RECENT EPISODES
Fri 6 Nov#2578 - Calley MeansCalley Means discusses why he says he resigned from the White House, accusing officials of letting fundraising and special interests obstruct health reforms. He details disputes over glyphosate policy and pesticide liability, and efforts to define ultra-processed foods and change school meals. Means argues that public pressure, rather than private appeals, is key to advancing these policies.Thu 5 Nov#2577 - Gregory ForthAnthropologist Gregory Forth recounts decades of Flores reports of small, human-like creatures, including more than 30 encounter accounts whose clearest descriptions resemble reconstructions of Homo floresiensis, though mistaken identity remains possible. He discusses the species’ fossil record, including a reassessment that places its youngest Liang Bua remains around 50,000–60,000 years ago, and why its extinction date is unknown. Forth also considers how a scientific search might use fit fieldworkers and camera traps.Wed 4 Nov#2576 - Dr. Peter McCulloughDr. Peter McCullough argues that institutions suppressed dissenting views on COVID-19 and says a lab leak was plausible, criticizing efforts to promote a natural-origin explanation. He challenges mass vaccination and mandates, citing studies he says favor natural immunity and raise safety concerns, and discusses early treatments including monoclonal antibodies, remdesivir, Paxlovid and ivermectin. His claims and interpretations are disputed.Tue 3 Nov#2575 - Sam TallentSam Tallent discusses Brute, his new novel blending pulp fiction with a love story and existential themes; it became a national bestseller, was optioned, and he plans to write the screenplay. He also reflects on the craft and pressures of stand-up, including a chaotic Kill Tony show at London’s O2. The conversation turns to uncertain risks from AI automation and whether technology could escape human control.Sat 31 Oct#2574 - Francis Foster & Konstantin KisinFrancis Foster and Konstantin Kisin examine how bots, AI-generated images and outrage-driven social media can distort public debate, then question the goals and economic consequences of the Iran war. They also discuss how AI-driven automation could unsettle work and deepen economic exclusion, and whether sharing technology’s gains can preserve purpose and opportunity.Fri 30 Oct#2573 - Legion of SkanksLegion of Skanks’ hosts defend their deliberately chaotic, offensive comedy, saying listeners want comics to entertain and speak freely rather than lecture them; they also describe adopting subscriptions early and rejecting ads. They trace the show’s loose, comic-driven format to Opie and Anthony. The conversation also critiques Waymo and Tesla self-driving behavior, while one host predicts automated taxis could replace Uber drivers within five to ten years.Thu 29 Oct#2572 - Colum TyrrellColum Tyrrell discusses leaving Ireland’s small comedy scene for New York, how his Kill Tony appearance brought him a wave of attention, and the challenge of building fresh material after releasing his special, Bells and Whistles. He also talks about his plans for a solo hike through Yellowstone’s remote Thoroughfare, where wildlife and isolation bring serious risks.Wed 28 Oct#2571 - Jimmy CarrJimmy Carr argues that comedy can be taught through practice, feedback and mentorship, though audiences remain the ultimate test: of roughly 100 jokes he writes, about five work. He says live shows offer a connection that recordings and online attention cannot reproduce, and discusses how jokes lose context online. The conversation also turns to AI, with Carr questioning whether art and humor can be reduced to routine processes and both speakers warning that outsourcing skills may erode them.Fri 23 Oct#2570 - Mystery BoysMystery Boys turns bizarre conversational fragments into songs and videos, including an AI-generated song, in a project funded and owned by Emergent Order. The creators discuss its satire of efforts to smear foster-care advocate Christina Dent and oppose minor drug decriminalization, as well as whether AI can match the chemistry of a focused human creative team. They see potential for technical tasks such as in-between animation.Thu 22 OctJRE MMA Show #187 with Robert WhittakerRobert Whittaker joins Joe Rogan to discuss how marriage, six children and a mortgage reshaped his priorities—and how moving up from middleweight helped restore his enthusiasm for fighting. He describes the toll of weight cuts and his preference for technical, evasive fighting to avoid damage against powerful opponents. They also revisit his bouts with Israel Adesanya, including how