Joe Rogan Experience #1584 - Todd White

White and Rogan both describe being intensely obsessive—over art, jiu-jitsu, hunting, standup—and argue that obsession only becomes addiction when it lacks discipline and direction. Channeling that energy into structured practice and hard work can build elite skills instead of self-destruction.

White’s whole jiu-jitsu lineage is under Jean-Jacques Machado, which he credits for his technical base and personal growth. Contrast that with fake black belts and scam instructors; vetting your mentors and committing to one solid lineage can dramatically accelerate your development.

White self-publishes his giclées, strictly limits edition sizes, and refuses to re-size or re-release sold-out images. This protects collectors’ investments and his brand, and it’s a model other artists can emulate instead of letting publishers overprint and dilute their work.

With COVID gutting galleries—especially in the UK and California—White increasingly posts new work on Instagram, where collectors worldwide see pieces in real time and either contact him or their preferred gallery. Artists who ignore social media risk losing their main discovery and demand engine.

Both men emphasize that jiu-jitsu and brutal workouts bleed off anxiety and aggression better than anything else. Hard rounds, runs, and drills make everyday conflicts feel trivial, improve sleep, and keep the “monkey mind” from spiraling on regrets and minor problems.

Rogan and White highlight how a supportive, grounded spouse acts as a ‘pit boss’—filtering business nonsense, stabilizing moods, and keeping you from burning down your life. In contrast, conflict-filled or opportunistic relationships drain mental bandwidth and sabotage long-term goals.

Prompted by Jean-Jacques’s advice, White created a 501(c)(3) that supplies underfunded public-school art programs with materials, inspired by his mom’s tiny art budget. He shows how you can leverage your own success and expertise to shore up the next generation in your field.