JRE #209 – Eddie Ifft

This podcast features a lively conversation between Joe Rogan and comedian Eddie Ifft. They delve into a range of topics, from fitness and the martial arts to personal anecdotes and societal observations. The conversation is peppered with humor, often bordering on the provocative and controversial. The underlying themes explore the human condition, the pursuit of self-improvement, and the absurdity of life.

Major Topics

1. Commercial Breaks and Product Endorsements: Rogan and Ifft discuss the flashlight and Onnit.com, showcasing Rogan’s entrepreneurial ventures and promoting the products while engaging in humorous banter about the products.
   1. Joe Rogan promotes his flashlight company and boasts about its effectiveness.
   2. Ifft questions the use of the flashlight, leading to a humorous exchange about its purpose.
   3. Rogan emphasizes the effectiveness of Onnit.com’s Alpha Brain supplement and its benefits.
   4. They joke about the potential negative consequences of the supplement’s effectiveness.
2. Nick Diaz’s Marijuana Use and the Nevada State Athletic Commission: Rogan expresses his strong opinion on the absurdity of Nick Diaz’s failed drug test for marijuana, highlighting the hypocrisy of the commission’s rules and the lack of scientific evidence supporting marijuana’s impact on athletic performance.
   1. Diaz’s failed drug test is discussed, with Rogan defending Diaz’s use of medical marijuana.
   2. Rogan highlights the inconsistency and hypocrisy of the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s marijuana policies.
   3. The argument that marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug is presented, along with the fact that Diaz is a medical marijuana patient.
   4. The lack of scientific evidence to support the commission’s stance is emphasized.
3. HGH Testing in Sports: Rogan and Ifft discuss the challenges and controversies surrounding HGH testing in sports, exploring the potential benefits and risks of using the hormone. They explore the potential for the testing to be a money-making venture rather than a genuine attempt to level the playing field.
   1. The difficulty of detecting HGH through urine testing is discussed.
   2. The argument that the NFL and other sports organizations use HGH testing for financial gain is presented.
   3. The question of whether it’s ethical to prevent athletes from using HGH to enhance their performance is explored.
   4. The potential risks and consequences of using HGH are discussed.
4. Freeway Ricky Ross’s Story and Identity Theft: Rogan and Ifft discuss the incredible story of Freeway Ricky Ross, a former drug kingpin who turned his life around, only to have his identity stolen by several rappers. The story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the complexities of navigating the criminal justice system.
   1. Freeway Ricky Ross’s story of overcoming adversity and becoming successful is discussed.
   2. The theft of his identity by multiple rappers is revealed.
   3. The legal consequences and limitations of discussing Ross’s story are acknowledged.
   4. The impact of the identity theft on Ross’s life is mentioned.
5. The Movie “Chopper” and the Parody Show: Rogan and Ifft discuss the Australian crime film “Chopper” and the parody show starring Heath Franklin as a fictionalized version of the real-life criminal. This conversation explores the nature of parody, the complexities of identity, and the blurring of lines between reality and fiction.
   1. The film “Chopper” and its portrayal of the real-life criminal Eric Bannon are discussed.
   2. The parody show featuring Heath Franklin as Chopper is introduced, emphasizing the comedic aspects.
   3. The potential for conflict between Franklin and the real Chopper is acknowledged.
   4. The blurred lines between reality and fiction in parody are explored.
6. The Nature of Pigs and Their Feral Behavior: Ifft shares his fascinating observations about pigs and their unique ability to become feral, suggesting that this behavior may be a result of their environment and diet. This conversation introduces the concept of animal behavior and the influence of environmental factors.
   1. Pigs are identified as the only animal that can become feral almost immediately upon release from a farm.
   2. The physical changes that pigs undergo when becoming feral are described.
   3. The potential role of diet and environmental factors in feral behavior is discussed.
   4. The conversation connects to the theme of human behavior and the influence of surroundings.
7. The Best Way to Dispose of a Body: Rogan and Ifft engage in a humorous and morbid discussion about the best ways to dispose of a body, exploring the practical and legal implications. This conversation delves into the dark side of human nature and the extremes people will go to conceal their actions.
   1. The various methods of body disposal are discussed, including fishing and burning.
   2. The legal ramifications and potential consequences of body disposal are explored.
   3. The conversation connects to the theme of human nature and the darkness that can exist within it.
   4. The humorous and morbid aspects of the discussion are highlighted.
8. The Case of Craig Titus: Rogan and Ifft discuss the case of Craig Titus, a bodybuilder who killed his personal assistant. The story highlights the dangers of unchecked testosterone and the destructive consequences of infidelity.
   1. The details of Craig Titus’s crime and its motivations are discussed.
   2. The connection between high levels of testosterone and violent behavior is explored.
   3. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of infidelity.
