4/22/2015
Joe Rogan Experience #637 – Remi Warren
This podcast features Remi Warren, a hunter, adventurer, and videographer, diving deep into the fascinating world of animal tactics and hunting techniques. Rogan and Warren explore the primal instincts that connect humans to other predators, unraveling the mysteries of nature’s survival strategies. Provocative topics and deep underlying themes emerge as they discuss the ethics of hunting, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the human capacity for both destruction and preservation.
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Mimicking Predators for Hunting:
- Remi Warren’s new show, “Apex Predator,” explores hunting techniques by emulating predators like coyotes and wolves.
- The show focuses on the concept of using animal tactics to get closer to prey, challenging the traditional understanding of hunting.
- One of the key takeaways is how animals have adapted specific tactics to their environment, highlighting the effectiveness of nature’s solutions.
- Warren’s show serves as a platform to learn from nature’s intricate systems, applying these lessons to the human hunter’s arsenal.
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The Controversial Bison Population:
- The podcast explores the history of bison populations, revealing a staggering number of over 1 billion in the past.
- Dan Flores, a bison expert, argues that Native Americans were instrumental in the bison’s decline, a perspective that sparks debate.
- The discussion highlights the role of disease, specifically smallpox, in decimating Native American populations, leading to a population boom for bison.
- This section delves into the complexities of human-animal interactions, questioning the dominant narratives surrounding bison population control.
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The Power and Intelligence of Wolves:
- Warren shares his fascination with wolves, drawing inspiration for his show from their predatory skills.
- He describes witnessing a lone wolf taking down an elk, showcasing the individual prowess of wolves.
- The podcast discusses the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone, highlighting its controversial impact on the ecosystem.
- The debate over wolf management sparks a larger conversation about the ethical considerations of predator control and the delicate balance of nature.
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The Silent Threat of Mountain Lions:
- The podcast discusses the growing mountain lion population in California, a result of their lack of natural predators.
- The discussion explores the potential risks associated with a growing population of apex predators without natural checks and balances.
- Warren shares anecdotes of mountain lion attacks on livestock, emphasizing the potential for conflict with humans.
- This topic touches on the complexities of human-wildlife coexistence and the importance of sustainable management practices.
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The Wild Boar Culinary Experience:
- Warren describes the unique flavor of wild boar, contrasting it with the more familiar taste of domestic pork.
- The conversation delves into different cooking techniques for wild boar, emphasizing the importance of leaving the fat intact for flavor.
- The podcast also features Joel Salton, a farmer with unique farming practices, who allows his pigs to roam freely, resulting in a darker, more flavorful meat.
- This segment highlights the connection between hunting, food, and the appreciation of diverse culinary experiences.
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The Unsung Predators: Birds of Prey:
- Warren expresses his fascination with birds of prey, highlighting their remarkable hunting techniques.
- The discussion focuses on the Great Blue Heron’s unique spear-like beak, showcasing nature’s evolutionary adaptations.
- Videos of Harpy Eagles capturing and carrying sloths are shared, highlighting the sheer power and efficiency of these apex predators.
- This section emphasizes the incredible diversity and adaptability of the animal kingdom, showcasing nature’s innovative solutions for survival.
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The Human Predator’s Innate Abilities:
- Warren argues that humans possess a natural innate ability to hunt, comparable to other predators.
- He shares his experience with free diving, demonstrating how humans can activate their mammalian dive reflex, similar to whales and dolphins.
- This revelation challenges the notion that hunting is an exclusively learned skill, revealing our primal connection to the natural world.
- The podcast explores the idea that our evolutionary history has shaped our physical and mental capabilities, making us naturally inclined toward hunting.
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The Importance of Scent in Elk Hunting:
- Warren emphasizes the role of scent in elk hunting, highlighting how he relies on his sense of smell almost as much as other hunting tactics.
- He describes his ability to distinguish between the smell of an elk and the scent of its urine, illustrating his keen sense of smell.
- The discussion touches on the changing scent of elk during different phases of their life cycle, showcasing the complexities of tracking.
