#2203 - Eric Goode & Jeremy McBride

At a Glance

• Scripted Reality - ‘It’s bullshit. It’s not really reality, but it’s also not really a drama.’ This point emphasizes the blurred lines between reality and fiction in reality TV shows, questioning their authenticity.

• Manipulation in Nature Documentaries - ‘Is it it’s got to be set up a lot of the time.’ This comment points out that even nature documentaries might stage encounters, which can lead viewers to question the authenticity of supposedly educational content.

• Authenticity in Documentary Filmmaking - ‘It feels very authentic.’ Discussing the genuine nature of their documentary work as opposed to the contrived nature of some reality shows, highlighting the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

• Impact of Documentaries on Public Perception - ‘What really rocked zoos was the film Blackfish.’ This illustrates the powerful impact documentaries can have on public opinion and institutional practices, particularly concerning animal welfare.

• Ethical Considerations in Zoos - ‘It’s torture for them to not be able to express their natural instincts.’ Raises ethical concerns about animal welfare in zoos, questioning if current practices align with the needs of the animals.

• Human-Animal Relationships - ‘We’re this bizarre animal that likes to keep animals in cages.’ This comment provokes thought about the human desire to dominate and control other species, questioning deeper psychological motivations.

What to Do

• ‘Connect with nature in simple ways’ - Engaging with nature, even through small acts like placing a bird feeder outside your window, can provide a sense of connection and appreciation for wildlife, enhancing well-being.

• ‘Explore the extraordinary in life’ - Seeking out and embracing unique experiences can lead to a more fulfilling and adventurous life, as these experiences often bring joy and a sense of achievement.

• ‘Consider the impact of urban life’ - Reflecting on how urban environments influence our lifestyles and dependencies can lead to greater self-awareness and potentially inspire changes towards more sustainable living.

• ‘Value the educational aspects of zoos while recognizing their limitations’ - Zoos can be educational but should strive to improve animal living conditions and reflect natural habitats as much as possible to avoid ethical issues.

• ‘Appreciate the complexity of human-animal relationships’ - Understanding the deep connections and ethical considerations involved in keeping animals can lead to more responsible and compassionate treatment of animals.

• ‘Recognize the therapeutic power of storytelling and empathy’ - Sharing and empathizing with others’ stories can foster understanding and healing, highlighting the importance of communication in human relationships.

What to Get

• Bird Feeder - Amazon - Used to attract and observe birds in a domestic setting, enhancing connection with nature.

• Nintendo - Used for entertainment and leisure, typically played indoors.

Summary

In this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan delves into the intriguing world of people who keep exotic animals as pets, with a particular focus on the new show “Chimp Crazy.” He is joined by Eric Good and Jeremy McBride, who share their experiences from working on the “Tiger King” series and their latest project. The conversation highlights the bizarre fascination some people have with owning wild animals and the psychological implications behind such desires.

The discussion opens up with insights into the making of “Tiger King” and how it coincidentally aligned with the onset of the pandemic, capturing a massive audience. This leads into a broader conversation about “Chimp Crazy,” which explores similar themes of exotic animal ownership. Rogan expresses his astonishment and concern over the psychological profiles of individuals who keep wild animals, suggesting that a clinical psychologist should examine what drives such behavior.

Throughout the episode, the guests discuss the ethical and environmental implications of keeping wild animals. They touch upon the controversial views of organizations like PETA and the complex decisions involved in conservation efforts, such as choosing between saving endangered species or protecting invasive ones. The conversation also covers the impact of reality TV on public perception and the authenticity of content that claims to portray reality.

Rogan and his guests also ponder the deeper, philosophical questions about human nature and our relationship with other animals. They discuss how humans, despite being animals themselves, often distance themselves from nature and fail to recognize their part in the ecosystem. This disconnection, Rogan suggests, leads to the strange and often harmful behaviors exhibited by people featured in shows like “Tiger King” and “Chimp Crazy.”

The episode is rich with discussions about the intersection of human psychology, animal rights, and environmental conservation. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the minds of people who live in the fringes of societal norms and offers a critical look at the entertainment industry’s role in shaping public discourse around these issues.