11/14/2016
Joe Rogan Podcast #871 – Brendan Schaub
This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Brendan Schaub, a mixed martial artist, former college & pro football player, and co-host of “The Fighter & The Kid” podcast. They discuss a wide range of topics, including political commentary, social media culture, conspiracy theories, UFC fights, and the business of podcasting.
Topics:
- The New World of Comedy and Political Commentary
- Joe and Brendan discuss the growing trend of comedians incorporating political and social commentary into their routines.
- They debate whether this approach is effective, noting that some audiences find it off-putting.
- Joe argues that comedians used to be able to blend political statements with humor, but the current environment is different.
- Brendan believes that comedy is meant to make people laugh and that political commentary should be reserved for other platforms.
- Social Media and Virtuous Signaling
- Joe shares a story of encountering a “wealthy liberal character” who was aggressively voicing anti-Trump sentiments during a protest.
- He critiques this behavior as “virtue signaling,” implying that it’s performative rather than genuine.
- Brendan echoes Joe’s sentiment, calling it “peacocking” and highlighting the potential harm of such actions, citing the example of a sign that read “Rape Melania.”
- The discussion explores the dangers of online extremism and the blurred lines between legitimate protest and harmful behavior.
- The Reality of Celebrity Exiles and Immigration Policies
- Joe and Brendan poke fun at celebrities who vowed to leave the country if Trump won, pointing out that many haven’t followed through.
- They highlight the strict immigration policies in Canada, emphasizing that moving there isn’t as easy as many celebrities suggested.
- This segment provides a humorous take on the disconnect between political rhetoric and practical reality.
- The discussion reveals the complexities of immigration and the often-unrealistic expectations surrounding it.
- The Power and Perils of Conspiracy Theories
- Brendan’s friend Eddie Bravo is a known conspiracy theorist, and the duo discuss his fascination with various theories.
- Joe acknowledges that some conspiracies have merit, but he criticizes Eddie’s deep dive into the rabbit hole.
- They debate the validity of certain conspiracies, including the existence of dinosaurs, the moon landing, and the Illuminati.
- The discussion delves into the psychological aspects of conspiracy theory belief, exploring the allure of hidden truths and the potential for misinformation.
- The Kennedy Assassination: An Enduring Mystery
- Joe and Brendan discuss the Kennedy assassination, debating whether the truth will ever be fully revealed.
- They acknowledge the wealth of evidence and speculation but remain skeptical about the possibility of a definitive conclusion.
- The discussion highlights the enduring fascination with this historical event and the ongoing debate surrounding it.
- It touches on the limitations of evidence and the challenges of reaching definitive truths about complex events.
- Donald Trump: Outsider Politics and Presidential Reality
- Joe and Brendan speculate on Trump’s initial reaction to the scope of presidential duties, suggesting that he might have been overwhelmed.
- They discuss the limitations of the presidency and the role of the political machine, noting that Trump is an outsider unfamiliar with the intricacies of Washington.
- The segment provides a humorous yet insightful commentary on the challenges of navigating the presidency.
- It explores the potential impact of an outsider’s perspective on the political landscape.
- The Culture Wars and the “Not My President” Sentiment
- Joe and Brendan discuss the “Not My President” sentiment that emerged after the 2016 election.
- They explore the divisive nature of contemporary politics and the challenges of accepting differing viewpoints.
- The discussion highlights the cultural battle lines that have been drawn in recent years and the ongoing struggle for political unity.
- It explores the complexities of democratic processes and the impact of political polarization.
- The Trump Family and the Business of Politics
- Joe and Brendan discuss the Trump family’s involvement in politics and the potential implications for their business ventures.
- They speculate on the family dynamics and the potential for power struggles as Trump navigates the presidency.
- The segment touches on the blurred lines between family and political life and the unique challenges faced by the Trump family.
- It explores the complexities of public perception and the impact of political involvement on personal and professional relationships.
- The Role of Law Enforcement and the Trump-KKK Connection
- Joe and Brendan discuss a photograph of Donald Trump with Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of Trump’s past.
- They touch on the controversy surrounding Trump’s alleged ties to the KKK, contrasting this with his involvement in the photograph.
- The segment raises questions about the complexities of judging individuals based on past actions and the challenges of reconciling conflicting narratives.
- It explores the lasting impact of historical events and the ways in which they can be interpreted differently by various groups.
- UFC 205: The Greatest Fight Card Ever?
- Joe and Brendan reminisce about the epic UFC 205 event in New York City, highlighting the historical significance of the event.
- They discuss the intensity of the fights, particularly Conor McGregor’s dominant victory over Eddie Alvarez, which they describe as “magical.”
- The segment showcases their passion for MMA and their admiration for the athletes and the sport itself.
- It explores the cultural impact of major sporting events and the ways in which they can transcend traditional boundaries.
- Conor McGregor: The Unpredictable Superstar
- Joe and Brendan discuss Conor McGregor’s unique fighting style and his ability to transcend weight classes.
- They analyze his strategic choices and his ability to surprise opponents, noting his uncanny accuracy and power.
- The segment delves into the psychology of fighting and the mental aspects of McGregor’s success.
- It explores the evolution of MMA and the emergence of athletes like McGregor who defy traditional expectations.
- McGregor’s Future: Business Battles and Potential Fights
- Joe and Brendan discuss McGregor’s desire for a bigger piece of the pie, particularly his interest in WME and the UFC’s business dealings.
- They speculate on McGregor’s next fight, considering potential matchups with Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, and even Tyron Woodley.