   4. The conversation connects to the theme of human nature and the capacity for darkness within it.
9. Bodybuilding and the Limits of Human Performance: Rogan and Ifft discuss the limits of human performance in bodybuilding and the potential consequences of pushing the body to its extremes. The conversation delves into the ethics of using steroids and the impact of extreme bodybuilding on the human body.
   1. The physical changes and potential health risks associated with extreme bodybuilding are discussed.
   2. The conversation connects to the theme of human ambition and the pursuit of perfection.
   3. The ethical considerations of using steroids to enhance performance are explored.
   4. The dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential for negative consequences are highlighted.
10. CrossFit and its Impact on the Body: Rogan and Ifft discuss the benefits and drawbacks of CrossFit, exploring its intense workouts, potential for injury, and the unique culture surrounding the sport.
    1. The high-intensity and varied nature of CrossFit workouts are described.
    2. The potential for injury due to improper form and high-repetition exercises is discussed.
    3. The importance of stretching and deep tissue massage in CrossFit is emphasized.
    4. The unique community and culture surrounding CrossFit are highlighted.
11. The Importance of Breathing and Core Stability: Rogan discusses the importance of proper breathing techniques in weightlifting, highlighting the role of core stability in preventing injury. This conversation connects to the theme of fitness and the importance of proper form.
    1. The connection between breathing techniques and core stability is explained.
    2. The importance of proper form in weightlifting to prevent injury is emphasized.
    3. The benefits of holding your breath during weightlifting are discussed.
    4. The conversation connects to the theme of fitness and the importance of proper technique.
12. The Death of a Loved One and the Search for Meaning: Rogan shares a poignant story about his grandparents’ passing, highlighting the emotional impact of losing loved ones and the search for meaning in life. The conversation touches on the themes of mortality, acceptance, and the human need for connection.
    1. The emotional impact of losing loved ones is discussed, specifically Rogan’s experience with his grandparents.
    2. The book “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl is introduced, exploring its themes of survival and finding purpose in suffering.
    3. The conversation connects to the themes of mortality and the human need to find meaning in life.
    4. The importance of having a purpose in life, even in the face of adversity, is emphasized.
13. The Nature of Reality and the Simulation Hypothesis: Rogan and Ifft engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the nature of reality, exploring the simulation hypothesis and the potential for technology to create indistinguishable realities.
    1. The simulation hypothesis is introduced, suggesting that our reality might be a computer simulation.
    2. The rapid advancements in technology are discussed as evidence for the potential for creating indistinguishable realities.
    3. The conversation explores the implications of the simulation hypothesis on our understanding of life and meaning.
    4. The theme of human curiosity and the pursuit of understanding the universe is highlighted.
14. John Edwards’s Scandal and Campaign Finance: Rogan discusses the scandal surrounding John Edwards, a former presidential candidate, and the complexities of campaign finance. The conversation critiques the corrupt nature of American politics and the power of wealthy donors.
    1. John Edwards’s scandal involving an extramarital affair and campaign finance is discussed.
    2. The conversation highlights the corrupt nature of American campaign finance.
    3. The power of wealthy donors in influencing politics is critiqued.
    4. The conversation connects to the theme of societal corruption and the erosion of trust in institutions.
15. The Military Industrial Complex and Global Perceptions of America: Rogan shares his experiences traveling the world as a comedian and the frequent criticism he received from people about America. He critiques the military industrial complex and its impact on global perceptions of the United States.
    1. Rogan describes the negative perceptions of America he encountered while traveling the world.
    2. He critiques the military industrial complex and its influence on American politics.
    3. The conversation connects to the theme of global politics and the influence of power structures.
    4. The potential for individual action to change the status quo is discussed.
16. The End of the World Scenarios: Rogan and Ifft discuss various scenarios for the end of the world, including nuclear war, environmental collapse, and solar flares. The conversation explores the fragility of civilization and the potential for humanity to face existential threats.
    1. Various end-of-the-world scenarios are discussed, including nuclear war and environmental collapse.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human existence and the fragility of civilization.
    3. The potential for existential threats to humanity is explored.
    4. The theme of human survival and the potential for adaptation is discussed.
17. Human Evolution and the Hobbit: Rogan and Ifft delve into the fascinating topic of human evolution, discussing the discovery of the Hobbit people, a tiny race of humans that existed as recently as 10,000 years ago.
    1. The discovery of the Hobbit people and their unique characteristics is discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human evolution and the diversity of our species.
    3. The implications of the Hobbit discovery for our understanding of human history are explored.
    4. The theme of human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge is highlighted.
18. Dwarfism and Genetic Research: Rogan and Ifft discuss dwarfism and the potential for genetic research to prevent it in the future. The conversation explores the ethical implications of genetic modification and the potential for changing human evolution.
