Joe Rogan Experience #1024 - Bert Kreischer

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• Bert Kreischer's "Sober October" Journey: Discussion centered on Bert being 12 days sober from both alcohol and marijuana, initiated by the challenge set by Tom Segura and Ari Shaffir.
• Health and Physical Transformation: Bert's unusually low resting heart rate (47 bpm), his doctor's positive assessment of his health post-drinking, and the significant improvements in sleep, energy, and overall well-being.
• Impact of Sobriety: The unexpected ease of quitting marijuana, the intensity of dreams without cannabis, and finding renewed joy in simple, sober activities like morning coffee and outdoor exercise.
• Physical Activity and Training: Bert's experiences with hot yoga (strengthening feet) and running, including the realization that treadmills are "not real running" compared to outdoor road work.
• The "Sober October" Challenge Dynamics: The role of Ari Shaffir's playful but intense involvement, including his "coup d'etat" against Joe for not quitting weed, the competitive banter among the comedians, and managing online hate.
• Comedy Performance Sober: Bert's realization about his previous habit of drinking on stage and his improved performance while completely sober.
• Film Discussions: A tangent into M. Night Shyamalan movies, Bert's strong aversion to fantasy/horror films (e.g., *Clown*, *Alice in Wonderland*), and Joe's recommendation of the new *Blade Runner*.
• Ethical Bullfighting: A discussion about a new form of non-violent bullfighting involving acrobats, praised by Joe for its bravery and ethical considerations.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Bert's initial panic about his low heart rate being a sign of illness, only for his cardiologist to confirm it was a healthy outcome of sobriety.
• Despite self-professed heavy drinking, Bert experienced no severe alcohol withdrawals, surprising both him and Joe.
• The unexpected intensity of dreams and lucid dreaming for Bert after quitting marijuana, leading to the insight that "not dreaming" (when smoking pot) might not be ideal.
• Bert's profound enjoyment of simple daily rituals like going to Starbucks for coffee, stating he enjoys it more than going to a bar.
• Bert's humorous but sincere apology to Joe for previously denying he drank *on stage*, admitting he used drinks for comfort during shows.
• The "treadmills are not real running" realization after Bert struggled significantly during his first outdoor run, acknowledging Joe's long-standing point.
• Ari Shaffir's exaggerated antics and "assault on Joe" during the "Sober October" challenge were highlighted as making the experience "exponentially fun."
• The communal support and playful competition among the comedians (Bert, Tom, Ari) through text messages and shared experiences of the challenge.
• Bert's strong, almost visceral, dislike for fantasy or scary movies, explaining how they genuinely "freak him out."
• Joe's advocacy for the non-violent bullfighting trend, presenting it as a superior, more courageous, and ethical alternative to traditional bullfighting.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• Bert: "I've never felt better on my [__] life to be dead serious with you."
• Bert (on quitting pot): "When you don't smoke pot your dreams like rap up... it makes me think like what no honestly like I just completely objectively I mean Wieck that can't be good did not be dreaming like right probably something happening I was my first few days of not drinking I couldn't get out of lucid dreaming."
• Bert: "I enjoy getting up and going to Starbucks and getting a coffee more than I ever enjoyed going to a bar."
• Bert (on his therapist's initial reaction to Sober October): "My therapist when this started he said do not do this challenge I think it's a really bad idea."
• Bert (realizing his on-stage drinking habits): "I don't drink on stage like I didn't realize that there's a demonstrating not drinking on stage and having a drink with you on stage there's a little bit of a comfort level knowing I can kill this drink and I don't have to deal with this... if you had a breathalyzer test like being on stage was driving would you get arrested? Yeah that's number one apology issued."
• Bert: "treadmills are not real running."
• Joe (on non-violent bullfighting): "I think bullfighting is completely [__]... but this is to me way more dangerous way more brave way more interesting to watch."

Overall Themes

• The Power of Personal Challenges and Accountability: "Sober October" served as a powerful catalyst for Bert's physical and mental transformation, demonstrating how shared goals and peer accountability can drive significant personal change.
• Re-evaluating Habits and Perceptions: Bert's journey forced him to confront his past drinking habits, especially on stage, and his previous assumptions about exercise, leading to new understandings and apologies.
• Rediscovery of Simple Joys: Sobriety allowed Bert to appreciate and derive joy from everyday activities and sensations (good sleep, morning coffee, natural beauty) that were previously overshadowed by substance use.
• The Comedic Bonds of Friendship: The podcast underscored the unique dynamic of Joe, Bert, Tom, and Ari's friendship, where playful insults, challenges, and shared experiences form the core of their camaraderie and content.
• Holistic Well-being: The episode highlights the interconnectedness of physical health, mental state, and lifestyle choices, showing how positive changes in one area can cascade into overall improved well-being.