Podcasts > The Joe Rogan Experience > #2291 - Bert Kreischer

#2291 - Bert Kreischer

By Joe Rogan

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, hosts Joe Rogan and Bert Kreischer reflect on their careers in comedy, sharing insights on mentorship, evolving cultural norms, and navigating controversial topics. They also delve into outdoor pursuits like archery and hunting, exchanging perspectives on overcoming challenges and the importance of proper training and recovery routines.

The conversation shifts to broader cultural themes, with Kreischer recounting observations from his travels and the hosts analyzing the societal impacts of performance-enhancing drugs. Throughout, Rogan and Kreischer underscore the value of open dialogue and nuanced understanding when addressing complex, divisive issues.

#2291 - Bert Kreischer

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 18, 2025 episode of the The Joe Rogan Experience

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

#2291 - Bert Kreischer

1-Page Summary

The Comedy Industry and Culture

Bert and Joe on Mentors' Value and Mutual Encouragement

Per Kreischer, Rogan mentored and encouraged him to pursue stand-up comedy and a Netflix special, seeing Kreischer's hidden potential. Kreischer expresses gratitude for Rogan believing in him. Rogan reflects on advising Kreischer to shift from TV to his true passions, as Rogan himself did.

Comedy's Evolution: Stage Rule Changes and Comedian Adaptation

The hosts discuss how acceptable content has evolved, noting outdated censorship and network language restrictions. They touch on legal risks of controversial topics, quirky venue clothing rules, smoke-filled rooms, and loopholes like Chappelle smoking during performances.

Bert and Joe on Comedic Friendships

Kreischer shares impactful advice from Chappelle before Kreischer's special, and admires Schultz's Hawaiian chicken bit. Rogan praises Chappelle and Schultz's wit. While not directly critical of "Cunty Comics," the hosts seem to value authentic performance over mere social media presence.

Outdoor Activities, Sports, and Fitness

Bert and Joe Discuss Archery

Challenges and Adaptations Required For Bowhunting

Kreischer details his hunting bow setup as Rogan advises long-distance practice to hone form. They analyze techniques like tree stands, range finders, bow fitting, and impact angles.

Hosts Discuss Extreme Outdoor Activities Risks

Rogan shares a skiing injury story while Kreischer mentions a dangerous concrete sledding competition.

Fitness, Training, Nutrition, and Recovery

Anecdotes of Fitness Journeys

Kreischer reveals a hernia from overexertion and realizing purposeful workouts' value.

Value of Dedicated Trainers and Personal Routines

Discussing injuries, the hosts emphasize recovery through stretching, massage, and personal training programming.

Geopolitical and Cultural Observations

War-torn Regions Mindset and Resilience

From Kreischer's Serbia visit, they examine contrasting perceptions of Gavrilo Princip and how regional hardship arguably fosters resilience, reflected in Serbian sports prowess.

Unintended Policy Consequences

Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Discussing steroids' complexity, Rogan shares personal experience as Kreischer recalls once-legal substances' policy shifts.

Fostering Nuanced Global Understanding

Rogan emphasizes open dialogue and cultural empathy to navigate controversies surrounding drug use and restrictive policies.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Chappelle smoking during performances was considered a loophole because it allowed him to bypass traditional venue rules against smoking indoors. This unconventional act added a rebellious and edgy element to his performances, contributing to his unique stage presence and style. It became a trademark of his performances, showcasing his disregard for conventional norms in comedy venues. Chappelle's smoking on stage was seen as a way to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in the comedy industry.
  • In bowhunting, tree stands are elevated platforms hunters use to gain a height advantage for better visibility and shooting angles. Range finders are devices that measure the distance between the hunter and the target, aiding in accurate shot placement. Bow fitting involves customizing the bow to the hunter's specifications, ensuring comfort and optimal performance. These elements are crucial in bowhunting to increase the chances of a successful and ethical hunt.
  • Kreischer's hernia from overexertion: A hernia is a condition where an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Overexertion can lead to the development of a hernia, especially in the abdominal area where the muscles can weaken from strain. In Kreischer's case, his hernia was likely caused by excessive physical effort or strain, resulting in a protrusion of tissue through the abdominal wall. This condition can be painful and may require medical intervention such as surgery to repair the hernia and alleviate symptoms.
  • Gavrilo Princip was a Bosnian Serb who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, triggering World War I. The mention of Princip in the text may allude to his controversial role in history and how his actions are viewed in different contexts. Serbian sports prowess could be linked to the idea that historical hardships, like conflicts and challenges, can sometimes shape a nation's resilience and success in various fields, including sports.
  • Steroids' complexity stems from their various types, effects, and legal status in different contexts. Policy shifts regarding steroids often involve changes in regulations, bans, and monitoring strategies in sports and healthcare. These shifts can impact athletes, medical patients, and regulatory bodies, leading to debates on fairness, health risks, and ethical considerations. Understanding the nuances of steroid use requires knowledge of medical, legal, and ethical dimensions in different societal frameworks.
  • Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are substances used to improve athletic performance. Policy shifts in sports often involve changes in rules and regulations regarding the use of PEDs. Personal experiences shared by individuals like Joe Rogan may involve encounters with PEDs, such as discussing their impact, legality, and effects on the sports industry.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
#2291 - Bert Kreischer

