JRE #592 – Bert Kreischer

This Joe Rogan podcast episode features Bert Kreischer, a stand-up comedian, actor, and reality television host. The conversation ranges from humorous anecdotes to thought-provoking discussions about global issues, showcasing Kreischer’s unique blend of wit and perspective.

The podcast explores various topics, including:

Malaria Medication and Alcohol

1. Kreischer’s experience taking malaria medication and the bizarre dreams it induced.
2. The surprising statistic that malaria has killed half of all humans in history.
3. The contrast between global concern for Ebola and the relative indifference towards malaria.
4. The underlying theme of personal choice and risk assessment, particularly when facing potentially life-threatening situations.

Quick Sandporn

1. Kreischer’s humorous exploration of the bizarre concept of quick sandporn.
2. The internet’s potential for both enlightenment and absurdity, showcasing the unexpected depths of online content.
3. The comedic element of Kreischer’s search for this elusive type of porn, highlighting his unconventional humor.
4. The underlying theme of human curiosity and the constant search for the unusual and unexpected.

The Flu and Mortality

1. Kreischer’s surprising revelation about the staggering number of deaths caused by the flu.
2. The contrast between the fear of Ebola and the relative lack of awareness surrounding the flu’s impact.
3. The human tendency to minimize threats that are commonplace and often overlooked.
4. The underlying theme of the fragility of human life and the importance of appreciating its value.

Ebola and Public Fear

1. Kreischer’s discussion of the public’s overreaction to Ebola, highlighting the fear of “foreign” diseases.
2. The comparison of Ebola’s impact with that of the flu, emphasizing the disproportionate attention given to certain diseases.
3. The role of media in shaping public perception and fear, particularly when it comes to contagious illnesses.
4. The underlying theme of societal vulnerability and the tendency to focus on immediate, visible threats over less dramatic but more prevalent ones.

Black Lives Matter Protests and Public Safety

1. Kreischer’s discussion of the Mall of America lawsuit against Black Lives Matter protestors.
2. The complex issue of balancing the right to protest with the responsibility of public safety.
3. The potential legal consequences of disrupting public infrastructure, particularly when it comes to emergency services.
4. The underlying theme of social responsibility and the need to navigate conflicting rights and priorities in a diverse society.

The Importance of Conversation and Open-Mindedness

1. Kreischer’s acknowledgement of the importance of open dialogue and the potential for changing perspectives.
2. The challenge of finding neutral and balanced conversations amidst polarized media narratives.
3. The impact of “sweaty” persona and dramatic presentation on shaping public opinion, exemplified by Charles Barkley’s CNN interview.
4. The underlying theme of the need for respectful and nuanced communication, particularly in addressing complex social issues.

The Gruesome Reality of Mixed Martial Arts

1. Kreischer’s graphic description of Leslie Smith’s ear exploding during a UFC fight.
2. The physical and psychological toll of competitive combat sports, showcasing the extreme level of physicality.
3. The appeal and fascination with violence and injury in popular entertainment, highlighting the human attraction to the extraordinary.
4. The underlying theme of the limits of human endurance and the consequences of pushing those limits.

The Mental Toughness of Wrestlers

1. Kreischer’s appreciation for the mental and physical toughness required in wrestling.
2. The role of training and practice in developing resilience and pushing oneself beyond perceived limits.
3. The example of Mark Calling, a wrestler who smoked cigarettes between matches, showcasing the unexpected nature of mental fortitude.
4. The underlying theme of human potential and the ability to achieve extraordinary feats through dedicated training and mental discipline.

The Value of Adversity and Learning from Mistakes

1. Kreischer’s reflection on the importance of overcoming obstacles and learning from mistakes.
2. The analogy of open mic nights for comedians as a starting point for developing their craft.
3. The need to face rejection and criticism as a catalyst for growth, highlighted by Kreischer’s own experiences in the early days of his comedy career.
4. The underlying theme of personal development and the role of setbacks and challenges in shaping individuals.

Parenting and Teaching Life Lessons

1. Kreischer’s perspective on parenting, emphasizing the need to guide children and teach them life lessons.
2. The comparison of parenting to animal behavior, specifically how cats teach their kittens to hunt.
3. The importance of finding a balance between providing support and allowing children to face challenges and build resilience.
4. The underlying theme of generational knowledge transfer and the importance of guidance in navigating life’s complexities.

The Power of Beauty and Nature

1. Kreischer’s appreciation for the profound impact of beauty and nature on the human psyche.
2. The comparison of visual beauty to sexual arousal, highlighting the unique effect of natural imagery on human emotions.
3. The importance of seeking out moments of beauty and inspiration in a world often dominated by mundane distractions.
4. The underlying theme of connecting with the natural world and the transformative power of experiencing its beauty.

