Joe Rogan Experience #1990 - Bert Kreischer

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode is a lively and candid discussion between long-time friends Joe Rogan and Bert Kreischer, primarily focusing on Kreischer's upcoming movie, "The Machine," and its journey from podcast story to big screen. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of comedy, from its competitive past to its current supportive community, and highlights the financial mechanics of film distribution versus streaming. They also explore broader cultural shifts, examining how problematic content in older media reflects societal changes, and share personal anecdotes about growing up in dangerous environments, dealing with fame, and the critical role of friendship and genuine connection in their lives and careers.

Key Discussion Points

• The Machine Movie's Genesis and Production: Bert details the unique origin of "The Machine," a story first told on Joe's podcast, which Joe encouraged him to adapt for the stage and ultimately, film. He recounts filming in Serbia, including an awkward kissing scene where he needed a "costume change" due to over-excitement, and the challenges of promoting the movie while being overly honest. Kreischer mentions an uncomfortable "Good Morning America" interview where journalists fixated on the mafia and robbery aspects of the story, and his decision to revolutionize the movie premiere into a fan-inclusive "party" instead of a traditional red carpet event, inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger's fan interactions.
• Evolution of Comedy and Industry Dynamics: Rogan and Kreischer reflect on the shift in the comedy world from intense competition and backstabbing (like the Rodney Dangerfield special anecdote) to a more supportive, community-driven environment. Bert credits Joe for fostering this change through his podcast, which provided a platform for many comics like Tim Dillon and Shane Gillis. They discuss the financial imperative for comedies to succeed in theaters (like "The Machine") to prove profitability to studios and greenlight future projects, contrasting this with streaming models, and highlighting the independent successes of figures like Louis C.K.
• Cultural Shifts and Media Problematic Content: The conversation critically examines how various classic films from their youth, such as "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," "16 Candles," and "Revenge of the Nerds," contain content now widely considered transphobic, racist, or endorsing sexual assault. They discuss the rapid pace of cultural change, the Bud Light controversy as an example of corporations navigating polarizing social issues, and the pressure of social media "black squares" and forced compliance, sharing their own experiences with online backlash.
• Dangerous Environments and Human Psychology: Bert elaborates on his theory that growing up in environments with natural predators (like Florida with its alligators, sharks, and snakes) shapes a person differently than growing up without them (referencing Germany). He shares vivid stories, including a harrowing account of a man surviving a wild dog attack (298 puncture wounds) and a tiger shark attacking a kayak in Hawaii. They also touch on historical events, such as the Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War I and the spread of diseases by European settlers, to illustrate human nature and fragility.
• Friendship, Self-Worth, and Personal Growth: The episode frequently circles back to the importance of friendship and personal authenticity. Bert discusses his struggle with self-worth, linking it to his upbringing and his father's parenting style, and how it drives him to perform and seek approval. He expresses deep gratitude for Joe's mentorship and generosity with his platform, emphasizing how Joe's lack of jealousy fosters a healthier comedy ecosystem. Bert also praises Joey Diaz's unique, authentic personality and the strong bonds among their comedic circle.

Notable Moments

• Interesting Story/Anecdote: Bert recounts a wild night in New Zealand with UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya. After a show, they ended up at a bar at 3 AM, both shirtless, challenging everyone in the bar to a fight, only to end up buying everyone shots three times over.
• Surprising Fact/Revelation: During a discussion about venereal diseases, Joe reveals that the term "bigwigs" originated from French royalty in the 1400s who wore increasingly large wigs to cover their hair loss due to syphilis.
• Memorable Exchange: Rogan and Kreischer have a nuanced discussion about the use of the N-word in comedy and hip-hop. They explore its unique social context, noting how it can be used within certain communities as a term of endearment or a powerful comedic tool, yet remains deeply offensive when used by others, and how its presence in texts like "Huckleberry Finn" has led to ongoing debate and censorship.

Key Takeaways

Listeners will gain an intimate understanding of the comedic process, from personal storytelling's inception into film to the strategic navigation of Hollywood's evolving business models. The episode underscores the profound impact of supportive friendships in fostering success and personal growth, highlighting how camaraderie can replace competition in creative fields. It also offers a thought-provoking look at societal progress, using comedic and historical examples to illustrate significant cultural shifts and the complex nature of human behavior in diverse environments. Ultimately, the conversation champions authenticity, urging audiences to support genuine comedic voices and creative risks in a rapidly changing world.