JRE #1954 – Bert Kreischer

This podcast features comedian Bert Kreischer, known for his hilarious stories and energetic stage presence. Joe Rogan and Kreischer discuss various topics ranging from Kreischer’s early life and comedy career to current events, societal issues, and personal anecdotes. Provocative and viral topics include Kreischer’s infamous “machine” story, his thoughts on the financial crisis, and his experiences with BDSM. The conversation delves into underlying themes of personal growth, the power of friendship, the challenges of fame, and the search for meaning in life.

Major Topics

1. Bert Kreischer’s Comedy Career and Success:
   • Kreischer’s early days in comedy, including his struggles and eventual rise to fame.
   • The importance of developing a unique voice and style in comedy.
   • Kreischer’s passion for stand-up and his dedication to crafting new material.
   • The impact of mentors and friends on his career trajectory.
2. The “Machine” Story:
   • Kreischer’s iconic story about his time in Russia and his involvement with the Russian mafia.
   • The story’s enduring popularity and its impact on Kreischer’s career.
   • The power of storytelling in comedy and the importance of finding compelling narratives.
   • Kreischer’s ability to weave humor and suspense into his retelling of the “machine” story.
3. The Financial Crisis and Societal Issues:
   • Kreischer’s perspective on the current economic climate and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
   • The role of government regulation and deregulation in financial instability.
   • Concerns about the potential for a repeat of the 2008 housing crisis.
   • Kreischer’s skepticism towards mainstream media narratives and his reliance on alternative sources of information.
4. BDSM and Sexual Expression:
   • Kreischer’s candid discussion about his personal experiences with BDSM, including a revealing anecdote about a TV show shoot.
   • The prevalence of BDSM within certain social circles, particularly among wealthy business owners and CEOs.
   • Kreischer’s perspective on the motivations behind BDSM and the need for open and honest conversations about sexual desires.
   • The normalization of diverse sexual practices and the rejection of kink-shaming.
5. The Power of Friendship and Mentorship:
   • Kreischer’s deep appreciation for his close circle of friends, including Joe Rogan, Tom Segura, and others.
   • The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals.
   • The role of mentorship in guiding Kreischer’s career and personal growth.
   • The value of camaraderie and shared experiences within the comedy community.
6. The Challenges of Fame and Success:
   • Kreischer’s reflections on the complexities of navigating fame and maintaining authenticity.
   • The importance of staying grounded and avoiding the pitfalls that often accompany success.
   • Kreischer’s desire to stay connected to his roots and avoid becoming detached from his fans.
   • The challenges of managing a busy schedule and balancing work with personal life.
7. The Search for Meaning and Purpose:
   • Kreischer’s thoughts on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of finding purpose in one’s pursuits.
   • His reflections on the significance of personal growth and the continuous evolution of his values.
   • Kreischer’s evolving relationship with his own mortality and the search for meaning beyond material success.
   • The importance of recognizing that there is no ultimate destination and that the journey itself is what matters.
8. Health and Wellness:
   • Kreischer’s commitment to fitness and his belief in the power of exercise as a form of mental and physical medicine.
   • His insights into the importance of regular workouts and his unique approach to training.
   • Kreischer’s experience with testosterone replacement therapy and his exploration of various health and wellness practices.
   • The importance of personal accountability in achieving optimal health and well-being.
9. The Internet and Social Media:
   • Kreischer’s perspective on the power and potential pitfalls of the internet and social media.
   • His reflections on the impact of social media on public discourse and the spread of misinformation.
   • Kreischer’s strategies for managing his online presence and dealing with negative comments.
   • The importance of fostering open and honest conversations while navigating the complexities of online interactions.
10. The Nature of Reality and Consciousness:
    • Kreischer’s exploration of the nature of consciousness, death, and the afterlife.
    • His interest in psychedelic experiences and their potential to unlock hidden realms of the mind.
    • Kreischer’s perspective on the limits of human knowledge and the ongoing quest to understand the universe.
    • His exploration of theories surrounding the nature of the soul and the possibility of a continued existence beyond physical death.
11. Political Commentary and Societal Values:
    • Kreischer’s observations on the political landscape and his skepticism towards current political narratives.
    • His critical analysis of societal trends and the influence of ideological movements.
    • Kreischer’s concerns about the erosion of freedom and the rise of censorship.
    • His reflections on the importance of critical thinking, questioning authority, and maintaining a healthy skepticism.
12. Personal Anecdotes and Hilarious Stories:
    • Kreischer’s penchant for sharing hilarious and often outlandish stories about his personal life and experiences.
    • His ability to weave humor and self-deprecation into his narratives.
    • The power of shared laughter and the importance of finding humor in everyday life.
    • Kreischer’s unique ability to connect with his audience through his storytelling and comedic timing.

Memorable Quotes

• “Ron’s one of the best storytellers of all time. Having him out here is it’s amazing because he’s, like, he’s such like a he’s, like, the statesman of comedy, you know, out here, and he’s so respected.”
• “It’s so stupid. like, with with with, like, a closed door once you go through it. That’s it. Nobody else in. No more funny. No more comedians. No one else’s famous.”
• “My viral clips are me laughing at fucking people falling down. Me laugh at those too. Me and Theo have a bunch of those.”
• “I love a new hour. Now I just got I have the I have the ingredients. I gotta figure out how to put it together. I need a couple of 10th pull stories.”
• “I’m so grateful that I didn’t get what I wanted. I’m so grateful that it didn’t show up until I was 44. and then now I’m fifty.”