#2445 - Bert Kreischer
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan and comedian Bert Kreischer explore their personal experiences with lucid dreaming and discuss their perspectives on competitiveness, particularly in comedy. The conversation touches on Kreischer's health journey following a blood clot scare, which led to changes in his lifestyle choices.
The hosts examine historical narratives surrounding figures like Helen Keller and Stevie Wonder, questioning some commonly accepted beliefs about their conditions. They also share observations about the evolution of media, including the shift from episodic to serialized storytelling, the role of streaming platforms in entertainment, and their views on industry awards and recognition systems.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 29, 2026 episode of the The Joe Rogan Experience
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Personal Experiences and Introspection
In a wide-ranging conversation, Joe Rogan and Bert Kreischer share their experiences with lucid dreaming, with both describing vivid encounters - Kreischer recalling flying over Hollywood and manipulating dream scenarios, while Rogan describes a particularly memorable interaction with humanoid creatures that affected his sleep schedule.
The duo also explores their relationship with competitiveness. Kreischer admits to past unhealthy competitive behavior in athletics but deliberately chose not to bring that mindset into comedy. Rogan emphasizes the importance of self-competition over competing with others, noting a positive shift in the comedy scene toward collaboration.
On the health front, Kreischer shares how a blood clot scare transformed his approach to wellness, leading to healthier lifestyle choices including sober flying and dietary changes.
Exploration of Historical/Cultural Figures and Narratives
Rogan and Kreischer discuss controversial claims surrounding Helen Keller's disabilities, citing historical records that suggest her deafness and blindness might have been less severe than widely believed. They explore the possibility that Anne Sullivan, Keller's teacher, may have had financial motivations for promoting a more dramatic narrative.
The conversation extends to Stevie Wonder, with Kreischer sharing observations that raise questions about the extent of Wonder's blindness, while Rogan maintains skepticism toward any contradictions to the accepted narrative.
Perspectives on Media, Technology, and Societal Trends
Discussing the evolution of media, both hosts express skepticism toward industry awards and recognition systems. Rogan emphasizes the importance of independent media free from corporate influence, particularly regarding sensitive topics like health concerns.
Kreischer observes the transformation of television from episodic to serialized storytelling, sharing his ambition to create binge-worthy content. Both hosts acknowledge how streaming platforms like Netflix have revolutionized media consumption, pointing to comedians like Tom Segura whose careers benefited from early Netflix exposure.
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Clarifications
- Lucid dreaming is the state of being aware that you are dreaming while still asleep. This awareness allows the dreamer to consciously control and manipulate the dream environment and actions. It is significant because it can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and provide a unique form of self-exploration. Lucid dreaming is studied in psychology and neuroscience for its insights into consciousness and sleep.
- Joe Rogan is a comedian, mixed martial arts commentator, and host of a popular podcast known for long-form conversations on diverse topics. Bert Kreischer is a stand-up comedian and podcaster known for his storytelling style and humorous personal anecdotes. Both have large followings and are influential figures in comedy and podcasting. Their public personas blend humor with candid discussions on personal and cultural issues.
- Unhealthy competitive behavior in athletics often involves excessive pressure to win, prioritizing victory over personal well-being or teamwork. It can lead to stress, burnout, and strained relationships with others. Such behavior may include aggression, cheating, or obsessing over outperforming others at any cost. Kreischer likely refers to these negative patterns he experienced before choosing a healthier mindset in comedy.
- Helen Keller was historically known as both deaf and blind from a young age due to an illness. Some modern theories and disputed historical records suggest her disabilities might have been less severe or different than traditionally portrayed. Controversy arises from claims that her teacher, Anne Sullivan, may have exaggerated Keller's condition to gain financial support or public sympathy. These claims remain debated and are not widely accepted by mainstream historians.
- Anne Sullivan was Helen Keller's teacher and lifelong companion. She taught Keller, who was deaf and blind, how to communicate using tactile sign language. Sullivan's innovative teaching methods enabled Keller to learn to read, write, and speak. Their relationship was pivotal in Keller's education and public success.
- Some skeptics question Stevie Wonder's blindness due to his ability to navigate complex environments and perform tasks that seem to require sight. These doubts often stem from misunderstandings about blindness and the adaptive skills developed by visually impaired individuals. Medical records confirm he was born prematurely, leading to retinopathy of prematurity, which caused his blindness. Despite skepticism, there is no credible evidence disproving his blindness.
