Joe Rogan Experience #2393 - Bryan Callen

Episode Moments

Joe Rogan Experience #2393 - Bryan Callen

JRE
October 15, 2025
53 Moments

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David Goggins: Monk or Addict? The Paradox of Extreme Discipline

Joe and Bryan discuss David Goggins' extreme self-punishment and discipline, questioning whether such intense drive borders on addiction. They explore the idea that even monks, with their pursuit of calm, might be considered addicts.

Psychology knowledge
6:59
Duration: 0:41

True Individuality vs. Performative Identity: Tattoos, Blue Hair, and Protests

Bryan Callen critiques superficial attempts at individuality, contrasting genuine skill development with external markers like blue hair and tattoos. He then makes a controversial claim that most street protestors are 'losers' or 'FBI agents,' questioning their motivations.

Society controversy
14:38
Duration: 1:25

Cadaver Ligament Grafts: Scaffolding for New Tendons

Joe Rogan explains the fascinating process of ligament reconstruction using a cadaver graft. He clarifies that the cadaver tissue doesn't become the new tendon but acts as a 'scaffolding' that the body's own tissue proliferates and eventually replaces, emphasizing the importance of careful recovery.

Surgery knowledge
24:51
Duration: 0:39

Terence Crawford's Defensive Genius: How He Dominated Canelo Alvarez

Joe and Bryan marvel at Terence Crawford's flawless defense and strategic "pity patting" against Canelo Alvarez. They highlight Crawford's masterclass performance, where he outsmarted and frustrated one of boxing's most feared fighters, leaving Canelo unable to figure him out.

boxing knowledge
53:06
Duration: 0:52

Bernard Hopkins: The Unparalleled Genius of Boxing Longevity

Joe and Bryan discuss Bernard Hopkins' extraordinary career, highlighting his ability to fight and win at an advanced age (40-50) in a speed-dependent division without getting hit. They praise his strategic genius and physical prowess as a testament to his unique place in sports history.

boxing knowledge
57:27
Duration: 0:38

Israel's Black Belt Tribalism: Unity in Existential Threat

Joe and Bryan discuss the unique "black belt version of tribalism" observed in Israel, driven by the perception that every threat is existential. They highlight how, despite internal political debates and a vibrant democracy, Israelis quickly unify when their existence is threatened, leading to highly effective intelligence and defense operations.

geopolitics knowledge
1:13:10
Duration: 1:16

War is a Racket: How Financial Interests Drive Conflict

Joe and Bryan discuss how "huge financial interests" profit from war and instability, citing the military-industrial complex's role in pushing for conflicts to sell weapons. They reference Smedley Butler's "War is a Racket" and argue that this dynamic is still very much alive today, with "cute reasons" invented to justify military interventions.

geopolitics knowledge
1:10:45
Duration: 0:35

UK Arrests for 'Annoying' Social Media Posts & Bacon Near Muslims

Joe and Bryan discuss the concerning trend in the UK where thousands have been arrested for social media posts and public statements deemed 'annoying,' including saying 'I like bacon' near Muslims, highlighting the subjective nature of the law and its impact on free speech.

Current events knowledge
16:41
Duration: 0:49

Are You a Vegan? British Loader's Sarcastic Dig

Bryan Callen recounts a pheasant shoot in the UK where he was consistently missing birds. His British loader, with dry wit, quietly asked him, 'Are you a vegan?' – a hilariously passive-aggressive jab at his poor shooting skills.

Culture humor
20:53
Duration: 0:22

The Danger of Medicalizing Everything: From Pedophilia to Serial Killers

The speaker expresses concern that medicalizing every issue, including pedophilia, leads to a 'dangerous territory' where everything becomes an excuse, questioning if society would medicalize serial killers and whether it negates the need for incarceration for dangerous individuals.

Social Issues controversy
1:27:06
Duration: 0:40

Unpacking Katie Porter's Actual Comments on 'Groomers' and LGBTQ+

The hosts clarify the widespread misinformation surrounding Katie Porter's comments on 'minor attracted persons' and 'groomers,' playing her actual statement where she condemns the narrative that equates LGBTQ+ individuals with groomers as a dangerous lie.

