JRE #774 – Brendan Schaub & Bryan Callen

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Brendan Schaub, a mixed martial artist and former football player, and Bryan Callen, an actor and stand-up comedian. They are the co-hosts of the popular podcast “The Fighter and the Kid.” This podcast dives deep into topics ranging from the world of MMA to the nuances of human behavior, sprinkled with humor and insightful discussions on life.

Major Topics:

The podcast delves into a wide range of topics, including:

1. Tattoos and Tattoo Artists: Joe Rogan’s fascination with tattoos and his views on the art form are highlighted. The discussion delves into the intricacies of the tattooing world, mentioning notable artists like Ed Hardy, Paul Booth, and Freddie Negreti. They discuss the stigma associated with tattoos, the growing respect for tattooing as an art form, and the special bond often formed between a client and their tattoo artist.
   • Joe Rogan’s preference for a tattoo artist who has a distinct style.
   • The evolution of tattooing from a fringe art form to a mainstream and respected one.
   • The significance of tattoo artists who are also friends and the bond that is forged with them.
   • The controversial stigma attached to tattoos and how that is changing.
2. The Tesla and its Features: Bryan Callen’s purchase of a Tesla sparks a conversation about luxury cars, the appeal of self-driving technology, and the driving experience.
   • The difference between utilitarian cars and luxury cars.
   • The appeal of self-driving technology, even with the reservations of some.
   • The joy of driving a nice car.
   • The Tesla’s performance, particularly its acceleration, is highlighted.
3. The Controversies of Hillary Clinton: The podcast delves into political discussions, particularly the presidential candidacy of Hillary Clinton. The conversation revolves around the public’s perception of Clinton, her trustworthiness, her policies, and the ongoing investigation into her email server.
   • The debate over Hillary Clinton’s trustworthiness and the public’s perception of her.
   • The controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton’s email server and the ongoing investigation.
   • The discussion about her policies and their impact on the country.
   • The contrasting views on Clinton’s candidacy and her potential for change.
4. Bernie Sanders and his Political Stance: Bernie Sanders’s political views, particularly his democratic socialist platform, are discussed. The podcast explores the potential impact of his policies on the economy and the social landscape.
   • The potential impact of Bernie Sanders’s policies on the economy and society.
   • The debate about the feasibility of Sanders’s socialist agenda in the United States.
   • The discussion about the role of the government in social programs and economic intervention.
   • The differing perspectives on Sanders’s potential to bring about change.
5. The Power of Charity and the Challenges of Helping Others: The podcast addresses the complex issue of giving money to people in need, exploring the challenges of distinguishing genuine need from opportunism and the complexities of forming healthy boundaries in relationships where financial assistance is involved.
   • The dilemma of helping people in need and the challenges of determining true need from opportunism.
   • The risks associated with lending money to friends and the possibility of damaging those relationships.
   • The importance of setting boundaries and establishing clear expectations when offering financial assistance.
   • The discussion of alternative ways to help those in need besides providing financial aid.
6. The Illusion of Happiness and Wealth: The discussion touches upon the common misconception that wealth equals happiness, questioning whether financial success guarantees emotional fulfillment.
   • The disparity between material wealth and genuine happiness.
   • The prevalence of unhappiness among wealthy individuals.
   • The exploration of other factors that contribute to happiness, such as personal relationships, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment.
   • The realization that achieving financial security does not solve all life’s problems.
7. The Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Head Trauma in Fighters: The podcast delves into the impact of head trauma on MMA fighters, exploring the potential for erratic behavior, difficulty concentrating, and emotional instability.
   • The long-term effects of head trauma on MMA fighters, including potential for emotional instability and behavioral changes.
   • The recognition of the need for better awareness and support for fighters with head injuries.
   • The challenges of managing and coping with the consequences of head trauma in the context of fighting.
   • The ethical considerations regarding the long-term health of fighters and the need for preventative measures.
8. The Role of Steroids and their Impact on Fighter Performance: The podcast delves into the contentious issue of steroid use in MMA, discussing the potential benefits and risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs.
   • The ethical and health implications of steroid use in MMA.
   • The potential benefits and risks of performance-enhancing drugs in the context of fighting.
   • The debate about the regulation and testing of steroids in the sport.
   • The discussion about the impact of steroids on fighter longevity and the potential for long-term health problems.
