JRE #494 – Brendan Schaub & Bryan Callen

This Joe Rogan Experience podcast features Brendan Schaub and Bryan Callen, hosts of the popular podcast “The Fighter & The Kid,” as they engage in a wide-ranging conversation about a plethora of topics, including UFC, relationships, fitness, gay culture, and the perils of fame. Underlying themes explore the dynamics of masculinity, the complexities of personal growth, the allure of fame and its downsides, and the importance of critical thinking.

Topics:

1. The Joe Rogan Experience: The podcast’s opening sequence dives into the humorous dilemma of a host who can’t say his own name in the third person without a cringe-inducing reaction. It underscores the awkwardness and irony of self-promotion, even for someone as established as Joe Rogan.
2. Mother’s Day: A segment dedicated to Mother’s Day highlights Joe Rogan’s unconventional humor and his heartfelt appreciation for his own mother. It also delves into his views on the power of a mother’s influence and the importance of showing gratitude.
3. The Power of Language: The discussion briefly explores the origins of English words, pointing out the significant influence of French on the language. It also showcases Rogan’s ability to transition into unexpected topics, highlighting the dynamic nature of the podcast.
4. Onnit Supplements: Joe Rogan, a long-time advocate for Onnit products, promotes the company’s supplements, emphasizing their effectiveness and making a humorous offer to send them to his guests.
5. Fitness and Aging: The conversation turns to fitness, specifically the topic of aging and its effect on the body. Brendan Schaub, in a tank top, becomes the target of teasing about his physique, leading to a hilarious discussion about how bodies change with age.
6. Gay Culture and West Hollywood: The discussion delves into the experience of straight men in a predominantly gay neighborhood. It explores perceptions of physical attractiveness and masculinity within the gay community. Schaub’s experiences in West Hollywood provide a lighthearted but insightful look at the diverse nature of gay culture.
7. The “Boy Who Likes to Play Hard to Get”: A hilarious anecdote about a woman who likes to wear short skirts and high heels, even when she is in a relationship, highlights the complexities of human behavior and the desire to be desired. It also underscores the podcast’s often bawdy and irreverent tone.
8. Richard Simmons: A bizarre and memorable encounter with Richard Simmons is recounted, revealing the unexpected side of Hollywood and the impact of fame on even the most unconventional personalities. It also touches upon the themes of attraction and the boundaries of social norms.
9. CrossFit and Greg Glassman: The conversation shifts to the world of CrossFit, with Rogan expressing his skepticism about the founder, Greg Glassman, given his physical appearance. The discussion explores the concept of expertise and the potential disconnect between knowledge and physical manifestation. It highlights the importance of evaluating credentials and not relying solely on visual impressions.
10. The Importance of Being a Good Coach: The podcast acknowledges the existence of exceptional coaches who may not be elite athletes themselves, underscoring the value of knowledge and strategy in coaching. It also highlights the importance of learning from diverse sources and not underestimating the potential of those who lack physical prowess.
11. The “Chicken Head” Phenomenon: A provocative discussion about “chicken heads” takes center stage, examining the perceptions of women who are seen as being too focused on material gain or attracting wealthy men. The topic raises questions about relationships, the role of money in attraction, and the potential for exploitation. The example of Donald Sterling and the Los Angeles Clippers illustrates the negative consequences of such relationships. It also explores the complexities of social judgement and the danger of generalizations.
12. The Ethics of Recording Private Conversations: The discussion touches upon the legal and ethical implications of recording private conversations without consent. The case of Donald Sterling highlights the potential for misinterpretation and misuse of such recordings, especially when they involve an individual’s private thoughts and opinions. The podcast underscores the importance of respecting personal boundaries and the potential for damage caused by unauthorized recordings.
13. Age and Attraction: The conversation explores the dynamics of age and attraction, specifically focusing on the phenomenon of older men dating younger women. The podcast acknowledges the reality of such relationships while also exploring the potential for exploitation and the differing perceptions of beauty across generations. It highlights the importance of considering power dynamics and the potential for unequal relationships.
14. The “Mike Tyson Effect”: The podcast uses the example of Mike Tyson to illustrate the power of unbridled talent and the impact it can have on opponents. It highlights the psychological effects of facing a truly dominant athlete and the difficulty of overcoming such an adversary. The comparison to John Jones further underscores the concept of unmatched athleticism and the challenge it presents for opponents.
15. The “One Real Life Shot”: The podcast explores the unique pressure faced by elite athletes when they encounter a truly exceptional opponent. It highlights the limited opportunities to test their skills against such a force and the importance of making the most of those rare encounters. The podcast also discusses the importance of learning from these experiences and continuously improving one’s skills.
16. The Importance of Mental Strength: The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of mental strength in athletic performance, highlighting the importance of staying focused and avoiding the negative impacts of pressure and doubt. The podcast uses the example of Cain Velasquez to illustrate the importance of maintaining a calm and confident mindset even in the face of adversity. It also underscores the value of having a solid game plan and sticking to it.
17. The UFC as a Copycat League: The conversation touches upon the competitive nature of the UFC, highlighting the tendency for fighters to adopt effective techniques and strategies from their opponents. The podcast uses examples of specific techniques, like elbow strikes and front kicks, to illustrate this phenomenon. It also discusses the impact of successful fighters on the evolution of the sport.
18. The Relationship Between Coaches and Fighters: The podcast explores the unique dynamics between coaches and fighters, highlighting the importance of understanding individual personalities and motivational styles. It uses the example of Greg Jackson to illustrate the different approaches coaches may take in guiding their athletes. It also acknowledges the importance of finding a coach who is a good fit for the fighter’s needs and personality.
19. The Value of Talent vs. Skill: The podcast delves into a thought-provoking discussion about the nature of talent versus skill. While acknowledging the existence of innate talent, the podcast emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in developing skills and achieving success. It uses examples from various fields, including sports, music, and acting, to illustrate the importance of both talent and skill in reaching one’s potential.
20. The Dark Side of Fame: The conversation takes a turn to explore the darker side of fame, highlighting the potential for negative relationships, destructive behavior, and the challenges of managing a public persona. It uses the example of Floyd Mayweather and his controversial relationship with Miss Jackson to illustrate the potential for exploitation and the difficulties of navigating the complexities of celebrity culture. The podcast also touches upon the impact of fame on mental health and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
21. The Power of Observation: The podcast highlights the importance of observation and critical thinking. The discussion about Bruce Jenner and the rumors surrounding his transition underscore the need to be mindful of potential misinformation and to approach sensitive topics with respect and sensitivity. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of avoiding premature judgments and of considering the human experience with compassion.
22. The Kardashians and the Power of Marketing: The conversation touches upon the success of the Kardashian family, highlighting the power of marketing and the importance of cultivating a brand. The podcast acknowledges the controversial nature of their fame while also recognizing their ability to capitalize on public interest and to build a successful business empire. It also underscores the influence of media and the ability of individuals to shape their own narratives.
23. The Difference Between Talent and Skill: The podcast continues to explore the complex relationship between talent and skill, using the example of porn stars to illustrate the potential for learned ability to become a form of talent. It highlights the importance of recognizing the diverse forms of talent and the importance of evaluating individual contributions with an open mind. The podcast also touches upon the challenges of navigating the complexities of the adult entertainment industry and the potential for exploitation.
24. The Perils of Overtraining: The conversation expands on the concept of overtraining, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between pushing oneself and allowing for sufficient recovery. It uses examples from various sports to illustrate the potential for injury and performance decline when training regimens are not carefully managed. The podcast also highlights the importance of listening to one’s body and prioritizing long-term health.
25. The Importance of Being Nice: The podcast concludes with a message about the importance of kindness and respectful treatment of others, regardless of their status or profession. The conversation highlights the potential for negative consequences when individuals act out of self-interest and disregard the feelings of others. It underscores the importance of building strong relationships and of treating others with compassion and respect.
26. The Dark Side of Human Nature: The podcast explores the darker aspects of human behavior, highlighting the potential for destructive actions and the challenges of dealing with negative emotions. The discussion about suicide and the mob mentality that can emerge in such situations underscores the importance of empathy and compassion. The podcast also acknowledges the impact of mental health challenges and the need for support and understanding.
27. The Allure of the Extreme: The conversation explores the human fascination with the extreme, highlighting the desire for adventure and the risk-taking behavior that can be associated with it. It uses examples of cliff diving, skydiving, and mountain climbing to illustrate the different ways in which individuals seek to push their boundaries and to confront their fears. The podcast also discusses the importance of weighing the risks and rewards and of making informed decisions about personal safety.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “It’s my fucking experience. It’s your experience. I can’t say the Joe Rogan. Who the hell?” – Joe Rogan, highlighting the humorous predicament of a host who can’t say his own name in the third person without a cringe.
2. “If guys don’t like your chick, you’re dating the ugly chick.” – Joe Rogan, offering a humorous perspective on relationships and the importance of finding a partner who is compatible with your social circle.
3. “You gotta confront who you’re pretending to be and the lies you tell yourself. It’s so important, man.” – Joe Rogan, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and facing the truth about oneself, especially as one ages.
4. “That’s why you don’t deal with chicken heads. That’s why you don’t get chicken heads. You gotta be disciplined about the people you surround yourself with.” – Joe Rogan, offering advice on relationships and the importance of being selective in choosing partners.
5. “It’s a copycat league. The NFL is a copycat business. So the UFC, same thing. You see Anthony Pettus using the cage jumping off of it. We see John Jones Stone elbows. Guess what? I guarantee you I wasn’t the only one working elbows on Monday.” – Joe Rogan, highlighting the competitive nature of professional sports and the tendency for athletes to adopt successful techniques from one another.