The Joe Rogan ExperienceJoe Rogan Experience #1120 - Ben Greenfield
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 2:43
Black ant powder as an energy tonic (and the “doctrine of signatures”)
Joe opens by teasing Ben for using black ant powder as a pick-me-up after training. Ben explains the folklore behind it and introduces the “doctrine of signatures,” the idea that nature’s shapes hint at medicinal benefits.
- 2:43 – 5:40
Herbal claims, plant-ID tools, and the “heart is not a pump” detour
The conversation veers from herbalism into a controversial book claiming the heart is not a pump but a vortex-flow system. Ben also recommends a plant-identification app that uses human botanists for accuracy.
- 5:40 – 8:26
Foraging gone wrong: the “wild asparagus” nicotine overdose story
Ben recounts a fly-fishing trip where the group harvested what they thought was wild asparagus and cooked it in bear bone broth—only to learn it wasn’t asparagus at all. The mistaken plant reportedly had high nicotine levels, making everyone miserable for days.
- 8:26 – 10:54
Steelhead fishing ethics and the logic of catch-and-release
Joe and Ben discuss steelhead fishing, why many anglers release them, and why the practice can feel strange. They frame it as ‘thrill of the chase’ versus utilitarian hunting/harvesting.
- 10:54 – 15:32
Obstacle racing and training for functional fitness (Spartan + Train to Hunt)
Ben explains Spartan Race formats, the Big Bear course demands, and why obstacle racing exposed weaknesses from his triathlon years. The talk extends to ‘Train to Hunt’ competitions that simulate the physical realities of backcountry hunting.
- 15:32 – 20:55
Hunting stories: crawling stalks, Hawaiian game meat, and DIY dry-aging
Joe and Ben swap hunting experiences, including long crawls to close distance and the frustration of wind shifts. Ben details how he processed and improved tough feral-cow meat by building a budget dry-aging setup at home.
- 20:55 – 25:47
Chewing, jaw strength, and performance mouthpieces (plus mastic gum)
The discussion shifts to why modern soft diets may weaken jaw development and how chewing can build endurance. They cover mastic gum, mouthpieces marketed for exercise performance, and the idea of full-body tension via fascia.
- 25:47 – 34:55
Exosomes explained: signaling, PRP combos, and Ben’s ‘full-body makeover’
Joe asks about exosomes after getting them injected for shoulder tears, and Ben breaks down what exosomes are and how they’re used with PRP and stem cells. Ben then describes undergoing an extreme full-body procedure involving bone marrow aspirate mixed with exosomes, plus widespread injections.
- 34:55 – 40:13
Concussion recovery stack: ketones, hyperbaric, PEMF, and mannitol for BBB
Ben reveals he recently suffered a bike crash concussion and outlines interventions for TBI recovery. He explains the blood-brain barrier issue with stem cells and why mannitol is used to increase BBB permeability for neural repair strategies.
- 40:13 – 59:51
Fasting and protein cycling for longevity (and skepticism of extreme carnivore)
Ben argues the biggest longevity benefits come from time between meals rather than chronic calorie restriction. He advocates intermittent fasting with adequate calories, plus periodic lower-protein days, and critiques long-term all-meat approaches as potentially pro-aging.
- 59:51 – 1:08:30
Steak science and cooking methods: herbs, cast iron, and pellet-grill reverse sear
Ben shares a detailed ribeye method (rub, cast iron sear, broil, butter finish) and claims herbs can reduce char-related carcinogen formation. Joe counters with his pellet-grill reverse-sear workflow for wild game and precise temperature control.
- 1:08:30 – 1:13:37
Sweeteners, soda debates, and performance hydration hacks (Pellegrino + hydrogen water)
Over steak talk, Ben recounts a dinner discussion about artificial sweeteners and argues dose/context matter. He then pivots to hydration strategies, including Pellegrino for sodium bicarbonate buffering and hydrogen-rich water as an anti-inflammatory that may preserve training adaptations.
- 1:13:37 – 1:25:07
Cold after training, sleep timing, and recovery tech (Oura ring, NormaTec, naps)
They explore how cold exposure timing can trade off recovery and adaptation, especially near bedtime. Ben outlines his sleep philosophy (cycles over hours), his extensive nap routine, and tracking readiness with the Oura ring to modulate training intensity.
- 1:25:07 – 1:57:16
Daily leanness protocol, coffee enemas, ketone esters, and circadian ‘fasting rules’
Ben describes a fasted-morning routine designed for fat loss/maintenance and explains how amino acids or ketones can support training without heavy calories. The conversation gets stranger with coffee enemas and ends on circadian biology—how even coffee can act as a time cue depending on fasting goals.
