#1744 - Derek from More Plates More Dates

At a Glance

• Revealing Steroid Use in Sports - “I’m like, oh, my God, they’re cheating. Yeah, it’s not like they make it obvious where their shortcomings are and where the loopholes are”. Derek discusses the widespread use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports, revealing hidden practices and loopholes athletes exploit to gain an edge, challenging the integrity of competitive sports.

• The Sophistication of Modern Doping Techniques - “The only way I’m going to get any recognition… is if I say something so extreme that’s so over the top that it causes a reaction”. Derek highlights how advanced and discreet doping methods have become, illustrating the lengths to which athletes and their teams go to avoid detection and maintain a competitive advantage, emphasizing the ongoing arms race between doping practices and testing methods.

• Impact of Public Exposure on Anti-Doping Efforts - “When you sit back and you talk about that today, does it even seem real? I mean, that you really were working in that video store and that you really did write that”. The conversation reflects on the significant impact that public exposure, such as through documentaries and investigative work, has on raising awareness and driving improvements in anti-doping measures, highlighting the power of media in effecting change.

• Evolving Understanding and Transparency “If you find something that’s beneficial, I want to tell everybody”. Derek emphasizes the importance of transparency and sharing knowledge, especially regarding health and fitness practices, to help others make informed decisions and improve their well-being, underlining his commitment to educating his audience.

What to Do

• Stay Consistent and Improve Over Time - Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of consistency and practice in improving conversational skills and audience engagement.

• Embrace Regular Hydration - Joe Rogan stresses the health benefits of staying hydrated, even if it means waking up at night to drink water.

• Develop a Routine for Better Sleep - Derek shares his routine to minimize nighttime interruptions, emphasizing the importance of preparing for a good night’s sleep.

• Use Glycerol for Improved Hydration - Derek suggests using Glycerol to improve hydration and potentially reduce nighttime urination.

• Leverage Micro-Goals for Success - Derek discusses setting incremental goals to achieve larger successes, emphasizing the importance of daily progress and adapting goals as one’s circumstances evolve.

• Increase Frequency for Better Results - Derek highlights how increasing the frequency of his content production led to significant growth and improvement in his performance and skills.

What to Get

• Kettlebells - Used for versatile workouts and building muscle mass. Praised for effectiveness in maintaining strength and overall fitness. https://amzn.to/3x7ssd7

• Airdyne/Echo Bike (Rogue Fitness) - Used for intense cardio workouts. Mentioned as being particularly effective for Tabata sprints. https://amzn.to/3VHFx6h

• Heavy Bag - Used for boxing and kickboxing rounds, enhancing strength and conditioning. https://amzn.to/4b30ZXF

• Weight Lifting Equipment - Essential for weightlifting and maintaining strength. Discussed in the context of Derek’s home gym setup. https://amzn.to/3xhFhBv

• Gorilla Mind - Another nootropic supplement formulated by Derek’s company. Used for boosting cognitive abilities and performance. https://amzn.to/3x5YJRO

• Liquid IV (Electrolyte Supplement) - Used to maintain hydration levels, particularly noted for its effectiveness in keeping the body hydrated. https://amzn.to/4cDVG2n

• Modafinil - Discussed as part of Derek’s routine due to his sleep apnea. Derek mentions using Modafinil for a long time, describing it as part of his regimen to manage sleep apnea and enhance wakefulness and cognitive function. https://amzn.to/3RrA8xA

• Glycerol - Used for hyper-hydrating muscles and enhancing endurance during workouts. https://amzn.to/3VGxFBM

• Water - Emphasized as crucial for health and hydration. Both Derek and Joe Rogan stress the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout the day. https://amzn.to/4ekkzBF

• Zevia (Stevia-Flavored Soft Drinks) - Preferred as a healthy, naturally flavored beverage option. Mentioned specifically for its taste and availability. https://amzn.to/45s2L3l

• Pasta - Enjoyed but also associated with gluten issues and weight gain. Discussed in the context of dietary habits and personal health impacts. https://amzn.to/3VqM97v

Summary

In this fascinating episode, Joe Rogan sits down with Derek from “More Plates More Dates” to discuss a variety of intriguing topics surrounding pharmacology, fitness, and anti-doping in sports. The conversation kicks off with Derek explaining his journey from being a self-proclaimed nerd about pharmacology and biology to becoming a well-known figure on YouTube. He started by writing blog articles on a WordPress site about male self-improvement and eventually transitioned to creating videos, which he found to be a more time-efficient medium. Joe praises Derek’s minimalist production style and his unique ability to recall detailed information, especially regarding steroid use and anti-doping loopholes, which has garnered Derek a large following on YouTube. Derek’s YouTube journey is marked by his shift from written content to video format, finding it more engaging and efficient, which significantly increased his followers.

As the discussion progresses, they delve into the intricacies of anti-doping measures in sports, with a focus on the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Joe and Derek explore how athletes manage to bypass doping regulations despite stringent testing protocols. Derek provides insights into the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), highlighting the sophisticated methods athletes employ to avoid detection, such as the biological passport system and microdosing. The conversation becomes animated as they discuss high-profile doping scandals, like those involving Lance Armstrong and the Russian Olympic team, referencing documentaries like “Icarus” that expose widespread doping practices. Joe is particularly intrigued by the lengths to which athletes go to gain a competitive edge, reflecting on the ethical and health implications of such practices. Their discussion on anti-doping measures and loopholes reveals the complexities of maintaining fair play in sports, with Derek’s detailed explanations highlighting athletes’ methods to bypass regulations.

In a more speculative and humorous turn, Joe and Derek discuss the potential existence of designer steroids and other novel compounds that could evade current detection methods. They ponder the future of anti-doping technology and the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between athletes seeking an edge and agencies trying to maintain fair play. Derek’s extensive knowledge impresses Joe, leading to a deeper discussion on the impact of PEDs on athlete performance and longevity. They touch on the societal perception of steroid use, comparing it to other substances like marijuana, and argue for a more open conversation about the benefits and risks associated with PEDs. The episode is punctuated with laughter and moments of awe as they navigate these complex and often controversial topics, providing listeners with a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the world of performance enhancement in sports. Their exploration of designer steroids and novel compounds underscores the ongoing challenges in anti-doping efforts, while their discussion on the impact of PEDs on performance and longevity highlights the need for open dialogue about their use and societal perceptions.