Politics knowledge
1:29:18
Duration: 1:52

Shotgun vs. Rifle: Leading the Target & Comanche Archery in Chaos

Joe explains the fundamental difference between shooting a shotgun (leading the target) and a rifle (dead still accuracy). He then draws a parallel to the Comanche warriors, who, despite not being accurate at stationary targets, were deadly with bows from galloping horses, utilizing chaos to guide their arrows.

Marksmanship knowledge
21:48
Duration: 1:02

Austin's Wildest Comedy Show: Acting Off with Bryan Redban

Bryan Callen describes his unique comedy show 'Acting Off' where Austin comics compete in hilarious acting challenges, such as dying in slow motion or redoing scenes from 'The Notebook' as Miss Piggy and Donald Trump. It highlights the creative and fun side of the local comedy scene and offers a glimpse into a truly entertaining concept.

Comedy humor
2:41:19
Duration: 0:37

Stirrups, Mongol Archers, and the Fierce People of Kazakhstan

Joe Rogan explains how the invention of stirrups revolutionized horseback archery, enabling incredible feats of strength and accuracy seen in Mongol warriors. He also touches on the fierce reputation of people from Kazakhstan, often misunderstood due to media portrayals.

History knowledge
23:01
Duration: 1:29

Challenging Drug Propaganda: Dr. Carl Hart on Recreational Use

The speaker discusses Dr. Carl Hart's controversial research and perspective on recreational drug use, where he argues that most people can use drugs recreationally without ruining their lives. Hart challenges common propaganda, suggesting that the problem often lies with illegal, impure substances and the societal response rather than the drugs themselves.

Drug Policy knowledge
2:33:37
Duration: 1:35

The Meticulous Warm-Up: Lessons from Ali, Pacquiao, and Olympians

Joe Rogan and Bryan Callen discuss the critical importance of warming up to prevent injury, citing Muhammad Ali's hour-long warm-ups, Manny Pacquiao's meticulous routines with rubber bands, and the detailed preparation of Olympic ice skaters.

Fitness knowledge
3:01
Duration: 1:28

The First Hit: Charlie Sheen's Crack & Artie Lange's Heroin

Joe and Bryan share stark anecdotes about the immediate and powerful grip of addiction, recounting Charlie Sheen's 'greatest experience' with crack and Artie Lange's chilling realization after his first heroin use: 'I'm in trouble.'

Addiction story
7:53
Duration: 0:55

Marc Maron's Podcast Decline: Jealousy & Self-Indulgent Rants

The speaker details how Marc Maron's podcast passed his, leading to Maron's jealousy and subsequent attacks. He explains how Maron's podcast declined due to self-indulgent rants and how people fast-forward through them, highlighting a common pitfall in content creation when creators lose audience interest.

Podcast Industry controversy
2:11:20
Duration: 1:19

Your True Self Will Always Emerge: The Importance of a Pure Mind and Heart

Inspired by witnessing someone's true character emerge under pressure, the speaker shares a personal philosophy that what one holds in their mind and heart will always come out. He emphasizes the importance of mental discipline, treating one's brain like a garden, and maintaining a 'pure' mind and heart to navigate life's challenges.

Personal Development motivation
1:58:07
Duration: 1:14

Jimmy Norton's Mom: Channel Your Addictions Positively

Joe and Bryan discuss the powerful advice Jimmy Norton's mom gave him: to channel his addictions into positive outlets. They use the example of transforming a meth addiction into marathon running as a healthier, though still intense, pursuit.