    1. The different types of dwarfism and the potential for genetic modification are discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human genetics and the potential for manipulating evolution.
    3. The ethical considerations of genetic modification and the potential for unintended consequences are explored.
    4. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate about the limits of human intervention in nature.
19. Jujitsu and the Allure of Female Training Partners: Rogan and Ifft discuss the benefits of jujitsu training and the potential for having attractive female training partners.
    1. The physical and mental benefits of jujitsu training are highlighted.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of physical fitness and the pursuit of self-improvement.
    3. The humorous aspect of having attractive female training partners is discussed.
    4. The conversation explores the dynamic between men and women in the context of martial arts.
20. The Experience of Jello Wrestling: Ifft shares a hilarious and slightly disturbing story about his experience in a jello wrestling contest, highlighting the unexpected physicality of the sport and the humorous consequences of his attempt to be gentlemanly.
    1. Ifft’s experience in a jello wrestling contest is recounted with humorous details.
    2. The physicality and potential for injury in jello wrestling are discussed.
    3. The conversation connects to the theme of human behavior and the willingness to engage in unusual activities.
    4. The humorous and slightly disturbing aspects of the story are emphasized.
21. Martial Arts and the Ethics of Sparring: Rogan and Ifft discuss the ethics of sparring in martial arts, specifically the importance of respecting those of lower rank and the potential for bullying in the training environment.
    1. The importance of respecting lower-ranking individuals in martial arts is emphasized.
    2. The potential for bullying and aggressive behavior in the training environment is acknowledged.
    3. The ethical considerations of sparring and the need for control are discussed.
    4. The conversation connects to the theme of sportsmanship and the importance of ethical behavior.
22. The Role of Aggression in Relationships: Rogan and Ifft discuss the nature of aggression in relationships, specifically exploring the instances where men and women react differently to conflict. They touch on the complexities of gender dynamics and the potential for misunderstandings.
    1. The conversation explores the differences in how men and women express aggression.
    2. The potential for misunderstandings and conflict based on gender dynamics is acknowledged.
    3. The theme of human relationships and the importance of communication is explored.
    4. The conversation highlights the complexities of navigating relationships.
23. The Importance of Passion and Purpose in Life: Rogan and Ifft discuss the importance of finding passion and purpose in life, emphasizing the impact of pursuing endeavors that align with one’s core values and contribute to the well-being of others.
    1. The importance of finding passion and purpose in life is discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human fulfillment and the search for meaning.
    3. The benefits of pursuing endeavors that align with one’s values are highlighted.
    4. The importance of contributing to the well-being of others is emphasized.
24. The Role of Happiness and the Search for Fulfillment: Rogan and Ifft discuss the nature of happiness and the importance of actively pursuing things that bring joy and fulfillment. The conversation explores the limitations of seeking happiness through external means and the importance of introspection.
    1. The importance of actively pursuing happiness is emphasized.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human psychology and the pursuit of well-being.
    3. The limitations of seeking happiness through external means are discussed.
    4. The importance of introspection and understanding oneself is highlighted.
25. The Dangers of Excess Wealth: Rogan and Ifft discuss the potential negative consequences of excessive wealth, highlighting the potential for it to lead to self-destructive behaviors and a disconnect from reality.
    1. The potential for excessive wealth to lead to self-destructive behaviors is discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human nature and the temptations of wealth.
    3. The importance of maintaining balance and grounding is emphasized.
    4. The conversation highlights the potential for wealth to distort one’s perception of reality.
26. The Benefits of Marijuana and Productivity: Rogan and Ifft discuss the potential benefits of marijuana, specifically its use as a tool to enhance productivity and creativity. The conversation explores the cultural shift in perceptions of marijuana and the potential for it to be a valuable resource.
    1. The potential benefits of marijuana for creativity and productivity are discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human cognition and the potential for enhancing mental processes.
    3. The cultural shift in perceptions of marijuana is explored.
    4. The potential for marijuana to be a valuable resource for individuals and society is discussed.
27. Panic Attacks and Coping Mechanisms: Ifft shares his experiences with panic attacks and discusses the different coping mechanisms he’s tried. The conversation connects to the theme of mental health and the importance of finding strategies to manage anxiety.
    1. Ifft’s experience with panic attacks and the triggers that cause them are discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of mental health and the challenges of managing anxiety.
    3. Various coping mechanisms for panic attacks are explored, including Xanax and jutsaback seat.
    4. The importance of finding effective strategies to manage anxiety is emphasized.
28. The Importance of Acceptance and Letting Go: Rogan discusses the importance of accepting things that are beyond our control and letting go of the need to constantly micromanage every aspect of life. The conversation connects to the theme of mindfulness and the importance of living in the present moment.
    1. The importance of accepting things beyond our control is emphasized.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of mindfulness and the importance of living in the present moment.
