🎬 Episode Moments

Joe Rogan Experience #2357 - Sarko Gergerian

JRE
July 29, 2025
60 Moments

🎯 All Moments (60)

Click any moment to jump to that point in the video

The Slow Pace of Change: Technology, Individual Rights, and Public Perception

This clip discusses the slow pace of changing drug laws, even with overwhelming evidence supporting decriminalization. It highlights the influence of public perception and technology in driving change, and emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedoms.

Drug Policy knowledge
56:09
Duration: 1:53

The Hero's Journey: Courage and the Sharing of Knowledge

This clip commends the courageous individuals who experimented with psychedelics and shared their knowledge, comparing their journey to the hero's journey of going into the darkness and returning with wisdom. It emphasizes the bravery required to share these experiences, especially in fields like law enforcement.

Personal Growth motivation
59:56
Duration: 0:39

The Untold History of Cannabis Prohibition: Economic and Political Motivations

Joe and Sarko delve into the history of cannabis prohibition, revealing the economic and political motivations behind its criminalization. They discuss the role of William Randolph Hearst, the invention of the decorticator, and the threat that hemp posed to established industries like paper and textiles, shedding light on the complex factors that shaped current drug policies.

cannabis knowledge
29:15
Duration: 1:52

The Shift in Public Perception: Psychedelics and the Power of Information

This clip discusses how public perception is shifting regarding psychedelics and cannabis, largely due to the internet and increased access to information. It highlights the growing awareness of the therapeutic benefits of these substances and the personal stories that are changing the narrative.

Psychedelics knowledge
59:19
Duration: 0:37

Law Enforcement: Guardians of the Community, Not Enforcers of Unjust Laws

This clip encourages law enforcement to question their role in enforcing drug laws, particularly those related to plants and fungi. It promotes the idea of peace officers as guardians of the community, not enforcers of unjust laws driven by industry interests. This clip could empower law enforcement to rethink their approach to drug-related issues.

Law Enforcement motivation
47:42
Duration: 0:36

The Snail's Pace of Change: International Drug Policy

This clip discusses the slow pace of change in international drug policy, highlighting the World Health Organization's recognition of the fraudulent nature of Schedule One classifications. It also underscores the importance of protecting individual freedoms and challenging unjust laws.

Drug Policy knowledge
54:25
Duration: 2:23

Fertility Rituals and the Trivialization of Childbirth

The conversation touches on the importance of fertility rituals in ancient times due to high mortality rates and the precariousness of survival. It then shifts to a reflection on how modern society has trivialized the significance of childbirth and the miracle of life. This clip offers a unique perspective on the value of life and the challenges of existence throughout history.

History knowledge
1:36:29
Duration: 0:37

A Call to Question: Law Enforcement and Psychedelic Access

This clip encourages law enforcement to question the rationale behind current drug laws, particularly those related to plant-based substances and fungi. It advocates for officers to support access to psychedelics for healing and self-discovery, urging them to prioritize community well-being over industry interests.

Law Enforcement motivation
47:42
Duration: 0:36

Lost Potential: Reflecting on the Impact of Prohibition

This clip reflects on the potential of psychedelics to promote healing and self-discovery, while lamenting the impact of past decisions made by political leaders that have hindered progress in this area. It emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and the need to challenge unjust laws.

Psychedelics motivation
53:48
Duration: 0:18

The Hero's Journey: Courage and Knowledge in the Psychedelic Renaissance

This clip underscores the importance of courageous individuals who experiment, learn, and share their knowledge, particularly in the realm of psychedelics. It highlights the shift in public perception due to access to information through conversations, podcasts, and documentaries.

Psychedelics motivation
59:19
Duration: 1:16

The Enforcer's Delusion: Overcoming Bias in Law Enforcement

This clip addresses the negative impact of media algorithms that prioritize hate, fear, and division, and highlights the importance of individual responsibility in shaping one's online experience. It also underscores how law enforcement can develop a distorted view of the community due to their constant exposure to negative situations.

Media Influence knowledge
49:36
Duration: 2:07

The Truth About Nicotine: Benefits and Additives

Joe and Sarko discuss the effects of nicotine. They touch on some of the health benefits of nicotine and the issue with nicotine delivery methods, such as cigarettes, which contain added chemicals to make them more addictive.

Health knowledge
1:20:59
Duration: 1:54

The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross: A Psychedelic Theory of Christianity

Sarko discusses John Allegro's controversial theory linking Christianity to psychedelic mushroom consumption and fertility rituals. This clip is interesting because it presents an alternative perspective on the origins of religious practices and the sacredness of sexuality.

