JRE #1837 – Gina Carano

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Gina Carano, actress and former mixed martial artist, delving into her career, personal experiences, and outspoken views on controversial topics. The podcast tackles a range of issues from the early days of women’s MMA and its evolution, to the complexities of cancel culture and its impact on free speech, the ongoing debate surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, and the broader political landscape of the US.

Provocative themes explored in the conversation include the limitations of modern media, the rise of misinformation and its impact on public perception, the power dynamics within Hollywood, and the dangers of a controlled and censored internet.

Major Topics and 4-Point Summaries

1. Gina Carano’s Origins in Mixed Martial Arts:

• Gina Carano recounts the early days of women’s MMA, a time when female fighters were often met with skepticism and resistance, even from within the sport itself.
• She describes the challenges of navigating a male-dominated environment, where female fighters were often seen as a novelty rather than serious athletes.
• Carano highlights the pioneers who paved the way, like Erin Tokel and Tara LaRosa, who helped to legitimize the sport and inspire a new generation of female fighters.
• She discusses how the acceptance of women’s MMA has evolved over time, with fighters like Ronda Rousey achieving mainstream stardom and redefining the sport’s perception.

2. The Impact of Cancel Culture on Free Speech:

• Carano shares her personal experience with being “canceled” by Disney after expressing her views on social media, highlighting the growing pressure on individuals to conform to certain ideologies.
• She argues that the current climate of cancel culture has a chilling effect on free speech, making individuals afraid to express their opinions for fear of retribution.
• Carano highlights the double standards that exist, where certain groups are allowed to express controversial views while others face severe consequences for doing the same.
• She underscores the importance of maintaining open dialogue and debate, even when opinions differ, to ensure a healthy and vibrant society.

3. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Aftermath:

• Carano expresses her skepticism about the government’s handling of the pandemic, questioning the effectiveness of lockdowns, mask mandates, and forced vaccinations.
• She criticizes the lack of transparency surrounding the development and distribution of the vaccine, highlighting concerns about potential long-term effects and the suppression of alternative treatments.
• Carano discusses the psychological and economic impact of the pandemic on individuals and businesses, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to public health measures.
• She reflects on the societal division and distrust that emerged during the pandemic, questioning the motives behind certain policy decisions and the disproportionate impact on different groups.

4. The Role of Big Pharma and the Government in Public Health:

• Carano dives into the potential influence of big pharmaceutical companies on government policies, questioning the transparency and ethical considerations surrounding vaccine development and distribution.
• She expresses concerns about the financial incentives behind certain public health measures, suggesting a potential conflict of interest between the government and big pharma.
• Carano discusses the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority, urging individuals to be informed consumers of medical information.
• She advocates for individual freedom and autonomy, arguing that individuals should have the right to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

5. The Rise of Social Media and its Impact on Society:

• Carano shares her observations about the negative aspects of social media, highlighting the rise of online bullying, mob mentality, and the spread of misinformation.
• She discusses the manipulation of public opinion through the use of bots and the echo chambers that can form online, reinforcing certain ideologies and silencing dissenting voices.
• Carano reflects on the impact of social media on mental health, arguing that its constant negativity and pressure to conform can have detrimental effects on individuals.
• She expresses hope that platforms like Twitter, under Elon Musk’s leadership, will move towards greater transparency, accountability, and freedom of expression.

6. The Political Landscape of the US:

• Carano expresses her views on the current political climate, criticizing the polarization and lack of civil discourse in the US.
• She discusses the perceived double standards in how different groups are treated and the consequences of expressing dissenting opinions.
• Carano identifies the rise of a “deep state” and the potential influence of special interest groups on government policy.
• She argues for the importance of individual responsibility, critical thinking, and a return to fundamental American values like freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

7. The Role of Celebrities in Politics:

• Carano critiques the use of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns, arguing that it can often be used to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissenting voices.
• She highlights the hypocrisy of certain celebrities who claim to be champions of social justice while simultaneously promoting harmful agendas or silencing those with opposing views.
• Carano advocates for a more nuanced and critical approach to celebrity activism, urging individuals to think for themselves rather than blindly following their idols.
• She underscores the importance of separating entertainment from politics, recognizing that not every celebrity is qualified to be a political commentator.

8. The Importance of Individual Responsibility and Critical Thinking:

• Carano emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s health and well-being, urging individuals to make informed choices about their lifestyles and medical treatments.
• She advocates for a more holistic approach to health, encouraging individuals to consider a variety of factors beyond simply taking medication.
• Carano highlights the dangers of relying solely on mainstream media for information, urging individuals to be critical consumers of news and to seek out diverse perspectives.
• She emphasizes the need for a return to common sense and rationality in navigating a complex and often confusing world.

9. The Future of Art, Entertainment, and Politics:

• Carano discusses the challenges and opportunities facing artists and entertainers in today’s political climate, emphasizing the importance of staying true to their art and not conforming to harmful ideologies.
• She highlights the potential for alternative platforms, like the DailyWire, to provide a more diverse and balanced perspective on entertainment and news.
• Carano expresses hope for a future where freedom of speech, individual autonomy, and critical thinking are valued and protected.
• She emphasizes the importance of dialogue, compassion, and understanding in navigating a world filled with increasingly diverse and sometimes conflicting opinions.

Memorable Quotes

• “I’m not a professional speech maker. I’m not the president. I’m not a politician. I’m a human being who’s trying to talk to other human beings. And I think it’s okay to be clumsy. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to not be perfect. But that doesn’t mean you should be canceled.” – Carano defends her right to express herself, acknowledging her imperfections and the need for forgiveness and understanding.
• “It’s not about beauty, it’s about health. And if you want to think that you’re beautiful because you’re anorexic, I don’t know what to tell you, but it’s not good for you.” – Carano draws a distinction between health and beauty, highlighting the importance of self-love and healthy choices.
• “I think there’s a difference between health and beauty, and the eye of the beholder. But it’s just like, I mean, I’m scared to be honest, I’m not attracted to muscles. I’m not attracted to, like, the, you know, lean, white guy. Long legs lean, moist, high body. That’s, you know, the complete opposite of my body. You know, I’m attracted to that. You know, I don’t really like, well, like, he found Kevin Ross. Yeah. Perfect. Yeah. What a, what a weird thing that you would be attracted to MoiTai Fighter and date a MoiTai Fighter. But where do you start off? Who did I have on my posters on my wall? I, but more than his body or anything, I like his artistic mind. Mhmm. I like how he’s the quiet guy in the room, like, like, this quiet strength and confidence. Yes. Yeah. And he’s just got like this no bullshit meter. I love that.” – Carano shares her personal perspective on attraction, emphasizing that beauty is subjective and shouldn’t be used to dictate societal norms.
• “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying that. I think it’s an important thing to say. And I was saying it early. So I was saying it. You were saying it boldly. You were saying it when people were scared.” – Joe Rogan acknowledges Carano’s courage in speaking her mind during a time when many were afraid to express dissenting opinions.
• “I think he was hilarious, but when they’re, like, calling, you know, in the debate. He’s, like, calling names, and it’s, you know, it’s not really setting an example of, like, how we can debate, how we all need to be talking together. So that I think was a problem. But I also think, jeez, I mean, like, what the way what they what they were coming after him with, like, just wasn’t gonna, if he didn’t say the aggressive stuff that he did, did he even have a chance in hell of surviving that?” – Rogan reflects on the complexities of Donald Trump’s presidency, acknowledging his flaws while also questioning the motives behind the media’s relentless attacks.