Jason Everman

Date: 2023-04-11 | Duration: 2h 39m

Episode Overview

Jason Everman shares a compelling journey that spans from the grunge music scene to intense military service and personal transformation. He opens up about his time playing guitar with iconic bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, reflecting on the challenges of creative collaboration and the emotional impact of being removed from those groups. Everman’s candid recounting of those early years reveals the harsh realities behind the rise of legendary bands and his own struggle to find meaning beyond music. The conversation shifts to Everman’s decision to leave the music industry and enlist in the military, where he served as a Green Beret and combat medic in Afghanistan and Iraq. He offers vivid insights into the paradox of war—highlighting moments of brutal violence alongside profound acts of loyalty and brotherhood. Everman also discusses the cultural complexities of Afghanistan, touching on its ancient history and the resilience of its people amid ongoing conflict. His reflections on trauma, growth, and the search for purpose underscore a deep philosophical understanding of life’s hardships. Toward the end, Everman explores themes of personal authenticity, mental health, and the pitfalls of external validation. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and compassion, drawing from his diverse experiences to advocate for a life authored by one’s own values rather than societal expectations. This episode provides a rare, unfiltered look at a man who has navigated fame, war, and healing with remarkable honesty.

About Jason Everman

Jason Everman is a multifaceted musician and military veteran renowned for his unique journey through the worlds of rock and combat. Initially gaining fame as the guitarist for iconic bands Soundgarden and Nirvana, he later traded his guitar for a rifle, serving as a US Army Ranger and Green Beret. Everman’s intriguing blend of artistic and military experiences has made him a captivating figure, exemplifying resilience and adaptability. Today, he is involved with Team Supernautiloid and the Race to Alaska 2023, where he continues to push boundaries—both on land and at sea. To learn more about his latest adventures, visit www.supernautiloid.com.

Key Moments

– Soundgarden
– Music Industry
– Military Service
– Ranger Regiment
– Afghanistan War
– Post-Traumatic Growth
– Sailing
– Life Authorship
– Mental Health
– Personal Development
– Band Dynamics
– Touring Life
– Historical Archaeology
– Nirvana
– Indie Rock
– Drug Use
– Combat Psychology
– Community and Tribe
– Financial Security
– Fame Trap
0:01:25 – Early music scene with Mudhoney and Soundgarden
0:02:40 – Leaving the band due to dissatisfaction
0:04:06 – Planning trek in the Himalayas
0:06:08 – Moving to New York to start a new chapter
0:07:37 – Emotional impact of losing band role
0:09:40 – Belief in growth through trauma
0:11:21 – Arrival and first days in New York City
0:13:19 – Call from Matt Sweeney about touring
0:14:23 – Transition to indie rock and Soul Asylum
0:18:08 – Losing joy in music and band struggles
0:19:47 – Recruiting new band members
0:28:47 – Getting studio time at Bad Animal in Seattle
0:30:37 – Experiences with drug use and its effects
0:35:05 – Attachment to military medic role
0:39:37 – Concept of actively authoring one's life
0:42:28 – Military Occupational Specialty and training
0:48:57 – Break in military service
0:52:57 – Language school during 9/11
0:56:46 – Deployment experience in Afghanistan
1:01:02 – Discussion of tribal social structures
1:05:36 – Paradox of war: love and brutality
1:10:59 – Heroin trade and military involvement
1:16:09 – Miniature fortress family homes in Afghanistan
1:19:48 – Ancient Greek city on the Oxus River
1:28:56 – Realization of no military solution in Afghanistan
1:30:59 – Leaving Army and returning to school
1:38:06 – Reading about solo circumnavigation journey
1:44:47 – Joy of sailing and being on the water
1:55:07 – Avoidance of trauma and its impact
2:00:54 – Observations on people forgetting to have children
2:02:15 – Life messes of outwardly successful people
2:05:10 – Giving up external validation for internal peace
2:10:27 – Understanding self through struggle
2:14:10 – Endeavoring to be the best version of oneself
2:16:33 – Critique of materialism and commercialism
2:19:39 – The trap of fame and accolades
2:23:40 – Soundgarden box sets and owed royalties

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 00:00:49 It's like, oh, I'm going to be... Starting point is 00:01:25 like there was bands like Mudhoney and Soundgarden that were better known than Nirvana was at the time. Starting point is 00:02:01 live take some of the guitar playing responsibility off him so he could concentrate on vocals like that kind of thing and initially like i thought i was going to be able to Starting point is 00:02:40 And I became more and more unhappy with the situation and then ended up leaving. Starting point is 00:03:12 very accomplished musician in his own right would throw some ideas out and Starting point is 00:04:06 um i was planning on going trekking in the himalayas like Starting point is 00:05:06 And then you did. Starting point is 00:05:27 Right, of course. Starting point is 00:06:08 And what I did was ended up moving to New York. Starting point is 00:06:53 young guy trying to figure out life yeah i mean like the sound garden thing Starting point is 00:07:37 butthole surfers like that level you know and um but it was more like, I just love that band and I love playing with them and like having that taken away. Yeah. It really, it fucked me up for a bit. Starting point is 00:08:48 And they both, and that's one thing is like an adult, like looking back, you can kind of, Starting point is 00:09:26 Right. Starting point is 00:09:40 Oh, I'm a firm believer that growth is the result of trauma. Starting point is 00:10:33 and then you know hopefully you step up and grow from it you know learn from it all that stuff so Starting point is 00:11:21 pick me up at JFK and drive me into the city. I still remember this. Starting point is 00:11:59 is here we go that's an adventure yeah wow so you're there for a few years living that life and how do you Starting point is 00:12:38 for, like, the first year after getting fired from Soundgarden. Starting point is 00:13:19 And so ...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1968?

Jason Everman was the guest on JRE #1968. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1968?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1968 with Jason Everman, topics include Soundgarden, Music Industry, Military Service, and Ranger Regiment.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1968?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1968 with Jason Everman is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.