4/19/2016
Joe Rogan Experience #787 – Eddie Huang
This podcast features Eddie Huang, a restaurateur, food personality, and former lawyer, discussing a range of topics with Joe Rogan. The conversation touches on Eddie’s new show “Huang’s World” and his book “Double Cup Love” but quickly dives into a mix of personal anecdotes, food philosophy, and societal commentary.
Provocative, controversial and viral themes emerge throughout the episode, including the nuances of cultural appropriation, the ethics of catch-and-release fishing, the allure and dangers of ketogenic diets, and the merits of a global salary cap.
Underlying themes focus on the importance of personal authenticity, the search for meaning beyond financial success, and the need for societal change through transparency and shared resources.
Major Topics:
- Fishing Adventures and Catch-and-Release Ethics:
- Eddie shares a hilarious story about stealing a boat motor in his youth, revealing his passion for fishing.
- The conversation delves into the ethics of catch-and-release fishing, highlighting the unintended consequences of releasing fish.
- Joe Rogan shares his experience with salmon fishing in Alaska, illustrating the impact of catch-and-release on fish populations.
- The discussion raises questions about the true impact of fishing practices on ecosystems and whether releasing fish is truly ethical.
- New York vs. Los Angeles: Haters vs. Flatterers:
- Eddie expresses his preference for the blunt criticism of New York City over the seemingly more positive, yet less genuine, feedback he receives in Los Angeles.
- He argues that criticism, even when harsh, can be valuable for personal growth, while flattery often masks underlying motives.
- This comparison sparks a discussion about the different social dynamics and expectations in New York and Los Angeles, influencing individual behavior and interactions.
- The conversation delves into the complexities of navigating social landscapes and the different ways people respond to success in different cities.
- Navigating Online Hate: YouTube Comments as Entertainment:
- Eddie Huang highlights the predominantly negative feedback he receives online, acknowledging that only a small percentage of comments are constructive.
- However, he emphasizes the entertainment value of these negative comments, finding humor in their often-absurd nature.
- This conversation explores the phenomenon of online hate, the challenges of filtering negativity, and the unexpected entertainment value found in online spaces.
- The discussion contrasts the negativity of YouTube comments with the relatively more positive interactions on other platforms, revealing the varied online landscapes and their impact on individual experiences.
- The Ketogenic Diet and Exogenous Ketones:
- Eddie shares his journey into the ketogenic diet, highlighting his struggles with discipline and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- The conversation delves into the use of exogenous ketones, a supplement that can induce ketosis, and their potential benefits and drawbacks.
- The discussion explores the science behind ketosis, the potential benefits of reduced sugar intake, and the importance of finding personalized approaches to dietary changes.
- Eddie’s personal experience with the ketogenic diet highlights the challenges of maintaining long-term dietary changes and the importance of finding strategies for managing cravings and maintaining discipline.
- The Importance of Minimalism: Cooking, Music and Life:
- Eddie reflects on the value of minimalism in cooking, highlighting the beauty of simplicity in traditional cuisines.
- He draws parallels between minimalism in cooking and other creative pursuits like music, emphasizing the power of negative space and allowing elements to breathe.
- This discussion explores the importance of restraint in creative endeavors, recognizing that “more” is not always “better.”
- The conversation expands upon the broader concept of minimalism, suggesting that simplifying our lives can lead to greater focus, clarity, and fulfillment.
- “Huang’s World” and the Evolution of Travel Shows:
- Eddie discusses the extensive production process behind his show “Huang’s World,” highlighting the two years dedicated to creating eight episodes.
- He acknowledges the legacy of Anthony Bourdain’s travel show format, while emphasizing the unique narrative and authenticity of his own approach.
- This discussion explores the challenges of creating television shows, the importance of finding a distinct voice, and the time required to develop a show’s identity.
- Eddie’s perspective on travel shows underscores the importance of authenticity and showcasing real human stories, not simply a curated version of a destination.
- Exploring Identity Through Food: “Huang’s World” Premise:
- Eddie reveals the premise of “Huang’s World,” which explores cultural identity and history through the lens of food.
- He highlights the concept of food as a powerful symbol, reflecting a culture’s values, politics, history, and ancestral connections.
- This conversation explores the power of food as a cultural identifier and a window into the complexities of individual and collective identity.
- The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding food’s broader context, recognizing that it is more than just sustenance but a reflection of our shared human experiences.
- Juarez, Mexico: Violence and Youth Resistance:
- Eddie shares his experiences filming in Juarez, Mexico, acknowledging the city’s reputation for violence and crime but challenging the stereotype of fear and danger.
- He highlights the resilience of the youth in Juarez, who engage in acts of civil disobedience like bike rides through the streets, symbolizing a desire for a better life.
- This conversation explores the complexities of living in a border town, the impact of violence on communities, and the importance of recognizing human resilience in challenging circumstances.
- Eddie’s experience in Juarez underscores the importance of challenging stereotypes, understanding the human cost of violence, and celebrating the strength of individuals and communities facing adversity.
- The Global Salary Cap: A Controversial Idea:
- Eddie introduces his controversial idea of a global salary cap, proposing a limit on the amount of wealth individuals can accumulate.
- He argues that such a cap would redistribute wealth, benefitting society as a whole while preventing excessive accumulation by the ultra-wealthy.
- This discussion raises ethical questions about wealth distribution, the role of government in regulating wealth, and the impact of such a policy on economic systems and individual freedoms.
