Bryan Fogel

Date: 2021-01-09 | Duration: 2h 16m

Category: True Crime & Justice, Combat Sports

Episode Overview

Bryan Fogel discusses his journey uncovering the Russian doping scandal through his documentary *Icarus*, revealing the widespread cheating in international sports and the high personal cost for whistleblowers like Grigory Rodchenkov. Fogel shares vivid accounts of Rodchenkov’s escape to the U.S. and the risks he faced after exposing Russia’s state-sponsored doping program, highlighting how the scandal reshaped Olympic policies and global perceptions of fairness in athletics. The conversation also touches on the intricate cat-and-mouse game between dopers and regulators, with Fogel emphasizing the evolving nature of performance enhancement, including the potential future impact of genetic manipulation in sports. The episode shifts to Fogel’s work on *The Dissident*, a documentary about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Fogel details the emotional and logistical challenges of telling this story, focusing on Khashoggi’s relationship with activist Omar Abdulaziz and the broader implications of authoritarian regimes suppressing free speech. He reflects on the difficulties of distributing politically sensitive films, noting the reluctance of major streaming platforms to host *The Dissident* due to geopolitical and business pressures. Throughout, Fogel underscores the power of documentary filmmaking to expose truth and provoke change despite significant obstacles.

About Bryan Fogel

Bryan Fogel is an acclaimed American film director, producer, author, and playwright, best known for his groundbreaking documentary "Icarus," which exposes the intricate web of the Russian doping scandal in sports. Released on Netflix, the film not only won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature but also sparked global conversations about ethics in athletics. Fogel’s journey from a comedic playwright to a critical voice in sports integrity is captivating, as he skillfully blends investigative journalism with storytelling. His commitment to shedding light on systemic corruption continues to resonate, making him a compelling figure in contemporary cinema.

Key Moments

– Whistleblowers
– Olympic Games
– Documentary Filmmaking
– Jamal Khashoggi
– Doping in Sports
– Russian Doping Scandal
– Saudi Arabian Politics
– Middle East Activism
– Political Assassinations
– Social Media Influence
– International Relations
– Human Rights
– Whistleblower Protection
– Genetic Manipulation
– Netflix and Streaming Platforms
– Freedom of Speech
– CIA and Intelligence Agencies
– Media Censorship
– Documentary Distribution
0:00:23 – Discussion about the documentary Icarus
0:01:57 – Impact of Russian doping ban on Tokyo 2021 Olympics
0:05:03 – Gregory Rechenkov granted asylum in the US
0:07:18 – Encrypted communication with whistleblower
0:08:40 – Personal cost of whistleblowing on Rechenkov
0:11:16 – Murder case linked to Russian political intrigue
0:14:35 – Putin's involvement in Magnitsky case
0:18:35 – Fraudulent doping system in sports exposed
0:23:12 – Official promise to punish doping crime perpetrators
0:25:54 – Admissions of cheating by athletes
0:27:55 – Lance Armstrong's doping suspension and comeback
0:31:10 – Bryan Fogel pulled over in Moscow after filming
0:36:54 – Urgent need to protect whistleblower Gregory Rechenkov
0:40:05 – Future of genetic manipulation in sports
0:49:55 – Awards won by the documentary Icarus
0:51:08 – Availability of Icarus on digital platforms
0:54:19 – Credibility of British and French intelligence discussed
0:57:58 – Social changes in Saudi Arabia under Mohammed bin Salman
1:04:18 – Jamal Khashoggi's complex relationship with Saudi leadership
1:07:16 – Saudi dissident Omar Abdelaziz's activism in Montreal
1:14:16 – Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko and other political crimes
1:19:08 – US political response to Khashoggi murder
1:23:25 – Turkish investigation of Khashoggi's murder
1:28:38 – Challenges of making a documentary on sensitive topics
1:36:16 – Emotional impact of Jamal Khashoggi's murder on filmmaker
1:41:27 – Two-year personal journey filming Omar Abdelaziz
1:45:45 – Distribution challenges with Netflix and other platforms
1:47:55 – Risks faced by dissidents speaking against governments
1:54:19 – Netflix's decision influenced by Saudi market considerations
1:57:27 – Upcoming creative projects by Bryan Fogel
2:00:26 – Global impact of Netflix documentary releases
2:02:57 – Positive message from Jamal Khashoggi's fiance
2:06:17 – Reflecting on personal growth through activism
2:10:00 – Commitment to continue fighting for justice

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out! Starting point is 00:00:23 and we discussed Icarus. And he told me that he actually had to shut it off how let you Starting point is 00:00:49 And he's convinced that he had to wrestle against people that were cheating, particularly Russians. Starting point is 00:01:57 and uh tokyo it's 2021 now yeah and then 2024 those olympics you can't have a Russian flag. Like you literally can't because of what Starting point is 00:02:51 December of 2019 or January. It was not that long ago, about a year ago. And when they turn over the Starting point is 00:03:43 Russia denies it again. Starting point is 00:04:26 So it's like, yeah, they're kind of banned, Starting point is 00:04:48 You don't have to wear the headphones if you don't want to. Starting point is 00:05:03 So Rechenkov has got asylum here in America? Starting point is 00:05:56 this was now a year and a half, two years ago, I need to get with his lawyers to get the exact date, Starting point is 00:06:47 And the court then gets kicked out. Starting point is 00:07:18 they'll arrange through the security and then we'll you know find an encrypted way to have a conversation. Starting point is 00:07:47 He's like, you know, you saved my life. Starting point is 00:08:40 and his kids are back in Russia. So, I mean, this has been a crazy cost for blowing the whistle. Starting point is 00:09:52 because if they then travel and they then go and see Gregory, right, Starting point is 00:10:45 so it's complicated. Starting point is 00:11:16 with was basically this guy who was living in the Ukraine. He was working for the gas company, right? And he, I can't remember if he, it was an attempted murder or, no, the guy gets killed Starting point is 00:11:59 And this guy that they go and arrest basically goes, yes, I've been hired. Starting point is 00:12:50 few years in Salisbury. That was another case where, you know, the guy had... That was in England, Starting point is 00:13:4...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1592?

Bryan Fogel was the guest on JRE #1592. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1592?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1592 with Bryan Fogel, topics include Whistleblowers, Olympic Games, Documentary Filmmaking, and Jamal Khashoggi.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1592?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1592 with Bryan Fogel is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.