- Industry awards and recognition systems in media often serve to highlight and celebrate outstanding work, influencing public perception and career opportunities. However, they can be subject to biases, favoritism, and corporate interests, which may affect their fairness and credibility. These awards can shape industry trends by rewarding certain styles or themes, sometimes limiting diversity and innovation. Critics argue that independent media offers more authentic and varied perspectives, free from such institutional pressures.
- Episodic television features self-contained stories in each episode, allowing viewers to watch in any order without confusion. Serialized television tells a continuous story across multiple episodes, requiring sequential viewing to understand plot developments. Episodic shows often reset character situations, while serialized shows build on previous events. This shift affects how audiences engage, favoring binge-watching for serialized content.
- Streaming platforms like Netflix changed media by allowing viewers to watch entire series or specials anytime, encouraging binge-watching. This shift reduced reliance on traditional TV schedules and networks. For comedians, Netflix offers global exposure and direct access to audiences without needing traditional TV deals. Early Netflix specials helped launch careers by reaching millions quickly and building fanbases.
- Tom Segura is a well-known stand-up comedian and podcaster. He gained significant popularity through Netflix specials that showcased his comedy style. His success exemplifies how streaming platforms can boost comedians' careers by reaching wide audiences. This relevance highlights the shift in media consumption discussed by Rogan and Kreischer.
Counterarguments
- The vividness and impact of lucid dreams can vary greatly from person to person, and some may argue that the experiences described by Rogan and Kreischer are subjective and not universally representative of lucid dreaming.
- While Kreischer chooses not to bring competitive behavior into comedy, others might argue that a healthy level of competition can drive innovation and excellence in the field.
- Rogan's emphasis on self-competition might not resonate with everyone, as some individuals thrive in environments where they can measure their progress against others.
- The adoption of healthier lifestyle choices after a health scare is commendable, but some might argue that it often takes such extreme events for individuals to make significant changes, highlighting a reactive rather than proactive approach to health.
- The discussion about Helen Keller's disabilities and Anne Sullivan's motivations could be seen as speculative without substantial evidence, and some might argue that it undermines the achievements and challenges faced by Keller.
- Questioning the extent of Stevie Wonder's blindness without concrete evidence could be considered insensitive and disrespectful to his personal experience and accomplishments.
- Skepticism toward industry awards might overlook the positive aspects of recognition in media, such as providing a platform for lesser-known works to gain visibility and credibility.
- The importance of independent media is highlighted, but one could argue that corporate-backed media can also produce quality content and that the issue is more about journalistic integrity than corporate involvement.
- While serialized storytelling is praised, some might argue that episodic television still has its place and appeals to audiences who prefer self-contained stories.
- The impact of streaming platforms on media consumption is acknowledged, but there could be a discussion on the potential negative effects, such as oversaturation of content and the difficulty for new artists to stand out without traditional media backing.
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Personal Experiences and Introspection
Through recollecting personal experiences and periods of introspection, Bert Kreischer and Joe Rogan explore topics ranging from lucid dreaming and competitiveness to their approaches to health and wellness.
Bert and Joe's Shared Experiences With Lucid Dreaming
Both Bert and Joe share anecdotes of their lucid dreaming episodes, with vivid descriptions of encounters and surreal experiences.
Bert Describes Vivid Lucid Dreams: Flying, Sex, and Surreal Beings
Bert Kreischer recalls extensive lucid dreams where he has the power to manipulate his dream environment, including flying over Hollywood, engaging in consequence-free sex, and meeting unusual beings. Bert’s ability to remain in dreams, return to them, and even restart them has allowed him to explore various scenarios created by his mind.
Joe's Strange Lucid Dream With Humanoid Creatures
Joe Rogan narrates a bizarre and realistic lucid dream featuring humanoid creatures. He encountered four entities with large heads communicating through thoughts, trying to ease him. This dream was so compelling that it disrupted his sleep pattern, leading him to work out early in the morning as he pondered its significance.
Reflections on Competitiveness and Its Impact
Reflecting on their competitive streaks, both Bert and Joe discuss how they have navigated and moderated their competitive nature over time.
Bert On Overcoming Unhealthy Competitiveness in Athletics and Shelving It In Comedy Career
Bert Kreischer acknowledges an unhealthy level of competitiveness in his past, especially as an athlete. He recounts a moment when he purposely injured a rival player during a baseball game. However, when he entered stand-up comedy, Bert found himself outmatched and chose not to carry the same competitive edge forward, avoiding an unwholesome rivalry among his peers.