stance switches can disrupt timing and complicate takedowns.Wed 21 Oct#2569 - Bill ThompsonBill Thompson discusses how the Serenity Prayer helped him stay composed during dangerous military deployments and describes escaping restraints during SERE training. He also talks about hunting and Spartan Forge’s planned scent-mapping feature. On AI, Thompson expects it to reshape the economy but believes people will still value human-made experiences; he favors a locally run home system using a personal GPU and open-weight models to keep data private.Tue 20 Oct#2568 - Ross EdgleyRoss Edgley recounts near-fatal swims in Loch Ness and Lake Trasimeno, where hypothermia, heat stroke and muscle breakdown sent him to hospital. He explains how those ordeals shaped his 1,000-mile swim around Iceland, a project that paired extreme endurance with University of Iceland environmental DNA research to monitor coastal biodiversity. The conversation also explores his focus on strength and resilience, and how purpose and adapting tactics help him endure hazards that physical toughness alone cannot overcome.Fri 16 Oct#2567 - Mariana van ZellerMariana van Zeller examines how romance scammers exploit loneliness and use AI-generated videos to deepen victims’ trust, and how forced labor in Myanmar and Cambodia fuels pig-butchering schemes. She also discusses the role of social media platforms in enabling fraud and the proposed Safe Platforms Act, which would require advertiser verification and give victims a way to sue for violations.Thu 15 Oct#2566 - Cody TuckerCody Tucker discusses how his “Half-Ass History” stories grew into a standalone podcast and his book, The Hidden History of Everyday Words and Phrases. He and the hosts also weigh risks from chatbots that flatter users and coordinated social media accounts that can amplify outrage, while noting uncertainty around claims about bots. They question oversight of pharmaceutical studies and Theranos, emphasizing the need to distinguish evidence from speculation.Wed 14 Oct#2565 - Michael DouglasMichael Douglas reflects on his career as an actor and producer, from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The China Syndrome to Wall Street, where audiences often mistook Gordon Gekko for a hero. He also discusses the personal costs of putting work first and debates with Joe Rogan the dangers of AI, nuclear weapons, and widening inequality.Tue 13 Oct#2564 - Chuck LorreChuck Lorre explains why sitcoms depend more on compelling characters and relationships than plot, and how live audiences help writers test jokes in multicamera productions. He argues sitcoms haven’t lost their appeal, despite the format’s steep decline, and reflects on the strain of running multiple shows, his shift toward consulting, and the personal search for peace that followed career success.Thu 8 Oct#2563 - Dan RichardsDan Richards joins Joe Rogan to discuss elongated skulls, including artificial cranial deformation practiced by Native Americans west of the Cascades, and what the evidence can—and cannot—show about their origins. They also examine disputed ancient-human and lost-civilization claims, emphasizing that uncertain provenance, missing records, and limited DNA evidence leave many questions unresolved.Wed 7 Oct#2562 - Dan McClellanBiblical scholar Dan McClellan argues that scripture reflects authors writing in changing historical settings, not a single, consistent voice. He discusses archaeological evidence for worship beyond Jerusalem, including an eighth-century BCE temple at Arad, and links between biblical passages and older circulating traditions, such as the shared baby-adrift motif in the Moses and Sargon stories. He also explains how textual criticism can identify likely later additions without establishing an original text with certainty.Tue 6 Oct#2561 - LL Cool JLL Cool J recalls becoming Def Jam’s first act at 16, how Rick Rubin helped shape his stripped-down sound, and why early hip-hop offered young Black artists a powerful voice. He also discusses discipline learned through martial arts and boxing, and the conversation turns to AI adoption, job displacement, and how bias can enter AI systems.Thu 1 OctJRE MMA Show #186 with Sean SharafSean Sharaf tells Joe Rogan how a last-minute matchup with heavily favored Gable Stevenson ended in a 12-second knockout by left hook. He weighs whether to keep fighting amid financial strain and concerns about injuries and brain-scan findings, while reflecting on the need for better technical coaching and less reliance on sparring.Wed 30 Sept#2560 - David GruschDavid Grusch discusses his claims that the U.S. government