Joe Rogan Experience #2235 - Mike Rowe

The podcast discusses the concept of "safety third" and its relevance to various professions, including construction, driving, and media. It explores the unintended consequences of safety protocols and the importance of personal responsibility. The episode concludes with a reflection on the evolution of media and the shift from an age of authority to an age of authenticity, with an emphasis on the need for genuine human connection and the value of pursuing one's passions with a scientific or artistic mindset.

Dog Names

• 00:01:26 The discussion starts with a casual conversation about dog names, with Joe Rogan, Mike Rowe, and Jamie Vernon sharing their own dogs' names. They all agree that they like dogs with people names.

Television and Innovation

• 00:01:45 The conversation shifts to the creation of the television, with Joe Rogan questioning whether it was invented by one person or a group of individuals. Mike Rowe compares this to the development of the integrated circuit and introduces the concept of "morphic resonance" as a possible explanation for shared ideas and discoveries.

Toxoplasma gondii

• 00:03:34 Mike Rowe discusses a paper he read about Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that lives in cats' guts and affects the brains of rats, making them less fearful of cats. He suggests that this parasite might also influence human behavior, potentially explaining the phenomenon of "cat ladies" who have an unusually large number of cats.

Homeostatic Risk and Risk Equilibrium

• 00:06:41 Joe Rogan and Mike Rowe discuss the concept of "homeostatic risk and risk equilibrium", which suggests that people subconsciously adjust their risk-taking behavior based on their environment and safety precautions. They provide examples of how drivers with better safety features tend to take more risks.

Safety Third

• 00:11:33 Mike Rowe introduces the concept of "safety third", which he developed while working on Dirty Jobs. He argues that prioritizing safety above all else can lead to complacency and that individuals should take responsibility for their own well-being.

Dirty Jobs

• 00:15:01 Mike Rowe shares the story of how he came up with the concept for Dirty Jobs, drawing inspiration from various sources like George Plimpton, Charles Kuralt, and Paul Harvey. He explains that he was working as a freelancer in the entertainment industry when he got the idea to create a show that would showcase the often-overlooked jobs that people do.

QVC

• 00:26:58 Mike Rowe shares his experience working on QVC, explaining how he ended up getting the job after a chance encounter with a bartender who was auditioning for the same position. He describes the audition process and the challenges of selling products on television.

Opera

• 00:18:13 Mike Rowe talks about his time singing in the Baltimore Opera, explaining how he got involved despite having no formal training. He shares his experience of crashing an audition and being surprised by the world of opera.

Stand-Up Comedy

• 00:45:51 Mike Rowe reflects on the importance of genuine human connection and his enjoyment of talking to people. He emphasizes the value of being genuinely interested in others and how this has contributed to his success in podcasting.

Media Evolution

• 01:16:34 The conversation shifts to the evolution of media, with Joe Rogan and Mike Rowe discussing how the internet has created a space for more unprofessional and authentic content creators to thrive. They highlight the shift from traditional news and television to a more independent and direct way of consuming information.

Authenticity in Media

• 01:21:44 Mike Rowe argues that production values can sometimes be detrimental to authenticity and that audiences are increasingly seeking genuine and unscripted content. He explains how he incorporated the concept of a "truth cam" on Dirty Jobs to show viewers the behind-the-scenes realities of the show.

Anthony Bourdain

• 01:49:11 Mike Rowe shares his admiration for Anthony Bourdain and his unique approach to non-fiction television. He highlights a particular scene from Parts Unknown where Bourdain gets drunk and films the entire episode, showcasing his willingness to challenge the narrative and embrace authenticity.

The Importance of Skills

• 02:10:51 Mike Rowe emphasizes the importance of skilled trades and the need to revalue them in society. He discusses the issues of student debt and the overemphasis on four-year degrees for jobs that don't require them. He advocates for the artistic and entrepreneurial aspects of skilled trades and the importance of mastering a skill that is in demand.

The Role of Discomfort

• 02:27:20 Mike Rowe and Joe Rogan discuss the importance of voluntary discomfort and the benefits of challenging oneself. They mention the role of the anterior mid-cingulate cortex in learning and overcoming difficulties and how embracing discomfort can improve mental resilience and overall well-being.

Whaling Industry

• 02:33:41 Mike Rowe discusses the whaling industry in Nantucket in the early 19th century, drawing from the book "In the Heart of the Sea" by Nathaniel Philbrick. He recounts the harrowing tale of the sinking of the Essex and the subsequent survival of the crew, which involved cannibalism.

Buffalo Herds

• 02:52:28 The conversation turns to the topic of buffalo herds and their history in North America. Mike Rowe discusses Dan Flores's theories about the large numbers of buffalo that existed in the 19th century, suggesting that their population flourished after the decimation of the Native American population by disease.

Younger Dryas Impact Theory

• 02:53:57 Mike Rowe mentions the Younger Dryas Impact Theory, which proposes that an asteroid shower at the end of the Ice Age caused a mass extinction of North American mammals, including horses. He discusses how this event played a role in the subsequent reintroduction of horses to North America by Europeans and the impact on Native American hunting practices.

Crazy Horse Monument

• 02:45:34 Mike Rowe shares his experience working on the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota, highlighting its size and scale in comparison to Mount Rushmore. He discusses the controversy surrounding the monument within Native American communities and the unique circumstances surrounding its creation.