- This segment emphasizes the importance of developing our senses, particularly smell, in connecting with the natural world.
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Cryogenic Therapy and Its Benefits:
- Warren discusses the benefits of cryogenic therapy, a process involving exposure to extremely cold temperatures.
- He describes the therapeutic effects, including reduced inflammation, pain relief, and increased blood flow to extremities.
- The podcast explores the similarities between cryogenic therapy and the mammalian dive reflex, highlighting the body’s natural adaptations to cold.
- This segment delves into the intersection of human health, technology, and nature’s inherent healing mechanisms.
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The Motivation Behind “Apex Predator”:
- Warren explains his motivation for creating “Apex Predator,” aiming to explore hunting beyond the typical “Solo Hunter” format.
- He intends to show a deeper, more nuanced understanding of hunting, challenging misconceptions and showcasing its natural connection to humans.
- The goal is to create a show that resonates with both hunters and non-hunters, fostering a broader appreciation for the art of hunting.
- This section reveals Warren’s passionate dedication to preserving hunting traditions and promoting a more informed understanding of its purpose.
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The Ethics of Trophy Hunting:
- The podcast tackles the controversial topic of trophy hunting, specifically addressing the recent controversy surrounding a woman posing with a giraffe.
- Warren argues that the context of the hunt, involving a non-breeding male giraffe destined for local consumption, should be considered.
- The discussion highlights the importance of separating sensationalized media portrayals from the realities of responsible hunting practices.
- This segment explores the complexities of ethical hunting, highlighting the need for transparency and understanding in a polarized world.
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The Surprising Danger of Giraffes:
- The podcast challenges the perception of giraffes as gentle giants, revealing their potential for aggression.
- Warren shares his experience attempting to inoculate giraffes with paintballs, highlighting their skittish nature and powerful kicks.
- The discussion reveals a story of giraffes being electrocuted by power lines, illustrating the unexpected risks they face.
- This section debunks common misconceptions about giraffes, showcasing their unpredictable nature and vulnerability within the wild.
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The Catch-22 of High-Fence Game Operations:
- The podcast explores the controversial topic of high-fence game operations, where animals are kept in enclosed areas for hunting.
- The discussion highlights the role of these operations in managing endangered species, yet questions their ethical implications.
- The podcast explores the complexities of population control within these operations, demonstrating the need for responsible management practices.
- This segment touches on the delicate balance between conservation, ethical hunting, and the economic realities of wildlife management.
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The Gendered Nature of Hunting and Backlash:
- The podcast delves into the gendered nature of hunting and the backlash faced by women who participate.
- Warren shares his perspective on how women are often subjected to more scrutiny and criticism than men within the hunting community.
- The discussion highlights the hypocrisy of criticism directed at women hunters, often rooted in sexist assumptions about their capabilities.
- This segment challenges traditional gender roles within hunting and promotes a more inclusive and equitable approach to the sport.
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The Importance of Real Wilderness Experiences:
- Warren stresses the importance of experiencing real wilderness, challenging the perception of national parks as representative of true wilderness.
- He emphasizes the distinct difference between a controlled environment like a national park and the harsh realities of untamed wilderness.
- The discussion touches on the importance of understanding the indifference of nature, where humans are simply a part of the larger ecosystem.
- This segment highlights the value of challenging our preconceived notions about nature and seeking out authentic experiences that foster a deeper respect for the wild.
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The Unifying Power of Hunting:
- The podcast acknowledges the diversity of hunting practices and encourages acceptance among hunters.
- Warren emphasizes that hunters share a common goal of harvesting meat and appreciating the wilderness, regardless of their preferred methods.
- The discussion highlights the importance of unity within the hunting community, challenging divisive perspectives that pit hunters against one another.
- This segment promotes a sense of solidarity among hunters, advocating for a shared appreciation for the sport and its traditions.
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The Challenge of Hunting Buffalo:
- Warren describes a particularly challenging hunt for bison, where a shot with his bow failed to take down the animal.