The Importance of Authenticity and Heart in Music

1. Kreischer’s appreciation for artists who sing from the heart, exemplified by Johnny Cash and Sturgel Simpson.
2. The power of music to evoke emotions and connect with listeners on a deep level.
3. The influence of music on shaping public opinion and behavior, illustrated by Sarah McLaughlin’s ASPCA commercial with puppies.
4. The underlying theme of human expression and the importance of authentic artistic creations.

The Efficiency of Modern Logging Techniques

1. Kreischer’s discussion of the impressive efficiency of modern logging machines.
2. The contrast between traditional methods of logging and the speed and precision of mechanized operations.
3. The impact of technology on the natural world, highlighting the balancing act between progress and environmental impact.
4. The underlying theme of human ingenuity and the potential for both advancement and destruction in harnessing technology.

The Hierarchy of Animal Value

1. Kreischer’s humorous observation of the differing ways humans treat fish compared to other animals.
2. The human tendency to prioritize certain animals based on perceived intelligence, emotional connection, or appearance.
3. The exploitation of fish and other sea life, showcasing the double standard in human treatment of animals.
4. The underlying theme of anthropocentrism and the need to reconsider human dominion over other species.

The Role of Fear and Paranoia in Adventure

1. Kreischer’s acknowledgment of the fear that accompanies his extreme adventures.
2. The balance between seeking thrills and confronting personal anxieties in pursuing challenging activities.
3. The importance of confronting fears and pushing boundaries for personal growth.
4. The underlying theme of self-discovery and the potential for overcoming limitations through confronting anxieties.

The Allure of Rope Swings and Extreme Sports

1. Kreischer’s enthusiasm for rope swings and his desire to start a rope swing company.
2. The appeal of extreme sports and the adrenaline rush associated with risky activities.
3. The importance of trusting equipment and confronting fears in pursuing these endeavors.
4. The underlying theme of human fascination with risk-taking and the pursuit of exhilarating experiences.

The Nature of Success and Competition

1. Kreischer’s recognition of his own competitive nature and the impact it has on his relationships.
2. The challenge of managing competitive instincts in a way that doesn’t negatively affect friendships.
3. The importance of celebrating others’ successes and using them as motivation for personal growth.
4. The underlying theme of navigating the complexities of human relationships and the balance between competitiveness and cooperation.

The Evolving Nature of Language and Social Norms

1. Kreischer’s discussion of the changing use of derogatory language, specifically the word “retard.”
2. The societal shift in understanding and acceptance of different groups, highlighting the evolving nature of social norms.
3. The potential for language to evolve and become obsolete, reflecting changing values and sensitivities.
4. The underlying theme of progress towards greater inclusivity and the importance of language reform in achieving that goal.

These topics, interwoven with humorous anecdotes and insightful reflections, make this episode of the Joe Rogan podcast a captivating and thought-provoking listen.

5 Memorable Quotes

1. “Would it be a drink or would it be like a jam? It’s something from the south. Oh, I’ll get some Malaria on the side. Can I get some Malaria with my grits?” – Kreischer humorously imagines malaria as a culinary delicacy, demonstrating his unconventional wit.
2. “This is a crazy spot to build. You know, the the only reason why it was built there at all because it was built by mobsters or gambling. Right?” – Kreischer highlights the unique history and origins of Las Vegas, offering a humorous perspective on its unconventional development.
3. “There’s a certain amount of determination, but when one of the things you see when you see children is how children react to their environment and stimulation. And when it’s something that’s extreme and unusual as the ability to endure pain and the ability to push themselves. And it it’s prevalent all throughout this one group of athletes. You gotta go, well, what’s the practice? It’s what they’re doing. Like, what are they doing? They’re making men out of these fucking guys.” – Kreischer describes the intense training regimen of wrestlers, emphasizing its impact on shaping individuals.
4. “I just was I’ve been obsessed with that because there there are those things in life, and I feel like I’ve I’ve been really lucky to experience them in the past 6 months in in in spades. But, like, there’s moments where you take visual snapshots and you’re like, oh, fuck. Like, when you’re by that stream and and everything’s and it stops raining and the sun peaks through, and it hits that right moment, you’re like, oh, shit. I’ll never forget this moment. You know what I mean?” – Kreischer reflects on the profound impact of natural beauty, emphasizing the importance of cherishing such moments.
5. “I just keep thinking of this fucking owl thing. And the guy standing outside of Gelsons and people are coming out with bird feeder and stopping out of their hands. Wait. What can you do they’re like and a guy pulls a messiah, he goes, hey, man. There’s another way. We can cut down, please. I fucking have some I love one of those two handed sauce, like a fucking pioneer. I love this fucking life. Pilgrim with shit.” – Kreischer expresses his humorous frustration with overly passionate environmental activists, showcasing his unconventional views on social causes.