Addiction recovery advice
11:00
Duration: 0:37

Why Technique Trumps Toughness in MMA & Jiu-Jitsu: The Oliveira vs. Gamrot Example

Joe and Bryan discuss the critical difference between toughness and technique in combat sports, arguing that technique is paramount. They use the recent UFC fight between Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot as a prime example of how superior jiu-jitsu technique can dominate even a formidable wrestler.

combat sports knowledge
48:35
Duration: 1:40

Stimulate, Don't Annihilate: The Smart Way to Start Working Out

Joe and Bryan discuss the importance of starting slow and consistent with workouts, rather than overdoing it, to ensure long-term progress and avoid injury. They emphasize stimulating the body without annihilating it, a philosophy from an old trainer.

fitness advice
45:42
Duration: 0:36

Eddie Bravo's Hot Take: Why Wrestlers Should Learn Jiu-Jitsu to Become Undefeatable

Joe shares Eddie Bravo's long-held theory that wrestlers, who often focus on avoiding jiu-jitsu, would become the most dangerous fighters alive if they embraced and learned submissions. This challenges the tribal mindset in martial arts.

combat sports advice
50:23
Duration: 0:45

Men, Directions, and the Child's Bed Fiasco

Bryan Callen hilariously laments men's aversion to reading directions, sharing a personal anecdote about his inability to assemble a child's bed, ultimately having to pay a friend $300 to do it, much to the friend's disbelief.

Relationships humor
1:32
Duration: 1:01

Mark Maron's 'Pathological Jealousy' and the Paradox of Success

The speaker shares personal anecdotes about Mark Maron's 'pathological jealousy,' recounting how Maron struggled to maintain friendships with more successful comedians like Mitch Hedberg and Louis CK. He observes that Maron's personality only became 'fun' and 'cool' when his own podcast achieved number one status, freeing him from comparison.

Comedy Industry story
2:05:01
Duration: 1:55

Vegas Odds & Shady Deals: The Dark Side of Boxing & MMA Judging

Joe and Bryan delve into the controversial topic of judging in boxing and MMA, suggesting that decisions can be influenced by factors beyond in-ring performance, such as fighter popularity, gambling interests, and connections to "super shady people." They discuss how even one judge in the "bag" can swing a fight.

combat sports controversy
1:01:59
Duration: 1:52

Are You Trapped in the Dopamine Scroll? How to Break Free from Online Addiction and Political Bias

Joe and Bryan discuss the pervasive addiction to screens and social media, likening the "dopamine scroll" to drug addiction. They also touch on how people use political podcasts to confirm biases or gather arguments, suggesting a need to disengage and seek more enriching activities like reading novels.

mental health advice
1:04:10
Duration: 1:25

Logan Paul's 'Jesus Energy' Heals a Dying Dove

Bryan Callen recounts a bizarre experience at Taran Tactical where he grazed a dove. As he prepared to humanely end its suffering, Logan Paul intervened, holding the bird, which then miraculously healed and flew away, leaving Callen to ponder Logan's 'celebrity power.'

Celebrity encounters story
0:20
Duration: 0:45

80-Year-Old Woman Completes Iron Man: The Power of Daily Consistency

Joe and Bryan are amazed by a video of an 80-year-old woman completing an Iron Man triathlon. They discuss how consistent daily effort can lead to incredible feats of longevity and physical capability.

Human potential motivation
5:05
Duration: 1:34

Why Political Tribalism is a 'Rigged Game' and Steals Your Identity

Joe and Bryan discuss how people's lives can become consumed by political tribalism (Democrat vs. Republican) when they lack other meaningful aspects in their lives. They argue that this "rigged game" leads to people identifying entirely with their political team, losing personal identity and purpose.

politics controversy
1:06:29
Duration: 1:27

Young Men: Find Yourself by Getting Good at Something Hard

Bryan Callen advises young men to find themselves by mastering a difficult skill, like playing the piano or jiu-jitsu. He explains that the process of focus, attention, and objective goal-setting applies universally, leading to progress not just in the skill but in becoming a better human being.

