Joe Rogan Experience #513 - Joey "CoCo" Diaz

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode delves into the unique life experiences and perspectives of Joey "CoCo" Diaz, covering a wide range of subjects from the gritty realities of growing up in crime-ridden New Jersey to the philosophical underpinnings of personal development. Key discussions revolve around the demanding nature of the stand-up comedy industry, the benefits and pitfalls of physical training like kettlebells, and profound observations on human behavior, societal trends, and the dark side of celebrity. Diaz shares numerous personal anecdotes, often contrasting his past with his present, while Rogan offers insights on health, discipline, and the evolving world.

Key Discussion Points

• Navigating the Comedy Scene: Joe and Joey emphasize that success in stand-up comedy comes through consistent hard work on stage, not shortcuts or networking. Joey recounts how mentors like Mitzi Shore at The Comedy Store and Andy Payton in Denver pushed him, often forcing him to perform after difficult acts or in challenging environments like a line dancing class, which shaped his resilience and distinct style.
• The Realities of Altitude & Physical Acclimation: The conversation touches on the physical challenges of high altitude, referencing UFC fights in Denver and how fighters acclimate. Joey shares his early experiences in Aspen and Boulder, highlighting how eating at high altitudes can lead to sickness. They discuss new training methods like sleeping in altitude tents, as used by BJ Penn, and the long timeframe (up to 3 years) for full acclimatization.
• Steroids, Animal Doping, and Health Optimization: The hosts discuss performance-enhancing drugs, from horses dying at Santa Anita race track due to steroids (like Equipoise and Deca-Durabolin) to strongman competitions where athletes blackout from strain, such as the Atlas Stone incident. They also touch on the rise of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prescribed by some chiropractors, and Rogan defends nootropics like Alpha Brain for cognitive function.
• Reflections on Classic Cinema & Dark Personalities: Joey expresses admiration for actors like Marlon Brando, sharing stories of his eccentric behavior during "Apocalypse Now" filming (showing up overweight, using cue cards) and his distant, costly demeanor as a star. They also discuss dark themes in movies like Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Full Metal Jacket," leading to a chilling discussion about serial killer Ted Bundy, his manipulative nature, his doorknob-less car, multiple escapes, and the horrific details of his crimes and execution.
• Marijuana, Societal Hypocrisy, and Addiction: The duo explores the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization, noting Amsterdam's declining scene versus Denver's booming economy, and the global heroin trade (Afghanistan supplying 90% of the world's heroin, with prices dropping 90%). Joey shares how edibles help him with sleep apnea and post-workout recovery, leading to a humorous debate with Rogan about the hypocrisy of vegans who own cats and the "social brownie points" sought by some hobbyists and social groups.

Notable Moments

• Interesting Story/Anecdote: Joey recounts "fake robbing" a gas station manager named Ernie six times during his youth to get cocaine, detailing the elaborate plans to stage the robbery and make it look convincing for the police, showcasing his early life of crime and street smarts.
• Surprising Fact/Revelation: Rogan reveals that the world's heroin trade is dominated by Afghanistan, which accounts for 90% of the global supply, hitting record highs despite billions of dollars spent on combating its production. This staggering statistic underscores a global issue with complex, deeply rooted causes.
• Memorable Exchange: Rogan and Diaz get into a lively debate about the hypocrisy of vegans who own cats. Rogan argues that feeding cats (natural predators) processed meat-based cat food directly contradicts vegan principles, comically labeling cats as "little murderers" and their owners as "contributing to animal death."

Key Takeaways

The episode offers a raw, authentic look into the lives of two seasoned comedians, emphasizing that true mastery in any field, particularly stand-up, demands relentless dedication and a willingness to embrace struggle. Listeners gain insight into the dark underbelly of fame and human nature, from the systematic doping in horse racing to the psychological complexities of serial killers. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of individual discipline in health and career, while satirizing the superficiality and hypocrisies found in modern society and subcultures.