approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with athletes and taking a mentorship role beyond just teaching fighting techniques.
* He describes his process of selecting athletes to work with, prioritizing character and dedication over potential for financial gain.
* Rogan highlights the importance of breaking down opponents, understanding their tendencies and weaknesses, and developing personalized fight plans.
* He emphasizes the mental aspect of coaching, focusing on motivation, comfort, and mental preparation. - The Impact of Social Media on Reality and Perception:
* Rogan and Siddiq discuss the influence of social media on our perceptions of reality, highlighting the blurred lines between genuine interactions and curated online personas.
* They address the disconnect between the idealized images presented online and the complex realities of human experience.
* Rogan emphasizes the potential for social media to create envy and resentment, fostering a sense of unattainable standards and unrealistic expectations.
* They argue for the importance of critical thinking and discernment in navigating the online world, avoiding the pitfalls of believing curated online personas. - The Rise of “Trash Talking” in MMA:
* Rogan and Siddiq discuss the growing trend of trash talking in MMA, acknowledging its effectiveness in promoting fights and generating hype.
* They highlight the evolution of this tactic, citing Conor McGregor and Colby Covington as prominent examples.
* Rogan expresses concerns about the potential for trash talking to overshadow the martial arts aspect of MMA, reducing it to a purely entertainment-driven spectacle.
* He argues for a balance between promoting fights and upholding the respect for martial arts traditions. - The Will Smith/Chris Rock Incident at the Oscars:
* Rogan and Siddiq delve into the controversial incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, sparking a wide-ranging discussion about violence, celebrity culture, and the consequences of actions.
* They analyze Smith’s behavior, suggesting a possible emotional fragility and impulsive act that may have stemmed from a distorted sense of reality.
* Rogan criticizes Smith’s actions, arguing that violence is never an acceptable solution and highlighting the damaging precedent it sets.
* They discuss the role of personal responsibility and the importance of addressing conflicts through communication and respect. - The Kaleuga and the Decline of Western Civilization:
* Rogan and Siddiq explore the concept of the Kali Yuga, a Hindu concept of a declining age for civilization, and its connection to the modern era.
* They discuss the ideas of Oswald Spengler, René Guénon, and Friedrich Nietzsche, who all explored similar themes of societal decline and the erosion of traditional values.
* Rogan and Siddiq argue that the Kali Yuga is characterized by a pervasive sense of nihilism, a detachment from reality, and an overreliance on technology.
* They emphasize the importance of maintaining personal integrity, seeking truth, and engaging with the world with a sense of purpose and meaning. - The “Cathedral” and the Influence of Elite Elites:
* Rogan and Siddiq discuss the concept of the “Cathedral,” a term coined by Curtis Yarvin to describe the interconnected network of institutions and elites that influence public opinion and shape societal narratives.
* They analyze the role of managerialism in shaping societal decisions, arguing that it often prioritizes self-preservation and control over genuine problem-solving.
* Rogan highlights the hypocrisy of elites who advocate for change while failing to address systemic issues, using examples like the Flint water crisis and the homeless situation in Los Angeles.
* He emphasizes the need for a more honest and transparent approach to governing, acknowledging the realities of power structures and challenging the narratives pushed by elites. - The Importance of Physical Activity and Facing Death:
* Rogan and Siddiq discuss the fundamental need for physical activity, not just for physical health but for mental wellbeing and the development of character.
* They highlight the importance of pushing personal limits and challenging oneself through disciplined training, emphasizing the mental fortitude it fosters.
* They also delve into the theme of accepting death, arguing that facing the inevitability of our own demise can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
* Rogan shares his personal perspective on death, emphasizing the importance of living with integrity, facing the unknown with courage, and cherishing the beauty of life. - The Importance of Sincerity and Authentic Dialogue:
* Rogan and Siddiq discuss the importance of sincerity in communication and the dangers of living in a world where genuine connections are increasingly rare.
* They criticize the pervasive cynicism and assumption of ulterior motives that can undermine meaningful interactions.
* Rogan highlights the value of having open and honest conversations, even when they involve disagreements, and the importance of challenging one’s own beliefs.
* They emphasize the need to be true to oneself and to engage with the world with a sense of genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “Whiskey has been an incredibly fast-growing market at this point, and the shelf space right now is getting pretty full up. It’s also it’s it’s hard to make. It takes a long time to do it right.” – Rogan highlights the challenges and importance of quality in the whiskey industry.
- “What you don’t know about, I’m not surprised, that you’re not acquainted. Like, that you wouldn’t really understand how to how to put this on some sort of metric.” – Victor Henry’s statement underscores the limited understanding of fighters beyond the UFC.
- “It’s just so annoying. So how did you get into catch?” – Rogan’s exasperated statement transitions into a discussion about the origins and evolution of catch wrestling.
- “Violence is at the bottom of every word you speak. Violence is at the bottom of every exchange. Literally, politics is war by other means.” – Rogan emphasizes the fundamental role of violence in human interactions and its presence in even seemingly peaceful activities.
- “If you think you’re if you’re adding stress into your life by publicizing and externalizing everything, which again says something more about the state of things. Like, why are you externalizing this shit?” – Rogan questions the motivations for publicly sharing personal struggles, highlighting the potential downsides of social media and the culture of oversharing.