David Choe

Date: 2020-07-31 | Duration: 3h 55m

Episode Overview

David Choe returns with a candid and wide-ranging conversation that touches on creativity, personal struggles, and cultural observations. He opens up about his artistic journey, describing the challenge of reconnecting with the uninhibited creativity of his youth. David reflects on his experiences living with indigenous tribes in Africa, particularly the Hadza, sharing vivid stories about their lifestyle, hunting practices, and deep connection to nature. These encounters highlight his fascination with endurance, survival, and the rawness of human existence outside modern comforts. The discussion also delves into mental health and addiction, with David revealing moments of vulnerability, including his time in an intensive outpatient program and his ongoing efforts to improve himself. He talks about the stigma around seeking help and the internal battles that come with self-acceptance. Additionally, David touches on racial tensions and cultural identity, recounting personal experiences with discrimination and the complex dynamics of growing up as a Korean-American. Throughout the episode, his humor and honesty create an engaging narrative that balances introspection with entertaining anecdotes, offering listeners insight into the mind of a multifaceted artist navigating life’s highs and lows.

About David Choe

David Choe is an acclaimed American painter, muralist, graffiti artist, and graphic novelist hailing from Los Angeles, CA. Known for his vibrant and often provocative style, Choe gained widespread recognition after creating the iconic murals for Facebook’s headquarters, which significantly boosted his career and wealth. His life and art have been the subject of the documentary "Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe," highlighting his unconventional journey and creative process. Additionally, he has captivated audiences with his VICE series "Thumbs UP!," where he explores art, culture, and the human experience. With a unique blend of street art and personal storytelling, Choe continues to challenge norms and inspire others in the art world.

Key Moments

– Art and Painting
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Mental Health
– Addiction and Recovery
– Travel and Adventure
– Cultural Identity
– Survival Skills
– Tribal Societies
– Documentary Filmmaking
– Racism and Discrimination
– Personal Growth
– Comedy and Performance
– Psychedelics
– Family Relationships
– Social Media and Cancel Culture
– Nature and Wildlife
– Endurance and Physical Fitness
– Addiction to Pornography
– Emotional Resilience
– Spirituality and Self-Acceptance
0:00:00 – Introduction and casual greeting with David Choe
0:02:54 – Discussion on cancel culture since last podcast
0:09:05 – David compares painting to MMA artistry
0:13:01 – Affirmation practice: 'I am enough'
0:16:56 – Facing fear and trying new experiences
0:22:18 – Struggle to regain childlike creativity in drawing
0:27:33 – Meeting a young artist needing lessons
0:31:10 – Reference to Terence McKenna and psychedelic influence
0:34:56 – David discusses self-criticism and happiness
0:44:38 – Impact of Korean film 'Parasite' and cultural pride
0:46:37 – David's interaction with his father about past and culture
0:51:21 – Reflection on handling pain and emotional resilience
0:54:15 – Discussion on hate, racism, and its effects
1:01:37 – Experience of racial slurs and their impact
1:07:07 – Balancing hardship with love in life
1:09:20 – Social dynamics and perceptions in youth
1:27:38 – Story of survival and adventure in the Congo jungle
1:39:36 – Encounter with locals offering honey in the jungle
1:42:00 – Eating wild food and adapting to tribal life
1:52:34 – Living with the Hadza tribe and their lifestyle
2:00:18 – David's immunity to insect stings from childhood exposure
2:02:11 – Description of baboons and tribal hunting practices
2:10:52 – Discussion on primate brains and humans eating brains
2:31:26 – Winning an Emmy and Hollywood experiences
2:34:06 – Self-acceptance and overcoming anger
2:37:35 – Impact of coronavirus on society and personal views
3:01:07 – Addiction cycle: porn and video games
3:07:01 – Gambling addiction and its consequences
3:10:24 – Reflection on suicide and reaching out for help
3:15:28 – Feeling numb and disconnected internally
3:19:10 – Mental health struggles and friends' observations
3:23:17 – Discussion on privilege and starting points in life
3:27:29 – Feeling lost and disconnected from family
3:31:59 – David's comedic defense mechanism
3:34:58 – Perfection and craft in art and performance
3:36:26 – Life in intensive outpatient program
3:49:14 – Learning to be a kid again through friendship

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 hello david what's up buddy if i leave right now this will be the shortest one you've ever done Starting point is 00:00:30 what you don't like. Starting point is 00:00:39 If there's something that, Starting point is 00:01:05 They don't know you that well. Starting point is 00:01:22 I don't get nervous. Starting point is 00:01:50 And I just felt, you know, and I was like, oh, maybe it was the breakfast I had. Starting point is 00:02:06 I look across the street. Starting point is 00:02:37 And I'm like, what the fuck? Starting point is 00:02:54 The age of real canceling has been since you were on the podcast last. Starting point is 00:03:16 So now whenever someone, anything happens to someone, all the pylon people. Starting point is 00:03:34 The actual filmmaking is kind of amateurish, but the subject matter is so dynamic that you're in it. Starting point is 00:03:53 It's like all these slights and he takes it and he uses it as fuel. Starting point is 00:04:25 you might be crazy but but you're a lovable crazy and and when people know who you actually are Starting point is 00:04:56 five? Sure. Starting point is 00:05:11 I think I can do a better one now. Starting point is 00:05:25 inspirational Starting point is 00:05:37 you're a perfectly imperfect Starting point is 00:05:52 That's very nice of you. Starting point is 00:06:18 i was like i want to see who joe's talking to so this mic smells like Post Malone. Starting point is 00:06:39 So there's ghosts on the beach right there. Starting point is 00:06:55 That's so cool. Starting point is 00:07:20 freaks everybody out never so um i got all the embarrassing stuff out of the way i Starting point is 00:07:59 Right. Starting point is 00:08:11 and I sat next to it, Starting point is 00:08:23 and I got caught. I got caught. Caught talking to a you know, it was three o'clock. There was no one eating there. And I got caught. Starting point is 00:08:37 And he's like, shame, red face. Starting point is 0...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1518?

David Choe was the guest on JRE #1518. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1518?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1518 with David Choe, topics include Art and Painting, Mixed Martial Arts, Mental Health, and Addiction and Recovery.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1518?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1518 with David Choe is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.