Joe Advocates Healthy Self-Competition Over Competing With Others
Joe Rogan, while not directly advocating for healthy self-competition, emphasizes the benefits of self-driven physical activity. His approach to fitness is about improving oneself and competing against personal goals rather than others. Rogan also notes a shift in the comedy scene, from a cutthroat environment to one that fosters collaboration.
Perspectives on Health and Wellness
Health and wellness pra ...
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Personal Experiences and Introspection
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Lucid dreaming is the state of being aware that you are dreaming while still asleep. This awareness allows the dreamer to control or influence the dream's content and environment. It is significant because it can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and self-exploration. Lucid dreaming is also studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing nightmares.
- To "manipulate the dream environment" in lucid dreams means consciously changing or controlling elements within the dream, such as scenery, characters, or events. This control happens because the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and can influence the dream's content. It allows for intentional actions like flying or altering surroundings. This ability distinguishes lucid dreams from regular dreams, where the dreamer has no control.
- "Restarting" a dream refers to the ability, during lucid dreaming, to consciously end a current dream scene and initiate a new one within the same sleep session. This skill allows the dreamer to shift the dream's narrative or environment at will. It requires awareness that one is dreaming and control over the dream state. This practice enhances the exploration and creativity possible in lucid dreams.
- Humanoid creatures with large heads often symbolize advanced intelligence or otherworldly beings in dreams and fiction. Telepathic communication represents direct mind-to-mind connection, bypassing spoken language. Such imagery can reflect subconscious feelings of being observed or guided by higher knowledge. It may also indicate a desire for deeper understanding or connection beyond normal communication.
- Bert Kreischer was highly competitive as an athlete, which sometimes led to aggressive behavior, such as intentionally injuring opponents. This intense competitiveness was driven by a desire to win at all costs, common in competitive sports environments. Over time, he recognized this mindset as unhealthy and chose to leave it behind when transitioning to his comedy career. This shift helped him avoid toxic rivalries and foster a more positive professional atmosphere.
- Athletic competitiveness often involves direct, physical rivalry with clear winners and losers. In comedy, competition is less about defeating others and more about creativity and audience connection. Excessive competitiveness in comedy can harm relationships and stifle collaboration. Therefore, a cooperative mindset is healthier and more productive in the comedy world.
- Competing with others focuses on outperforming external opponents, often leading to stress and rivalry. Healthy self-competition centers on personal growth by setting and achieving individual goals. It encourages self-improvement without comparison to others. This mindset fosters motivation and resilience while reducing negative emotions.
- The comedy scene was once highly competitive, with comedians often viewing each other as rivals for limited opportunities. This cutthroat environment could create tension and hinder creative collaboration. Over time, many comedians began supporting each other, sharing ideas and helping each other grow. This shift fosters a healthier community and encourages innovation in comedy.
- Nose breathing during sleep filters and humidifies the air, protecting the lungs from irritants. It promotes the production of nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels and improve oxygen absorption. This can lead to better sleep quality and reduced risk of sleep apnea. Mouth breathing, in contrast, often causes dryness and can worsen snoring.
- Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing vibrations in the throat tissues. This can lead to disrupt ...
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Exploration of Historical/Cultural Figures and Narratives
Joe Rogan and Bert Kreischer delve into the stories of Helen Keller and Stevie Wonder, raising questions about the authenticity of the narratives surrounding their disabilities and the motivations behind promoting certain versions of their stories.
Scrutiny of the Helen Keller Story
Joe Rogan and Bert Kreischer discuss claims surrounding Helen Keller's deafness and blindness, suggesting that her disabilities might have been less severe than widely believed.
Claims Helen Keller's Deafness and Blindness Were Exaggerated, Suggesting Retained Sight and Hearing
Rogan discusses claims that medical examiners suggested Helen Keller may have responded to visual and auditory stimuli and that her disabilities were exaggerated. The Metaboard archives from 1902 to 1924 reportedly do not contain examination reports evidencing Keller's full blindness and deafness. Additionally, according to claims, Keller tracked movements with her eyes and flinched at loud noises, which could indicate some degree of sight and hearing.
Motivations For Promoting the "Miraculous" Helen Keller Narrative, Including Financial Incentives
The discussion revolves around the idea that Helen Keller's story might have been promoted by her companion and teacher, Anne Sullivan, for financial gain. Kreischer and Rogan suggest Sullivan found Keller at a young age and claimed a miraculous teaching breakthrough, later charging substantial fees for appearances. Financial records reportedly show Sullivan controlled all of Keller's income, potentially keeping her financially dependent.
