The Joe Rogan ExperienceJoe Rogan Experience #1553 - Maynard James Keenan
CHAPTERS
- 0:02 – 1:05
Masks, Miho the dog, and quick personal catch-up
Joe and Maynard start with light banter about masks and Maynard’s habit of keeping one handy. The conversation quickly shifts to Maynard’s miniature schnauzer, Miho—her name’s meaning and pop-culture origin.
- 1:05 – 2:40
Puscifer’s new album: layered production, vintage synths, and the Fairlight
Joe praises the dense, multi-layered sound of the upcoming Puscifer record. Maynard explains their songwriting workflow and how specific gear—especially an old Fairlight—can box them into a “sonic corner” that sparks creativity.
- 2:40 – 7:03
Why people love/hate synthesizers: ideology, “live music,” and classic examples
They discuss why synthesizers trigger strong reactions, often tied to identity and “authenticity.” Joe and Maynard cite Kraftwerk and Van Halen’s “Jump” as examples of how controversial sounds can become iconic.
- 7:03 – 9:37
Memory lapses, aging jokes, and the podcast nearly not happening (Jamie has COVID)
A brief detour into aging, forgetfulness, and a running joke about names in the studio. Joe explains that Young Jamie tested positive for COVID after going to a bar, prompting testing protocols and concerns for staff exposure.
- 9:37 – 15:53
Borat 2 and the Giuliani controversy: media hype vs. what the footage shows
Joe and Maynard react to reports about Borat 2’s Giuliani scene and question the framing in news coverage. They debate plausible explanations (mic pack placement, intent, context) while emphasizing they need to see the full footage.
- 15:53 – 20:15
Maynard’s COVID story: early infection, touring, and lingering long-COVID effects
Maynard recounts getting sick in February while touring in Australia/New Zealand, before symptom knowledge was widespread. He describes the aftermath: persistent cough, reduced cardio capacity, and inflammatory joint issues diagnosed later as a COVID-related response.
- 20:15 – 26:57
Treatments, methotrexate, CBD, and diet triggers (wine/gluten)
They get into Maynard’s medication (methotrexate) and Joe’s strong advocacy for CBD for pain and anxiety. Maynard notes flare-ups tied to alcohol and gluten, and they segue into flour types, pasta texture, and why food affects people differently in the U.S. vs. Italy.
- 26:57 – 30:00
Gifts and side hustles: olives, mead/cider, and the “workaholic” question
Maynard presents Joe with a bundle of gifts—olives, glasses, shirts, and alcohol—leading to discussion of Maynard’s expansion into cider/mead production. Joe marvels at Maynard’s relentless output across music, restaurants, and beverages.
- 30:00 – 37:09
Martial arts and body maintenance: Muay Thai, hip replacement, and injury realities
The conversation shifts to training—Maynard’s newer Muay Thai interest and how he manages a full hip replacement. Joe and Maynard compare recoveries (fractures vs. replacements) and discuss pain, atrophy, and why certain injuries permanently change performance.
- 37:09 – 48:14
Fighting ‘fluency’: transitions, drilling, and appreciating elite technique
They dive deeper into what makes high-level striking and grappling work: the “in-betweens,” timing, and seamless transitions. Joe highlights elite fighters (e.g., Giorgio Petrosyan) and Maynard points to Brian Ortega’s recent performance as a masterclass in removing openings.
- 48:14 – 55:27
Puscifer’s Arcosanti performance film: desert architecture, no audience, high pressure
Maynard explains filming a full-album performance at Arcosanti, a striking concrete desert site near his home. They discuss the challenges of performing for cameras without an audience—timing sunrises, dealing with heat/cold and wildlife—and how this becomes a “tour substitute” during lockdowns.
- 55:27 – 1:11:08
Processed information and polarization: social media, echo chambers, and political exhaustion
They broaden into culture and politics: misinformation, dopamine-driven outrage, and the loss of face-to-face nuance. Joe and Maynard argue that real communities (wine industry, jiu-jitsu gyms) keep people grounded, while online anonymity accelerates extremism and tribalism.
- 1:11:08 – 1:17:45
Wine-world realities: regulation, fraud (Sour Grapes), and ancient psychoactive wines
They return to wine via documentary talk about Rudy Kurniawan’s counterfeits and what made the scam convincing. Joe introduces The Immortality Key and discussion of ancient ritual wines spiked with psychoactive compounds, showing that ‘wine’ historically included many additives.
- 1:17:45 – 1:31:47
Building local resilience: Michigan expansion, feeding communities, and restaurant survival
Maynard describes scouting Michigan for new production (mead/cider/wine) and explains what drives him—solving ‘puzzles’ and building community capacity. They discuss small-town revitalization, local supply chains, pandemic restaurant economics, labor shortages, and protecting employees via clear policies.
- 1:31:47 – 1:33:04
Wrap-up: livestream details, album release, and final plug
As Maynard prepares to leave for a flight, they recap the key release information. Joe thanks him for coming and for the gifts, and Maynard reiterates where and when to watch and buy the new Puscifer work.