Psychedelics and Religion knowledge
1:30:07
Duration: 1:51

The Hypocrisy of Religious Exemptions for Psychoactive Substances

This clip questions the government's inconsistent stance on psychoactive substances, pointing out the hypocrisy of allowing certain groups religious exemptions for plant-based substances while others are denied access and even imprisoned. It challenges the logic and fairness of these laws.

Drug Policy controversy
40:01
Duration: 1:15

Legalization vs. Decriminalization: The Problem of Control

The conversation shifts to the challenges of legalizing drugs, focusing on the potential for increased usage and the political ramifications. They discuss the idea of decriminalization and regulation as a middle ground, but highlight the importance of ensuring a safe and pure supply. Rogan and Gergerian touch on the need to resist the infantilization of human beings and the importance of personal choice.

Drugs controversy
1:15:08
Duration: 1:49

The Impossibility of World Peace? Language, Resources, and Manipulation

Joe and Sarko discuss the challenges of achieving world peace, highlighting the role of language barriers, resource control, propaganda, and manipulation by leaders in perpetuating conflict. This clip raises important questions about the nature of war and the obstacles to creating a more peaceful world.

Politics controversy
1:35:20
Duration: 0:34

Reclaiming Power: Individual Freedom and Public Perception

This clip champions individual freedom and self-expression, highlighting the importance of protecting the life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, and religious expression of every human being. It calls for public perception to change and for people to recognize their power in influencing political decisions.

Individual Freedom motivation
57:23
Duration: 1:56

The Decriminalization Debate: Learning from Portland's Mistakes

The conversation addresses the decriminalization of drugs, using Portland/Oregon as an example of how it can go wrong without proper infrastructure and support. They discuss the importance of public order, funding for support services, and the need for a balanced approach that combines decriminalization with responsible regulation.

Drug Policy controversy
1:46:14
Duration: 2:52

FDA Delays MDMA Therapy Approval: Skepticism Overwhelming Data?

Sarko shares his frustration with the FDA's decision to delay the approval of MDMA-assisted therapy, questioning the reasons behind the decision and highlighting the potential benefits of this treatment for those suffering from PTSD.

MDMA Therapy controversy
18:30
Duration: 0:57

The World That Could Have Been: Psychedelics and Cultural Transformation

This clip reflects on how different the world might be if the 1970s psychedelic act had not been enacted. It discusses how the acceptance of psychedelics in the 1960s influenced culture, art, and music, and suggests that the suppression of these substances stifled creativity and personal expression.

Culture knowledge
46:12
Duration: 1:30

Community and Joy as Medicine: A Broader View of Well-being

This clip touches on the importance of community and joy for overall well-being, and challenges the narrow definition of medicine in Western science. It advocates for a broader understanding of what contributes to health and healing, including indigenous wisdom and reciprocal relationships with the planet.

Health knowledge
44:36
Duration: 1:36

The History of Cocaine in Coca-Cola

Joe and Sarko discuss the history of cocaine in Coca-Cola, revealing that it was initially included as a "valuable brain tonic" and a cure for nervous afflictions. They explore the amount of cocaine per serving and the eventual removal of fresh cocoa leaves from the formula, replaced by spent leaves and later cocaine-free extract.

History knowledge
1:06:42
Duration: 4:28

The Muzzling of Law Enforcement: Why Cops Can't Speak Out Against the War on Drugs

Sarko discusses how law enforcement officers are muzzled and can't speak about the problems with the war on drugs. He explains the moral injury that officers face when enforcing drug laws they don't believe in, leading to mental health issues and a disconnect from their role of protecting and serving.

Law Enforcement controversy
12:00
Duration: 1:14

Critical Incident Exposure: The Unspoken Trauma of Law Enforcement

Sarko explains the impact of critical incidents on first responders' nervous systems and how this exposure to trauma can lead to mental health issues and burnout. He highlights the unspoken trauma that officers carry and the need for greater awareness and support.

Trauma knowledge
13:31
Duration: 0:54

The Hijacking of Law Enforcement: Serving Industry Interests in the War on Drugs

Sarko connects the war on drugs to historical suppression of indigenous medicine and knowledge. He argues that law enforcement has been hijacked to serve industry interests, leading to the unjust arrest and incarceration of people for non-violent drug offenses.

Law Enforcement controversy
27:18
Duration: 1:05

The Conspiracy to Ban Hemp: A History Lesson

This clip discusses the history of hemp prohibition, revealing how propaganda and business interests led to the criminalization of a valuable resource. It's clippable because it provides a concise history lesson and challenges common misconceptions about hemp and marijuana.