- Eddie’s proposal sparks a lively debate about the role of capitalism in society, the merits of wealth redistribution, and the potential consequences of limiting wealth accumulation.
- The Importance of Hope: Empowering Individuals and Communities:
- Eddie shares a poignant story about a young man who felt hopeless, illustrating the impact of poverty, lack of opportunity, and systemic barriers on individual potential.
- He argues that providing a baseline level of income and support could empower individuals to pursue their passions and contribute to society.
- This conversation explores the power of hope, the importance of individual agency, and the role of government in creating opportunities for all citizens.
- Eddie’s perspective highlights the social and economic factors that contribute to poverty, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address inequality and provide a safety net for those who need it.
- Cultural Appropriation: A Complex Conversation:
- Eddie Huang delves into the contentious topic of cultural appropriation, specifically focusing on the example of Rick Bayless, a white chef known for his Mexican cuisine.
- He challenges the notion that simply being a “student” of a culture justifies appropriating its traditions, particularly in the context of food.
- This discussion explores the complexities of cultural exchange, the role of intention in cultural appropriation, and the importance of giving credit to those who have lived and preserved the traditions being represented.
- Eddie’s perspective emphasizes the importance of authenticity and recognizing the unique stories and experiences of those from the cultures being appropriated.
- The Power of the Internet: Exposure, Accountability, and Influence:
- Eddie highlights the pervasive influence of the internet on personal identity and cultural exchange, acknowledging both its positive and negative aspects.
- He discusses the increased exposure and accountability afforded by online platforms, emphasizing the potential for both positive and negative consequences.
- This conversation explores the power of online platforms to shape narratives, amplify voices, and hold individuals and institutions accountable.
- Eddie’s insights underscore the importance of navigating the internet responsibly, understanding its potential impact on our lives and using it for positive change.
- The Importance of Honesty and Authenticity:
- Eddie emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in all aspects of life, arguing that pretending to be someone you’re not ultimately hinders personal growth.
- He criticizes name-dropping as a form of dishonesty, highlighting the importance of genuine connections over superficial social displays.
- This conversation explores the value of self-awareness, the dangers of trying to fit in, and the importance of embracing our unique qualities.
- Eddie’s message encourages listeners to be true to themselves, recognizing that authenticity is a key ingredient for personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships.
- The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Hate:
- Eddie points to the disproportionate negativity often directed towards women, particularly those perceived as attractive, highlighting the role of social media in perpetuating hate.
- He illustrates this with the example of Kalani, a woman wrongly accused of cheating on NBA player Kyrie Irving, showcasing the online mob mentality.
- This discussion explores the role of social media in amplifying hate and negativity, particularly towards marginalized groups, and the need for increased awareness and online civility.
- Eddie’s insights highlight the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and responsible use of social media to counter harmful narratives and promote positive interactions.
- The Anunaki: Ancient Texts and Speculative Theories:
- Eddie delves into the intriguing theories of Zechariah Sitchin, a biblical scholar who interpreted ancient Sumerian texts to suggest the existence of an advanced alien race called the Anunaki.
- He highlights the striking similarities between the Sumerian depictions of the solar system and the caduceus symbol with modern scientific discoveries, raising questions about ancient knowledge and potential extraterrestrial influence.
- This conversation explores the intersection of ancient texts, speculative theories, and scientific discovery, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient mythology and the human desire to understand our origins.
- Eddie’s engagement with these theories encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and explore the boundaries of conventional knowledge, acknowledging the possibility of unknown forces shaping our history and future.
- The Importance of Constant Progress:
- The conversation concludes with a discussion about the role of conflict and resolution in driving progress, acknowledging that challenges are often the catalyst for innovation.
- Eddie highlights the importance of addressing problems, finding solutions, and constantly striving for improvement, recognizing that stagnation leads to decay.
- This concluding message underscores the importance of embracing challenges, seeking solutions, and acknowledging that the human journey is one of continuous learning and evolution.
- The conversation leaves listeners with a sense of optimism, recognizing that even in a complex and often chaotic world, the potential for progress and positive change remains.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “New York’s got people that wanna hate you. You do well in LA. People just wanna work for you.” – This quote encapsulates Eddie’s contrasting views on the social dynamics of New York and Los Angeles, highlighting the different ways people respond to success.
- “I love haters, man. I’d rather you hate me and criticize me than wanna work for me. You know? I like criticism, man, it just reminds me of my mother.” – Eddie’s love for criticism reveals his commitment to self-improvement and his unique way of processing feedback.
- “Money is something we’ve created. Money is is a man made creation. This idea of money is to attach value to things. That’s what money is. So the game isn’t making money. Money is like an award.” – Eddie’s perspective on money highlights the importance of focusing on the work itself rather than solely on financial gain.
- “You can’t just have people work all day for you and not give them any fucking money wage. They have to be able to make a living. And if your business does not make enough money to give someone a living wage to work all week for you, then guess what? You know? You can’t afford you can’t afford to have an employee.” – Eddie’s passionate defense of a living wage underscores his belief in fair compensation and the importance of supporting workers.
- “When your only basis for an argument is your race versus somebody else’s race, you got a fucking shitty argument. Do you know what I mean? Mhmm. When it becomes something about intention, and we’re talking about intentions.” – Eddie’s clear and concise statement against using race as the sole basis for an argument highlights the importance of focusing on individual actions and intentions rather than making broad generalizations based on race.