JRE #1916 – Jon Bernthal

This podcast features Jon Bernthal, a renowned actor known for his intense roles in popular shows like “The Walking Dead,” “The Punisher,” and “We Own This City.” Bernthal, also a podcast host himself, provides insightful and thought-provoking commentary on a range of topics, from his own personal struggles to the current state of society.

Provocative topics discussed include:

• The Fragility of American Society and the Potential for Violence: Bernthal compares the current political climate to the tumultuous 1960s, highlighting the escalating polarization and how social media exacerbates these divisions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexity of issues and moving beyond simplistic “us vs. them” narratives.
• The Complexities of Law Enforcement and the Anti-Police Movement: Bernthal offers a nuanced perspective on police brutality, recognizing its existence while acknowledging the importance of law enforcement and the need for a balanced approach. He stresses the need to listen to individuals on the ground, particularly those from affected communities, and to avoid generalizations about entire institutions.
• The Importance of Nuanced Dialogue and the Value of Diverse Perspectives: Bernthal strongly advocates for seeking out a wider range of viewpoints, particularly from individuals with direct experiences. He criticizes the tendency towards tribalism and the limitations of relying on pundits and celebrities for information. He emphasizes that open communication and understanding are crucial for progress.
• The Impact of Social Media and the 24-Hour News Cycle: Bernthal discusses the overwhelming influx of information, particularly negative news and sensationalized content, and how it contributes to anxiety and fear. He emphasizes the importance of discerning truth from propaganda, particularly in a world where foreign entities manipulate information to divide societies.
• The Transformation of Jon Bernthal: From Troubled Youth to Dedicated Husband and Father: Bernthal shares his personal journey from a troubled youth to a successful actor, highlighting his struggles with violence, substance abuse, and finding direction in life. He attributes his transformation to a pivotal moment of self-reflection, a commitment to his family, and the discipline he gained through acting and martial arts.
• The Power of Personal Stories and the Importance of Empathy: Bernthal discusses the transformative power of listening to individuals’ personal experiences, especially those who have endured hardship or committed serious crimes. He emphasizes the value of empathy, forgiveness, and the potential for rehabilitation, particularly for those who have undergone significant personal transformation.
• The Role of Acting as a Transformative Force: Bernthal describes his commitment to pushing boundaries as an actor, embracing intensity and exploring the darker aspects of human nature. He highlights the importance of authenticity and the need for deep commitment to the craft, drawing parallels to his personal journey.
• The Dangers of Cancel Culture and the Importance of Forgiving Others: Bernthal challenges the concept of “cancel culture” and advocates for forgiveness, even for individuals who have made significant mistakes. He argues that focusing on someone’s worst moment rather than their potential for change is detrimental to both the individual and society.
• The Importance of Finding Meaning in Your Work and Life: Bernthal emphasizes the significance of finding purpose in one’s work and life. He encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations, stay true to their values, and use their skills and experiences to make a positive impact on the world.
• The Value of Listening to Diverse Voices and Seeking Out Unconventional Perspectives: Bernthal highlights the importance of seeking out perspectives from individuals often overlooked in mainstream media, such as former gang members, veterans, and law enforcement officers. He encourages listeners to engage with these diverse voices to gain a deeper understanding of the world.
• The Transformative Power of Art and Creative Expression: Bernthal believes in the therapeutic and redemptive power of art. He argues that individuals can channel their pain, experiences, and struggles into creative expression, using their art to connect with others and potentially make a positive impact on the world.
• The Importance of Personal Growth and Self-Reflection: Bernthal stresses the need for ongoing self-reflection and personal growth. He encourages listeners to acknowledge their flaws, understand their triggers, and continuously work on becoming better versions of themselves. He emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, mindfulness, and empathy.
• The Complexities of Russian Culture and the Current Conflict with Ukraine: Bernthal reflects on his personal experiences living in Russia, highlighting the country’s beauty and brutality. He discusses the cultural context of authoritarian leadership, the reverence for strength and national pride, and the historical context of Soviet times. He expresses concern about the current conflict with Ukraine and acknowledges the pain and suffering it has caused, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the complexities of the situation.
• The Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Systemic Inequities: Bernthal discusses the injustices within the legal system and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. He emphasizes the need for systemic change and for greater investment in supporting these communities to break cycles of poverty and violence.
• The Importance of Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: Bernthal encourages listeners to seek meaning and purpose in their lives, stressing the importance of family, relationships, and making a positive impact on the world. He highlights the need for kindness, empathy, and building meaningful connections with others.
• The Transformative Power of Recognizing and Addressing One’s Flaws: Bernthal discusses the importance of acknowledging and working on one’s flaws, particularly those related to anger and violence. He encourages listeners to embrace self-reflection, seek guidance from others, and strive to become better versions of themselves.
• The Importance of Building a Network of Supportive Friends and Mentors: Bernthal emphasizes the value of having a strong network of friends and mentors who can offer guidance, support, and accountability. He encourages listeners to cultivate these relationships and seek out those who can help them navigate life’s challenges.
• The Importance of Embracing Vulnerability and Sharing Personal Stories: Bernthal discusses the importance of being open and vulnerable, particularly when it comes to sharing personal struggles and experiences. He believes that sharing these stories can create connection, empathy, and understanding, and inspire others to seek help and support.
• The Potential for Change and the Importance of Hope: Bernthal expresses hope for the future, recognizing the challenges facing society while emphasizing the potential for positive change. He encourages listeners to focus on the positive aspects of humanity, embrace the power of empathy and forgiveness, and work towards a more just and equitable world.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “I just can’t imagine what that must like assuring of assassinations.”
• “I really really wanted to get out there and and and be part of that be part of that protest and be part of that uprising. But at the same time, I turned on the TV, and I saw people throwing bottles at police officers. I thought I saw people throwing bricks at police officers.”
• “I just really, really believe in the folks that come on. It it this show is not about me. You know, I’m I’m not I I don’t think I I don’t think I’m particularly good at it. I don’t think I’m particularly that interesting of a guy to to to be leading these conversations.”
• “I knew in an instant that, like, it it it was, like, I was a bug. Like, I was a bug. Like, that was a different you know, I’ve met I’d seen guns before I’d seen stuff before I I just knew that this was a completely different level.”
• “We’re just human beings. And and as you said about Chris Chris’s Chris Rock’s comedy now, there is a potential here for both of these men that that could have been in a way, in a strange way, the most important, potentially best moment in either their artistic life Yeah. Than where they could go from that.”