Joe Rogan Experience #2381 - Taylor Kitsch

Episode Moments

Joe Rogan Experience #2381 - Taylor Kitsch

JRE
September 18, 2025
32 Moments

🎯 All Moments (32)

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The 2X Rule for Accurate Shooting

Taylor Kitsch shares a practical tip for improving accuracy in hunting: practice shooting at twice the distance you aim for in the field, so shorter distances feel easy and normal.

Hunting knowledge
0:20
Duration: 0:16

The Adrenaline of Bow Hunting Elk

Taylor Kitsch describes the intense and bonding experience of bow hunting elk in Montana, including tracking, simulating a bull elk fight with antlers, and the goosebump-inducing sound of bugling up close.

Hunting story
3:10
Duration: 1:26

My First Deer Hunt: A Difficult Lesson

Taylor Kitsch recounts his challenging first deer hunt on a ranch with SEALs, describing the emotional experience of tracking a wounded animal and having to put it down with a pistol, highlighting the raw realities of hunting.

Hunting story
0:58
Duration: 1:54

Taylor Kitsch's First Gunshot: 'Lone Survivor' Training

Taylor Kitsch humorously reveals that his first time ever shooting a gun was during the intense SEAL training for 'Lone Survivor,' highlighting the unexpected learning curve for an action actor.

Acting story
15:30
Duration: 0:19

Awkward Lunch with the 'Taliban' on Set

Taylor Kitsch shares a funny and awkward moment during the filming of 'Lone Survivor,' where he and other actors, trying to stay in character as SEALs, had to have lunch with the actors playing the Taliban, who were also fans.

Acting humor
25:38
Duration: 0:37

Waco: How the ATF's Need for a 'Win' Led to Tragedy

Taylor Kitsch and Joe Rogan discuss the ATF's motivations behind the Waco siege, including their fear of defunding and the need for a 'win' after Ruby Ridge. They highlight how the situation was deliberately turned into a spectacle, with tragic consequences like fire trucks being blocked and disturbing psychological warfare tactics used by the authorities.

True Crime controversy
2:19:38
Duration: 1:52

Peter Berg's 'Dirty Pete' Boxing Style

Taylor Kitsch reveals Peter Berg's aggressive boxing nickname, 'Dirty Pete,' explaining how Berg's competitive nature leads to a no-rules sparring style, even when filming is imminent.

Boxing humor
6:15
Duration: 0:37

Honoring Indigenous Culture for 'American Primeval'

Taylor Kitsch shares his immersive preparation for 'American Primeval,' working with a shaman and Shoshone elders to authentically portray a character raised by the tribe, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect in filmmaking.

Acting story
8:03
Duration: 1:36

Simunition Ambush: The Brutal Reality of SEAL Training

Taylor Kitsch describes an intense simunition training exercise for 'Lone Survivor,' where actors faced a realistic ambush by SEALs in 'Taliban gear,' highlighting the painful realism and the immediate need for combat instincts under fire.

Military training story
18:16
Duration: 1:39

The Stealth of a SEAL Sniper

Taylor Kitsch shares a vivid anecdote demonstrating the unparalleled stealth of SEALs during a simunition exercise, where a sniper seemingly materialized out of nowhere to 'kill' him, even when he felt secure in cover.

Military training story
21:32
Duration: 0:36

The Ultimate Honor: Thanked by a Hero's Family

Taylor Kitsch shares the profound impact of receiving thanks from Michael P. Murphy's father and Marcus Luttrell for his portrayal in 'Lone Survivor,' emphasizing that their gratitude was the only validation he needed for such an intense and honorable role.

Acting motivation
31:36
Duration: 0:21

Playing a Cult Leader: The Actor's Challenge of Non-Judgment

Taylor Kitsch discusses the intense mental preparation for playing David Koresh in "Waco," revealing he almost pulled out of the role due to the heaviness. He explains the crucial shift from judging the character to trying to understand his traumatic childhood, which allowed him to authentically portray the complex villain.

acting knowledge
1:22:10
Duration: 1:09

The Dark Side of Method Acting: How Characters Haunt Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch reveals the intense emotional burden of immersing himself in roles like David Koresh, which led to nightmares and a reliance on sleep aids. He shares his unique coping mechanisms, including motorcycle trips and a ceremonial practice of writing and burning letters, to emotionally detach from characters and prevent them from consuming him.

acting story
1:24:35
Duration: 0:52

Understanding Evil: The Actor's Struggle to Portray David Koresh

Taylor Kitsch discusses the profound difficulty and emotional toll of playing David Koresh, explaining his struggle to understand Koresh's manipulative nature, his victim complex, and how he weaponized Bible speak as an untouchable defense mechanism against theologians and authorities.

Acting knowledge
2:07:34
Duration: 2:10

Marcus Luttrell's Compassion: A Ranch for Recovery

Taylor Kitsch shares a touching story of Marcus Luttrell's profound loyalty and compassion, offering his ranch as a safe, drug-free haven for Kitsch's sister during her struggle with addiction, illustrating the deep bonds of the military brotherhood.

Addiction story
34:23
Duration: 0:36

Conquering Self-Doubt Through Preparation

Taylor Kitsch explains his deep love for extensive preparation in acting roles, particularly for 'Lone Survivor,' as a powerful method to eliminate self-doubt and ensure he is 'rooted' and ready for anything, much like a fighter preparing for a match.

Personal development motivation
23:40
Duration: 1:37

David Koresh's Bizarre Tactic: Hiding in a Piano During Lawyer Visit

Taylor Kitsch recounts a wild anecdote about David Koresh's lawyer, Dick Duran, visiting the Waco compound during the standoff, only to discover later that Koresh himself was hiding inside a piano, listening to the entire conversation, revealing Koresh's paranoia and manipulative nature.

