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Joe Rogan is the arguable king of podcasts. In “The Joe Rogan Experience”, Rogan’s focus is wide-ranging and entertaining, often delving into a wide range of topics, from the mundane to the controversial.
One particularly intriguing subject has been his exploration of kratom, the natural botanical we know and love.
With his candid and often humorous style, Rogan has brought kratom into the spotlight, sharing his personal experiences and discussing its implications with various guests. Let’s dive into some of his notable episodes where kratom took center stage and see how Rogan’s celebrity endorsement has influenced public perception of kratom throughout the country.
TL;DR: Major Points of Joe Rogan’s Experience with Kratom
- First Encounter with Kratom: Rogan first tried kratom in 2016 during an episode with Chris Bell. He took two capsules on air and discussed the potential uses and effects of the substance.
- Discussion with Experts: He had detailed conversations with experts like Chris Bell and Hamilton Morris, who provided insights into kratom’s origins, uses, and legislative challenges.
- Personal Experiences: Rogan shared his personal experiences with kratom, noting the significant mental effects from higher doses and discussing its use as a pre-workout supplement.
- Advocacy and Legislation: Throughout these episodes, Rogan and his guests emphasized the importance of responsible use, the need for more research, and advocacy against the DEA’s attempt to classify kratom as a Schedule I substance.
Joe Rogan’s Episodes on Kratom
Kratom is far from a mainstay of Joe Rogan’s podcast, but it’s come up a good number of times. In fact, Rogan’s first kratom experience was on the air!
Episode #876: Chris Bell, and Joe Rogan’s Intro to Kratom
Back in November 2016, Joe Rogan had an eye-opening conversation with documentarian and weightlifter Chris Bell. During this chat, Rogan decided to try kratom for the first time, taking two capsules on air. This was the beginning of Joe Rogan’s kratom journey.
Chris Bell started by sharing his personal struggles with substance abuse, highlighting the challenges and misconceptions surrounding addiction. His documentary, A Leaf of Faith, was a focal point of their discussion, exploring kratom through various expert opinions and legislative viewpoints.
Bell attempted to clarify the diverse effects of kratom strains, although his explanations were somewhat rudimentary. He mentioned that different strains of kratom could have different effects, though the differences might be more about marketing than actual chemical composition. Bell also pointed out that kratom contains numerous alkaloids, though his numbers were slightly off, as researchers have identified over 40 alkaloids in kratom leaves.
The conversation then shifted to the legislative battle over kratom in the United States. Bell explained why he believed the DEA’s attempt to classify kratom as a Schedule I substance was unfair, as it didn’t meet the criteria for such a classification. Both Rogan and Bell urged listeners to submit their comments to the DEA to prevent the proposed ban.
Podcast Episode: Joe Rogan Experience #876 – Chris Bell
Episode #1101: FDA and Kratom, Grassroots Organizing
In Episode #1101, Rogan revisited the topic of kratom with Chris and Mark Bell. They acknowledged the FDA’s concerns regarding labeling and contamination issues but noted that some companies (like us here at Kratom Spot!) are diligent about third-party testing.
Chris Bell thanked Rogan for his role in mobilizing public comments that played a part in averting a federal kratom ban. Bell had hoped for 10,000 comments but ended up with over 20,000! Grassroots organizing like this has been a major part of keeping kratom legal in the US, as evidenced by the American Kratom Association’s vigilant efforts.
Podcast Episode: Joe Rogan Experience #1101 – Chris & Mark Bell
Episode #1136: Chatting with Kratom Chemist
In Episode #1136, Rogan brought in chemist and documentarian Hamilton Morris for a detailed discussion about kratom. Morris, known for his documentary The Forbidden Leaf, which is part of the Vice series Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia, provided a wealth of information on the subject. He shared insights from his travels to Thailand, where he learned about traditional kratom practices.
Morris pointed out that kratom is not an opiate and should not be seen as a cure-all, stressing that responsible use is crucial. Morris also highlighted the need for personal freedom in making decisions about substance use, arguing that while absolute safety can never be guaranteed, people should have the right to make their own choices.
Podcast Episode: Joe Rogan Experience #1136 – Hamilton Morris
Episodes #1296 and #1844: Kratom Stories with Joe List and Tom Segura
Rogan often shares his kratom experiences with various guests, leading to some interesting conversations. In Episode #1296, he recounted how taking a large dose of kratom significantly altered his mental state. While he remained physically coordinated, the experience left him feeling far from energized. This episode with comedian Joe List included a light-hearted discussion about the addictive nature of various substances and activities, including kratom and stand-up comedy.
Fast forward to July 2022, in Episode #1844, where Rogan and Tom Segura discussed using kratom for motivation and productivity. Segura shared his own routine, mentioning that he had been taking kratom for a few weeks and found it made him feel ready to tackle his day. Despite some stigma around kratom, Segura found it boosted his confidence and performance.
Podcast Episode: Joe Rogan Experience #1296 – Joe List
Podcast Episode: Joe Rogan Experience #1844 – Tom Segura
Joe Rogan and Kratom: A Broader Conversation
Through these discussions, Rogan and his guests often touch on larger themes such as personal freedom, informed decision-making, and the importance of continued research. They argue that while kratom and similar substances can offer benefits, they must be approached with respect and caution. This balanced viewpoint is crucial in a world where new substances are continually emerging, and public perception can often be shaped by incomplete or misleading information.
By sharing his kratom experiences and those of his guests, Rogan helps demystify the substance and encourages a more nuanced conversation. His platform allows for in-depth discussions that are often missing from mainstream media, providing listeners with a more comprehensive understanding of kratom.