JRE #794 - Miesha Tate

5/5/2016

Joe Rogan Podcast #794 – Miesha Tate

This podcast features a candid conversation with Miesha Tate, a mixed martial artist and UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. The episode delves into a variety of topics, ranging from conspiracy theories to the intricacies of fighting and training, offering a glimpse into Tate’s unique perspective on life, her career, and the sport of MMA.

1. Flat Earth and Conspiracy Theories:

Rogan and Tate engage in a humorous yet insightful discussion about flat-earthers and conspiracy theories.
Tate expresses her skepticism and curiosity about certain phenomena, like chemtrails, while acknowledging the potential for misinformation and conspiracy thinking.
Rogan provides scientific explanations for contrails, highlighting the difference between scientific evidence and conspiracy theories.
The conversation explores the impact of conspiracy theories on public perception and the role of skepticism in navigating information.

2. Living in Las Vegas as a Professional Fighter:

Tate discusses the unique challenges and advantages of living in Las Vegas as a professional fighter.
She highlights the availability of top-notch training facilities and the accessibility of other professional fighters and athletes.
Tate acknowledges the distractions of Vegas nightlife and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
The conversation offers a glimpse into the demanding schedule of professional fighters and the constant need for training, recovery, and discipline.

3. The Rollercoaster of a Fighter’s Career:

Tate candidly describes the emotional ups and downs of her fighting career, from moments of frustration to the exhilaration of becoming champion.
She shares her experiences with the UFC’s decision-making process, highlighting the unpredictability of fight schedules and the impact of business decisions on fighters.
Tate discusses the challenges of dealing with the UFC’s dual role as promoter and sanctioning body.
The conversation underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the competitive world of professional fighting.

4. The Power of Mindset and Mental Training:

Tate and Rogan explore the crucial role of mental strength and mindset in achieving success as a fighter.
They discuss the benefits of visualization techniques, emphasizing the power of belief and positive thinking.
Tate shares her experiences with hypnosis training, acknowledging the impact of mental conditioning on performance and overcoming fears.
The conversation delves into the complex relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind and its implications for athletic performance.

5. The Nature of Fear and Confronting Adversity:

Tate reflects on the unique nature of fear in fighting, distinguishing between the fear of physical injury and the fear of inadequacy.
She acknowledges the importance of confronting adversity and overcoming self-doubt, highlighting the mental fortitude required to succeed in MMA.
Tate shares her experiences with devastating losses, emphasizing the emotional toll they take and the mental strength required to bounce back.
The conversation underscores the importance of self-belief and the capacity to learn from setbacks in a highly competitive environment.

6. Social Media and Public Scrutiny:

Tate discusses the challenges of navigating social media as a professional fighter, highlighting the intensity of public scrutiny and criticism.
She reflects on the constant barrage of negativity and the importance of developing a thick skin to withstand the pressure.
Tate acknowledges the unique challenges faced by female fighters in a sport that often prioritizes physical dominance and aggression.
The conversation underscores the impact of social media on fighters’ mental well-being and the need for strategies to manage online negativity.

7. The Importance of Training Smarter, Not Harder:

Tate and Rogan discuss the importance of training smarter, not harder, emphasizing the role of recovery and avoiding overtraining.
They delve into the science behind recovery and the benefits of using heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring to optimize training schedules.
Tate highlights the importance of listening to one’s body and recognizing the difference between pain and actual injury.
The conversation underscores the need for a holistic approach to training that incorporates recovery, nutrition, and mental well-being.

8. The Evolution of MMA and its Pioneers:

Tate and Rogan discuss the evolution of MMA from its early days to its current state, highlighting the contributions of key pioneers and champions.
They reflect on the rise of new fighting styles and techniques, like Taekwondo, and the ongoing evolution of the sport.
They discuss the impact of steroid use and the ongoing debate surrounding performance-enhancing drugs in MMA.
The conversation underscores the dynamic nature of MMA and the constant evolution of strategies and techniques.