- He explains the ethical considerations that led him to make the decision to shoot the bison, prioritizing its humane dispatch.
- The podcast highlights the unexpected outcomes of hunting and the importance of making difficult decisions in the moment.
- This segment showcases the humility inherent in hunting, acknowledging the limitations of human skills and the unpredictable nature of the wild.
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The Importance of Honesty and Authenticity in Hunting Shows:
- Warren discusses the importance of presenting hunting in a realistic and honest manner, highlighting the challenges and failures that are often omitted.
- He criticizes hunting shows that prioritize sensationalism over authenticity, creating a false representation of the sport.
- Warren believes in sharing both successes and failures, providing a more nuanced and relatable portrayal of hunting experiences.
- This segment advocates for transparency in media representations of hunting, fostering a more genuine understanding of its complexities.
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The Spiritual Connection to Hunting:
- Warren describes the spiritual experience of hunting, challenging the perception that it is solely a utilitarian activity.
- He speaks about the profound connection he feels with nature and the animals he hunts, acknowledging the spiritual significance of taking a life.
- The discussion explores the boundary-dissolving nature of hunting, allowing humans to step into the wild and connect with the primal forces of nature.
- This segment delves into the deeper meaning of hunting, recognizing its potential for spiritual growth and connection to the natural world.
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The Disconnect Between Urban Life and Food Production:
- The podcast explores the disconnect between urban dwellers and the realities of food production, particularly the origin of meat.
- Warren criticizes the complacency of those who consume meat without considering the source, contributing to a sense of detachment from the process.
- He argues that a greater understanding of the hunting and farming processes can foster a deeper respect for food and its origins.
- This segment encourages a more conscious and informed approach to food consumption, bridging the gap between consumer and producer.
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The Importance of Hunting Mentors:
- Warren emphasizes the importance of having a hunting mentor, highlighting the benefits of guidance and support from experienced hunters.
- He recommends joining hunting conservation organizations and seeking out outfitters who welcome newcomers.
- The podcast provides specific resources for those interested in getting involved in hunting, highlighting the availability of mentorship programs.
- This segment encourages the passing down of hunting knowledge and traditions, fostering a more welcoming and inclusive hunting community.
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The Need for Real Conversations About Hunting:
- The podcast concludes by advocating for open and honest conversations about hunting, moving beyond stereotypes and propaganda.
- Warren believes that real dialogue can bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters, fostering understanding and appreciation.
- He emphasizes the need to engage in thoughtful discussions, challenging misconceptions and promoting a more informed view of hunting practices.
- This segment encourages a more nuanced and compassionate approach to hunting, recognizing its complexities and its role in the human experience.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “It takes a long time to make something fucking happen, man. It says hurry up and wait, the game.” – Remi Warren captures the grueling process of bringing a television show to fruition, comparing it to the “hurry up and wait” mentality of the military.
- “We’ve adapted a lot of the techniques and tactics that a certain animal specializes in or does really well and use it for ourselves to become this this essential top predator.” – Warren highlights the evolutionary connection between humans and other predators, acknowledging our capacity for mimicking and adapting animal behavior for survival.
- “If you really think about it, there’s a lot of weird stuff on this planet. Dolphins using sonar and Eagles being able to see two miles away. or there’s just a lot of crazy things in nature that has taken us years years to replicate some kind of machine or contraption where we can even compare.” – Warren expresses his awe at the extraordinary abilities of animals, highlighting nature’s remarkable innovations that surpass human ingenuity.
- “I think that a lot of this is sexism… For sure. Right? Yeah. You deal with this pretty blonde who goes over there and shoots all these animals. If it was a fat old guy from Denmark. Nobody would go fuck.” – Warren addresses the hypocritical backlash directed at women hunters, highlighting the sexist undertones of criticism based on appearance and gender.
- “If you really truly love animals, you’ve got to take into account a few undeniable truths. 1 is that populations need to be controlled, and they are controlled through the natural way with predators.” – Warren presents a compelling argument for the ethical necessity of hunting in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems, challenging the notion that humans are the sole aggressors against animal populations.