Evan Hafer & Mat Best

Date: 2020-10-07 | Duration: 2h 53m

Episode Overview

Evan Hafer and Mat Best dive into a wide-ranging conversation that blends military experience, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle insights. They start by discussing the intricacies of armored vehicles in combat zones, sharing vivid stories about the design and functionality of military-grade equipment. Evan offers a detailed look at the challenges of retrofitting vehicles for war, emphasizing the importance of purpose-built armor and the realities of operating in hostile environments like Baghdad. Their military backgrounds provide a foundation for exploring leadership dynamics within special operations, highlighting the contrast between career officers and frontline warriors, and the critical need for accountability and effective command. The discussion then shifts to health and nutrition, where both guests share personal approaches to diet, including intermittent fasting, carnivore diets, and the impact of processed foods. They debate common misconceptions about staples like white and brown rice, and the role of fat in a healthy lifestyle. Evan and Mat also touch on the long-term health consequences faced by veterans, particularly issues related to burn pits and toxic exposures, underscoring the lack of adequate government support and research. Throughout, they reflect on the difficulties of transitioning from military service to civilian life, the search for purpose, and the importance of community and accountability in overcoming personal struggles.

About Evan Hafer

Evan Hafer is a Special Forces veteran and the founder and executive chairman of Black Rifle Coffee Company, a veteran-owned coffee brand celebrated for its commitment to quality and its mission to support the military community. With a background in the U.S. Army, Hafer has leveraged his experiences to create a thriving business that resonates with coffee enthusiasts and veterans alike. Known for his engaging personality and outspoken views on entrepreneurship and patriotism, he has become a prominent voice in both the coffee industry and veteran advocacy. As a host on various platforms, including his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Hafer shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of community, making him a compelling figure in today's cultural dialogue.

About Mat Best

Mat Best is a former Special Forces combat veteran turned entrepreneur, best known as a co-founder of Black Rifle Coffee Company, a premium, veteran-owned coffee roastery celebrated for its small-batch brews. With a mission to support veteran causes and promote a strong coffee culture, Mat has leveraged his military background to build a successful brand that resonates with coffee lovers and patriots alike. In addition to his work with Black Rifle Coffee, Mat co-hosts the Free Range American podcast alongside fellow veteran Evan Hafer and Jarred "JT" Taylor, where they share stories and insights from their military experiences and entrepreneurial journeys. His dynamic personality and commitment to empowering veterans make him a compelling figure in both the business and podcasting worlds.

Key Moments

– Special Forces
– Coffee Brewing
– Armored Vehicles
– Hunting and Wildlife
– Nutrition and Diet
– Military Leadership
– Veteran Health Issues
– Burn Pits and Toxic Exposure
– Military Industrial Complex
– Political Influence on War
– PTSD and Mental Health
– Intermittent Fasting
– Combat Experience
– Military Strategy
– Veteran Benefits
– Purpose and Motivation
– Education and ADHD
– Homeschooling
– Public Health and Supplements
– National Security Policy
0:00:29 – Discussion of Joe Rogan's kitchen setup
0:02:21 – Contrast between Special Forces and coffee nerd
0:05:23 – Military funding and lump sum budgeting
0:07:46 – Armored vehicle retrofitting challenges
0:11:07 – Armored vehicle window limitations
0:15:03 – Ethiopian coffee tasting impressions
0:18:16 – Coffee cultivation climate limitations
0:21:08 – Hunting preparation in Hawaii
0:23:20 – Exotic animal hunting ethics and pricing
0:26:55 – First-time elk meat tasting reactions
0:30:40 – Hunting experiences and game processing
0:34:31 – Restaurant food preferences and lobster roll cost
0:37:08 – Intermittent fasting discussion
0:40:51 – American obesity and food availability
0:43:28 – Sugar industry manipulating scientific data
0:46:34 – Military personnel performing difficult missions
0:51:39 – Brown rice versus white rice nutritional debate
0:56:05 – Gut health and antibiotic impact
1:00:31 – Veteran health diagnostics and PTSD concerns
1:07:24 – Lung health issues from burn pits exposure
1:12:00 – Burn pits prevalence at military bases
1:15:55 – Veteran benefits and government support challenges
1:22:09 – Military deployment frequency and impact
1:28:23 – Recognizing addiction and personal struggles
1:35:39 – Company culture and workplace environment
1:37:15 – Lack of purpose in modern society
1:40:10 – Untold story of American life struggles
1:43:40 – Avoiding regrets and life reflections
1:47:10 – Business exercises for team building
1:50:52 – Criticism of current education system
1:54:27 – Importance of vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C
2:04:58 – Political correctness impact on military
2:08:00 – Combat stress and decision-making challenges
2:17:41 – Special operations leadership development
2:23:16 – Funding and stopping ISIS quickly
2:29:05 – Challenges in reducing military footprint
2:34:30 – Lack of clear success criteria in wars
2:44:16 – Need for national conversation on war
2:47:58 – Qualities of good military leaders

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:00:29 Dude, your ridiculous setup that you put in the kitchen Starting point is 00:00:51 But like, were you this like measuring it and the exact temperature of the water and all that jazz? Starting point is 00:01:34 thing. And, uh, then as I continued to kind of evolve my, my coffee nerd, you know, sense of me, Starting point is 00:02:21 why it's a funny contrast between this badass Special Forces guy and someone Starting point is 00:02:42 put anything in it. Starting point is 00:02:57 I was like, man, it takes as long as it takes. Starting point is 00:03:38 I think that was one of the things where I was like, man, I got to be really good at all these things because it's got to offset all my debaggery over here. Starting point is 00:04:14 i could put it so he convinced the supplier or whoever to officer to buy this super intricate Starting point is 00:04:59 And that was something that kind of lived Starting point is 00:05:23 Here's $23 million as long as you can justify it. Maybe we'll be okay. when you're in war they just kind of say here's lump sum you know here you go here's here's 23 Starting point is 00:05:54 I'm like, Starting point is 00:06:05 Oh, well, here's a great example. Starting point is 00:06:56 middle of fucking baghdad in a war zone people are going to want to take pressure washed and Starting point is 00:07:46 and then retrofit it? Starting point is 00:07:57 but if you wanted an armored vehicle of any kind, Starting point is 00:08:32 steel oh they don't they don't make cars like it no it and that that it's so boxy it's got such Starting point is 00:09:13 It's built on the factory line for it to be an armored vehicle. Starting point is 00:09:45 interesting experience that you're never going to forget uh and then two you're feeling pretty Starting point is 00:10:33 where it strikes. Starting point is 00:10:50 And you can kind of ga...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1546?

Evan Hafer & Mat Best was the guest on JRE #1546. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1546?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1546 with Evan Hafer & Mat Best, topics include Special Forces, Coffee Brewing, Armored Vehicles, and Hunting and Wildlife.

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The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1546 with Evan Hafer & Mat Best is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.