JRE #769 – Bert Kreischer

This Joe Rogan Podcast episode features comedian Bert Kreischer, known for his wild stories and relatable anecdotes. The conversation touches on a wide range of topics, from stand-up comedy and personal experiences to societal observations and philosophical musings. Provocative topics include alcohol consumption, drug use, and controversial opinions on social issues. Underlying themes explore the nuances of friendship, the complexities of personal growth, and the search for authenticity in a rapidly changing world.

Topics Covered:

1. Bert’s Forgetting Problem: Bert candidly reveals his struggles with memory, particularly when it comes to commitments like podcasts. He acknowledges his tendency to forget about promises made while under the influence, highlighting a common struggle for many.
   1. Bert’s forgetfulness is rooted in his lifestyle, involving frequent partying and late nights.
   2. He admits to relying on reminders from others, sometimes just minutes before scheduled events.
   3. Joe and Bert discuss the importance of maintaining a calendar, especially for significant engagements.
   4. The conversation underscores the importance of clear communication, emphasizing the value of confirming commitments via text or email rather than relying solely on memory.
2. The Importance of Stand-Up Comedy: Joe and Bert discuss the transformative power of stand-up comedy, emphasizing the necessity of consistent performance for honing comedic skills.
   1. Both comedians highlight the importance of performing regularly to refine material and develop stage presence.
   2. They emphasize the need to stay in “stand-up mode” to ensure constant development and growth.
   3. Bert’s return to stand-up after a hiatus emphasizes the significant impact that consistent practice has on comedic success.
   4. The conversation underscores the idea that stand-up comedy is not merely a hobby but a demanding craft requiring dedication and constant refinement.
3. Joey Diaz’s Intensity: The conversation delves into the unique personality of comedian Joey Diaz, known for his passionate and sometimes volatile nature.
   1. Joe and Bert share anecdotes about Joey’s loyalty and his tendency to fiercely protect those he considers close friends.
   2. They describe his “terror” as a passionate individual who doesn’t shy away from expressing his anger or displeasure, even with those he cares about.
   3. Joey’s intense personality often spills onto the stage, creating a dynamic and unpredictable performance style.
   4. The conversation showcases the complexities of friendship, highlighting how different personalities can coexist and sometimes clash, despite mutual respect and affection.
4. The Power of Impulse: Bert reflects on his own personality, acknowledging the role of impulse in his life and his enjoyment of spontaneity.
   1. Bert’s love for impulse is a central part of his personality, driving his adventurous lifestyle and his comedic style.
   2. He discusses the challenges of controlling impulse when adhering to a diet, highlighting the internal struggle between desire and discipline.
   3. The conversation delves into the philosophical question of whether impulse is a strength or a weakness, suggesting that it can be both, depending on the context.
   4. Bert’s honest reflection on his own personality offers listeners an insight into the internal battles many individuals face when attempting to reconcile their desires with their goals.
5. Alcohol Consumption: The podcast tackles the topic of alcohol consumption, with Bert sharing his own experiences and perspectives on moderate drinking.
   1. Bert discusses his approach to wine consumption, emphasizing his preference for moderate drinking on the road and his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite indulging.
   2. He acknowledges the potential downsides of alcohol consumption, particularly its impact on blood sugar levels.
   3. The conversation explores the fine line between responsible enjoyment and excessive indulgence, showcasing the complexities of personal choices related to alcohol.
   4. The podcast highlights the debate surrounding healthy living and personal freedom, prompting listeners to consider their own relationship with alcohol and its potential impact on their lives.
6. The Allure of Vietnam: Bert recounts his experiences in Vietnam, emphasizing the beauty of the country and its affordability for travel, particularly for group adventures.
   1. Bert highlights the low cost of living in Vietnam, suggesting its attractiveness as a travel destination for budget-minded individuals.
   2. He describes the unique cultural experiences available, including the opportunity to explore the country by junk boat.
   3. He shares a humorous anecdote about a local’s advice to always be cautious in case of confrontations, emphasizing the importance of respecting local customs and being prepared for unexpected situations.
