JRE #363 – Everlast

6/3/2013

This podcast features a conversation with Everlast, an American singer-songwriter and founding member of House of Pain. The episode delves into a wide array of topics, including music, personal experiences, health, religion, and social commentary. Provocative discussions on drugs, addiction, and societal issues are sprinkled throughout. Underlying themes explore the importance of personal growth, the pursuit of meaning in life, and the complexity of navigating an often chaotic world.

Topics

Everlast’s Musical Journey

1. Acoustic Music and Raw Expression: Everlast discusses the power and purity of acoustic music, emphasizing its ability to connect deeply with listeners. He shares his preference for performing live and unplugged, showcasing the honesty and vulnerability of his songwriting.
2. The Importance of Continuous Creation: Joe Rogan highlights Everlast’s dedication to music and his relentless creative output. He acknowledges Everlast’s consistent writing and release of new material, emphasizing the value he brings to his fans.
3. Transitioning from House of Pain to Solo Artist: Everlast talks about his experiences in House of Pain and the decision to pursue a solo career. He expresses his desire to explore different musical styles and his desire for creative freedom.
4. The Impact of “What It’s Like” and “Put Your Lights On”: Everlast reflects on the success of these iconic songs and the impact they had on his career and his life. He shares personal anecdotes about the creation and reception of these tracks.
5. Collaboration with Carlos Santana: The conversation touches upon the memorable collaboration between Everlast and Carlos Santana on the song “Put Your Lights On.” Rogan highlights the raw emotion and authenticity of the song, and Everlast discusses the collaborative process and its significance.

Personal Reflections and Health

1. The Impact of Heart Surgery: Everlast discusses his experience with heart surgery and its lasting effects on his health and lifestyle. He opens up about the challenges of recovering and adapting to a new way of living.
2. Weight Management and Lifestyle Changes: Everlast shares his struggles with weight management and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He discusses his efforts to get back in shape and the importance of finding a fitness routine that works for him.
3. Dealing with Depression and Food as an Outlet: Everlast candidly talks about the role food plays in managing his emotional state. He acknowledges the temptation of comfort foods and the struggles of maintaining moderation.
4. The Importance of Finding a Fitness Routine That Works: Everlast emphasizes the need for a fitness regimen that goes beyond just exercise. He acknowledges the importance of finding a routine that is enjoyable and sustainable, as well as addressing his specific health needs.
5. The Impact of Fatherhood: Everlast discusses the profound impact of fatherhood on his life. He shares his experiences of raising a child with cystic fibrosis, acknowledging the challenges and rewards of parenting.

Religion, Spirituality, and Philosophy

1. Everlast’s Spiritual Journey: Everlast openly discusses his exploration of various religions and his eventual embrace of Islam. He emphasizes the importance of personal connection and the search for peace and love.
2. The Value of Personal Spirituality: Everlast expresses his skepticism towards organized religion, emphasizing the importance of finding individual meaning and connection. He discusses the pitfalls of dogma and power struggles within religious institutions.
3. The Role of Religion in Providing Meaning: Everlast touches upon the way religion can provide comfort and direction in times of hardship. He shares his own experiences with finding solace in spirituality during challenging periods.
4. The Importance of Personal Growth and Transformation: Everlast highlights the transformative power of exploring different philosophies and belief systems. He acknowledges that his spiritual journey has shaped his outlook on life and his creative expression.

Social Commentary and Current Events

1. The Turkish Rebellion and Global Freedom: Everlast and Rogan discuss the unrest in Turkey, highlighting the power of peaceful protest and the importance of exercising freedom of speech.
2. The Boston Bombings and Gun Control: Everlast shares his thoughts on the Boston bombings and the ensuing debate around gun control. He expresses his personal views on gun ownership and the complexities of the issue.
3. The Rise of Social Media and its Impact on Society: Everlast and Rogan discuss the pervasive influence of social media and its impact on communication, entertainment, and personal relationships. They reflect on the pros and cons of this technological advancement.
4. The Role of the Internet in Disseminating Information and Misinformation: Everlast and Rogan discuss the role of the internet in shaping public opinion and the challenges of navigating a world saturated with both accurate and misleading information.
5. The Future of Society and Technology: Everlast and Rogan engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the future of society, exploring the potential impact of technology, societal evolution, and the possibility of a unified consciousness.

Other Notable Topics

1. The Diamond Industry and its Controversies: Everlast and Rogan discuss the diamond industry, its manipulation of pricing, and the ethical concerns surrounding its practices. They explore the perceived value of diamonds and the social expectations surrounding them.
2. The Culture of Cocaine in Miami: Everlast and Rogan discuss the historical and present-day presence of cocaine in Miami, highlighting its impact on the city’s culture and its portrayal in documentaries like “Cocaine Cowboys.”
3. The Allure and Dangers of Prescription Drugs: Everlast and Rogan delve into the prevalence and dangers of prescription drug addiction. They share personal anecdotes and discuss the societal implications of over-prescription and pharmaceutical marketing.
4. The Appeal of Old Cars and the Nostalgia They evoke: Everlast and Rogan express their passion for classic cars, discussing their unique charm, the mechanics, and the connection they provide to a bygone era.
5. The Reality of Rodeo Clowns and the Risks they Take: Everlast and Rogan discuss the unique profession of rodeo clowns and the bravery and resilience they require to face the dangers of the rodeo arena.
6. The Dark Side of the Internet and its Potential for Harm: Everlast and Rogan discuss the darker aspects of the internet, including its potential to foster negative behavior, spread misinformation, and create echo chambers of radicalized beliefs.

Memorable Quotes

• “They keep making money at it is the bonus. It’s the but I I there is the honest side of it that it’s like, if I don’t wake up and hustle something out of nothing, out of thin air, you know, then — Right. — might not get paid in 6 months.” – Everlast talks about the reality of being a creative artist and the hustle required to survive.
• “Foods, you know, me. It’s delicious. I love the problem. It’s so good.” – Everlast expresses his love for food and acknowledges the struggles of moderation when it comes to enjoying delicious treats.
• “It’s like, I’ve I’m not I don’t say I know anything about a God. I have a sense that there’s a higher power. I have a sense of it. You know, I feel like it’s empowering to you. I feel like there’s something there.” – Everlast expresses his belief in a higher power while acknowledging the limitations of understanding it.
• “That’s the one thing that whole thing really made me realize when I was laying on the thing going in thinking I was I was literally mainly thinking I was I wasn’t coming out of it. I was like, I’m I’m dying.” – Everlast shares his raw and honest experience with his near-death experience and the realization of life’s fragility.
• “I don’t wanna have any control over your life because I don’t want you to have any control over mine.” – Everlast expresses his belief in individual freedom and autonomy.