The Comedy Industry and Culture

In a dynamic conversation that traverses topics from mentorship to the evolving rules of stagecraft, renowned comedians Bert Kreischer and Joe Rogan share their insights on the forces and relationships shaping the world of stand-up comedy.

Bert and Joe on Mentors' Value and Mutual Encouragement

Hosts Recall Joe Encouraging Bert to Pursue Stand-Up and Secure a Netflix Special, Seeing Bert's Potential When Others Missed It

Bert Kreischer expresses gratitude for Joe Rogan, who acted as a mentor, seeing Bert's untapped potential. Rogan encouraged him to pursue theater shows and a Netflix special, advising Bert to be "undeniable" in his pursuits. Rogan recognized Bert's comedic talent while he was still hosting Travel Channel shows and encouraged him to focus on stand-up comedy and podcasting instead of the "velvet prison" of TV. Kreischer recollects Rogan's advice to discuss his experiences on stage, leveraging his "The Machine" persona fully.

Rogan reflects on these moments, emphasizing how he saw Bert's inherent humor and potential for a stand-up career. He recalls advising Kreischer to shift from risky shows to stand-up, just as he himself had refocused from "Fear Factor" to his true passions for stand-up and UFC commentary. Despite his success with "Fear Factor," Rogan identified stand-up and podcasting as his true calling, much like he encouraged Bert to recognize his path.

Comedy's Evolution: Stage Rule Changes and Comedian Adaptation

Discussing how the industry has evolved, Rogan and Kreischer point out that content once fined on traditional radio is now commonplace in podcasts, revealing a shift in what's acceptable in comedy. They touch upon outdated censorship and the silliness of certain language restrictions on major networks.

Joe highlights the potential legal issues of discussing controversial topics in conservative places like Dubai, where laws against indecency can carry severe punishments. Additionally, the pair touches upon stage rules, such as the quirky requirement Bert faces to wear a shirt during performances, despite his shirtless act being iconic.

The discussion extends to performers like Chappelle and Ron White, who continued to smoke on stage in LA due to a loophole labeling it as part of their performance, and Kreischer reminisces about the atmospheric impact of smoke-filled rooms during his days in stand-up venues.

Bert and Joe on Comedic Friendships: The Importance of Positive, Inspiring, and Challenging Circles

Anecdotes on Experiences With Chappelle and Schultz

Kreischer opens up about spending time with Dave Chappelle, whose comedic prowess and personal advice before Kreischer's special ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The Comedy Industry and Culture

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "The Machine" persona is a famous story and comedic persona created by Bert Kreischer. It originated from an experience during his college years when he went on a school trip to Russia and got involved in a series of misadventures, including an encounter with the Russian mafia. This story became a central part of his stand-up comedy routine, showcasing his storytelling skills and humor. Kreischer's "The Machine" persona has become one of his most well-known and beloved bits among fans of his comedy.
  • "Fear Factor" was a reality TV show that aired from 2001 to 2006, where contestants faced extreme challenges. Joe Rogan was the host of the show, which brought him mainstream recognition. Despite his success on "Fear Factor," Rogan's true passions lie in stand-up comedy and UFC commentary, which he pursued more actively after his time on the show. Rogan's transition from hosting "Fear Factor" to focusing on stand-up comedy and podcasting marked a significant shift in his career trajectory.
  • In Dubai, discussing controversial topics that are deemed indecent or offensive can lead to legal repercussions due to strict laws against indecency. These laws can result in severe punishments for individuals who violate them by engaging in speech or actions considered inappropriate by local standards. Comedians and performers need to be cautious about the content they present in conservative places like Dubai to avoid running afoul of these legal restrictions. The legal landscape in Dubai regarding indecency and controversial topics can significantly impact the type o ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
#2291 - Bert Kreischer

Outdoor Activities, Sports, and Fitness

Bert Kreischer and Joe Rogan delve into the technical details of archery and their experiences with outdoor sports, and they discuss the importance of fitness, training, nutrition, and recovering from injuries.