   4. Bert’s enthusiasm for Vietnam encourages listeners to explore new destinations and embrace diverse cultural experiences.
7. The Importance of Friendship: Joe and Bert’s conversation showcases the importance of genuine friendship, highlighting the value of shared experiences and mutual support.
   1. The podcast explores the unique dynamics of their relationships with fellow comedians, revealing their respect for each other’s talents and personalities.
   2. The discussion highlights the importance of shared humor and the ability to connect on a deeper level through shared experiences and understanding.
   3. Joe and Bert’s friendship serves as an example of how individuals can support each other through personal and professional challenges.
   4. The conversation reinforces the enduring value of genuine friendship in a world that often prioritizes fleeting connections.
8. Doug Stanhope’s Compound: The podcast features a detailed description of comedian Doug Stanhope’s secluded compound, offering a glimpse into his unconventional lifestyle and the camaraderie he fosters with his close circle.
   1. Bert paints a vivid picture of Doug’s compound, highlighting its unique location in the Arizona desert and the diverse living spaces it offers.
   2. He describes the relaxed atmosphere and the genuine hospitality that Doug extends to his friends and colleagues, creating a sense of community within his secluded compound.
   3. The conversation showcases the allure of unconventional living, emphasizing the appeal of finding solace and connection in unexpected places.
   4. Bert’s appreciation for Doug’s lifestyle and the community he’s built inspires listeners to consider the value of fostering genuine connections and creating spaces for authentic expression.
9. The Nature of Masculinity: The conversation touches upon the evolving definition of masculinity, highlighting the complexities of societal expectations and the challenges faced by men who choose to embrace unconventional lifestyles.
   1. Bert discusses the historical and cultural context of “bachelorhood” and the societal pressures that often accompany men who choose to remain single and pursue unconventional paths.
   2. He reflects on the changing perceptions of masculinity, highlighting how men are often judged for their choices, particularly when they deviate from traditional expectations.
   3. The conversation delves into the complex relationship between societal expectations and personal fulfillment, exploring the challenges individuals face when trying to reconcile their authentic selves with external pressures.
   4. Bert’s perspective challenges listeners to critically examine societal norms and to consider the potential for greater acceptance and understanding of diverse expressions of masculinity.
10. The Power of Storytelling: The conversation emphasizes the power of storytelling in comedy, highlighting the impact that authentic experiences can have on audience engagement.
    1. Bert and Joe discuss the importance of drawing material from personal experiences, emphasizing the authenticity and relatability that such stories can bring to comedic performances.
    2. They acknowledge the challenges of crafting compelling stories from seemingly mundane experiences, stressing the need for careful observation and creative expression.
    3. Bert’s own experience with a story about flying squirrels that initially failed to resonate with audiences but later found success showcases the iterative nature of comedic storytelling.
    4. The conversation inspires listeners to appreciate the power of storytelling and to consider the potential for comedic gold within their own unique experiences.
11. The Impact of Social Media: The conversation explores the influence of social media on comedy, highlighting both its potential benefits and the dangers of excessive scrutiny.
    1. Bert and Joe discuss the impact of social media on public perception, emphasizing the power it wields in shaping opinions and potentially influencing careers.
    2. They acknowledge the potential for social media to be a platform for positive engagement, but they also caution against its potential for creating negativity and fostering a culture of cancelation.
    3. The conversation delves into the complexities of navigating public scrutiny, particularly in the world of comedy, where humor and offensiveness can often be intertwined.
    4. The discussion prompts listeners to consider their own relationship with social media and its potential influence on their own perceptions of the world and the individuals they encounter.
12. The Future of Entertainment: The podcast dives into the future of entertainment, exploring the potential for virtual reality to revolutionize the way we experience stories and engage with content.
    1. Joe and Bert discuss the rapidly evolving world of virtual reality, highlighting its potential to create immersive experiences that transcend the limitations of traditional entertainment formats.
    2. They envision a future where VR becomes integral to podcasting, allowing listeners to feel like they are in the studio, creating a more intimate and engaging experience.
    3. They also explore the potential for interactive movies, where viewers can make choices that influence the narrative, adding a new layer of engagement and personalization.
    4. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the potential of new technologies and to imagine the future of entertainment, where immersive experiences and personalized storytelling become the norm.
13. The Perils of Conspiracy Theories: The conversation acknowledges the existence of conspiracy theories, while cautioning against the dangers of blindly accepting unverified information.
    1. Joe and Bert acknowledge that conspiracies exist, recognizing that individuals often conspire to achieve specific goals.
    2. They caution against blindly accepting every conspiracy theory without critical evaluation, emphasizing the importance of discerning fact from fiction.
    3. The conversation explores the human tendency to seek patterns and explanations for complex events, highlighting the potential for biases and misinterpretations.
    4. The discussion encourages listeners to engage with information critically, to question sources, and to avoid falling prey to unverified claims.
14. The Importance of Cultural Preservation: The conversation touches upon the importance of preserving cultural traditions, highlighting the value of diverse experiences and the challenges of navigating cultural differences.
    1. Joe and Bert discuss the importance of respecting cultural traditions, recognizing the value of unique experiences and the potential for cultural enrichment through exposure to diverse perspectives.
    2. They acknowledge the challenges of navigating cultural differences, particularly in a world that often prioritizes homogenization and globalization.
    3. The conversation explores the complexities of cultural identity and the potential for conflict when cultures clash, particularly in the realm of social norms and personal values.
    4. The discussion encourages listeners to embrace the beauty of cultural diversity and to strive for understanding and respect in an increasingly interconnected world.
15. The Role of Comedy in Society: The conversation emphasizes the important role that comedy plays in society, highlighting its potential to challenge norms, spark conversations, and foster understanding.
    1. Joe and Bert discuss the power of comedy to challenge societal norms and to address sensitive topics in a humorous way, sparking conversations and prompting reflection.
    2. They acknowledge the risks associated with pushing boundaries, emphasizing the importance of balancing humor with sensitivity and respect for diverse perspectives.
    3. The conversation explores the role of comedians as social commentators, highlighting their potential to shed light on societal issues and to encourage critical thinking.
    4. The discussion encourages listeners to appreciate the power of comedy and to consider its potential to foster understanding and to promote positive change.
16. The Wildness of Nature: The conversation concludes with a discussion about the wonders and dangers of the natural world, highlighting the awe-inspiring power of animals and the unpredictable nature of the wild.
    1. Joe and Bert share anecdotes about encounters with wild animals, revealing their respect for the power and unpredictability of nature.
    2. They discuss the unique behavior of various animals, including hyenas, cougars, and peccaries, emphasizing their instinctive behaviors and the potential dangers they pose.
    3. The conversation showcases the beauty and complexity of the natural world, highlighting the importance of appreciating and respecting the ecosystems that support diverse life forms.
    4. The podcast inspires listeners to consider the relationship between humanity and the natural world, prompting reflection on the delicate balance that exists between human civilization and the wild.

Memorable Quotes:

• “That’s the best feeling in the world when you’re like, Okay. Now I got my beginning, my middle of my ending. Yeah. Now I gotta figure out that middle guts, and I can get through this holy shit.”
• “Don’t let any money. You know the feeling, but you make money. know. But Make money doing stand up too.”
• “I love impulse. I love I love I no. And it’s tough when you’re on a diet, you’d be shocked when you’ve been groomed on this lifestyle, how often you just go to the fridge and open it?”
• “You gotta ask people in, like, an email or a text. like, asking someone in person unless unless you’re both sober.”
• “I’m I’m when you get back in the stand up, it’s like it’s like working out when you you ever I don’t know. I’m I’m I’m not even saying this only to Joe now right now. People work out so much for when you sit down, you can feel your abs tighten up. You’re like, I feel good, man. I’m in good shape right now.”