Hemp knowledge
31:26
Duration: 2:32

Exposing the Lies of Schedule One Drug Classifications

This clip discusses the flawed basis of Schedule One drug classifications, highlighting the contradiction of classifying substances like cannabis and psilocybin as highly addictive with no medical use, while evidence suggests otherwise. It also touches on the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and ibogaine to treat addiction. It questions the logic behind current drug laws and the lack of scientific research due to prohibition.

Psychedelics knowledge
38:13
Duration: 1:15

Could War Become Obsolete in Our Lifetime?

Rogan and Gergerian discuss the potential for war to become obsolete, drawing parallels to how small groups easily avoid conflict through communication. They explore factors contributing to war, such as language barriers, resource control, propaganda, and manipulation by leaders. This clip is highly shareable due to its thought-provoking nature and potential to spark discussions about the future of humanity.

War and Conflict knowledge
1:35:02
Duration: 0:52

From Cop to Psychedelic Therapist: A Transformative Encounter with Rick Doblin

Sarko shares a fascinating story about attending a conference where Rick Doblin presented on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. He recounts how he was deeply moved by the presentation and felt compelled to help, leading him to become a psychedelic-assisted therapist. This personal anecdote provides context for his journey and highlights the potential of MDMA therapy.

Psychedelic Therapy story
5:21
Duration: 1:55

The Controversy of Legalizing Drugs

Joe and Sarko discuss the potential problems with legalizing drugs, including the risk of increased addiction and overdoses. They also discuss the idea of decriminalization and regulation, as well as the concept of safe supply. They highlight the hypocrisy of allowing alcohol, one of the worst drugs, while restricting access to potentially beneficial substances like psilocybin mushrooms.

Drugs controversy
1:14:32
Duration: 5:49

Addictive Chemicals in Processed Foods

The conversation shifts to the deceptive tactics of processed food companies, drawing a parallel between the addition of addictive chemicals to cigarettes and the manipulation of processed foods to make them irresistible.

Health knowledge
1:21:18
Duration: 1:35

Psychedelics vs. Pharma: A Paradigm Shift in Mental Health

Sarko discusses the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to revolutionize mental health treatment and challenge the dominance of pharmaceutical solutions, particularly SSRIs. He suggests that true healing through psychedelics could disrupt the existing power and financial structures within the pharmaceutical industry.

Mental Health controversy
1:26:24
Duration: 1:14

From Nightclub Security to Psychedelic Therapy: A Cop's Unexpected Journey

Sarko shares a captivating story about his journey from being a law enforcement professional to becoming involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy. He recounts his early exposure to ecstasy in the nightclub scene, his introduction to Rick Doblin and MAPS, and his experience as a healthy normal in a federally sanctioned research protocol. This story highlights the transformative potential of psychedelics and challenges conventional perceptions.

psychedelics story
4:24
Duration: 2:17

Psychedelics vs. Addiction: Challenging Schedule One Drug Classifications

This clip challenges the classification of certain substances as Schedule One drugs, highlighting the potential benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin and ibogaine in treating addiction. It critiques the lack of research and access due to prohibition, while also questioning the government's inconsistent stance on religious use of these substances.

Psychedelics knowledge
37:54
Duration: 1:34

The Hemp Conspiracy: How Propaganda Outlawed a Superior Commodity

This clip highlights the history of hemp prohibition, revealing how propaganda and vested interests suppressed a superior commodity. It underscores the potential benefits of hemp in various industries and its unjust outlawing.

Hemp knowledge
31:26
Duration: 2:32

Psychedelics and Artistic Expression: What Prohibition Stole

This clip explores how prohibition has stifled cultural and artistic expression, particularly in music, and highlights the potential for psychedelics to unlock new levels of creativity. It connects the suppression of these substances to a desire for control and the enforcement of outdated laws.

Cultural Impact knowledge
46:12
Duration: 1:30

MDMA and Ketamine: A Numinous Experience and Luscious Soul Massage

Sarko shares his experiences with MDMA and ketamine, describing the profound emotional and spiritual effects they had on him. He emphasizes the gratitude and self-acceptance he experienced with MDMA and the sense of energetic connection he felt with ketamine. This is clippable because it provides a personal and insightful perspective on the potential therapeutic uses of these substances.

Psychedelics knowledge
1:00:54
Duration: 1:56

The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross: Psychedelic Origins of Christianity?