Bert and Joe Discuss Archery Techniques, Equipment, and Distance Practice

Challenges and Adaptations Required For Bowhunting

Bert mentions his Hoyt bow with a 69-pound tension suitable for hunting coyotes and an archery range in a park for practice. Joe advises practicing at longer distances to reveal errors in form. He learned about form and technique from John Dudley and uses a tree stand for hunting, which needs sitting all day in cold, alert for sounds with the help of Walker game ears.

Bert describes his bow's four sites and Joe talks about his adjustable bow on a wheel for distance calculations. Joe emphasizes the importance of a rangefinder with angle compensation for accurate shots from a tree stand. With a compound bow, archers use sights and focus on the shot process, while a recurve bow requires a different feel since you look down the shaft without a sight, which Joe points out diminishes accuracy.

Bert uses a wristlet with his recurve bow, and he recalls an experience in a bow store trying to pull back an 80-pound bow, eventually moving to a 90-pound bow. Both hosts discuss the strength needed for bowhunting; for instance, Cam Hanes shoots with a 90-pound weight. Joe explains that minor archery form errors at close range can greatly affect shots at distances like 60 yards or more. He practices at 85 yards to ensure precision for hunting.

Joe explains the difficulty of shooting from a tree stand, discussing a safety rope's necessity. He emphasizes the need for angle-compensating range finders because gravity affects arrow drop differently when shooting downwards. Bow fitting for an individual’s wingspan is crucial for accuracy and repeatability, which Rogan and Kreischer emphasize is paramount in bowhunting.

Joe shares his experience of getting injured while skiing—fracturing a knee bone and having dizziness and balance issues. Bert talks about a concrete sled competition and the severe risk of getting injured, which Joe suggests dwarfs the risks associated with bow hunting.

Bert and Joe Discuss Benefits of Fitness, Strength Training, Nutrition, and Recovery and In ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Outdoor Activities, Sports, and Fitness

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A Hoyt bow with a 69-pound tension is a type of compound bow where the draw weight, in this case, is set at 69 pounds. The draw weight indicates the force required to pull back the bowstring before releasing an arrow. Higher draw weights like 69 pounds are typically used for hunting larger game due to the increased power and speed of the arrow.
  • A rangefinder with angle compensation is a device used in archery and hunting to calculate the true horizontal distance to the target when shooting from an elevated position, like a tree stand. It adjusts for the angle of the shot, providing a more accurate distance measurement and helping the archer or hunter make precise shots by accounting for the effects of gravity on the arrow's trajectory. This feature is crucial for ensuring accurate and ethical shots, especially when shooting at steep angles or long distances.
  • Shooting from a tree stand involves using a raised platform attached to a tree for hunting. Hunters sit on the stand to gain a better vantage point and concealment. Shooting from an elevated position like a tree stand requires adjustments for factors like gravity affecting arrow trajectory. Hunters use specialized equipment like safety ropes and angle-compensating range finders for accurate shots.
  • A concrete sled competition involves participants racing down a slope on sleds made of concrete. These sleds are typically custom-built and designed for speed and durability on concrete surfaces. The competition combines elements of traditional sledding with the challenge of maneuvering a heavy concrete sled down a course. Participants often face significant risks due to the weight and speed of the concrete sleds, making it a thrilling yet potentially dangerous activity.
  • Tough Mudder is an endurance event series featuring obstacle courses designed to test participants' physical and mental strength. Participants typically cover distances of 10 to 12 miles while overcoming challenges like fire, water, electricity, and heights. The event was first held in the United States in 2010 and has since gained popularity worldwide, attracting millions of participants. In 2020, Tough Mudder faced financial challenges and was acquired by Spartan Race.
  • A bench press competition is a strength-based event where participants compete to lift the heaviest weight possible in the bench press exercise. It involves lying on a bench and pushing a barbell loaded with weights upwards from the chest until the arms are fully extended. Competitors typically have multiple attempts to lift increasingly heavier weights, with judges ensuring proper form and technique. The winner is usually determined by the highest weight successfully lifted.
  • Cam Hanes is a well-known bowhunter and athlete known for his extreme physical fitness and dedication to archery. When it is mentioned that Cam Hanes shoots with a 90-pound weight, it is referring to the draw weight of his bow. A 90-pound draw weight means that it requires 90 pounds of force to pull back the bowstring to its full draw length. This high draw weight indicates Cam Hanes' strength and proficiency in archery, as higher draw weights are typically used for hunting larger game or for competitive shooting. Archers like Cam Hanes often train extensively to be able to handle and shoot accurately with such heavy draw weights.
  • Bow fitting for an individual’s wingspan involves ensuring that the length of the bow matches the archer's arm span. This is important for accuracy and comfort while shooting. A properly fitted bow can help maintain consistency in shooting form and improve overall performance. The wingspan measurement is used to determine the appropriate size of the bow for the archer.
  • A hernia can impact a person's fitness routine by causing discomfort, limiting certain movements, and potentially requiring surgery for treatment. Re ...

