JRE #462 – Steven Rinella, Doug Duren, Bryan Callen

Joe Rogan Podcast Episode #462 – Steven Rinella, Doug Duren, Bryan Callen

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast features a lively discussion about hunting, conservation, and the intricacies of the natural world with outdoorsman, author, and television host Steven Rinella, passionate hunter, farmer, and conservationist Doug Duren, and actor, stand-up comedian, and podcast host Bryan Callen.

The podcast explores a wide range of topics, diving into the ethics of hunting, the impact of invasive species, the importance of conservation, and the fascinating world of wildlife management. It also features entertaining anecdotes about hunting experiences, including a hilarious story about a pig-hunting adventure gone wrong and a captivating discussion about the unique characteristics of bears. Provocative and controversial themes include the debate surrounding animal rights, the impact of genetically modified crops, and the role of government agencies in wildlife management.

Topics Covered:

1. Hunting Ethics & Conservation: Rinella, Duren, and Callen discuss the importance of ethical hunting practices, emphasizing the need for responsible and sustainable harvesting of wildlife. They highlight the crucial role of hunters in conservation efforts, funding wildlife research and habitat improvement.
2. Invasive Species & Wildlife Management: The group delves into the issue of invasive species, specifically wild pigs, and their devastating impact on native ecosystems. They explore the challenges of managing their population, with Duren sharing his experiences with controlling wild pigs on his farm.
3. Deer Management & Chronic Wasting Disease: The discussion focuses on the challenges of managing white-tailed deer populations, particularly in the context of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk. They examine the role of government agencies in CWD management, the impact of deer density, and the controversial topic of baiting deer.
4. Animal Rights & Hunting: The podcast tackles the controversial topic of animal rights, exploring the complex relationship between hunting and ethical treatment of animals. Rinella passionately defends hunting, arguing that it is a vital part of maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving wildlife.
5. Genetically Modified Crops & Pesticide Use: The group discusses the potential impact of genetically modified crops and pesticide use on bee populations, raising concerns about colony collapse disorder and the broader implications for biodiversity.
6. The Driftless Area & Land Management: Duren provides insights into the unique characteristics of the Driftless Area in Wisconsin, highlighting its importance for wildlife, migratory songbirds, and the preservation of oak forests. He emphasizes the significance of responsible land management practices in promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
7. The Future of Hunting & Conservation: Rinella expresses optimism about the future of hunting and conservation, emphasizing the growing awareness and interest in responsible wildlife management. He highlights the crucial role of organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in supporting these efforts.
8. The Power of Storytelling & Changing Perceptions: Rinella and Callen discuss the importance of storytelling in bridging the gap between those who hunt and those who don’t, promoting understanding and empathy. Rinella emphasizes that his show “MeatEater” aims to showcase the reality of hunting, including its challenges, successes, and ethical considerations.
9. The Importance of Shared Experiences: Callen highlights the unique value of shared experiences in live comedy shows, emphasizing the importance of the audience’s collective laughter and engagement in shaping the comedic experience. He contrasts this with the limitations of televised comedy, which he believes often falls short of capturing the full impact of live performance.
10. The Reality of Reality TV: The podcast addresses the issue of scripted reality television, using the example of “Duck Dynasty” to critique the fabrication of authenticity and the lack of genuine representation. Rinella argues that “MeatEater” offers a more honest and authentic portrayal of the hunting lifestyle.
11. The Ethics of Killing & Consumption: Rinella and Callen engage in a thoughtful discussion about the ethics of killing animals for food, highlighting the disconnect many people have between their consumption of meat and the reality of its source. Rinella argues that understanding the origin of our food is essential to developing a more informed and ethical approach to food production.
12. The “Standard” Story & Hunting Anecdotes: Duren shares a humorous story about the legendary “Standard,” a massive buck he harvested on his farm. The story illustrates the thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie among hunters, and the unexpected twists and turns that can occur in the field.
13. The Unique Characteristics of Bears: Rinella reflects on his fascination with bears, emphasizing their intelligence, adaptability, and unique relationship with their environment. He shares his perspective on the ethical considerations of hunting bears, highlighting the complexity of the hunter-bear relationship.
14. The Importance of Land Ownership & Stewardship: Duren discusses the significance of land ownership and the responsibility that comes with it. He shares his family’s history of stewardship over their farm, spanning over a century, and emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable practices for future generations.
15. The Value of Learning from Experience: Callen shares his personal journey with his father, reflecting on the lessons learned from his upbringing, the challenges of pursuing a career in entertainment, and the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s goals.
16. The Role of Humor in Challenging Conventional Thinking: Callen reflects on the power of humor in challenging conventional thinking and sparking meaningful conversations. He uses his comedy to address issues like animal rights, societal hypocrisy, and the complexities of human behavior.
17. The Importance of Supporting Wildlife Conservation: The podcast concludes by encouraging listeners to support wildlife conservation organizations, emphasizing the crucial role of hunting licenses, excise taxes, and contributions from hunters in funding research, habitat improvement, and law enforcement.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “You can’t just go and do the stuff we do and show the stuff we show on a regular network. They wouldn’t let you.”
2. “It’s not a new concept that a hunter would develop an affinity to certain animals. You know? Oftentimes, people respected the animals that they hunted the most.”
3. “We’re taking care of our own and we’re handling our own issues.”
4. “You’re so not in touch with the natural world. You’re banging playboy playmates at the mansion. That’s a fucking wildlife preserve right there.”
5. “I like people more than I like animals. Yeah. But I have 2 dogs. I have 2 cats. I love animals. I fucking do love animals. I love to eat them too though.”