The Joe Rogan Experience

Mariana van Zeller, an investigative journalist and host of National Geographic's 'Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller,' dives into the dark realities of black markets. She shares thrilling tales from her harrowing experiences covering illegal gold mining amidst a military coup. The conversation uncovers the human cost behind luxury goods, the grim world of wildlife trafficking, and the alarming rise of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Mariana discusses the ethical dilemmas in drug culture and the urgent need for systemic reforms in the prison system.

Diana Walsh Pasulka, a writer and religious studies professor, delves into the fascinating intersection of UFOs and consciousness. She explores the link between sleep and UFO abductions, and how religious narratives shape modern UFO literature. The conversation meanders through lucid dreaming, art's transformative power, and the cultural dynamics of the 1960s. Pasulka discusses historical UFO management and the mysteries behind concepts like the Shroud of Turin, revealing insights into both ancient and contemporary phenomena. The dialogue challenges perceptions of reality and the significance of hidden truths.

Bobby Lee, a renowned stand-up comic, actor, and podcaster, brings his unique perspective to the conversation. He shares hilarious yet poignant tales from his journey in the entertainment industry, tackling topics like addiction and health. The duo dives into the intricacies of racial humor, Asian identity, and the rise of Asian hate crimes. They reflect on their friendship forged in the comedy scene, the dynamics of Hollywood, and the evolving representation in media. It's a blend of laughter, insight, and candid vulnerability that keeps listeners engaged.

Joe is joined by Eddie Bravo, Joey Diaz & Brendan Schaub to watch the fights on January 20, 2024. Eddie Bravo is a champion martial artist, founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, musician, stand-up comic, and author. He's the host of "Look Into It - with Eddie Bravo" podcast.www.10thplanetjj.com Joey Diaz is a stand-up comic, writer, and author. He's the host of the podcast "Uncle Joey's Joint with Joey Diaz," co-host of "The Check-In" with Lee Syatt, and author of "Tremendous: The Life of a Comedy Savage." www.joeydiaz.netBrendan Schaub is stand-up comedian, retired professional mixed martial artist, entrepreneur, and host or co-host of several podcasts and YouTube shows, among them "The Fighter and the Kid," "The Schaub Show," "The Golden Hour," "Calabasas Fight Companion."www.thicccboy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joey Diaz, a seasoned stand-up comic and author of "Tremendous: The Life of a Comedy Savage," shares insights from his vibrant career. He humorously reflects on the highs and lows of substance use, revealing how experiences shaped his comedy. The conversation dives into the rising popularity of cannabis over alcohol, highlighting its benefits in athletic performance. Diaz also discusses the complexities of immigration and personal struggles, blending humor and authenticity, all while reminiscing about the joys of stand-up and the bond within the comedy community.

Yannis Pappas, a stand-up comedian and host of the "Yannis Pappas Hour" podcast, dives deep into a range of thought-provoking topics. He humorously critiques political absurdities and explores the complexities of international conflicts like Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine. Pappas reflects on ancient Greek culture's impact and the art of comedy, likening it to construction. The conversation also touches on mental health, the potential of psychedelics, and the need for truth in an era of misinformation.

Joe Pyfer, a rising star in the UFC's Middleweight division, shares his journey from overcoming childhood trauma to achieving success in mixed martial arts. He discusses the intriguing world of MMA records, including attempts to surpass punching power benchmarks. The conversation turns to the dark side of sports, addressing doping and athlete manipulation. Joe also reflects on the importance of resilience through injuries and the supportive nature of gym communities, all while sharing his passion for high-performance cars.

Ron White, a stand-up comic, actor, and author known for his hilarious performances, joins the conversation for a lively exploration of various topics. He shares humorous tales from the tour bus, poking fun at the challenges of traveling in windy conditions. The discussion turns to the quirks of pet ownership, particularly comparing dogs and cats. White also dives into the absurdities of political discourse and the healing power of laughter. With anecdotes ranging from personal growth in comedy to reflections on community in the stand-up scene, this chat is a delightful mix of humor and insight.

Jim Norton, a talented stand-up comedian and co-host of popular podcasts, dives into a range of fascinating topics. He humorously discusses bizarre underground tunnel myths and the complexities of modern relationships influenced by AI and social media. The importance of authenticity in comedy shines through as he shares personal anecdotes and insights on navigating the comedy scene. Additionally, Norton reflects on health issues linked to sugar consumption and touches on the serious side of societal perceptions surrounding sex work, blending humor with thought-provoking discussions.

Sean Brady, a rising star in the UFC's Welterweight division, shares his journey through mixed martial arts. He dives into the challenges of injury recovery, revealing the significance of breathing techniques and surgical interventions. Brady discusses innovative sleep improvement tools like mouth tape and nasal breathing. He opens up about the intense weight-cutting process and strategies for mental resilience in combat. This conversation unpacks the reality of fighter dynamics, the impact of head injuries, and the evolution of training methods in MMA.