Counterarguments

  • While practicing at longer distances can reveal errors in form, it may also lead to overuse injuries if not done with proper technique and rest intervals.
  • The emphasis on high draw weight bows like the 90-pound examples may not be suitable for all archers, especially beginners or those with physical limitations.
  • Precision in archery is crucial, but focusing too much on distance may neglect other important aspects such as shot timing, mental focus, and consistency at closer ranges, which are also vital for hunting success.
  • Shooting from a tree stand adds complexity, but ground blinds or other hunting methods can also be effective and may be preferred by some hunters for various reasons, including safety and comfort.
  • Bow fitting is important, but personal preference and shooting style can also play significant roles in an archer's success and should not be overlooked.
  • Extreme outdoor activities carry inherent risks, but with proper training, equipment, and safety measures, these risks can be mitigated. Additionally, some individuals may find the rewards of these activities outweigh the potential dangers.
  • The benefits of fitness, strength training, nutrition, and recovery are well-documented, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Individual needs and goals should dictate the specifics of a fitness regimen.
  • Whi ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
#2291 - Bert Kreischer

Geopolitical and Cultural Observations

Bert Kreischer and Joe Rogan delve into geopolitical themes and cultural observations, discussing historical narratives and policy implications from their experiences and knowledge.

Bert and Joe Explore War-torn Regions Like Serbia and Their Impact on Mindset and Resilience

The podcast hosts share their insights on the distinct mindset and resilience of people from war-torn areas like Serbia.

Contrasting Perceptions and Treatment of Figures Like Gavrilo Princip, Revered In Some Cultures but Condemned In Others, Highlighting the Subjectivity of Historical Narratives

Kreischer talks about his visit to Serbia, where he observed the reverence for Gavrilo Princip, who is celebrated as a national hero for his role in creating Yugoslavia. Kreischer notes the contrast between Serbia, where statues and memorabilia of Princip abound, and other countries where he might be viewed as a terrorist. This disparity illustrates the subjectivity of historical narratives and how cultural context can drastically change perceptions of historical figures.

The Hosts Reflect On the Resilience and Adaptability of Regional People in Sports and how Their Experiences Inform Challenging Activities

Further discussing the people of Serbia, Kreischer and Rogan explore how the challenging conditions in Serbia have perhaps contributed to the resilience and toughness of the people, particularly the men who Kreischer describes as "cage fighters." Rogan draws attention to the ongoing protests in Serbia, pointing out the public's resilience and responsiveness in confronting infrastructural issues. The hosts also discuss the prominence of Serbians in sports like basketball and MMA, reinforcing the theme of resilience and adaptability in challenging environments.

Bert and Joe Analyze Unintended Consequences of Restrictive Policies

In their discussion, Kreischer and Rogan also analyze the complex history and modern implications of policies on substances.

Exploring the History, Safety, Fairness, and Corporate Influence on Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Kreischer prompts a conversation about the difference between anabolic steroids and [restricted term], leading to a broader discussion on performance-enhancing drugs. Rogan shares his personal experien ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Geopolitical and Cultural Observations

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The discussion may oversimplify the complex nature of historical figures like Gavrilo Princip, failing to fully address the broader historical context and the diverse perspectives that exist even within the cultures that revere or condemn them.
  • The resilience attributed to people from war-torn regions could be seen as romanticizing or generalizing their experiences, which may vary widely among individuals and may not necessarily translate into success in sports or other areas.
  • The focus on the adaptability and toughness of Serbian men in sports might inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and overlook the contributions and resilience of women and non-athletes in these regions.
  • The conversation about performance-enhancing drugs might not adequately consider the ethical implications and health risks associated with their use, potentially minimizing the reasons behind thei ...

Actionables

  • You can deepen your understanding of cultural resilience by reading biographies of individuals from regions with tumultuous histories, like Serbia, to gain insight into their coping mechanisms and sources of strength.
  • Reading about the lives of those who have lived through significant historical events provides a personal perspective on resilience. For example, find a biography of a Serbian athlete or a survivor of a conflict, and after reading, reflect on how their experiences shape their worldview and compare it to your own.
  • Explore the subjectivity of history by hosting a book club with a focus on historical figures whose legacies are debated, such as Gavrilo Princip.
  • By discussing different authors' perspectives on the same historical figure, you'll see how narratives are shaped by the writer's intentions and the context in which they're written. Choose books from various authors about the same figure and compare the portrayals, discussing how each author's background might influence their depiction.
  • Enhance your global ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA