JRE #1881 – Rick Rubin

This podcast delves deep into the life and career of Rick Rubin, a legendary record producer known for his work with iconic artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Public Enemy, and Johnny Cash. Rubin shares insights into his unconventional approach to music production, the evolution of hip hop, the creative process, and the importance of trusting your instincts. Provocative topics include the disconnect between underground music and the mainstream, the power of artistic freedom, the dangers of imitation, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Underlying themes explore the transformative power of music, the challenges and rewards of creative expression, and the search for personal truth.

Joe Rogan Podcast Topics: #1881 – Rick Rubin

1. Rick Rubin’s Early Years in Music

• Rubin’s initial interest in music stemmed from his experience in a punk rock band and his fascination with the energy of early hip hop.
• He started making hip hop records as a fan, aiming to capture the raw energy of the clubs, which was different from the slicker records being released at the time.
• Rubin’s lack of formal training and skill allowed him to approach music production in a new and unconventional way, reflecting the spirit of emerging hip hop.
• His early connections with artists like Tetris Three and Tee Larocque led to his first productions, showcasing a unique sound that resonated with the underground scene.

2. The Evolution of Hip Hop

• Rubin highlights the evolution of hip hop from its raw origins, characterized by DJs, breakbeats, and live performance, to a more polished and commercially viable sound.
• He emphasizes the importance of sampling and montage in hip hop, emphasizing the genre’s ability to create new music by creatively re-imagining existing sounds.
• The iconic collaboration between Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” is discussed as a pivotal moment that bridged the gap between hip hop and rock, introducing both genres to wider audiences.
• Rubin’s role in shaping the sound of early hip hop with artists like LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy is explored, highlighting his unique approach to production and his influence on the genre’s development.

3. The Importance of Artistic Freedom

• Rubin emphasizes the value of pursuing one’s own artistic vision, regardless of external pressure or expectations.
• He argues that artistic success should not be the primary motivation for creators, as it can lead to imitation and a lack of authenticity.
• Examples like the Beastie Boys’ “Paul’s Boutique” and Public Enemy’s early albums demonstrate how pushing boundaries and embracing unconventional ideas can lead to lasting impact, even if it doesn’t guarantee immediate commercial success.
• Rubin encourages artists to trust their instincts and follow their passions, emphasizing that true creativity often comes from a place of genuine expression rather than calculated strategy.

4. The Challenges of Fame and Success

• Rubin shares his personal experiences with fame and the challenges of navigating public attention, highlighting the importance of finding ways to manage the pressure and maintain perspective.
• He emphasizes the importance of solitude, self-care, and finding healthy outlets for dealing with the anxiety and demands of celebrity.
• He encourages artists to find their own strategies for managing fame, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or psychedelic exploration.
• He acknowledges the complexities of fame, recognizing that while it offers certain privileges, it can also lead to isolation and a distorted view of reality.

5. The Transformative Power of Stand Up Comedy

• Rubin shares his journey into stand up comedy, highlighting the influence of comedians like Sam Kinison and Dice Clay on his creative development.
• He emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice as a comedian, distinguishing between those who imitate successful styles and those who embrace their unique perspective.
• Rubin’s experiences on the road and his collaborations with Dice Clay, including the creation of “The Day the Laughter Died,” highlight the importance of experimentation and pushing boundaries in comedy.
• He explores the different approaches to comedy, from meticulously crafted material to improvisational riffing, recognizing that both approaches can lead to successful and meaningful performances.

6. The Creative Process in Music and Comedy

• Rubin dives into the creative process, comparing the collaborative dynamics of music production to the collaborative nature of comedy writing and performance.
• He shares his experiences working with artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jay-Z, highlighting their diverse approaches to songwriting and recording.
• He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for creative exploration, allowing artists to be vulnerable and experiment freely.
• Rubin’s approach to production and collaboration highlights the role of instinct, intuition, and the ability to respond to the energy of the moment.

7. The Importance of Physical and Mental Resilience

• Rubin shares his personal journey with weight loss and fitness, emphasizing the importance of finding a system that works for you, regardless of societal expectations.
• His experiences with veganism, a low-carb, high-protein diet, and training with Laird Hamilton highlight the value of seeking guidance from experts and being open to change.
• He emphasizes the importance of physical resilience and the benefits of cold therapy and sauna practices in promoting overall well-being.
• Rubin’s story serves as a reminder that achieving personal goals often requires breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing new perspectives.

8. The Role of Discipline and Work Ethic

• Rubin acknowledges the importance of discipline and work ethic in achieving artistic success, emphasizing that talent alone is not enough.
• He highlights the work ethic of comedians like Chris Rock and the dedication of athletes like Gordon Ryan, demonstrating the power of consistent effort in achieving excellence.
• Rubin encourages artists to embrace discomfort and challenge themselves, recognizing that pushing beyond their comfort zones is essential for growth and development.
• He highlights the importance of finding a balance between discipline and creativity, recognizing that both elements are necessary for producing meaningful work.