9. The Importance of Hustle and Perseverance in Comedy: The podcast emphasizes the importance of hard work, persistence, and relentless pursuit of opportunities in the comedy world.
   • The value of open mic nights and consistent performance for aspiring comedians.
   • The importance of building a strong network and making connections in the comedy community.
   • The role of perseverance and dedication in achieving success in comedy.
   • The discussion about the need to be a constant student of comedy and to always be learning and growing.
10. The UFC and its Business Practices: The conversation touches on the business side of the UFC, discussing the Reebok sponsorship deal, fighter pay, and the UFC’s handling of talent.
    • The controversy surrounding the Reebok sponsorship deal and its impact on fighter pay.
    • The UFC’s business practices and their handling of talent, including how they manage and promote fighters.
    • The discussion about the UFC’s influence on fighter careers and the potential for censorship.
    • The debate about the balance between business interests and the well-being of fighters.
11. The Importance of Self-Expression and Being Authentic: Joe Rogan’s stance on freedom of speech and the importance of expressing one’s true self is discussed. The podcast highlights the potential backlash for expressing controversial views and the importance of being true to oneself.
    • The importance of free speech and the right to express controversial opinions.
    • The challenges of navigating the public sphere and the potential for backlash for expressing controversial views.
    • The value of being authentic and staying true to oneself, even in the face of criticism.
    • The exploration of the potential consequences for expressing unconventional views and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
12. The UFC’s Current Landscape and Upcoming Fights: The podcast delves into the current state of the UFC, discussing upcoming fights, potential matchups, and the impact of recent events on the sport.
    • The discussion of upcoming fights and potential matchups within the UFC.
    • The analysis of recent events and their impact on the UFC’s landscape.
    • The prediction of potential outcomes of upcoming fights and the strategic considerations of fighters.
    • The evaluation of the performances of current UFC champions and contenders.
13. The Fascination with Connor McGregor and his Fight Against Frankie Edgar: The podcast discusses the hype surrounding Connor McGregor, his recent loss to Nate Diaz, and his upcoming fight against Frankie Edgar. The conversation focuses on McGregor’s fighting style, his charisma, and his potential to overcome challenges.
    • The analysis of Connor McGregor’s fighting style, charisma, and his ability to captivate audiences.
    • The discussion about his recent loss to Nate Diaz and the potential impact on his fighting career.
    • The prediction of the outcome of his upcoming fight against Frankie Edgar and the challenges he faces.
    • The exploration of McGregor’s resilience and his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
14. The Controversy Surrounding the Use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): The podcast discusses the use of TRT in MMA, exploring the ethical and health implications of the practice.
    • The discussion about the potential benefits and risks of TRT in the context of fighting.
    • The ethical considerations surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in MMA.
    • The debate about the regulation and testing of TRT in the sport.
    • The exploration of the impact of TRT on fighter performance and the potential for long-term health consequences.
15. The Nature of Violence and the Impact of Fighting: The podcast touches upon the nature of violence and its role in MMA, acknowledging the physical risks and potential for damage while simultaneously recognizing the thrill and allure of the sport.
    • The discussion about the physical and emotional toll of fighting and the potential for long-term injury.
    • The exploration of the inherent danger of the sport and the psychological factors that draw fighters to it.
    • The recognition of the thrill and satisfaction that fighters derive from overcoming challenges and testing their limits.
    • The ethical considerations surrounding the risks involved in fighting and the need for safety measures.
16. The Role of Social Justice Warriors and their Impact on Society: The conversation delves into the concept of social justice warrior and the potential for individuals with good intentions to become overly zealous or misguided.
    • The discussion about the social justice warrior movement and its objectives.
    • The potential for well-intentioned individuals to become overly zealous or misguided in their pursuit of social justice.
    • The exploration of the unintended consequences of certain social justice movements and their impact on society.
    • The debate about the role of individual responsibility and the complexities of social change.
17. The Oscar’s Diversity Controversy: The podcast touches upon the controversy surrounding the lack of diversity in Oscar nominations, discussing the role of Hollywood in promoting inclusivity and the potential for backlash when perceived injustices occur.
    • The discussion about the controversy surrounding the lack of diversity in Oscar nominations.
    • The exploration of the role of Hollywood in promoting inclusivity and diversity.