Skepticism Around the Authenticity of Stevie Wonder's Blindness
Kreischer and Rogan explore rumors and anecdotes that cast doubt on the complete authenticity of Stevie Wonder's blindness.
Rumors and Anecdotal Evidence of Stevie Wonder's Residual Vision or Light Perception
There are r ...
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Exploration of Historical/Cultural Figures and Narratives
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Helen Keller's disabilities were well-documented by her contemporaries, and her achievements as a person with disabilities are widely recognized by historians and disability advocates.
- Medical understanding of disabilities in the early 20th century was not as advanced as today, and Helen Keller's responses to stimuli could be interpreted within the context of her disabilities without suggesting exaggeration.
- Anne Sullivan's teaching methods and the breakthroughs with Helen Keller are considered pioneering in the field of education for the deaf and blind, and their relationship is generally seen as one of mutual respect and collaboration.
- Financial arrangements between Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan should be understood in the context of the time period and the limited opportunities for women, particularly those with disabilities.
- Stevie Wonder's blindness has been a part of his public persona since childhood, and there is no verified evidence to suggest that he has significant residual vision or that his blindness is not authentic.
- Anecdotal observations of Stevie Wonder's actions that seem to req ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking skills by researching and analyzing the biographies of historical figures. Start with Helen Keller, examining primary sources such as letters, medical records, and personal accounts to form your own understanding of her life. This practice will help you discern fact from narrative in other historical contexts as well.
- Develop a keener observation of your surroundings by practicing "blind" activities. Wear a blindfold and attempt to navigate your home or perform simple tasks to gain a deeper appreciation for the abilities of individuals like Stevie Wonder and to understand the spectrum of visual impairment.
- Encourage transpar ...
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Perspectives on Media, Technology, and Societal Trends
The dialogue between Joe Rogan and Bert Kreischer explores the evolving landscape of media, technology, and their impact on society, focusing on corporate influences, changes in television, and the role of social media.
Critiques of Corporate Influence on Podcasting and Media
Bert and Joe Discuss Awards, Recognition in Comedy, and Their Skepticism Towards These Systems
Joe Rogan and Bert Kreischer express skepticism towards the system of awards and recognition in the comedy industry. They question the legitimacy and health of the bodies that distribute these awards and criticize the industry for rewarding notoriety over quality. Rogan comments on the arbitrary nature of awards and suggests that personal recommendations hold greater value than formal recognition. Kreischer supports Rogan's perspective, sharing his own sense of accomplishment based on personal satisfaction rather than official accolades.
Rogan also mentions that independent media not connected to corporations is critical because corporations and advertisers limit what can be discussed. This is particularly true when pharmaceutical companies and other major corporations influence what is covered in the news. He believes that connections to advertisers suppress discussion on sensitive topics like vaccine injuries and other health concerns.
Kreischer raises concern over the increasing corporate nature of podcasting, illustrated by the presence of corporate podcasts in awards nominations. Rogan shares his disinterest in such awards, having not submitted his podcast for consideration despite being asked to and required to pay a nomination fee.
Social Media and Online Communities' Impact on Creative Field Competition
The conversation addresses the influence of social media and online communities on competition in creative fields. Kreischer discusses the importance of moments that boost one's career visibility, often arising from social media and going viral. He notes that comedians like Jim Jeffries and Tom Segura rose to fame thanks to the internet and early spots on platforms like Netflix.
Rogan speaks to the darker side of social media, where engagement can lead to exposure to negative comments and unhealthy competitiveness. Instead, he values the opinion of friends and respected voices on social media over formal recognitions.
Changes in the Television Landscape and Viewer Habits
Bert's Observations on the Shift From Episodic TV To Immersive, Serialized Storytelling
The conversation turns to the shift from episodic television ...
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Perspectives on Media, Technology, and Societal Trends
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can start a personal recommendation exchange with friends to discover new comedians and shows, bypassing industry awards and mainstream media. Create a group chat or email thread where each person shares their latest favorite comedian or show, along with a brief explanation of why they enjoyed it. This grassroots approach can lead to more authentic and satisfying entertainment discoveries.
- Develop a habit of writing down what personally satisfies you after engaging with any form of comedy or media. Keep a journal or digital document where you note what made you laugh, think, or feel connected to the content. This self-reflection can help you understand your tastes better and guide your future choices without relying on external accolades or recognition.
- Create your own serialized storytelling project for an online platform, such as a ...
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