JRE #576 – Jim Shockey

by

11/17/2014






Joe Rogan Podcast #576: Jim Shockey

This podcast with Joe Rogan and Jim Shockey, a renowned outdoorsman, dives deep into the world of hunting, conservation, and the disconnect between urban and rural perspectives. It explores provocative topics like the romanticized image of wilderness, the ethics of hunting, and the role of hunting in conservation. Underlying themes unpack the power of tradition, the importance of respecting nature, and the need for informed understanding in a world increasingly removed from the natural world.

Topics and Summaries:

  1. The Misrepresentation of Hunters:

    1. Hunters are often stereotyped as inconsiderate and lacking sensibility, a perception fueled by media portrayals.
    2. The “Bambi” effect, with Walt Disney’s film as a pivotal moment, contributed to this negative perception.
    3. The lack of access to mainstream media for hunters has perpetuated the negative image for decades.
    4. However, with the rise of outdoor channels and shows like “Life Below Zero,” a more nuanced view of living off the land is emerging.

  2. The Age of Information and the Dumbed-Down Culture:

    1. Modern society is inundated with flashy, distracting, and nonsensical content, leading to a decline in critical thinking.
    2. This “sugar diet” of content, like reality shows, feeds on human desires for gossip and escapism.
    3. While the rise of alternative media platforms like Netflix and podcasts provides new options, the “sugar diet” still dominates.
    4. Shockey sees hope in the fact that the public is seeking more authentic and meaningful content, a shift away from the manufactured drama.

  3. The Evolution of Hunting and its Role in Conservation:

    1. The backlash against hunting is rooted in a desire to distance ourselves from our barbaric past, but hunting is deeply ingrained in our human history.
    2. Modern society, with its reliance on supermarkets and manufactured food, has created a disconnect from the origins of our food.
    3. Hunting, however, is not only a way of life but also a vital tool for conservation, regulating wildlife populations and funding habitat restoration.
    4. Hunters are often the ones most invested in protecting wildlife and ensuring sustainable practices, as they understand the interconnectedness of nature.

  4. The Ethics of Hunting and the Perception of Pleasure in Killing:

    1. The image of a smiling hunter over a dead animal often triggers outrage, with people equating the smile with pleasure in killing.
    2. However, the smile represents pride in accomplishment, acknowledging the challenge and skill required for a successful hunt.
    3. The disconnect stems from a lack of understanding about the process of hunting, the respect for the animal, and the connection to nature it fosters.
    4. Shockey advocates for education and communication, helping people to see beyond the surface image and understand the true meaning of hunting.

  5. The Power of Hunting as a Conservation Tool:

    1. Hunting tags generate revenue that directly funds wildlife management and conservation efforts, unlike other methods like euthanization.
    2. Hunting dollars empower animals to “buy back” their habitat, as communities benefit financially from sustainable hunting practices.
    3. The controversial issue of high-fence hunting is examined, showcasing the pros and cons of managing wildlife populations in controlled environments.
    4. Shockey argues that high-fence hunting, while contentious, has contributed to the recovery of endangered species and expanded habitat for wildlife.

  6. The Uncharted Journey:

    1. Shockey’s television show, “Uncharted,” goes beyond traditional hunting shows, offering a glimpse into diverse cultures around the world.
    2. The show’s format allows viewers to witness firsthand the connection between hunting and local communities, their customs, and their respect for nature.
    3. The show has faced criticism due to its portrayal of hunting in sensitive areas, highlighting the complexities of interacting with different cultures and political realities.
    4. Shockey argues that the show provides a unique perspective, challenging preconceived notions and promoting understanding of hunting’s global impact.

  7. The Importance of Confronting Fear and Prejudice:

    1. Shockey emphasizes the importance of challenging fear and prejudice, particularly in regard to hunting and unfamiliar cultures.
    2. He believes that confronting fear through direct experience is crucial to building understanding and breaking down stereotypes.
    3. The show “Uncharted” showcases this process, allowing viewers to see beyond the sensationalized narratives and encounter the reality of diverse communities.
    4. Shockey advocates for critical thinking and challenging our own assumptions, recognizing the inherent goodness and complexity of human nature.

  8. The Ethical Dilemma of Hunting Non-Edible Animals:

    1. The question of hunting animals that aren’t consumed is raised, particularly in the context of predators like wolves and hyenas.
    2. Shockey acknowledges the complexity of this issue, recognizing the ecological role of predators and the potential for conflict with human interests.
    3. He argues that managing predator populations is necessary for maintaining a balanced ecosystem, even when it involves killing animals that aren’t eaten.
    4. The ethical justification for such hunting lies in protecting other wildlife populations, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem.

  9. The Global Elephant Crisis and the Failure of Conservation Efforts:

    1. The poaching of elephants for ivory is presented as a dire crisis, highlighting the devastation of elephant populations across Africa.
    2. Shockey highlights the role of corruption and organized crime in perpetuating the ivory trade, with significant profits flowing to those at higher levels.
    3. While hunting can play a role in conservation, the scale of the poaching crisis has overwhelmed even well-funded hunting programs.
    4. The podcast expresses concern about the future of elephants, questioning whether they can survive the onslaught of poaching and habitat loss.

  10. The Sentience of Plants and the Vegetarian Debate:

    1. The podcast explores the growing evidence suggesting that plants may be sentient, capable of communication and experiencing pain.
    2. This raises questions about the ethics of vegetarianism and veganism, challenging the assumption that plants are simply passive life forms.
    3. Shockey argues that all life forms are connected, and the cycle of life involves the consumption of one form by another, whether it’s plants or animals.
    4. He suggests that it’s important to recognize the interconnectedness of all life and acknowledge the role of humans in this natural order.

  11. The Importance of Personal Connection to Nature:

    1. Shockey emphasizes the profound impact of personal experience in nature, particularly through hunting, on understanding our place in the world.
    2. He believes that this connection goes beyond simply acquiring food and encompasses a spiritual and emotional connection to the natural world.
    3. He encourages people to re-engage with nature, to step outside of their urban environments and experience the wilderness firsthand.
    4. He believes that this connection fosters a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of respecting all life forms.

  12. The Changing Face of Hunting and its Growing Popularity:

    1. The podcast acknowledges a shift in hunting demographics, with a growing number of women entering the field.
    2. This trend is viewed positively by Shockey, seeing it as a positive evolution of hunting and a sign of greater acceptance.
    3. The increased popularity of hunting, particularly among women, is challenging the outdated stereotypes and negative perceptions associated with the practice.
    4. Shockey sees this shift as a hopeful sign for the future of hunting and conservation, with greater understanding and support emerging.

  13. The Role of Authenticity and Uncensored Discourse:

    1. The podcast highlights the value of uncensored platforms like podcasts, allowing for open and honest conversations about controversial topics like hunting.
    2. The ability to explore complex issues without restrictions is crucial for promoting understanding and challenging preconceived notions.
    3. Shockey sees his show “Uncharted” as a platform for this type of uncensored discourse, sharing his experiences and inviting viewers to engage with challenging perspectives.
    4. He believes that this type of open and honest dialogue is essential for promoting critical thinking and informed decision-making in our interconnected world.

  14. The Importance of Prioritizing Time and Experience:

    1. Shockey emphasizes that time in nature is a matter of prioritizing our values and making choices that reflect those values.
    2. He encourages people to prioritize experiences that connect them to the natural world, even if it means sacrificing other material desires.
    3. He believes that the time we spend in nature is an investment in our well-being, our understanding of the world, and our connection to the larger web of life.
    4. The podcast encourages listeners to re-evaluate their priorities and consider the profound impact of spending more time in the wild.

  15. The Future of Wildlife Conservation and the Need for Action:

    1. The podcast concludes with a sobering assessment of the challenges facing wildlife conservation, highlighting the threats of poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.
    2. Shockey expresses concern about the future of many species, particularly elephants, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
    3. He argues that the future of wildlife conservation depends on informed decision-making, collaboration between different stakeholders, and a renewed commitment to protecting our natural world.
    4. The podcast serves as a call to action, urging listeners to educate themselves, engage in conversation, and contribute to the efforts that are vital for ensuring the future of our planet.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “I don’t always despair, you know, when I look at this big picture, because, you know, I look at it from an outside objective view, you talked about Jay Z and and and K West or something like that. I have no idea who those guys are, and they are Good for you to assuming their guys. Yeah. But, you know, so I I, you know, I spend a lot of time on a mountaintop looking at the world. And and, you know, as as times I just despair and and And then then I’ll tell you honestly, and this is this is a compliment to you. You know, I get a tweet like that where you you saw what we’re producing and someone in this place.”
  2. “I think it is changing. I think what we’re dealing with is like the last throes. like the last dying twitches of our culture making this weird shift into the age of information. And along the way, you’re just gonna give people there’s anything to keep them occupied.”
  3. “And I think a lot of it is just because of the way human beings live. I think a lot of it is the way people live in neighborhoods where they don’t know anybody, and we have a desire for gossip. We have a desire to to talk shit about people and to to, like, hear what the the secrets are and what the dirt is, and I think these shows feed that. They feed into that. They give you this world that you could pay attention to that’s way more screwed up than your world is and it’s right in front of your face.”
  4. “And you know, and and to be fair, not everybody lives like that. You know, not everybody does, but there’s a, you know, with urbanization over the last whatever starting in the fifties, forties, fifties. You know, we have gone that road, but not everybody. It’s a recent thing. Yeah. And and it’s not everybody. Like, you can still go out into Wyoming and find people Alaska.”
  5. “I hunt because I hunt. I hunt. You know, I’m killing as part of hunt. You know, that’s it’s it’s it’s what I do. So so I, you know, but but to to couch it in terms of a non hunter would understand why you killed that hyena. You know, it’s very difficult.”


 

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