9. The Mental Warfare of MMA:

Tate and Rogan delve into the mental warfare aspect of MMA, discussing the strategies used by fighters to gain an edge over their opponents.
They explore the role of trash-talking and psychological manipulation in the build-up to a fight.
They analyze the impact of mental pressure on fighters’ performance and the importance of maintaining focus and composure.
The conversation highlights the unique challenges of fighting in a sport where mental strength is as important as physical ability.

10. The Importance of Balance and Wellbeing:

Tate emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in her life, prioritizing mental and physical well-being alongside her demanding fighting career.
She discusses her commitment to healthy nutrition and the benefits of a ketogenic diet.
Tate acknowledges the need for downtime and relaxation to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
The conversation underscores the importance of prioritizing self-care and managing stress in a highly demanding profession.

11. The Future of Women’s MMA:

Tate reflects on the progress of women’s MMA from its early days to its current status as a major force in the sport.
She discusses the importance of role models and the impact of female fighters on inspiring the next generation.
Tate shares her hopes for the future of women’s MMA, emphasizing the need for continued growth, recognition, and respect for female athletes.
The conversation underscores the evolving landscape of women’s sports and the growing recognition of female athletes’ contributions.

12. The Importance of Respect and Sportsmanship:

Tate discusses the importance of respect and sportsmanship in MMA, despite the intense nature of the sport.
She highlights the need for fighters to respect their opponents and the role of humility in accepting defeat.
Tate expresses her admiration for fighters who display grace and sportsmanship, even in the heat of competition.
The conversation underscores the importance of maintaining decorum and respect even in a highly competitive and physically demanding sport.

13. The Impact of Money and Politics:

Tate acknowledges the influence of money and politics on the UFC and the sport of MMA.
She discusses the challenges of navigating promotional strategies and the pressure to generate revenue.
Tate reflects on the impact of business decisions on fighters’ careers and the need for greater transparency and fairness in the sport.
The conversation underscores the complexities of professional fighting and the interplay of sport, business, and entertainment.

14. The Ethics of Performance Enhancement:

Tate and Rogan discuss the ethical considerations surrounding performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in MMA, highlighting the ongoing debate about the use of PEDs in sports.
They explore the role of PEDs in leveling the playing field and the potential for athletes to gain an unfair advantage.
They discuss the impact of PED use on fighters’ health and the challenges of implementing effective testing and enforcement measures.
The conversation underscores the complexities of PED use in sports and the need for ethical considerations and fair competition.

15. Miesha Tate’s Legacy and Future:

Tate shares her aspirations for the future of her fighting career, emphasizing her desire to continue evolving and challenging herself.
She discusses the importance of leaving a lasting legacy in the sport and inspiring the next generation of female fighters.
Tate reflects on the impact of her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.
The conversation underscores Tate’s unwavering passion for fighting and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“I think a lot of it depends on athlete input. If someone can design a program, but if you show up one day and you’re supposed to be pushing bloods, you know, or do something heavy and hard, and you’re like, I’m exhausted. Then they’re like, okay. We need to dial it back.” – Tate emphasizes the importance of listening to her body and adjusting training plans based on her own needs and feedback.
“You don’t get stronger while you’re training. You don’t get stronger while you’re lifting weights. You’re actually damaging your body. You’re actually going backwards. You get stronger when you’re resting.” – Tate highlights the crucial role of recovery in building strength and avoiding overtraining, a common issue in combat sports.
“I’ve been an underdog in most of my fights. I’ve been the person that people have always counted out. In my entire career, in my entire life, most people are telling me you can’t, you couldn’t, you shouldn’t, you wouldn’t.” – Tate reflects on her history of defying expectations and embracing the underdog role, highlighting her resilience and determination.
“It’s one thing to believe you can and it’s another to know you can. You know? Believing you can I mean, that’s important. That’s crucial. You have to believe, but it’s entirely different once you know.” – Tate describes the transformative shift in mindset that comes with achieving a championship title, emphasizing the difference between hope and certainty.
“I don’t apologize for anything that I say. Unless I really say it’s something that was I didn’t mean to say that was hurtful to someone. I’m like, oh, I fucked up. But honestly, if it’s my opinion is my opinion.” – Tate emphasizes her commitment to authenticity and honesty, even when it comes to expressing controversial opinions, showcasing her confidence and self-assuredness.

JRE #794 – Miesha Tate