True Crime story
2:16:50
Duration: 2:28

The Epic Parking Lot Death Scene of 'Lone Survivor'

Taylor Kitsch recounts the emotional and surprising experience of filming Michael P. Murphy's iconic death scene for 'Lone Survivor' in a parking lot, detailing his initial disbelief, emotional breakdown, and the meticulous technical setup that made it look epic.

Acting story
28:03
Duration: 2:16

A Piper's Farewell: Taylor Kitsch's Emotional Last Moments with His Father

Taylor Kitsch shares a poignant and deeply personal account of his father's final days, where he arranged for a bagpiper to play for his dying father in the hospital courtyard. He describes the overwhelming emotional impact of the pipes, which deeply resonated with his family's memories of their father, culminating in his father's final request for a song dedicated to his mother.

grief story
1:51:39
Duration: 1:32

The Exceptional Brotherhood of Navy SEALs

Taylor Kitsch praises Navy SEALs as an 'infectious group' and 'exceptional humans,' highlighting their unmatched problem-solving skills, intelligence, and undeniable loyalty, describing them as a true brotherhood.

Military knowledge
32:40
Duration: 1:21

From Addiction to Nurse: The Power of Howlers Ridge

Taylor Kitsch shares the inspiring story of his sister's journey from addiction to becoming a nurse, revealing how her experience led him to found 'Howlers Ridge,' a nonprofit providing nature-based retreats for veterans and those in recovery, emphasizing the 'sober side' of addiction.

Addiction motivation
37:26
Duration: 1:15

Taylor Kitsch's Wild First Time Smoking Weed with Oliver Stone

Taylor Kitsch humorously recounts his very first experience smoking weed, which happened with legendary director Oliver Stone during rehearsals for 'Savages', where Kitsch played a weed dealer. The story takes an even funnier turn when he describes smoking with a friend using a water bong, leading Joe Rogan to offer comical advice on how to properly take a first hit.

personal anecdotes story
1:26:21
Duration: 0:51

Marcus Luttrell's Blunt Lesson on Combat Stakes

Taylor Kitsch recounts a powerful moment during 'Lone Survivor' training when Marcus Luttrell fiercely reprimanded him and his fellow actors for not taking a simulated ambush seriously enough, driving home the real-life stakes of combat.

Leadership motivation
20:36
Duration: 0:56

The Hard Path to Sobriety: A Sister's Rock Bottom

Taylor shares the harrowing journey of his sister's addiction, multiple relapses, and the "scared straight" moment that finally led her to sustained sobriety after a traumatic incident. This highlights the unpredictable nature of recovery and the deep emotional toll on families.

addiction recovery story
50:37
Duration: 0:53

Why Comfort is the Enemy of Happiness and Growth

Taylor and Joe discuss how comfort can be detrimental to personal growth and happiness. Taylor shares his philosophy of constantly pushing himself, even when successful, and how embracing discomfort is essential for achieving and maintaining success.

personal growth motivation
59:16
Duration: 0:36

The Unchoreographed Fight Scenes of 'American Primeval'

Taylor Kitsch details the intensely physical and completely unchoreographed fight scenes in 'American Primeval,' where director Peter Berg would spontaneously direct the action, even in freezing river water, leading to visceral and authentic performances.

Filmmaking story
12:42
Duration: 2:10

Reconciling Brothers at a Father's Funeral

Taylor Kitsch shares a deeply personal and emotional story about his father's funeral, including a chance encounter with a musician who played with his dad and the unexpected reconciliation it brought among his three brothers, highlighting the cathartic power of shared grief and family connection.

Family story
2:05:19
Duration: 1:59

Jack Carr's Master Plan: From Navy SEAL to Bestselling Author

Joe Rogan marvels at Jack Carr's deliberate and ambitious life plan: first becoming a highly experienced Navy SEAL, then transitioning to a successful author. This moment highlights Carr's dedication, vast knowledge, and how his real-life experiences and preparation contributed to his immediate success as a writer.

Personal Development motivation
2:31:29
Duration: 1:15

Inside a Shamanic Sweat Lodge Ritual

Taylor Kitsch details his experience with a shaman, explaining the process of a two-hour sweat lodge, including fasting, hot river rocks, and 'intention ties' for spiritual or personal goals, from healing to preparing for a role.

Shamanism knowledge
9:39
Duration: 2:05

Marcus Luttrell's Banana Shake Standoff

Taylor Kitsch recounts a humorous and tense moment during 'Lone Survivor' training when Marcus Luttrell arrived to see actors casually drinking banana shakes, leading to a classic Luttrell reprimand about the seriousness of their preparation.

Military training humor
17:23
Duration: 0:34

The Brutal Reality of Fentanyl Withdrawal: A Broken System

Taylor Kitsch recounts the harrowing experience of his sister's fentanyl withdrawal, his initial ignorance of the drug's potency, the severe physical symptoms, and the frustrating systemic failure of hospitals refusing to admit someone for detox.

Addiction story
40:15
Duration: 2:32

Charlie Sheen's Extreme Method for Staying Awake on Set: The Ice Cube Trick

Joe Rogan shares a wild and shocking anecdote from his interview with Charlie Sheen, detailing the actor's extreme measures to combat drug-induced fatigue during his active addiction. Sheen confessed to being so high on crack and falling asleep on set that he would resort to sticking an ice cube up his anus to jolt himself awake and continue working.

addiction story
1:36:01
Duration: 1:02