Joe and Sarko discuss the controversial book 'The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross' by John Allegro, which posits that early Christian religion was based on psychedelic mushroom consumption and fertility rituals. This clip offers a fascinating and thought-provoking perspective on the origins of religious practices and the potential role of psychedelics in spiritual experiences.

Psychedelics knowledge
1:30:07
Duration: 1:30

Psilocybin and the Collective Conscience: A Personal Revelation

Sarko shares a personal experience on psilocybin where he felt connected to the collective conscience and gained insight into his own traumas and their impact on his family and community. This clip highlights the potential of psychedelics for self-discovery and understanding one's place in the world.

Psychedelics story
1:34:04
Duration: 0:39

Curate a Positive Social Media Feed: Escape the Echo Chamber

Sarko provides advice on how to curate a positive social media feed by intentionally following thinkers and perspectives outside of one's comfort zone and ignoring negative content. This clip offers actionable steps for improving mental well-being and expanding one's understanding of the world through mindful social media use.

Social Media advice
1:40:41
Duration: 0:37

Rethinking 'Medicine': Challenging the Illogical Drug Classifications

This clip highlights the illogical categorization of drugs, questioning why substances like cannabis and psilocybin are grouped with dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. It emphasizes the need to reclaim the power to define medicine and challenges the rigid Western science model's exclusive control over evidence-based practices.

Drug Categorization controversy
43:59
Duration: 2:13

The Dangers of Drug Prohibition: Criminal Organizations and Unsafe Supply

Sarko and Joe discuss the challenges of accessing safe supply of drugs due to their illegal status. They argue that prohibition leads to criminal organizations controlling the market, resulting in adulterated products and increased harm to users.

Drug Policy controversy
21:57
Duration: 0:55

Challenge Your Beliefs: The Courage to Question the Status Quo

This clip encourages listeners, especially those in law enforcement, to question their beliefs about drugs and consider the potential benefits of psychedelics. It emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and the courage to challenge the status quo, even at the risk of personal consequences. It promotes the idea that expanding consciousness can lead to personal and societal growth.

Personal Growth motivation
41:16
Duration: 2:07

The Decriminalization Failure in Oregon: A Cautionary Tale

Gergerian discusses the decriminalization of drugs in Oregon and how it went "sideways." He argues that the decriminalization failed because it didn't address the existing issues, such as public drug use and homelessness. He suggests that decriminalization should be implemented with rules similar to those for alcohol consumption, such as prohibiting public use. This clip is valuable for understanding the complexities of drug policy and the importance of proper implementation.

Drug Policy knowledge
1:46:14
Duration: 2:52

The Importance of Community-Oriented Policing

Gergerian emphasizes the importance of balancing traditional law enforcement with a community-oriented approach. He argues that while traditional policing is necessary for dealing with serious crimes, it shouldn't be the only type of policing. He advocates for law enforcement officers to also act as a helping hand, connecting people with the resources they need to be well. This clip provides valuable insights into the role of law enforcement in society and the need for a more compassionate approach.

Law Enforcement advice
1:56:04
Duration: 1:17

Coca-Cola's Cocaine History: From Brain Tonic to Medical Use

Joe and Sarko discuss the history of cocaine in Coca-Cola, including the amount of cocaine per glass in the early 1900s and the process by which the company extracts cocaine from cocoa leaves for medical use. This is clippable because it reveals a surprising and little-known aspect of Coca-Cola's history and its connection to medical cocaine production.

History knowledge
1:07:19
Duration: 3:51

The Ouroboros: Exploring the Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth

The clip delves into the concept of the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, using the image of the Ouroboros (snake eating its tail) as a metaphor. It explores the interconnectedness of all living things and the magical, mysterious nature of existence, even in seemingly mundane aspects of life.

Spirituality knowledge
1:33:29
Duration: 0:17

Safe Supply vs. Cartels: Treating Adults Like Adults

Joe and Sarko discuss the idea of safe supply for drugs, comparing it to the availability of alcohol in bars. They argue that the current prohibition and criminalization of drugs lead to dangerous supply chains controlled by cartels. They also discuss the potential benefits of education and regulation to treat adults like adults and reduce harm.