    3. The benefits of letting go of the need for control are discussed.
    4. The importance of accepting the impermanence of life is highlighted.
29. The Power of Community and Support: Rogan and Ifft discuss the importance of having a strong support system and the benefits of connecting with others who share similar interests and values.
    1. The importance of having a strong support system is emphasized.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human connection and the importance of belonging.
    3. The benefits of connecting with others who share similar interests are discussed.
    4. The power of community to provide support and encouragement is highlighted.
30. The Power of Storytelling and Connecting Through Laughter: Rogan and Ifft discuss the power of storytelling and the role of comedy in connecting people and bringing joy to their lives.
    1. The power of storytelling to connect people is discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human expression and the importance of sharing experiences.
    3. The role of comedy in bringing joy and laughter to people’s lives is emphasized.
    4. The importance of creating positive experiences for others is highlighted.
31. The Nature of Success and Finding Fulfillment: Rogan and Ifft discuss the nature of success and the importance of finding fulfillment in one’s work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of passion, purpose, and contributing to the well-being of others as key ingredients for true success.
    1. The conversation explores the nature of success and the importance of finding fulfillment.
    2. The importance of passion and purpose in one’s work is emphasized.
    3. The benefits of contributing to the well-being of others are highlighted.
    4. The connection between true success and a sense of purpose is discussed.
32. The Importance of Being Undeniably Funny: Rogan and Ifft discuss the importance of being undeniably funny and the challenges of navigating the comedy industry. The conversation highlights the importance of talent, persistence, and luck in achieving success in comedy.
    1. The importance of being undeniably funny is discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of talent and the pursuit of mastery.
    3. The challenges of navigating the comedy industry are explored.
    4. The role of luck and persistence in achieving success is highlighted.
33. The Comedy Industry and the Impact of Social Media: Rogan and Ifft discuss the changing landscape of comedy and the impact of social media on the industry.
    1. The changing landscape of comedy and the impact of social media are discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of technology and its influence on entertainment.
    3. The challenges and opportunities presented by social media for comedians are explored.
    4. The evolving relationship between comedians and their audiences is discussed.
34. The Importance of Self-Discipline and Overcoming Challenges: Rogan and Ifft discuss the importance of self-discipline and the ability to overcome challenges in life. The conversation connects to the theme of personal growth and the importance of setting goals.
    1. The importance of self-discipline in achieving goals is emphasized.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of personal growth and the importance of overcoming challenges.
    3. The benefits of setting goals and working towards them are discussed.
    4. The importance of perseverance and dedication is highlighted.
35. The Role of Physical Fitness in Life: Rogan and Ifft discuss the importance of physical fitness and its impact on mental and emotional well-being.
    1. The importance of physical fitness for mental and emotional well-being is emphasized.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of health and the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle.
    3. The benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are discussed.
    4. The importance of finding enjoyable forms of exercise is highlighted.
36. The Fear of Sharks and the Nature of Danger: Rogan shares his experiences surfing and his encounters with sharks, discussing the fear of the unknown and the potential for danger in the ocean.
    1. Rogan’s experience surfing and his encounters with sharks are discussed.
    2. The conversation connects to the theme of human fear and the potential for danger in the natural world.
    3. The importance of respecting the ocean and its inhabitants is emphasized.
    4. The conversation highlights the importance of being aware of potential risks and taking precautions.
37. The Power of the Internet and its Influence on Society: Rogan and Ifft discuss the profound impact of the internet on society, highlighting its role in connecting people, disseminating information, and shaping culture.
    1. The conversation explores the impact of the internet on society and its influence on culture.
    2. The positive and negative aspects of the internet are discussed.
    3. The internet’s role in connecting people and spreading information is acknowledged.
    4. The conversation highlights the internet’s power to shape our perceptions of the world.

Memorable Quotes

1. “John Heffron had the best line. He said, it’s great. They should incorporate it with a flashlight because nobody ever knows what the flashlight is, but everybody knows what their flesh light is.” – Ifft shares a humorous observation about the flashlight company.
2. “It’s evidence that some cannabis has been in this system, but it’s not evidence of marijuana. It’s evidence of an inactive metabolite. That’s all it is.” – Rogan explains the science behind marijuana testing, defending Diaz’s use of medical marijuana.
3. “Why would you prevent people from enhancing themselves?” – Rogan poses a thought-provoking question about the ethics of preventing athletes from using HGH.
4. “You’re not supposed to do that. That’s not how those exercises are designed. There’s too much potential for injury there.” – Steve Maxwell’s concerns about high-repetition deadlifts in CrossFit are discussed.
5. “If a woman pulls a gun, you should punch her in the face if you can. Yes. It’s the way to save your life.” – Rogan argues against the blanket statement that men should never hit women, emphasizing self-defense.