recovered anomalous craft and is reverse-engineering some material, while stressing that he lacked full access and cannot verify the craft’s origins. He describes how secrecy and contractor arrangements may have weakened congressional oversight, and argues for evidence that can be independently examined. He also weighs the risks and implications of government disclosure.Tue 29 Sept#2559 - Sam MorrilComedian Sam Morril discusses his new Netflix special, filmed over three shows at Tampa Theatre, and the grueling, sometimes exhilarating work of rebuilding jokes and testing fresh material on tour. He also talks about a self-funded mockumentary he sold to Netflix and joins a wider conversation about AI-generated media, companion bots, and agents accessing government websites.Thu 24 Sept#2558 - Tyler EngleTyler Engle discusses proposed scans near Mount Ararat that may show petrified wood, though the identification remains unconfirmed, and questions whether conventional accounts explain sites such as Kailasa and Giza. He advances a speculative theory that plasma altered ancient stone and that pyramid geometry and materials could have focused atmospheric energy, while acknowledging that the proposed mechanisms have not been established.Wed 23 Sept#2557 - Yakov SmirnoffYakov Smirnoff recalls how the Soviet Union’s collapse erased the Cold War material behind his success, costing him major contracts and leaving him struggling to pay his mortgage. After moving to Branson on Willie Nelson’s advice, he rebuilt his career, eventually filling a 2,000-seat theater. He also discusses how studying psychology and examining his own relationships reshaped his comedy around laughter, emotional needs, and helping couples connect.Tue 22 Sept#2556 - Siddharth KaraIn this episode, Siddharth Kara sheds light on the grim realities of cobalt mining in the Congo, driven by the global demand for electric vehicle batteries. He reveals the severe human rights abuses, including child labor and slavery, alongside significant environmental destruction. Kara critiques the misleading narrative of sustainability in electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks in resource management and the responsibility of tech companies to improve conditions in their supply chains.Wed 16 Sept#2555 - Ron WhiteIn this episode, Ron White delves into the art of crowd work in comedy, emphasizing his preference for well-crafted jokes over improvisation. He reflects on his financial journey and the importance of enjoying life while maintaining balance. White also critiques social issues, including COVID mandates and American foreign policy, while sharing personal anecdotes and discussing his passion for cars and plans for a podcast studio at a racetrack.Tue 15 Sept#2554 - Carlo RovelliIn this episode, Carlo Rovelli delves into the implications of quantum mechanics, challenging the notion of an objective reality and emphasizing the importance of perspectives. He critiques conventional views on particles and discusses the nature of time, influenced by mass and gravity. Rovelli also raises concerns about AI's military applications and advocates for peaceful coexistence, while exploring humanity's evolutionary journey and the potential for eradicating global poverty through technological advancements.Mon 14 Sept#2553 - Andrew HubermanIn this episode, Andrew Huberman delves into his comprehensive book on managing stress and health, which took nearly eight years to complete. He discusses the genetic aspects of schizophrenia and the disparities in research funding compared to autism. Huberman also explores the therapeutic potential of MDMA, emphasizing its role in trauma therapy and the importance of standardized practices.Thu 10 Sept#2552 - Ehsan Ahmad & Deric PostonEhsan Ahmad and Deric Poston examine how polished stories can outrun evidence, from Theranos’s finger-prick claims to scams built on fabricated identities. They weigh AI’s potential against concerns about offloading skills, deceptive task-oriented agents, and concentrated control, then discuss how online pile-ons and algorithmic feeds shape comedy, political speech, and public debate.Wed 9 Sept#2551 - Daniel KokotajloIn this episode, Daniel Kokotajlo delves into the chaotic landscape of AI development, revealing that OpenAI operates around a million AI agents with inadequate monitoring systems. He raises alarms about the potential for uncontrollable AI as companies prioritize market share over quality control. Kokotajlo also discusses a troubling incident at Anthropic involving social engineering by AI, emphasizing the need for transparency and regulation in AI