Jann Wenner

Date: 2022-10-05 | Duration: 2h 55m

Episode Overview

Jann Wenner reflects on his extraordinary journey as the co-founder of *Rolling Stone* magazine, tracing its roots from the turbulent 1950s through the cultural revolutions of the 1960s and beyond. He discusses how the magazine became a powerful voice for youth, music, and political activism, capturing the spirit of a generation shaped by events like the Kennedy assassination and the rise of rock and roll. Wenner shares vivid memories of working closely with Hunter S. Thompson, highlighting Thompson’s unique blend of fearless journalism and wild personality, and how his work helped define *Rolling Stone*’s identity. The conversation also delves into Wenner’s perspective on the evolving political landscape, including his experiences covering presidential campaigns from McGovern to Obama. He offers candid insights into the challenges of political journalism and the shifting dynamics of media influence. Wenner addresses the cultural impact of psychedelics and drug use within the music scene, reflecting on both their creative inspiration and destructive potential. Toward the end, he touches on pressing contemporary issues such as climate change, wealth inequality, and the role of technology in society, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to balance progress with justice. Throughout, Wenner’s storytelling reveals a deep connection to the cultural moments that shaped modern America.

About Jann Wenner

Jann S. Wenner is an influential figure in American journalism, best known as the founder, co-editor, and publisher of the iconic "Rolling Stone" magazine. Launched in 1967, the publication became a cultural touchstone, shaping music journalism and chronicling the counterculture movement. Wenner has authored several books, including his recent memoir, "Like a Rolling Stone," which offers a candid look at his life and the evolution of the magazine. His keen insights into music, politics, and pop culture have made him a pivotal voice in media, and his ability to capture the spirit of a generation keeps him relevant in contemporary discussions. Wenner's unique blend of passion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark on the landscape of media and music.

Key Moments

– Rolling Stone Magazine
– 1960s Counterculture
– Rock and Roll Music
– Drug Culture
– Hunter S. Thompson
– Political Campaigns
– Psychedelics
– Climate Change
– Media Regulation
– Wealth Inequality
– Michael Jackson
– American Politics
– Freedom of Speech
– Social Movements
– Addiction
– Supreme Court
– Student Loans
– Technology Innovation
– Public Utilities
– Cultural History
0:00:21 – Starting life story in 1950s America
0:01:43 – Assassination of young president
0:03:49 – Emergence of rock and roll and drugs
0:07:10 – The tribal telegraph and music's influence
0:10:08 – Music's powerful effect on America
0:11:22 – Drug dealers and cultural environment
0:13:39 – Hunter S. Thompson's commitment to magazine
0:18:52 – Strong two-part motorcycle race article
0:20:45 – Shift from 70s to Reagan era in 80s
0:22:14 – Jimmy Carter's campaign and Rolling Stone
0:25:14 – Campaign coverage importance in politics
0:31:37 – Hunter S. Thompson and Muhammad Ali connection
0:32:27 – Fear and Loathing in Elko beginnings
0:36:12 – Hunter's legal challenges over character use
0:40:14 – Hunter S. Thompson's generosity and obligations
0:45:48 – Psychedelics and marijuana's cultural impact
0:48:46 – Alex Berenson's book on marijuana
0:50:10 – Role of acid in culture
0:53:03 – Plan Colombia and drug war funding
0:55:19 – Civil rights and cultural history in rock
0:58:04 – Yippies as political performance art
1:00:24 – Generational perspectives on culture
1:02:28 – Critique of unchristian political spirit
1:05:17 – Climate change and rising sea levels
1:09:56 – Nuclear energy as part of solution
1:11:31 – Earth survival as a moral issue
1:12:23 – Discussion on Hunter Biden and Ukraine
1:16:11 – Supreme Court decision on corporate financing
1:20:09 – Student loan debt challenges
1:27:06 – Taxation and wealth redistribution ideas
1:33:24 – Wealth capture and social isolation
1:35:37 – Founding principles of justice and liberty
1:40:24 – Cocaine era reflections
1:42:25 – Psychedelics as pathway to healing
2:04:14 – Michael Jackson's anger about fame
2:23:20 – Obama's historic transformational presidency
2:41:50 – Internet regulation as public utility
2:47:42 – Fears about future technology and body integration

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out! Starting point is 00:00:21 Well, I think I start my life, my book out at a time in the 50s in the Eisenhower Starting point is 00:01:10 that America wasn't what they told us it was going to be. You know, that life, liberty, and Starting point is 00:01:43 Our young, beautiful president is assassinated. Starting point is 00:02:26 and music that desired to do good in the world, to make the world a better place. Starting point is 00:02:53 of not understanding really what's going on Starting point is 00:03:14 States fought a world war for justice, democracy, defeated the bad guys, was victorious. Starting point is 00:03:49 The emergence of rock and roll and the emergence of drugs. Starting point is 00:04:26 A wonderment that's... Starting point is 00:04:42 interconnected. I mean, Starting point is 00:05:00 Wow, perfect timing. Starting point is 00:05:23 So it was like a real call around the world are you ready for a brand new beat you know i mean and Starting point is 00:06:20 And I don't think it was so much music. Starting point is 00:06:44 Let alone at the time, you would go to jail if you were gay, Starting point is 00:07:10 And we called it, Ralph, we called it the tribal telegraph. Starting point is 00:07:41 John Lennon or Dylan could say what was on their mind Starting point is 00:08:13 Well, I don't think – I had no sense of what it could become. Starting point is 00:08:47 I knew nothing about the business of it, but people liked it. Starting point is 00:09:21 I wanted to be part of that world. Starting point is 00:10:08 it's had a powerful, huge effect on what America is, Starting point is 00:10:38 And, you know, there's so much of your magazine that's tied into, I mean, I know you walked around here, you saw the Hunter artwork. Starting point is 00:11:22 All the drug dealers that were selling drugs. Starting point is 00:11:56 and then there would be a giant parking lot out of town that you could park a...

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On Joe Rogan Experience #1877 with Jann Wenner, topics include Rolling Stone Magazine, 1960s Counterculture, Rock and Roll Music, and Drug Culture.

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