7/5/2016
#819 – Brendan Schaub
This podcast dives into the minds of Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub, exploring their thoughts on life, overpopulation, the UFC, and the fight game in general. This episode is full of hilarious moments, insightful observations, and a lot of provocative and controversial thoughts. Underlying themes explore the value of community, the impact of overpopulation, and the uncertain future of the UFC.
Topics Discussed:
- Overpopulation and Its Impact on Society:
- Joe and Brendan share their concerns about the effects of overpopulation, including the feeling of being overwhelmed in crowded cities.
- They discuss how overpopulation can lead to an accelerated pace of life and a decline in the value of individual human life.
- They argue that being in nature with fewer people around provides a sense of peace and relaxation, in contrast to the constant stimulation of urban environments.
- They discuss how overpopulation can affect thinking processes and social interactions, leading to a sense of isolation and a lack of genuine connection.
- Life in Venice Beach:
- Brendan, who lives in Venice, describes the pros and cons of living in such a densely populated area.
- He emphasizes the vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, but also acknowledges the constant hustle and the overabundance of people.
- Joe shares his perspective on why he prefers a secluded lifestyle, highlighting his desire for peace and quiet.
- They discuss the complexities of finding a balance between urban life and privacy.
- UFC 200 and the Weekend’s Fight Cards:
- Joe and Brendan break down the exciting UFC 200 card, which features several high-stakes matchups, including John Jones vs. Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt.
- They discuss the importance of fight pass and argue that a fight like Dos Anjos vs. Alvarez, which is only on fight pass, should be available to a wider audience.
- They analyze different fighters’ strategies and styles, offering insightful commentary on their strengths and weaknesses.
- They delve into the controversy surrounding Brock Lesnar’s return to the UFC after a long layoff and his potential use of performance-enhancing drugs.
- The Importance of Training and Preparation:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the different approaches to training, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between strength training and cardio.
- They highlight the contrasting strategies of Diego Sanchez and the Klitschko brothers, who both had successful careers but adopted different training philosophies.
- They discuss the potential dangers of overtraining and the importance of proper recovery.
- They explore the impact of physical and mental preparation on a fighter’s performance.
- The Value of Discipline and Mindset:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the significance of discipline and mindset in achieving success in the fight game and beyond.
- They touch on the challenges of maintaining discipline outside of training camp and the importance of avoiding distractions.
- They emphasize the mental toughness required to overcome setbacks and maintain focus on goals.
- They explore the difficulty of transitioning from a competitive career to a more “normal” life and the importance of finding a new identity.
- The Impact of Concussions and Head Trauma:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the serious consequences of concussions and head trauma in combat sports.
- They acknowledge that many fighters experience long-term effects from head trauma, including physical and mental health problems.
- They debate the ethics of continuing to fight after experiencing multiple concussions.
- They express concern for fighters who might not be fully aware of the long-term risks of their profession.
- The Role of Coaches and Training Camps:
- Joe and Brendan explore the different training camps and their impact on fighters’ success.
- They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of training at specific camps, such as Jackson’s MMA and American Top Team.
- They highlight the importance of finding the right coach and training partners who can help you reach your potential.
- They discuss the financial challenges faced by many training camps, particularly those that rely on high-profile fighters.
- The Business of MMA and the UFC:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the business side of MMA and the UFC’s dominance in the sport.
- They analyze the UFC’s fight cards, sponsorship deals, and the potential for a fighter’s union.
- They debate the value of other MMA organizations, such as Bellator, and whether they can ever challenge the UFC’s supremacy.
- They speculate on the future of MMA and the potential for a major shakeup in the sport.
- The Legacy of Pride Fighting Championships:
- Joe and Brendan reminisce about Pride Fighting Championships, a Japanese MMA organization that was highly popular in the early 2000s.
- They discuss the legendary fights that took place under the Pride banner and the organization’s influence on the sport.
- They share their personal experiences attending Pride events and the excitement surrounding the organization.
- They acknowledge Pride’s lasting legacy in MMA despite its eventual closure.
- The Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the use of performance-enhancing drugs in MMA, acknowledging its prevalence in the sport.
- They debate the ethical implications of PED use and its impact on the integrity of competition.
- They explore the potential consequences of PED use, including health risks and the potential for sanctions.
- They discuss the effectiveness of drug testing and the challenges of catching all PED users.
- The Importance of Motivation and Discipline:
- Joe and Brendan emphasize the importance of motivation and discipline in achieving personal goals.
- They discuss the challenges of staying motivated when faced with obstacles and setbacks.
- They highlight the importance of finding something you’re passionate about and pursuing it with relentless effort.
- They explore the link between motivation, discipline, and self-esteem.
- The Role of Social Media and Online Haters:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the impact of social media and the rise of online haters.
- They explore the reasons why people engage in negativity and online harassment.
- They discuss the importance of ignoring negativity and focusing on the positive aspects of life.
- They argue that online haters often project their own insecurities and lack of accomplishment onto others.
- The Importance of Finding Purpose and Meaning:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life.
- They highlight the dangers of becoming complacent and settling for a life devoid of goals and aspirations.
- They argue that pursuing a passion and striving for excellence can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
- They encourage listeners to find something that inspires them and to relentlessly pursue their dreams.
- The Use of Marijuana and Edibles:
- Joe and Brendan discuss their personal experiences with marijuana and edibles.
- They explore the different effects of edibles and the potential for varying reactions based on individual tolerance and genetics.
- They discuss the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and its potential benefits.
- They share their thoughts on the legalization of marijuana and the social implications of its widespread use.
- The UFC’s Reebok Deal:
- Joe and Brendan discuss the UFC’s Reebok deal and its impact on fighters’ earnings.
- They critique Reebok’s designs and the lack of individuality allowed for fighters’ apparel.
- They argue that the deal has been detrimental to many fighters who have lost sponsorship opportunities.
- They discuss the potential for a change in the Reebok deal and the future of fighter apparel in the UFC.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Bro, you don’t wanna be on Venice Beach during July 4th at night. It was, like, the purge. I was scared.” – Brendan Schaub describes the chaotic scene in Venice Beach on Independence Day.
- “It’s a bummer for sure. It’s a bummer. And plus people don’t really talk to each other anymore. There’s not a lot of that.” – Joe Rogan expresses his concerns about the lack of genuine connection in modern society.
- “If you live in a place that has 30,000,000 people stuffed into it, you you don’t value people the way you value people if you’re in a small town.” – Brendan Schaub connects overpopulation to a decline in the value of individual human life.
- “John Smarter in his approach. He’s definitely smarter in his approach of fights. He takes him very seriously.” – Joe Rogan praises John Jones’s strategic approach to fighting.
- “You gotta watch it. I I can’t go to the bar, man. Those are it’s too intense for me.” – Joe Rogan expresses his anxiety about watching high-stakes UFC fights in a crowded bar.