JRE #715 – Remi Warren

10/29/2015

Joe Rogan Podcast #715 – Remi Warren – Topics

This episode features Remi Warren, a hunter, adventurer, and videographer, discussing his experiences in the outdoors and the world of hunting. Provocative topics include the ethics of hunting, the importance of camouflage, the role of technology in hunting, the wildness of nature, and the mysteries of the natural world. Underlying themes delve into the primal nature of hunting, the beauty and danger of the wilderness, and the complexities of human-animal relationships.

1. The Ethics of Hunting:
   1. Remi highlights the importance of making clean and ethical kills, emphasizing that it’s about respect for the animal.
   2. He discusses the debate around ethical hunting distances, advocating for awareness of the specific situation.
   3. Remi emphasizes the importance of calming new hunters to ensure they make the best possible shot.
   4. The ethical considerations of different types of hunting, like bowhunting vs. rifle hunting, are explored.
2. The Science of Camouflage:
   1. Remi dives into the various types of camouflage, including matching, modeled, and disruptive.
   2. He argues that disruptive camouflage, which breaks up an object’s outline, is the most effective.
   3. Remi shares his experience with Gilly suits, showcasing the effectiveness of blending seamlessly into the environment.
   4. The discussion explores the effectiveness of different camouflage patterns depending on the animal and hunting distance.
3. Technology in Hunting:
   1. Remi discusses the use of cameras, stabilizers, and other electronic devices in hunting, highlighting both the advantages and the ethical concerns.
   2. The debate around the use of crossbows during archery season is raised, questioning their legality and effectiveness.
   3. The advanced engineering behind compound bows and the constant innovation within the industry are explored.
   4. Remi emphasizes the importance of practicing archery for accuracy and focus, comparing it to a form of meditation.
4. The Wildness of Nature:
   1. Remi shares his experiences with encountering animals in their natural habitat, emphasizing the difference in behavior compared to those habituated to humans.
   2. The importance of seeking out remote and wild locations for hunting is discussed, emphasizing the feeling of connection to nature.
   3. Remi describes the unique perspective gained by hunting off-trail, exploring areas that most people never see.
   4. The topic of the potential dangers of wildlife encounters is brought up, referencing a harrowing story of a bear attack during a hunting trip.
5. Mysteries of the Natural World:
   1. Remi delves into the fascinating world of animal senses, specifically the lateral line system in fish and the powerful sense of smell in elk.
   2. He explores the surprising ability of animals to sense human emotions, including fear, and how this impacts their behavior.
   3. The intriguing question of how a mouse in the wilderness knew to eat potato chips is raised, questioning the limits of animal instincts.
   4. Remi discusses the dangers of foraging for edible plants and mushrooms, emphasizing the need for expertise and caution.
6. The Allure of Solo Hunting:
   1. Remi discusses the unique experience of solo hunting and filming, highlighting the element of solitude and danger.
   2. He explains how filming everything, including the hunt itself, adds a new level of challenge and authenticity.
   3. Remi shares the feeling of connection to nature that he believes is amplified during solo hunting, as seen on his show “Solo Hunter.”
   4. The topic of the difficulties of filming solo hunts, especially with multiple cameras and limited resources, is discussed.
7. The Fascinating World of the Octopus:
   1. Remi dives into the extraordinary camouflage abilities of the octopus, showcasing the speed and precision of its shape-shifting capabilities.
   2. The mystery of how octopuses achieve this camouflage, potentially seeing through their skin, is explored.
   3. Remi highlights the intelligence of octopuses, sharing a story of one outsmarting humans in a fish tank.
   4. The topic of the possible existence of even larger and more intelligent octopus species in the ocean is raised.
8. The Importance of Wilderness and Biodiversity:
   1. Remi emphasizes the importance of preserving wilderness areas, highlighting the unique perspectives and experiences they offer.
   2. The topic of human impact on the natural world is discussed, including invasive species, deforestation, and the complexities of predator-prey relationships.
   3. The role of hunters in understanding and managing wildlife populations is explored, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.
   4. The potential consequences of losing biodiversity and the importance of protecting endangered species are highlighted.
9. The Mystery of Bigfoot:
   1. Remi discusses the ongoing fascination with Bigfoot, acknowledging the romanticism and conspiracy theories surrounding the creature.
   2. He shares his personal perspective, stating that he wouldn’t be overly surprised or interested if he encountered Bigfoot.
   3. The topic of misidentification and lack of perspective in nature is discussed, explaining how common animals can appear much larger at a distance.
   4. Remi shares his skepticism about the claims of some Bigfoot hunters, highlighting the potential for exaggeration or outright deception.
10. The Challenge of Managing Wildlife Populations:
    1. Remi discusses the difficulties of managing wildlife populations, especially in areas with dense wilderness and limited resources.
    2. The controversy surrounding bear hunting in Alberta, specifically the use of baiting, is explored, highlighting the ethical considerations involved.
    3. The potential for overpopulation and the increasing brazenness of bears in areas where they are not hunted is discussed.
    4. The importance of understanding the complex interactions between humans, animals, and the environment is emphasized.
11. The Power of Primal Instincts:
    1. Remi highlights the importance of understanding and harnessing primal instincts, referencing the mammalian dive reflex and its role in freediving.
    2. He shares his own experience with Wim Hof’s breathing method and the potential for extending breath-holding capacity.
    3. The topic of the aquatic ape theory is discussed, exploring the possibility that humans evolved in close proximity to water.
    4. Remi emphasizes the connection between human and animal instincts, highlighting the similarities in survival strategies.
12. The Role of Humans in the Food Chain:
    1. Remi discusses the complex relationship between humans and the food chain, emphasizing that humans are apex predators.
    2. He argues that hunting is a natural and sustainable way to obtain food, promoting a connection to the natural world.
    3. The topic of the impact of urbanization and reliance on industrialized food systems is explored, questioning the long-term sustainability of current practices.
    4. Remi advocates for a more natural approach to food production, emphasizing the importance of hunting and foraging.
13. The Importance of Adventure and Exploration:
    1. Remi shares his passion for adventure and exploration, highlighting the importance of pushing boundaries and seeking out new experiences.
    2. He discusses the challenges and rewards of filming his hunts and expeditions, emphasizing the importance of capturing authentic moments.
    3. Remi encourages listeners to seek out their own adventures, whether it’s exploring nature or pursuing personal challenges.
    4. The topic of the inherent beauty and wonder of the natural world is explored, inspiring listeners to connect with their surroundings.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “Humans are, in my opinion, undoubtedly, the coolest species on the planet because we can adapt so many things that other animals do so well.”
• “We’ve kind of evolved into this allowed bumbling animal when originally we we naturally are quiet like the mountain lion.”
• “There’s a huge ebb and flow, and when we hinder that and try not to have fires… animal populations decline actually.”
• “If we could figure that out as far as any application for it, that’s what we aspire to. And yet, with all of our technology… we can’t figure out how the octopus does that.”
• “I just think that what we’re essentially doing is preparing to give birth to an artificial life. That’s what I think. I think that we’re essentially like a technological cocoon and they were gonna become some sort of an electronic artificially created butterfly.”