    • The potential for backlash when perceived injustices occur, such as the “Oscars So White” movement.
    • The debate about the importance of representation in entertainment and the challenges of achieving true equality.
18. The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Overcoming Internal Limitations: The conversation explores the importance of accepting oneself, confronting internal demons, and the role of personal growth in achieving fulfillment.
    • The importance of self-acceptance and the journey of personal growth.
    • The challenges of confronting internal limitations and insecurities.
    • The exploration of the role of personal experiences in shaping one’s identity and worldview.
    • The recognition of the need to work through personal struggles and to strive for self-improvement.
19. The Evolution of Technology and its Impact on Humanity: The podcast delves into the rapid advancements in technology, discussing the potential for artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and virtual reality to profoundly reshape human experience.
    • The discussion about the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and virtual reality.
    • The potential for these technologies to reshape human experience and redefine our understanding of what it means to be human.
    • The ethical considerations and potential challenges posed by these technologies.
    • The exploration of the potential impact of these technologies on society, culture, and the future of humanity.
20. The Role of Ancient Primate Minds and Modern-Day Living: The podcast explores the potential conflict between our ancient primate instincts and our modern-day realities, particularly in relation to our pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.
    • The discussion about the potential conflict between our ancient primate instincts and our modern-day realities.
    • The exploration of how our evolutionary past shapes our current desires, behaviors, and motivations.
    • The challenges of reconciling our primal instincts with our desire for a more evolved and enlightened way of being.
    • The question of whether technology and advancements in knowledge can help us transcend our limitations or will they only amplify our challenges.
21. The Importance of Play and the Pursuit of Personal Passions: The podcast emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions, engaging in activities that bring joy, and the need to nurture our inner child.
    • The discussion about the significance of pursuing personal passions and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
    • The exploration of the role of play and creativity in human well-being and development.
    • The importance of nurturing our inner child and maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity.
    • The recognition that pursuing passions can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a more meaningful life.
22. The Potential for Human Evolution and the Future of Society: The podcast explores the possibility of human evolution, the potential for genetic manipulation to redefine what it means to be human, and the impact of these advancements on society.
    • The discussion about the potential for human evolution through genetic manipulation and other technological advancements.
    • The exploration of the ethical considerations and potential consequences of altering human biology.
    • The impact of these advancements on the future of society and the human experience.
    • The question of whether we are on the verge of a new era of human evolution and what it might mean for our future.
23. The Search for Meaning and the Quest for Enlightenment: The podcast touches upon the search for meaning in life, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the potential for technology and consciousness to merge in ways that we can only begin to imagine.
    • The discussion about the search for meaning and purpose in life.
    • The exploration of the quest for enlightenment and the desire to transcend our limitations.
    • The potential for technology and consciousness to merge in ways that we can only begin to imagine.
    • The question of whether we are on the verge of a new era of human understanding and what it might mean for our relationship to ourselves and the universe.

Memorable Quotes

1. “Let’s bring this shit back.” – Bryan Callen on the idea of bringing back dowries as a way to join families. This quote reflects a playful and tongue-in-cheek approach to discussing traditional practices.
2. “You worry about what people think. Well, that shit ain’t good for you.” – Joe Rogan on Bryan Callen’s tendency to be self-conscious. This quote highlights the theme of self-acceptance and embracing individuality.
3. “You gotta know the difference. Like, it’ll, like, grow up with it.” – Joe Rogan on the importance of experiencing different cars to appreciate their unique qualities. This quote reflects the value of broadening one’s experiences.
4. “The the people that would have worn Van Dutch — Yeah. — if they had been five years younger, were now wearing Ed Hardy?” – Bryan Callen on the evolution of fashion trends. This quote exemplifies their humorous approach to analyzing cultural shifts.
5. “You either want people to you want more people to like it than hate you. but you need both.” – Joe Rogan on the importance of having a controversial point of view. This quote highlights the concept of polarizing opinions and the power of provoking reactions.