JRE #776 – Adam Cropp

by

3/18/2016

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Joe Rogan Podcast #776 – Adam Cropp

This episode of the Joe Rogan podcast features Adam Cropp, an Expedition Leader for National Geographic. Cropp shares fascinating stories of his adventurous life, taking listeners on a journey through remote jungles, icy landscapes, and encounters with incredible creatures. The podcast touches on various topics, including marine biology, conservation, travel, human behavior, and societal issues. While exploring Cropp’s unique experiences, Rogan also delves into broader themes like the relationship between humans and nature, the challenges of navigating different cultures, and the importance of environmental awareness.

Major Topics:

  1. Adam Cropp’s Journey into Adventure:
    1. Cropp’s father, an Australian filmmaker and former shark hunter, introduced him to the world of nature documentaries at a young age.
    2. His father’s transition from hunting sharks to conservationism instilled in Cropp a deep respect for marine life.
    3. Cropp’s childhood was marked by traveling the globe, filming nature documentaries with his family.
    4. He eventually became an Expedition Leader for Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic, leading expeditions to remote locations around the world.
  2. Fascinating Encounters with Animals:
    1. Cropp recounts a terrifying encounter with a bull shark, highlighting the danger and beauty of these creatures.
    2. He shares a remarkable story of a leopard seal repeatedly feeding him penguins, questioning the motivations behind this unusual behavior.
    3. Cropp discusses his near-death experience with a dugong, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of these seemingly docile creatures.
    4. He discusses the diverse personalities and behaviors of various animals, suggesting that we may not fully understand the complexity of their inner lives.
  3. The Perils of the Box Jellyfish:
    1. Cropp describes the excruciating pain of being stung by a box jellyfish, emphasizing its potency and the lasting effects.
    2. He recounts his father’s first-aid response, using a single splash of vinegar to treat the sting, and the agonizing pain that followed.
    3. Cropp mentions the even more dangerous Ira Kange jellyfish, highlighting the lack of research and understanding surrounding these deadly creatures.
    4. He discusses the danger of box jellyfish stings to children and the elderly due to the toxin-to-body-mass ratio.
  4. The Role of Politics and Societal Issues:
    1. Cropp expresses his skepticism toward Russia, contrasting Putin’s seemingly authoritarian rule with the more open and democratic nature of Western societies.
    2. He touches on the complex nature of American politics, comparing the views of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, and reflecting on the challenges of navigating a system dominated by corporate influence.
    3. He discusses the Australian refugee crisis, highlighting the government’s harsh policies and the suppression of reporting on these issues.
    4. Cropp criticizes the Australian government’s handling of immigration, comparing it to Trump’s policies and lamenting the loss of moral authority on the world stage.
  5. Exploring Ancient Civilizations and Mysterious Structures:
    1. Cropp dives into the mysteries of Easter Island, questioning the methods and motivations behind the construction of the iconic statues.
    2. He emphasizes the Birdman culture, a unique tradition on Easter Island that involved an annual competition for leadership.
    3. Cropp explores the controversial concept of phantom pyramids, highlighting the need for scientific evidence and the dangers of misinterpreting natural formations.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and the challenges of balancing exploration with cultural sensitivity.
  6. The Dark Side of Papua New Guinea:
    1. Cropp sheds light on the disturbing practices of the Toro tribe in Papua New Guinea, including their belief that homosexual sex prolongs life.
    2. He recounts the region’s history of cannibalism, acknowledging that while it is less prevalent today, it still exists in secret.
    3. Cropp highlights the devastating impact of plastic pollution in Papua New Guinea, contrasting the pristine beauty of the environment with the growing problem of waste.
    4. He discusses the unique cultural traditions and the challenges of balancing indigenous ways of life with the encroaching influence of Western civilization.
  7. The Reality of Climate Change:
    1. Cropp emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, highlighting the scientific evidence and the potential consequences for the planet.
    2. He criticizes the political aspect of the climate change debate, urging listeners to focus on the scientific facts rather than partisan agendas.
    3. Cropp discusses the alarming rate of CO2 emissions and the rapid warming of the Arctic, pointing to the need for immediate action.
    4. He highlights the potential for significant sea level rise, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and a fundamental shift in our approach to sustainability.
  8. Addressing Climate Change Solutions:
    1. Cropp emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach to tackling climate change, arguing against relying on a single solution.
    2. He suggests various solutions, including increased energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and a shift in societal priorities.
    3. He advocates for a reduction in military spending, arguing that reallocating those funds toward environmental solutions would be a significant step forward.
    4. Cropp shares his vision of a “World Without War,” a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace and sustainability through global cooperation.
  9. The Power of Education and Transparency:
    1. Cropp emphasizes the importance of education, particularly for women in developing countries, as a crucial step toward solving various global challenges.
    2. He highlights the need for transparency and open communication from political leaders, arguing that the internet has empowered individuals with access to information.
    3. Cropp advocates for a more participatory form of democracy, suggesting that online platforms could empower citizens to directly influence policy.
    4. He criticizes the current political system, arguing that it is outdated and ill-equipped to address the complex challenges facing humanity.
  10. The Fascinating World of Cephalopods:
    1. Cropp discusses the incredible adaptations and intelligence of cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish.
    2. He highlights the unique camouflage abilities of cuttlefish, showcasing their capacity to mimic colors and textures.
    3. Cropp describes the fascinating reproductive methods of cuttlefish, including their use of specialized arms and sperm sacs.
    4. He emphasizes the alien nature of these creatures, their intelligence, and the ongoing scientific research into their capabilities.
  11. The Impact of Decompression Sickness:
    1. Cropp recounts his personal experience with decompression sickness, emphasizing the debilitating pain and nerve damage.
    2. He shares his journey through various treatments and medications, highlighting the lack of a definitive cure and the experimental nature of many approaches.
    3. Cropp mentions the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing his pain, sparking a discussion on alternative therapies.
    4. He discusses the challenges of living with chronic pain and the need for more research and understanding of decompression sickness.
  12. The Importance of Perspective:
    1. Cropp emphasizes the value of travel in gaining a broader perspective on life, highlighting the diversity of human cultures and experiences.
    2. He argues against judging different ways of life, recognizing that there is no one “right” way to live.
    3. Cropp shares his own experiences with different cultures and the insights he has gained through his travels.
    4. He encourages listeners to embrace an open mind and to learn from the diversity of perspectives available in the world.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “Nature does not like bitches. That’s what it is. You panic like a bitch. Nature’s like, it’s true. If you panic when you’re in with shops, they’ll come right up. They wanna chase animals.”
  • “I think we don’t give enough respectful animals. I mean, just your your dog, you know, some your dog like some people and doesn’t like other people. You should always listen to your dog. Knows best.”
  • “We’ve gotta we’ve gotta stop that. We gotta figure out a way to stop that. And the only way to stop that is full disclosure amongst our leaders. Transparency. Massive transparency.”
  • “The world is warming. We know this. Well, no matter which way, look, that’s happening. something’s going on. And people normally go, oh, well, that’s, you know, solar and stuff like that going on. But if you remove the the solar, you know, from the equation, it’s still going up.”
  • “I think the real argument — — everybody argues with me on that one. I think the real argument would be whether or not the rest of the world would cooperate. Like, we all would agree. Let’s just, like, ramp down our gun production, our missile production. Let’s ramp it down. and everybody relax and let’s reallocate those resources.”



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