9. The Universe and the Flow of Creativity

• Rubin explores the concept of the universe as a source of inspiration, emphasizing the role of serendipity and the importance of being open to new possibilities.
• He shares anecdotes about finding inspiration from unexpected sources, like books, conversations, and even random events.
• Rubin believes that the universe is constantly offering opportunities for creative exploration, and it’s up to the artist to be receptive and act on them.
• He encourages listeners to embrace a more intuitive and less structured approach to creativity, trusting in the power of the universe to guide them.

10. The Unexpected Appeal of Pro Wrestling

• Rubin reveals his surprising passion for pro wrestling, highlighting the genre’s unique blend of theatricality, storytelling, and physical performance.
• He discusses the history of pro wrestling, the evolution of different styles, and his involvement in starting a wrestling organization.
• Rubin emphasizes the importance of understanding pro wrestling as a form of entertainment rather than a traditional sport, highlighting the genre’s ability to create compelling narratives and captivating characters.
• He argues that pro wrestling, despite its fantastical elements, offers a powerful reflection of human nature and the complexities of good versus evil, triumph over adversity, and the pursuit of excellence.

11. The Importance of Trusting Your Instincts

• Rubin emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts in making creative decisions, highlighting the limitations of logic and reason.
• He shares his experiences in music production and his approach to selecting artists and projects, emphasizing the importance of feeling a connection and a sense of excitement.
• Rubin’s philosophy encourages listeners to develop their intuition and make decisions based on their gut feeling, trusting that their inner voice holds valuable wisdom.
• He argues that embracing your instincts can lead to more authentic and fulfilling experiences, both personally and creatively.

12. The Creative Act: A Way of Being

• Rubin’s book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being,” is introduced as a guide to embracing creativity in all aspects of life.
• He emphasizes that the book is not simply about specific techniques or strategies, but rather a way of looking at the world and living a more creative life.
• Rubin’s approach encourages readers to see the world as a source of inspiration, to be open to new experiences, and to embrace the challenges and rewards of creative expression.
• He believes that living a creative life can transform personal relationships, professional endeavors, and the overall quality of existence.

13. The Nature of Collaboration

• Rubin defines collaboration as a continuous process of interaction with the world around us, emphasizing that we are constantly learning and evolving through our experiences.
• He suggests that even seemingly solitary creative acts involve a form of collaboration with the universe, our past experiences, and the knowledge we’ve accumulated throughout our lives.
• Rubin emphasizes the importance of genuine collaboration in creative endeavors, where the focus is on achieving the best outcome for the project as a whole rather than individual ego or agendas.
• He believes that successful collaboration requires a willingness to be vulnerable, to trust other artists, and to be open to different perspectives.

14. The Power of Openness and Curiosity

• Rubin encourages listeners to cultivate a sense of openness and curiosity towards new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.
• He suggests that embracing a beginner’s mind and being open to learning can lead to unexpected insights and breakthroughs in creative endeavors.
• Rubin emphasizes that the world is full of potential inspiration, and it’s up to the artist to be receptive and seek out new knowledge.
• He believes that staying curious and open to the unexpected can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful creative journey.

15. The Importance of Resilience

• Rubin shares a harrowing experience of a house fire, highlighting his own struggles with resilience and his ability to overcome adversity.
• He acknowledges the importance of perspective and the need to find ways to manage fear and anxiety.
• Rubin emphasizes that resilience is not about avoiding difficult experiences but rather about developing the strength to navigate them and emerge stronger.
• He believes that resilience is essential for artists, who often face rejection, setbacks, and the constant pressure to create.

16. The Importance of Finding Meaning Beyond Success

• Rubin emphasizes that the pursuit of creativity should not be solely driven by external validation or success, but rather by an intrinsic desire to express oneself and make a meaningful contribution to the world.
• He encourages listeners to find joy and fulfillment in the creative process itself, regardless of the outcome.
• Rubin’s own journey highlights the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the act of creation, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from a place of authenticity and integrity.
• He suggests that focusing on the joy of the creative process can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life, even if it doesn’t always result in mainstream success.

Memorable Quotes:

• “From the beginning, I never thought any of the things that I’m doing were possible or realistic. And I just did things out of the love of them thinking I would have real jobs and, you know, like, the thing that that my passion would be my hobby, and I’d have a job to support my hobby. Yeah. And it just magically turned out different than that without me knowing it was possible.”
• “The best things do. That’s that’s what’s really exciting when you when you hear something new and you don’t have a reference for it. Your first reaction might be to push it away.”
• “It’s it’s a bad way to play the game of music or art. You have to do what’s personal to you, take it as far as you could go, really push the boundaries and people people will will resonate with it if they’re supposed to resonate with it. But you can’t get there the other way. You know, the other way is a dead end path.”
• “You know, I mean, you see it in people that become famous. You know, as I’ve become friends with more and more famous people, you see the and they’re always like asking questions. Of other people that are also famous. So, like, how do you deal with it? Like, what is your solution? And I think my solution is the best one for me. I don’t think there’s an I mean, I think psychedelic drugs help a lot. That’s it’s just these these big resets.”
• “It’s like, you know, there if I weigh myself and there’s if the numbers are going up, I’m aware of it. And if the numbers are going down, I’m aware of it. And it’s better when they’re going down than when they’re going up. But I I’m I’ve never really been a goal oriented person. It has never been I don’t set a goal and work towards it. I I like working on something and when it feels good to me, then I know that it’s good.”