Joe Rogan Experience #1358 - Sober October 3

Their previous Sober October turned into an obsessive points race that wrecked recovery, strained relationships, and left them burned out, leading them to dial back this year’s format to avoid repeating the same mistake.

Bert’s cardiologist warning about a fatty liver and his weight (258 lbs) triggered a month of no/low booze, rigorous hot spin classes, and a 21‑pound loss—showing how a concrete medical scare can break ingrained habits more effectively than peer pressure alone.

Ari spiking Bert’s drink with molly without telling him created panic attacks, health fears, and family stress; while Ari treats it as a bit, Rogan and Tom underline how wrong—and dangerous—it is, especially given Bert’s meds and cardiovascular risks.

The group’s use of Whoop straps to track sleep, heart rate variability, and strain makes it harder to lie to themselves about rest and stress, highlighting chronic undersleep and the health importance of consistent, quality sleep.

They debate whether cigars, edibles, or kombucha with alcohol ‘count,’ revealing how people rationalize around rules and how “Sober October” has shifted from strict abstinence to a broader self‑improvement framework.