Personal development advice
13:13
Duration: 1:17

Why People Struggle to Credit Trump for Peace Agreements

Joe and Bryan discuss the public's reluctance to acknowledge Donald Trump's role in negotiating multiple peace agreements, including one in the Middle East. They suggest that people's preconceived notions about him, such as his "bluster" or involvement in scandals like the "Epstein files," prevent them from giving him credit for significant diplomatic achievements.

politics controversy
1:09:28
Duration: 0:36

Joe Rogan: Chiropractors are 'Quacks' – Fraudulent Origins & Real Dangers

Joe Rogan shares his strong negative opinion on chiropractors, recounting a personal bad experience and detailing the fraudulent origins of chiropractic care by a 'magnetic healer.' He warns about the serious risks, including strokes and compartment syndrome, while acknowledging some physical therapy aspects can be beneficial.

Health controversy
32:51
Duration: 1:59

Squat University Solves Heel Pain: The Hidden Danger of Narrow Shoes

Bryan Callen recounts how 'Squat University' (via DM) diagnosed his debilitating heel pain, which podiatrists couldn't solve, as a result of narrow shoes compressing his big toe, cutting off blood flow and causing necrosis in his heel. He highlights the specialized biomechanical knowledge of trainers working with top athletes.

Health knowledge
37:09
Duration: 2:01

Pavle Tatsulene's Russian Kettlebell Philosophy: Strength is a Skill, Not Failure

Joe Rogan explains Pavle Tatsulene's Russian kettlebell training philosophy: strength is a skill that should never be practiced when tired. This method involves long rests (5-10 minutes) between sets, focusing on maximizing repetitions and strength gains without pushing to muscular failure, thereby reducing injury risk.

Strength training knowledge
40:27
Duration: 2:08

Bruce Lee's Timeless Wisdom: Absorb What Is Useful & Don't Marry Your Ideas

Joe and Bryan discuss the importance of intellectual flexibility, urging listeners not to be "married to their ideas" and to be open to changing their minds based on evidence. They connect this to Bruce Lee's philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, which advocates absorbing what is useful from all martial arts.

personal development advice
51:37
Duration: 0:51

The Epstein Blackmail Theory: An Asset for Compromise and Control

Joe and Bryan discuss the theory that Jeffrey Epstein was an "asset" for intelligence agencies (CIA, Mossad, etc.), used for a "blackmail compromise effort." They speculate that his island activities were designed to gather compromising information on powerful individuals, leveraging their vices (cheating, underage sex) for control.

Jeffrey Epstein controversy
1:18:47
Duration: 1:11

The Truth About the Epstein Files: Why No Smoking Gun?

Joe and Bryan debate the existence and fate of the "Epstein files," particularly video evidence. Bryan argues that a plea deal would mean no evidence was collected, while Joe suspects intelligence agencies hold any real video, which would be sealed for victims' privacy or scrubbed from original computers. They question the "political theater" of displaying empty binders.

Jeffrey Epstein controversy
1:20:53
Duration: 1:49

The Geopolitical Agenda: Is China Pushing Transgender Ideology in America?

Joe and Bryan discuss the controversial claim that China has spent significant money pushing transgender ideology in America. They argue that this isn't about denying transgender individuals but rather China's efforts to move beyond acceptance towards indoctrination and foster internal outrage and division within the U.S.

geopolitics controversy
1:24:15
Duration: 0:36

The Controversial Philosophy of 'Minor Attracted Persons'

The speaker explains the controversial philosophy behind destigmatizing pedophilia by relabeling it as 'minor attracted persons' (MAPs) to allow individuals to seek therapy without incarceration, hoping to prevent harm to children.

Social Issues knowledge
1:25:51
Duration: 1:15

Joe Rogan's Definition of a Woman: 'Biological Female Human Being'

Joe Rogan critiques the 'I'm not a biologist' response to the question 'what is a woman,' asserting that a woman is a 'biological female human being' responsible for life on Earth, while acknowledging gender dysphoria.

Gender Identity controversy
1:32:24
Duration: 0:36

Female Athlete's Stance: Trans Women in Sports Threaten Opportunity

A semi-pro female basketball and volleyball player articulates her opposition to trans women in women's sports, arguing it's unfair and takes away limited opportunities for biological female athletes who work incredibly hard.

