#138 - Anthony Bourdain

At a Glance

• Anthony Bourdain’s Unexpected Rise to Fame - “If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be on television, I would’ve said the same thing. Yeah, that’s one of the cool things about you, man. I wouldn’t say you’re reluctant, but you’re almost like an accidental celebrity. Like, you just got your book, Kitchen Confidential, just fucking took off, and then all of a sudden, you’re this famous guy”. Bourdain’s discuses his humble beginnings and how his unexpected rise to fame shaped his career. ‍
• Reality of Shooting ‘No Reservations - “One of the shows I’m proudest of is the Rome episode. We’re just sitting around, all the shooters, the camera people. Camera people, assistant producers, me, hanging around in some terrible hotel lounge, probably in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, someplace like that. We’re getting really fucked up on cocktails and just talking shit the way people do. I think one of the camera guys said, ‘Man, we are so fucking good. We are so good at what we do that I’ll bet we could make food porn in black and white”. Bourdain illustrates the creative process and camaraderie behind the scenes of Bourdain’s travel show. ‍
• Discussion of Challenges of Authentic Travel Filming - “We try to shoot stuff naturally. We don’t like things to be set up for us, and so one of the first rules of the show is wherever we go, we don’t want to see native dancers, an indigenous garb, some dog and pony show. We want to sort of run and gun. We were foiled in every possible way in Romania”. This discussion underscores the commitment to authenticity in filming ‘No Reservations,’ despite logistical challenges. ‍
• Discussion of Living Dangerously - “You’re going to places that are fucking dangerous, man. You went to Kurdistan. You go to the jungles of Brazil. You go deep, man. That’s got to be a weird fucking way to live. I’m just like having this late-in-life childhood of getting to go to all the places that I dreamed about and read about”. Bourdain’s adventurous spirit and the risks involved in his travels are highlighted here, showing his dedication to exploring diverse cultures. ‍
• Anthony Bourdain’s Thoughts on Fame and Reality TV - “It’s like there’s people that become famous and you go, ‘what the fuck is going on? I don’t even know what Kim Kardashian’s voice sounds like. I literally don’t know what it sounds like. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her talk once, but I’ve seen her everywhere.’ It’s terrifying. I know she is. But it’s become like she’s become a show. She’s become a thing, an item, a program, the Kim Kardashian program”. This reflection by Bourdain contrasts his own fame with that of other reality TV stars, providing insight into his views on celebrity culture.

What to Do

• Embrace Unexpected Opportunities - Bourdain discusses his surprise in becoming famous from his writing and television career, which was unplanned. He emphasizes embracing opportunities that come unexpectedly. “If somebody had told me that I’d be on television, I would’ve said the same thing… But it all kind of turned out real good”. ‍
• Maintain Authenticity - Both speakers highlight the importance of authenticity. Bourdain talks about his approach to making television that is genuine and true to his experiences rather than scripted or altered for entertainment value. “I always come out to television and everything else always with the attitude that, hey, I could be packed next to the deep fryer tomorrow. So I’m just not taking it that seriously”. ‍
• Adapt to Changing Circumstances - Bourdain describes how he deals with the constant changes and challenges while traveling. He speaks about adapting to whatever situation arises, particularly when things don’t go as planned “You learn to adapt”. ‍
• Relish the Journey - Rogan and Bourdain discuss enjoying the process and journey of their careers and life experiences, rather than just the outcomes. Bourdain notes, “As long as we’re having as much fun as we are, at least finding ways to make more and more fucked-up television, as long as we can do that, it’s all good”. ‍
• Take Risks and Explore - Bourdain expresses his love for exploring and taking risks, which has enriched his life significantly. This adventurous spirit is something he considers crucial to his identity and success. “I grew up reading books about pirates and explorers. So of course, given the opportunity, that’s pretty much what I’m doing on the show”. ‍
• Stay Grounded in High-Stress Environments - Both speakers talk about staying calm and collected in stressful or high-stress environments, such as traveling extensively or dealing with emergencies. Bourdain specifically mentions, “I like turbulence… It breaks up the tedium”. ‍
• Handle Security and Stress with Composure - When discussing the stress of airport security and the inconveniences of travel, Bourdain advises staying relaxed and composed to manage the frustration. “I just sort of relax and go limp and try to bliss out as I go through this really enraging process”.

What to Get

“Kitchen Confidential Updated Edition: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” - Anthony Bourdain https://amzn.to/3VJ3dqZ ‍

• Phone for Video Recording - Bourdain discusses how he uses his iPhone to capture video during turbulent flights, finding entertainment in recording other passengers’ reactions. “You should always have your iPhone video ready to go for things like that when the people freak out on the plane”. https://amzn.to/3XhiCzG ‍
• ‍Comic Books - Bourdain shares his interest in comic books, both as a consumer and creator. This reflects his personal enjoyment of the genre, implying he purchases and enjoys them regularly. “I used to love comics. I love comics still”. https://amzn.to/3RK6Jz1

Summary

In this episode Joe Rogan and the iconic Anthony Bourdain engage in a fascinating and insightful conversation. They dive into Bourdain’s unexpected rise to fame, his thrilling culinary and travel adventures, and his profound views on life and death. This dialogue offers a captivating glimpse into Bourdain’s extraordinary experiences and philosophy. ‍ The conversation starts with Rogan expressing his deep admiration for Bourdain, marveling at how a show about a man traveling and eating could become so captivating. Bourdain shares his own surprise at his late-life fame, ignited by his book “Kitchen Confidential” and subsequent TV career. He recounts his journey from being a chef with no TV ambitions to becoming a celebrated author and television personality. This transformation is a pivotal moment in his life, showcasing the dramatic shift from a routine existence to life in the spotlight. ‍ Throughout their discussion, Bourdain emphasizes the authenticity of his TV shows and his commitment to keeping them genuine and unscripted. He shares stories of his travel experiences, the diverse cultures he has encountered, and the profound impact these journeys have had on him. Bourdain doesn’t shy away from discussing the darker aspects of his travels, including the sometimes harsh realities of the places he visits and the physical demands of his adventures.The dialogue also ventures into controversial and sensitive topics, such as the ethical considerations of featuring animal hunting on television. Bourdain addresses these issues with his characteristic straightforwardness. He also reflects on death and legacy, offering a somber yet poignant perspective on living a life full of rich experiences and facing the end.Rogan and Bourdain exchange views on fame and its effects, comparing Bourdain’s meaningful storytelling through food and travel to the more superficial aspects of celebrity culture. This part of the conversation provides a critique of modern media and the consumption of celebrity lifestyles, highlighting the impact of fame on personal identity and authenticity. ‍ Overall, the conversation is rich with themes of transformation, the pursuit of authenticity, and the existential reflections that travel and exposure to diverse cultures can provoke. It provides deep insight into Bourdain’s character and his philosophical approach to life, making it a compelling narrative of a man who turned his profound experiences into storytelling that resonates with a wide audience.