- The segment highlights the intersection of sports and business and the evolving landscape of MMA.
- It explores the power dynamics between athletes, promoters, and business entities in the world of professional combat sports.
- Yoel Romero: The Freak of Nature
- Joe and Brendan discuss Yoel Romero’s unique physical attributes and his dominance in the UFC.
- They highlight his incredible athleticism, particularly his strength, power, and flexibility.
- The segment delves into the physical aspects of MMA and the remarkable capabilities of certain athletes.
- It explores the scientific and physiological factors that contribute to exceptional athletic performance.
- The Controversial Decision in Woodley vs. Wonderboy
- Joe and Brendan discuss the controversial decision in the Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson rematch, which was declared a majority draw.
- They analyze the fight, highlighting the close nature of the contest and the debate surrounding the judges’ scoring.
- The segment explores the complexities of judging MMA fights and the subjectivity inherent in the scoring process.
- It touches on the potential for biases and the role of emotions in making decisions within the sport.
- The Importance of Nutrition and Weight Cutting in MMA
- Joe and Brendan discuss the importance of nutrition and weight cutting in MMA, highlighting the dangers and challenges associated with the process.
- They critique the role of nutritionists like Mike Dolce and explore alternative strategies, including eliminating weight cuts altogether.
- The segment delves into the science of weight management and the impact of dehydration on athletes’ performance.
- It raises questions about the ethics and safety of current weight-cutting practices in MMA.
- The Future of MMA Weight Classes
- Joe and Brendan discuss the potential for a future where MMA eliminates weight cuts and adopts a system of “optimal weight classes.”
- They argue that this would benefit athletes’ health, improve performance, and potentially create a more diverse and exciting sporting landscape.
- The segment delves into the complexities of weight class regulations and the potential for a more nuanced approach to determining athletes’ competitive weight.
- It explores the potential for a more sustainable and athlete-centric approach to MMA.
- The Rise of Khabib Nurmagomedov and the UFC’s Plans for Russia
- Joe and Brendan discuss the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov and his potential for a title shot, noting his dominant performances and the UFC’s interest in expanding into the Russian market.
- They speculate on a potential matchup between Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, highlighting the commercial appeal of a fight in Russia.
- The segment explores the global reach of MMA and the strategic considerations involved in promoting fights in different regions.
- It touches on the cultural and political aspects of sporting events and their ability to bridge international divides.
- The Boxing Matchup: Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev
- Joe and Brendan discuss the upcoming boxing match between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev, highlighting the significance of the matchup.
- They analyze Ward’s defensive skills and Kovalev’s power, predicting the potential outcome of the fight.
- The segment showcases their knowledge of boxing and their interest in the sport, offering insights into the fighters’ strengths and weaknesses.
- It explores the contrasting styles of these two elite fighters and the potential for a compelling matchup.
- The State of the UFC: A Look at Upcoming Fights and Divisional Dynamics
- Joe and Brendan discuss the UFC’s upcoming events, including the Toronto card featuring Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone vs. Matt Brown, and the Brazil card featuring Ryan Bader vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
- They analyze the state of various divisions, particularly the light heavyweight division, which they consider to be lacking in new blood.
- The segment touches on the UFC’s expansion into new markets and their efforts to promote diverse talent.
- It explores the competitive landscape of MMA and the constant churn of athletes and matchups.
- The Importance of Personality and Charisma in MMA
- Joe and Brendan discuss the significance of personality and charisma in MMA, noting how these factors can elevate athletes’ popularity and increase their earning potential.
- They highlight Conor McGregor’s unique ability to draw massive crowds and generate excitement, contrasting him with other athletes who lack similar charisma.
- The segment explores the business side of MMA and the ways in which personalities can drive fan engagement and revenue.
- It touches on the evolution of athlete marketing and the growing importance of social media in shaping public perception.
- The Power of the Organic Network in Podcasting
- Joe and Brendan discuss the growing importance of the “organic network” in podcasting, where independent creators collaborate and support each other through mutual promotion and guest appearances.
- They contrast this model with traditional networks, arguing that the organic approach allows for greater creative freedom and autonomy.
- The segment explores the evolving landscape of podcasting and the shift towards decentralized content creation.
- It highlights the importance of collaboration and community in fostering a thriving online ecosystem.
- The Business of Podcasting: Independence and Creative Control
- Joe and Brendan discuss their experiences with network agreements and the challenges of maintaining creative control while working with a larger entity.
- They highlight the importance of independence and the value of having autonomy over their content.
- The segment explores the power dynamics between podcasters and networks and the ongoing quest for creative freedom.
- It touches on the financial considerations involved in podcasting and the importance of securing fair compensation for creative work.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I go to an action movie, don’t quote an action movie to get a massage. No.” – Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the intended purpose of a particular activity.
- “If you solve the Kennedy assassination, it will not help your life.” – Joe Rogan points out the futility of obsessing over certain mysteries.
- “If you do wind up moving to Canada, when you move to Canada, you realize that Canada has a very similar immigration policy to what Donald Trump is proposing. Very strict.” – Joe Rogan debunks the common misconception about Canada’s open immigration policies.
- “You don’t need all this other shit. We do all this other shit because even way, way, way back in the day, I was like, why wouldn’t we have a visual element of it?” – Joe Rogan explains the rationale behind his elaborate studio setup and his commitment to producing high-quality content.
- “The amount of excitement that that Floyd generates does not even fucking compare to the amount of excitement that Connor generates.” – Joe Rogan highlights the unique charisma and appeal of Conor McGregor, placing him above even Floyd Mayweather in terms of generating excitement.