Drugs controversy
1:17:33
Duration: 2:29

The War on Drugs: A Muzzled Truth and a Moral Injury

Joe and Sarko challenge the conventional narrative surrounding drug prohibition and the war on drugs. They discuss how these policies disproportionately harm marginalized communities, perpetuate a cycle of violence and misinformation, and ultimately fail to address the underlying issues of addiction and public health.

war on drugs controversy
22:51
Duration: 5:32

Protect Your Mind: Why You Should Ignore Online Comments

Gergerian advises people in the public eye to avoid reading comments and negative feedback online, emphasizing that those who leave such comments often lead troubled lives. He stresses the importance of being selective about what one allows into their mind, drawing on Buddhist philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy to highlight the impact of thoughts on emotions and actions. This clip provides valuable guidance for maintaining mental well-being in the digital age.

Mental Health advice
1:42:16
Duration: 1:31

The Real Reasons for Cannabis Prohibition: Protecting Industry Profits

Joe and Sarko discuss the historical reasons for cannabis prohibition, highlighting the role of William Randph Hurst and the threat that hemp posed to established industries like paper and textiles. They emphasize the potential of cannabis as a medicine and the threat it poses to the pharmaceutical industry.

Cannabis controversy
29:15
Duration: 1:53

Guard Your Senses: Mindfulness and Mental Well-being

Sarko emphasizes the importance of guarding one's senses (eyes, ears, nose, mind) and being mindful of what one takes in, drawing on Buddhist philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He explains how thoughts can act as portals for energetic flow, influencing emotions and actions. This clip offers practical advice for protecting one's mental and emotional well-being.

Mental Health advice
1:43:27
Duration: 0:56

The Lie of Schedule One: Why Politics and Stigma Prevent Access to Life-Saving Treatments

Sarko and Joe discuss the challenges and contradictions surrounding the scheduling of MDMA as a Schedule One substance, despite its potential medical benefits. They highlight the political difficulties in advocating for its use and the stigma associated with psychedelics, which hinders progress in providing access to potentially life-saving treatments.

psychedelics controversy
10:05
Duration: 1:19

The Epidemic of Suicide in Law Enforcement: Can MDMA Help?

Sarko discusses the high rates of suicide among law enforcement officers and the potential of MDMA to help with this issue. He highlights the challenges in accessing these treatments due to federal scheduling and the negative public narrative surrounding psychedelics. This clip raises awareness about the mental health crisis in law enforcement and challenges the stigma associated with psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Mental Health controversy
9:10
Duration: 0:37

Freedom to Explore: Questioning the Logic of Drug Prohibition

This clip discusses the hypocrisy of legalizing harmful substances like alcohol while prohibiting relatively harmless substances like cannabis. It emphasizes the importance of freedom, personal exploration, and access to accurate information for making informed decisions about substance use.

Drug Policy controversy
35:49
Duration: 1:28

The Unspoken Trauma: Why Law Enforcement Officers Are Muzzled and Suffering

Sarko discusses the unspoken trauma and moral injury experienced by law enforcement officers due to the nature of their job and the negative public perception. He highlights the high rates of suicide, critical incident exposure, and the lack of support for their mental health, advocating for the need to address these issues and provide better care for those who serve.

law enforcement knowledge
12:00
Duration: 2:05

The Police to Public Health Pipeline: A Story of Community Policing in Action

Gergerian shares a story from his time as a patrol officer in Winthrop, Massachusetts, where he initiated a program to connect people with public health services instead of solely focusing on law enforcement. He describes how he approached the police chief with the idea of following up on public health issues and connecting people to the appropriate help. This clip is inspiring and demonstrates a proactive approach to community policing.

Community Policing story
1:52:19
Duration: 2:47

Cannabis vs. Alcohol: A Debate on Freedom and Responsibility

This clip highlights the hypocrisy of alcohol being legal while cannabis remains restricted, despite cannabis having a lower risk profile. It uses the analogy of a hammer to illustrate that the potential for abuse doesn't negate the legitimate uses of a substance. This is clippable because it sparks debate about drug policy and personal freedom.

Drug Policy controversy
36:06
Duration: 1:11

Psychedelics Go Mainstream: Challenging the Stigma and Exposing Government Corruption

Joe and Sarko discuss how the narrative around psychedelics is changing, with more conservative and disciplined people recognizing their potential for healing and self-discovery. They challenge the old stereotypes and highlight the corrupt government's role in suppressing these substances.

Psychedelics controversy
24:27
Duration: 1:18

Community Policing: A Story of Hope and Recovery

Sarko shares a story from his time as a patrol officer in Winthrop, Massachusetts, where he proactively addressed public health issues and connected people with needed resources. He emphasizes the importance of community policing and a shift in law enforcement's role from purely enforcement-based to a guardianship paradigm. This clip provides a hopeful example of how law enforcement can positively impact communities.

Law Enforcement advice
1:52:19
Duration: 3:23