Howard Bloom

Date: 2018-05-21 | Duration: 2h 57m

Episode Overview

Howard Bloom shares a compelling journey marked by resilience, innovation, and expansive curiosity. He opens by recounting a harrowing period when illness left him bedridden, describing how he adapted by controlling computers from his bed and ultimately overcoming his physical limitations. Bloom’s early fascination with technology is highlighted through stories of building a Boolean algebra machine and co-designing award-winning computers as a child. This foundation propelled him into a diverse career, including collaborations with iconic musicians like Michael Jackson and Prince, where he applied his unique blend of scientific insight and creative strategy. The conversation delves deeply into Bloom’s broad intellectual pursuits, touching on topics from microbiology and collective intelligence to cosmology and climate science. He explores the power of supernormal stimuli in human behavior and culture, illustrating how evolutionary biology shapes societal trends and artistic expression. Bloom also critiques modern space exploration efforts, contrasting them with more ambitious, cost-effective visions for humanity’s future in space. Throughout, he emphasizes the interconnectedness of life—from gut bacteria influencing human health to the collective mind of bee colonies—offering a holistic perspective on science, culture, and the human experience.

About Howard Bloom

Howard Bloom is a renowned author and former publicist who made a significant impact on the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s, working with iconic artists like Prince, Billy Joel, and Styx. Known for his compelling storytelling and deep insights into cultural phenomena, Bloom's latest book, "How I Accidentally Started The Sixties," explores the cultural upheaval of that era, blending personal anecdotes with historical context. His unique perspective, shaped by his experiences in the heart of the music scene, makes him a captivating figure, offering listeners a fascinating glimpse into the forces that shaped modern music and culture.

Key Moments

– Chronic Illness
– Computer Engineering
– Boolean Algebra
– Neuroscience
– Anthropology
– Music Industry
– Poetry
– Quantum Physics
– Supernormal Stimuli
– Space Exploration
– Climate Change
– Microbiology
– Collective Intelligence
– Human Evolution
– Cultural Movements
– Artificial Intelligence
– Geopolitics
– Philosophy
– Environmentalism
– Podcasting
0:00:00 – Introduction and physical setup for interview
0:00:46 – Howard Bloom discusses severe illness and recovery doubts
0:03:58 – Building first Boolean algebra machine at age 12
0:08:26 – Vision for future and career aspirations
0:10:02 – Contacting anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon
0:12:31 – Impact of illness on marriage and personal life
0:14:32 – Experimental treatment involving young rat circulatory system
0:18:07 – Discussion on altered sleep patterns
0:21:11 – Work with iconic musicians and film projects
0:23:21 – Self-education and voracious reading habits
0:30:17 – Scientific method and skepticism
0:41:40 – Creative process and lyric writing
0:49:11 – Michael Jackson's dedication and audience connection
0:54:16 – SpaceX rocket landing precision advancements
0:58:52 – NASA budget critique and space program challenges
1:06:01 – Philosophical discussion on Aristotle's principle A does not equal A
1:15:20 – The Hippie Movement and 1960s cultural impact
1:21:00 – Using arxiv.org for advanced scientific research
1:27:14 – Gut bacteria and their role in digestion
1:33:26 – Collective mind analogy with bee colonies
1:40:17 – Domestication of dogs and animal adaptation
1:44:40 – Milankovitch cycles and Earth's climate changes
1:48:34 – Earth Day's role in environmental movement
1:52:24 – Isolation and social interaction discipline
1:54:20 – Being called the human computer for knowledge
1:57:35 – Discussion on UFO phenomena and related topics
2:01:05 – Supernormal stimuli and evolutionary psychology
2:08:39 – Quarks and fundamental particles overview
2:10:50 – Possibility of extraterrestrial life on other planets
2:14:55 – Competition and collaboration in music industry
2:18:58 – Radical revision of capitalism and economic imperatives
2:22:22 – Alien DNA hypothesis in human evolution
2:24:48 – Longevity and persistence of Jesus' religion
2:30:43 – Rat behavior and parasite manipulation
2:34:26 – Climate change as a constant on Earth
2:38:51 – Human adaptation through tool use and cooking
2:43:22 – Nature's message through bacteria and ecosystems
2:50:01 – Environmentalism's influence on youth and culture

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 try to keep this about a fist away from your face okay the best length how's this a little closer Starting point is 00:00:46 but Joe, I was absolutely certain I would never make it out of that bed again. Starting point is 00:01:39 went through me like a cannonball. And she just tore me to pieces. And she had to build a separate room in the front of the house and live there because I couldn't tolerate anything. Starting point is 00:02:33 after it for years, because only academics had access to this real high-tech thing. And I had, Starting point is 00:03:25 me to control both computers from one monitor and one keyboard. So we had the keyboard up on foam bolsters so that I could see it when I was laying perfectly horizontal in bed. Starting point is 00:03:58 I built my first Boolean algebra machine when I was 12. I co-designed a computer that won science fair awards when I was 12. Starting point is 00:04:40 So when I imagined I was going to write my first book, Starting point is 00:05:16 It's a more dignified name. Starting point is 00:05:45 but what worked for me is not necessarily going to work for you or anybody else. Starting point is 00:06:33 It doesn't have heating yet. And it's March 10th. It's still the end of winter. And so we go in Starting point is 00:07:20 I thought I had a cold. My technique for handling a cold, work your fucking ass off. Starting point is 00:07:56 That's unbelievable. Starting point is 00:08:26 That was my vision of my next step in life, my future. Starting point is 00:08:51 Yeah. And the next day I got a call from a West Coast competitor offering me a lot of money. And Starting point is 00:09:23 The old personality couldn't walk anymore, couldn't talk anymore. Starting point is 00:10:02 I got hold of Napoleon Chagnon, who is the anthropologist who chronicled Starting point is 00:10:44 So this is a message board or? Starting point is 00:11:06 And Einstein said to be a genius, it's not enough to come up with a t...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1119?

Howard Bloom was the guest on JRE #1119. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1119?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1119 with Howard Bloom, topics include Chronic Illness, Computer Engineering, Boolean Algebra, and Neuroscience.

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The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1119 with Howard Bloom is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.