Sports story
1:36:24
Duration: 0:55

The Absurdity of 'Have You Tried Confidence?' in Sports Debate

During a debate on trans women in sports, a dismissive retort of 'Have you tried confidence?' is met with a sharp, logical response that highlights the physical realities that confidence cannot overcome in athletic competition.

Gender Identity controversy
1:37:19
Duration: 0:19

Beyond Affirmative Action: Addressing Root Causes of Inequality

The speaker argues against simply letting unqualified people into positions through affirmative action, instead advocating for addressing the root causes of inequality by investing resources into poor communities, improving schools, and creating opportunities to uplift disenfranchised individuals.

Social Justice advice
1:44:21
Duration: 2:13

'Radical Responsibility': The Asian Cultural Response to Historical Trauma

The speaker recounts a conversation with his Korean Taekwondo teacher about why Chinese culture doesn't demand reparations for historical atrocities like the Rape of Nanking. The teacher explains the concept of 'radical responsibility,' where the Chinese believe the trauma happened because they 'allowed it to happen' by not being strong enough, vowing it will 'never happen again.'

Culture knowledge
1:46:52
Duration: 1:15

Shocking Claim: 50% of Medical Literature is Incorrect

The speaker discusses the unreliability of information, citing a claim from Huberman Lab that 50% of published medical literature is incorrect. This highlights the challenge for AI and the human tendency to protect ego over admitting error and rewriting history.

Science knowledge
1:50:39
Duration: 1:14

Trans Men in Men's Spaces vs. Perverts Exploiting Women's Spaces

The speaker draws a distinction between trans men entering men's spaces (which he finds unproblematic due to safety) and the concern of perverts exploiting the identity of trans women to gain access to women's private spaces like locker rooms and prisons, citing examples of repeat sex offenders.

Gender Identity controversy
1:37:38
Duration: 1:15

Puberty Blockers: Chemical Castration for Children?

The speaker discusses the controversial topic of puberty blockers, asserting they are the same drugs historically used for chemical castration and highlighting their irreversible and harmful side effects when given to children. This provides a strong, contrarian viewpoint on a highly debated subject.

Medical Ethics controversy
2:16:39
Duration: 0:41

Bob Geldof's Call for Empathy: The 'Stop Everything Button' for Starving Kids

The speaker recounts Bob Geldof's powerful question about the Gaza conflict, urging people to set aside ideology and politics to focus on the fundamental human need to feed starving children. It's a call to action for empathy and practical problem-solving beyond political divides.

Humanity motivation
2:27:48
Duration: 0:56

The Hidden Truths of the Surveillance State: How They Know Everything About You

The speaker reveals alarming facts about the extent of modern surveillance, including how companies can detect pregnancy from shopping patterns, how gait recognition identifies individuals, and how even heart signatures can be tracked. This raises significant privacy concerns and highlights the pervasive nature of data collection.

Technology knowledge
2:21:48
Duration: 0:57

Heroin's Origin as Morphine 'Solution' & Tylenol's Acute Liver Failure Risk

The speaker reveals two shocking facts: heroin was originally created as a supposed non-addictive solution to morphine addiction, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the number one cause of acute liver failure in America, responsible for 500 deaths annually.

Health knowledge
1:54:51
Duration: 1:28

The 'Currency of Minority Status' Theory in Transgender Identity

The speaker proposes a theory that transgender identity, especially in higher education, gained 'currency' because there's value in being a marginalized minority, allowing advantaged individuals to claim minority status without experiencing historical oppression.

Gender Identity controversy
1:33:39
Duration: 1:32

The Dark Truth: Iran's Transgender Surgeries to Punish Gay People

The speaker reveals the shocking historical fact that Iran was once the leading country for transgender surgeries, not out of support for trans individuals, but as a coercive measure to punish and 'cure' gay people by forcing them to transition.

Human Rights knowledge
1:40:08
Duration: 0:33