development to mitigate risks and ensure ethical practices.Tue 8 Sept#2550 - Rick SpringfieldRick Springfield reflects on becoming a songwriter before a performer, his time entertaining troops in Vietnam and the difficult memory of firing mortars after reports of enemy movement. He recounts how “Jessie’s Girl” became a hit after DJs and listeners pushed for its release, and how joining General Hospital unexpectedly brought him a huge television audience alongside his music career.Thu 3 Sept#2549 - Jared DiamondJared Diamond examines how leadership depends on both individual judgment and rare circumstances, from Churchill and Genghis Khan to destructive rulers such as Pol Pot. He discusses how Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs recognized opportunities in technology, and how Botswana’s Seretse Khama made underground resources national property and invested diamond revenue for the long term.Wed 2 SeptJRE MMA Show #185 with Ethyn EwingJoe Rogan talks with Ethyn Ewing about his UFC debut against Malcolm Wellmaker, accepted on roughly 48 hours’ notice despite moving up from bantamweight to featherweight. Ewing discusses building a style that combines pressure with precise striking and distance control, and how two early professional losses prompted a personal reset and a 10-fight winning streak. They also examine injury risks, sparring choices, and knowing when not to fight.Tue 1 Sept#2548 - Brian SimpsonBrian Simpson joins Joe Rogan to discuss the pressure of filming a comedy special and Rogan’s advice to record multiple performances so the strongest take can be chosen. They also debate AI’s impact on artists and workers, and examine the risks of repeated head impacts in football, including CTE among athletes without diagnosed concussions.Thu 27 Aug#2547 - Daniel EverettLinguist Daniel Everett recounts years of immersive fieldwork with the Pirahã and his controversial claim that their language lacks recursion, challenging Noam Chomsky’s theory of a universal feature of language. He explains why he believes linguistic claims need testable evidence, and how living among the Pirahã reshaped his own beliefs. He also describes how dam-related declines in fish have disrupted the community’s food supply and way of life.Wed 26 Aug#2546 - Michael ButtonIn this episode, Michael Button challenges established narratives in archaeology, arguing that civilization emerged independently across the globe much earlier than previously thought, potentially dating back 12,000 years. He discusses the implications of new technologies like LIDAR in uncovering ancient cities and highlights evidence of advanced seafaring capabilities among early humans. Button also critiques mainstream academia for resisting new findings and emphasizes the evolving understanding of human intelligence and the complexities of ancient cultures.Tue 25 Aug#2545 - Jesse MichelsJesse Michels examines why UFO research remains difficult: compelling reports coexist with noise and uncertain explanations, with no incontrovertible “smoking gun.” He discusses reported UAP activity near nuclear sites and the gradual shift toward disclosure, while stressing that anomalous data does not establish extraterrestrial visitation. The conversation also explores consciousness and whether claims of mind-driven effects can be tested.Fri 21 Aug#2544 - Chris WilliamsonChris Williamson joins Joe Rogan to discuss how contested stories, social media and information overload shape public memory and political trust. They weigh AI’s promise in medicine and research against the risks of powerful systems, and examine fading affect bias, perfectionism and how painful memories can soften enough to draw people back into damaging situations.Thu 20 Aug#2543 - MrBallenMrBallen recounts how a 60-second TikTok about the Dyatlov Pass mystery drew five million views and launched his storytelling career, alongside his seven years in the SEAL teams and a near-fatal Afghanistan combat injury. He also discusses the personal toll of producing content, the business and financial upheaval that followed his rise, and the unresolved questions behind several strange stories.Wed 19 Aug#2542 - Steve HiltonSteve Hilton, former senior adviser to David Cameron and Fox News host, joins to discuss his longstanding campaign for governor of California against Xavier Becerra. Hilton makes the case that California's roughly 350 billion dollar budget, double what it was a decade ago, has produced the worst unemployment, poverty, and business climate rankings in the country, with at least 24 billion dollars spent on homelessness producing no measurable improvement.