6/19/2012
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This podcast features Joe Rogan interviewing Sam Sheridan, a writer and martial arts expert. The conversation delves into a variety of topics, exploring themes of personal growth, physical challenges, and the human condition.
Major Topics
- The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Sponsors:
- Flashlight: Joe discusses his experience with Fleshlight sex toys, highlighting the company’s attempts to promote their products on the show. He mentions the quality of their products and the women involved in their marketing.
- Onnit.com: Joe promotes Onnit’s cognitive enhancing supplement Alpha Brain, discussing its ingredients and the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. He also promotes Onnit’s kettlebells, emphasizing their durability and quality.
- Sam Sheridan’s Acting Experience:
- Sam Sheridan reveals his role as the “expert” commentator in the movie “Warrior,” comparing his experience to the role of Mike Goldberg in MMA commentary.
- Joe and Sam discuss the challenges of MMA commentary, specifically referencing Mike Goldberg’s demanding role during live events.
- The conversation shifts to the absence of commentary in certain UFC fights, specifically in “The Ultimate Fighter,” and how it enhances the viewer’s experience by allowing them to hear the raw sounds of the fight.
- The Passion for Fighting in Brazil:
- Joe and Sam share their experiences in Brazil, highlighting the passionate fanbase for UFC and MMA.
- They discuss the massive audience numbers for “The Ultimate Fighter” in Brazil, highlighting the country’s love for fighting.
- Joe describes the infectious energy of Brazilian crowds at fight events, contrasting it with the more casual atmosphere of American fans.
- The Influence of Environment on Well-being:
- Sam Sheridan shares his belief that beautiful surroundings positively impact people’s well-being, citing examples from Vancouver and Whistler.
- Joe and Sam discuss a study that explores the optimal visual environment for human comfort, revealing a connection to our ancestral environment in the Savannah.
- The conversation highlights the importance of natural settings for human well-being and the impact of our surroundings on our emotions.
- Sam Sheridan’s Experience Hunting:
- Sam Sheridan recounts his experience hunting elk, describing the unexpected lack of guilt he felt after taking an animal’s life.
- He shares an anecdote from his time in the Amazon, where he convinced local hunters not to kill a monkey for food.
- The conversation explores the connection between human survival instincts and our modern-day obsessions with sports and other activities, like fantasy football.
- Persistence Hunting and Animal Cardio:
- Sam Sheridan discusses persistence hunting, a traditional hunting technique that involves chasing animals until they become exhausted.
- The conversation compares the endurance required for persistence hunting to the stamina of fighters in the later rounds of a fight.
- Joe and Sam discuss the relationship between genetics and athletic performance, specifically considering the impact of fast-twitch muscle fibers and mental toughness.
- Dehydration and Fighter Performance:
- Sam Sheridan discusses the impact of dehydration on fighter performance, using the example of Travis Luther’s fight against Anderson Silva.
- He describes the signs of extreme dehydration and how it can affect a fighter’s ability to compete effectively.
- The conversation highlights the importance of proper conditioning and weight management in MMA, emphasizing the potential for dehydration to undermine a fighter’s strength.
- The Mental Aspects of Fighting:
- Joe and Sam explore the mental aspects of fighting, focusing on the importance of confidence and self-belief in combat.
- They discuss the unpredictable nature of emotions in fighters, referencing examples like Jon Jones’s pre-fight nervousness.
- The conversation highlights the pressure fighters face and how their demeanor can sometimes be misleading.
- The Impact of Fame on Fighters:
- Joe and Sam discuss the challenges fighters face when they gain notoriety, particularly regarding how fame can impact their mindset and performance.
- They reference Mayhem Miller’s fight against Bisping, highlighting how the pressure of fame affected Miller’s pre-fight demeanor.
- The conversation explores the difficulty of maintaining focus and confidence when facing the potential for significant loss.
- The Importance of Positive Obsession:
- Sam Sheridan discusses the importance of positive obsession in achieving success, referencing the advice of sports psychologists who work with elite athletes.
- He highlights the need for athletes to overcome fear of failure and maintain a clear focus on their goals.
- The conversation explores the challenges of staying focused and consistent in competitive environments, emphasizing the importance of mental discipline.
- The Brutal Reality of Professional Pool:
- Sam Sheridan discusses the harsh realities of professional pool, where even world champions often struggle to make a living.
- He highlights the constant pressure and focus required to excel in this demanding sport, emphasizing the mental toll it takes on players.
- The conversation explores the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of constant challenges and the need to overcome fear of failure.
- The Psychological Connection to Combat:
- Joe and Sam discuss the visceral connection humans have to combat, highlighting the deep-rooted instinct for survival and dominance.
- They reference the metaphor of “sucking a thousand dicks” to describe the crushing feeling of defeat in fighting and onstage bombing.
- The conversation explores the concept of free will and how it can be lost during a fight, emphasizing the raw primal nature of combat.
- The Importance of Positive Reinforcement:
- Joe and Sam discuss the importance of positive reinforcement in coaching and development, highlighting the effectiveness of focusing on desired actions rather than avoiding negative outcomes.
- They reference the advice of Randy Couture, who emphasized the power of positive instruction in wrestling.
- The conversation explores the detrimental impact of negative reinforcement, particularly in situations where individuals feel suppressed or controlled.
- The Future of Pornography:
- Joe and Sam discuss the potential future of pornography, speculating on the rise of CGI-generated content and its impact on the industry.
- They reference the “I am Legend” movie, highlighting the limitations of current CGI technology in creating realistic visuals.
- The conversation explores the possibilities of brain-computer interfaces and their potential to revolutionize the experience of pornography.
- The Discovery of Ancient Civilizations in the Amazon:
- Sam Sheridan discusses the recent discoveries of ancient civilizations in the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the ongoing exploration and understanding of this region.
- He shares his experience traveling to a remote area of the Amazon, where he encountered indigenous tribes and learned about the region’s unexplored depths.
- The conversation explores the potential for further discoveries in the Amazon and the significance of understanding these ancient civilizations.
- The Prevalence of Uncontacted Tribes:
- Sam Sheridan discusses the existence of uncontacted tribes in the Amazon and other remote parts of the world.
- He highlights the unique lifestyle of these tribes and the importance of respecting their cultural isolation.
- The conversation explores the implications of contact between modern society and uncontacted tribes, raising questions about the impact on their culture and well-being.
- The Human Capacity for Intelligence:
- Sam Sheridan and Joe discuss the inherent intelligence of all humans, regardless of their cultural background or lifestyle.
- They explore the idea that our modern society has moved away from the primal instincts of survival and hunting, leading to the development of art, science, and other forms of human expression.
- The conversation highlights the potential for human intelligence to be applied to various fields, beyond the traditional realm of survival.
- The Role of Obsession in Addiction:
- Sam Sheridan discusses the role of obsession in addiction, highlighting how individuals who are prone to addiction can channel their obsessive tendencies into positive activities like running or golf.
- The conversation explores the connection between obsessive behavior and our evolutionary history, suggesting that our capacity for intense focus originated from the need to hunt and survive.
- Joe and Sam discuss the importance of finding healthy outlets for obsessive tendencies and the potential for these qualities to be used for positive outcomes.
- The Overcrowding of Cities and Population Growth:
- Joe and Sam discuss the growing population of cities and the challenges it presents for human society.
- They reference the work of Thomas Malthus, who predicted the collapse of London due to overpopulation, and highlight how cities have continued to grow and evolve.
- The conversation explores the potential for future societal challenges related to population growth and the need for sustainable solutions.
- The Absurdity of Modern Legislation:
- Joe shares an anecdote about a woman in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who was cited for having an illegal garden, highlighting the absurdity of modern regulations.
- He discusses the overreach of government authority and the tendency to criminalize everyday activities.
- The conversation highlights the need for common sense and prioritization in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of focusing on serious crimes.
- The Ineffectiveness of the Death Penalty:
- Joe discusses the debate surrounding the death penalty, highlighting the high cost and low execution rate of capital punishment.
- He references a meeting with the warden of Pelican Bay prison, who explained the lengthy appeals process and the challenges of carrying out executions.
- The conversation explores the ethical and practical considerations of the death penalty, raising questions about its effectiveness and justice.
- The Problem of Guilt by Association:
- Joe and Sam discuss the issue of guilt by association, highlighting the unfairness of holding individuals accountable for the actions of others.
- They reference the practice of charging individuals for capital crimes if they are present at the scene of a crime, even if they were not involved in the act.
- The conversation highlights the importance of due process and the need for a fair and just legal system.
- The Dark Side of the MMA World:
- Joe and Sam discuss the darker aspects of the MMA world, sharing a story about a man named Raphael Torrey, who claimed to be a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt but was later discovered to be a fraud.
- The conversation reveals that Torrey was later found guilty of killing his girlfriend’s husband.
- Joe and Sam explore the dangers of trusting appearances and the importance of being wary of individuals who may not be who they claim to be.
- The Challenges of the Criminal Justice System:
- Sam Sheridan discusses his experience researching the criminal justice system in Florida, highlighting the challenges of individuals caught up in the system.
- He shares a story about a real estate agent who was imprisoned for a year and a half without trial due to a past felony, emphasizing the potential for wrongful incarceration.
- The conversation highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for fairness and compassion in its application.
- The Cynicism of Law Enforcement:
- Joe and Sam discuss the potential for cynicism among law enforcement officers, highlighting the challenges of working in a system that often confronts the worst of humanity.
- They reference the work of Steve Rodriguez, a famous police sniper, and discuss the mental strain of being constantly vigilant and prepared for violence.
- The conversation explores the impact of cynicism on law enforcement practices, highlighting the potential for biased judgments and self-fulfilling prophecies.
- The War on Drugs and Its Absurdities:
- Joe and Sam discuss the absurdity of the war on drugs, highlighting the hypocrisy of criminalizing marijuana while allowing the legal consumption of alcohol.
- They explore the impact of drug laws on law enforcement practices and the potential for officers to become overly zealous in their enforcement.
- The conversation highlights the need for a more sensible approach to drug policy and the importance of recognizing the harm caused by prohibition.
- The Dangers of Police Quotas:
- Joe and Sam discuss the issue of police quotas, highlighting their potential to incentivize officers to enforce the law unfairly.
- They discuss the potential for police officers to create crime rather than prevent it when they are under pressure to meet quotas.
- The conversation explores the need for accountability in law enforcement and the importance of ensuring that officers are not incentivized to violate people’s rights.
- The Role of Provocateurs in Social Unrest:
- Joe and Sam discuss the role of provocateurs in instigating social unrest, highlighting how individuals can deliberately create chaos and violence.
- They reference the events at the World Trade Organization protests in Seattle, where police officers were accused of instigating violence.
- The conversation explores the dangers of allowing provocateurs to influence public perception and the importance of distinguishing between legitimate protest and intentional violence.
- The Dangers of Entrapment:
- Joe and Sam discuss the practice of entrapment, highlighting how law enforcement can manipulate individuals into committing crimes.
- They share an example of an FBI agent who encouraged individuals to engage in terrorism, eventually leading to their arrest.
- The conversation explores the potential for abuse in law enforcement and the importance of ensuring that individuals are not coerced into committing crimes they would not have otherwise committed.
- The Dark Side of the DEA:
- Joe and Sam discuss the potential for corruption within the DEA, highlighting the dangers of law enforcement officers becoming involved in drug trafficking.
- They share an example of a DEA agent who was caught manipulating evidence and using drugs, emphasizing the potential for abuse within the agency.
- The conversation explores the need for oversight and accountability in law enforcement, particularly when dealing with sensitive areas like drug enforcement.
- The Societal Impact of Privatized Prisons:
- Joe and Sam discuss the ethical implications of privatized prisons, highlighting the potential for profit-driven motives to influence the justice system.
- They discuss how private prison companies can benefit from over-incarceration and harsh sentencing policies.
- The conversation explores the need for reform in the prison system, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that justice is served without prioritizing profit.
- The Dangers of Corporate Power:
- Joe and Sam discuss the dangers of corporate power, particularly the tendency for corporations to prioritize profit over ethical considerations.
- They reference the concept of “diffusion of responsibility,” where individuals feel less accountable for their actions when working within a larger organization.
- The conversation highlights the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions and the need to promote ethical behavior within business practices.
- The Impact of Corporate Greed:
- Joe and Sam discuss the impact of corporate greed on individuals, sharing an anecdote about Joe’s experience with his former agent.
- They explore how corporations can prioritize profit over ethical considerations, even when it means supporting criminal activity.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and the dangers of allowing corporate interests to dictate moral decisions.
- The Dangers of Citizens United:
- Joe and Sam discuss the implications of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, highlighting the dangers of allowing corporations to have unlimited political spending power.
- They explore how corporations can use their financial resources to influence elections and public policy, potentially undermining democratic processes.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of protecting democratic institutions from undue corporate influence and the need for campaign finance reform.
- The Pursuit of Happiness:
- Joe and Sam discuss the pursuit of happiness, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with loved ones and engaging in fulfilling activities.
- They explore the importance of forgiveness and generosity in achieving a sense of contentment.
- The conversation emphasizes the need to find meaning and purpose in life beyond the accumulation of material wealth.
- The Impact of Psychedelics on the Elderly:
- Joe discusses the potential benefits of psychedelic experiences for elderly individuals, highlighting their ability to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
- He references the use of mushrooms as a means of helping elderly people cope with the prospect of death.
- The conversation explores the potential for psychedelics to enhance well-being and provide spiritual insights.
- The Power of Imagination:
- Sam Sheridan discusses the importance of imagination and creativity, highlighting how stimulants like Adderall can hinder creative thinking.
- He explores the idea that creativity often arises from relaxed states of mind, such as during sleep or while driving.
- The conversation emphasizes the need to encourage broad thinking and the importance of exploring new ideas and perspectives.
- The Impact of Travel on Creativity:
- Joe and Sam discuss the impact of travel on creativity, highlighting how exposure to new environments can stimulate innovative thinking.
- They reference the idea that immigrants hold a higher number of patents, suggesting a correlation between travel and creativity.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of breaking out of routines and embracing new experiences to foster creativity.
- The Power of Memes and Online Humor:
- Joe and Sam discuss the power of memes and online humor, highlighting the unique form of humor that has emerged with the advent of the internet.
- They reference the work of Georgio Tsoukalos from “Ancient Aliens,” who has become an icon of internet humor.
- The conversation explores the rapid evolution of humor in the digital age and the impact of social media on humor trends.
- Sam Sheridan’s New Book:
- Sam Sheridan discusses his new book, “Disaster Diaries,” which explores the topic of surviving the end of the world.
- He discusses the process of writing the book, highlighting his extensive research and personal experiences.
- The conversation explores the importance of learning practical skills for survival and the need to prepare for unforeseen events.
- The Black Swan Theory:
- Joe and Sam discuss the Black Swan theory, highlighting the unpredictability of major events and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
- They explore the idea that survival is not just about physical preparation but also about mental resilience and adaptability.
- The conversation emphasizes the need to develop a mindset that can navigate uncertainty and embrace the unknown.
- The Discovery of Melt Glass:
- Joe and Sam discuss the recent discovery of melt glass, a type of glass that forms at extremely high temperatures, suggesting evidence of a massive meteor shower 12,900 years ago.
- They explore the potential impact of this event on human civilization and the extinction of prehistoric animals.
- The conversation highlights the importance of understanding our planet’s history and the potential for catastrophic events to shape our future.
- The Prevalence of End-of-the-World Myths:
- Joe and Sam discuss the prevalence of end-of-the-world myths across different cultures, highlighting their potential connection to past events.
- They explore the idea that these myths may have been passed down through generations of survivors, preserving knowledge of a catastrophic event.
- The conversation emphasizes the human tendency to create stories about our origins and our potential demise, reflecting our deep-seated fears and hopes.
- The Potential for Asteroid Impacts:
- Joe and Sam discuss the potential for asteroids to impact Earth, highlighting the devastating consequences of such an event.
- They reference the impact of an asteroid on Jupiter, which provided insights into the potential scale and power of such events.
- The conversation explores the challenges of predicting and mitigating the risk of asteroid impacts, highlighting the need for continued research and preparedness.
- The Implications of a Catastrophic Event:
- Joe and Sam discuss the implications of a catastrophic event, such as an asteroid impact, that could wipe out a large portion of the human population.
- They explore the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges of survival in such a scenario, including the possibility of cannibalism.
- The conversation raises questions about the resilience of human society and the importance of ethical considerations in the face of extreme hardship.
- The Origins of AIDS:
- Joe and Sam discuss a controversial theory about the origins of AIDS, suggesting that it may have been caused by over-inoculation practices in Africa.
- They explore the potential for medical practices to contribute to the mutation of viruses and the dangers of improper inoculation techniques.
- The conversation highlights the importance of rigorous scientific research and the need to understand the complex factors that can contribute to the emergence of new diseases.
- The Role of Witch Doctors in Africa:
- Joe and Sam discuss the role of witch doctors in Africa, highlighting their ongoing practice of inoculation and their impact on healthcare.
- They explore the potential for witch doctors to contribute to the spread of diseases due to their use of shared needles.
- The conversation emphasizes the need for access to safe and effective healthcare for all individuals, particularly in areas where traditional practices can pose health risks.
- The Importance of Work Ethic:
- Joe and Sam discuss the importance of work ethic in raising children, emphasizing its value regardless of intelligence or talent.
- They explore the idea that a strong work ethic can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- The conversation highlights the importance of instilling values of hard work and perseverance in children, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in life.
- The Prevalence of Date Rape:
- Joe and Sam discuss the prevalence of date rape, highlighting the seriousness of this issue and the dangers women face in certain social environments.
- They explore the motivations behind date rape, suggesting that it can stem from feelings of rejection and a desire for revenge.
- The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and prevention strategies to combat date rape and protect individuals from this serious crime.
- The Dangers of Objectification:
- Joe and Sam discuss the dangers of objectification, highlighting how the perception of attractive women can lead to unhealthy and harmful behaviors.
- They explore the idea that objectification can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and resentment, potentially leading to violence.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and recognizing the inherent worth of every human being.
- The Need for Community and Unity:
- Joe and Sam discuss the need for a sense of community and unity in a world that is increasingly divided.
- They explore the dangers of “us vs. them” mentalities and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity.
- The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy and compassion in our interactions with others, working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
- The Role of Competition in Human Evolution:
- Joe and Sam discuss the role of competition in human evolution, highlighting its impact on both individual and group survival.
- They reference the work of E.O. Wilson, who explores the idea that competition can drive both altruistic and selfish behaviors.
- The conversation emphasizes the complex interplay of individual and group dynamics in shaping human behavior and the challenges of achieving a balance between competition and cooperation.
- The Importance of Intense Experiences:
- Joe and Sam discuss the importance of intense experiences for personal growth, suggesting that these experiences can help individuals break free from material desires and embrace a deeper sense of fulfillment.
- They explore the potential for psychedelic experiences to provide profound insights into the nature of reality and the human condition.
- The conversation highlights the need for individuals to challenge themselves and seek out experiences that push their boundaries and broaden their perspectives.
- Sam Sheridan’s Personal Experiences:
- Sam Sheridan shares his personal experiences with sailing, martial arts, and other adventures, highlighting his passion for exploration and his desire to push his own limits.
- He discusses the importance of embracing challenges and seeking out experiences that are both physically and mentally demanding.
- The conversation emphasizes the value of embracing the unknown and the importance of finding fulfillment through personal growth and adventure.
Memorable Quotes
- “You can’t be scared enough to let it hang out. You know what I mean? Like, that Dan Henderson quality.” – Sam Sheridan
- “If you worry about missing a shot, you’re gonna fuck miss the shot, period.” – Sam Sheridan
- “The best thing for an addict is to get addicted to something really positive, like, really golf or something.” – Joe Rogan
- “It’s like sucking a thousand dicks in front of your mother. You’re getting a certain especially, like, getting knocked out by a guy. You know? That’s — Yeah. — that’s really hard.” – Joe Rogan
- “If you have running water in your house, you’re, like, in the 1% of the world. Like, you’re in you’re rich in the world.” – Joe Rogan
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