Joe Rogan Experience Review Podcast

Episode 480: Review of Derrick (More Plates More Dates)
Date: December 13, 2025
Hosts: Adam Thorne and Nick (from Lesser Known Operators)
Guest/Focus: Derek – More Plates More Dates & Frequent Joe Rogan Guest

Episode Overview

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience Review Podcast centers on a detailed discussion and analysis of Joe Rogan’s recent JRE episode featuring Derek from More Plates More Dates. Adam and Nick break down Derek's influence in the bodybuilding and supplement world, his honesty about performance-enhancing drugs, and the broader implications for fitness culture, supplements, regulation, and mental health. As always, the hosts focus on the most compelling moments from Rogan’s show, add personal insights, and debate the ethics, reality, and science behind fitness trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Derek’s Role in the Fitness World

• Derek as a Staple Guest:

  • Derek has made multiple appearances on the JRE due to his deep knowledge and honest approach to supplements and performance enhancers.
  • “He has such a good channel. He's been around for a long time on YouTube. …he tackles things head-on.” (A, 02:46)

• Investigative Work — The Liver King Exposé:

  • Derek played a significant role in exposing Liver King’s steroid use, bringing receipts and making the PED discussion mainstream.
  • “Derek did a bit of investigative journalism… He's clearly dosing massive amounts of stuff too. I think it was like $11,000 a month or something he was pumping into himself, which is terrifying…” (A, 07:14)

2. The Illusion and Reality of Fitness Influencers

• Believability of Fitness Claims:

  • Many people want to believe you can get jacked through natural means or supplements alone, but the reality is more complicated.
  • “There are natural ways to be big and strong, but they take a long, long time to do. And you won't look like Liver King.” (B, 04:53)

• The Dangers of Unrealistic Goals:

  • The hosts emphasize the importance of setting realistic fitness goals rather than chasing influencer physiques.
  • “We have this unhealthy view of what we should look like instead of what we should be fit and healthy for. What. What is the goal for everybody?” (B, 09:24)

3. PEDs, Supplements & the Culture of Disclosure

• The Problem of Lying to Consumers:

  • The big issue is deception, especially when influencers sell supplements with false claims.
  • “The problem is when you're lying to people about your supplements...that does have a legitimate business and that does do things the right way, and they're going to come after you. The Internet is undefeated.” (B, 08:12)

• Honest Disclosure and Transparency:

  • Both Derek and the hosts stress the value of full transparency about what goes into being big and strong.
  • “It's addiction that can get a hold of me. I'll tell you exactly what I take. I'll even tell you my workouts. ...I'm not a secret about what I do and how I get like I am.” (B, 11:21)

4. Rogan’s Privilege & Perspective

• Wealth & Disconnect:
  • Discussion on how Rogan’s lifestyle creates a disconnect with average listeners.
  • “Joe has had everything he's ever wanted for several years now...So you lose that feeling of normal everyday life. Like 99% of the population of America have. Like real life sucks.” (B, 13:44)
  • “...it's like two rich guys talking to each other. And I start to just check out because...I can't even buy a house. This is annoying.” (A, 16:24)

5. Supplement Marketing – Energy Drinks & Efficacy

• Skepticism Toward New Products:

  • Conversation about Gorilla Mind energy drink and the never-ending cycle of fitness product marketing.
  • “I've tried all the drinks...they're not changing your life. Like, I'm just not getting that excited about energy drinks.” (A, 16:51)

• Derek’s Trustworthiness:

  • Despite skepticism, Derek’s demeanor and knowledge instill confidence.
  • “The way he talks and is just so matter of fact about the supplements and what they do, I believe the guy.” (B, 19:34)
  • “He's surprisingly smart when it comes to this...he seems very genuine.” (A, 20:33)

6. Science, Regulation, and the Changing Landscape

• Peptides, Regulation, and the FDA:

  • Discussion about the regulatory gray area for peptides and why the FDA is cracking down.
  • “There are two kinds—through a doctor and prescription or non-pharmaceutically titrated peptides for ‘research purposes only’...the FDA is going to start cracking down on them.” (B, 26:27)

• Quality Control vs. Freedom:

  • Weighing individual freedom to access substances against the public need for safety and regulation.
  • “Personally, I think people should be able to go to a vending machine and buy whatever the they want. ...Would society collapse? Maybe.” (B, 31:26)
  • “...as much as I hate to say it, the government can prevent some bad things from happening.” (B, 32:04)

7. Plant Medicine, Trauma & Mental Health

• Plant Medicine’s Promise & Limitations:

  • Insight on ibogaine and other psychedelic treatments for veterans and trauma—but with emphasis on careful medical oversight.
  • “Ibogaine's the most dangerous of all of them. That's why...you need to have a cardiologist there so people don't go into cardiac arrest…” (B, 34:03)
  • “...these things are not a fix-all. You still have to do all the work after you take it.” (B, 38:24)

• Trauma Before Service:

  • Military/veteran mental health issues often have roots in childhood; plant medicine is seen as a possible way forward—but it’s not an instant cure.

8. DIY Drug Use vs. Medical Supervision

• Risks of Self-Experimentation:

  • The dangers of unregulated, self-prescribed use of PEDs and supplements are highlighted.
  • “You can kill yourself ... dosage makes the poison.” (B, 41:52)
  • “If you jump on performance enhancing drugs, your joints will not keep up with your muscles, so your chance of injury goes up like 400%.” (B, 43:42)

• Value of Medical Supervision:

  • The hosts advocate for doctor involvement, especially as telemedicine makes it easier to safely access testosterone and peptides.
  • “My sponsor for my show is a Green Beret that is now a medical doctor in North Carolina...He gives me my TRT and my peptides.” (B, 54:14)

9. Motivation, Change, and Example Setting

• Change Comes from Within:
  • Personal growth and overcoming addiction are discussed as deeply internal processes.
  • “...people don't change unless they have to or want to. ...All I can do is try and be a better example. ...People don't read and they don't listen, but they will watch what you do, and they hopefully will be inspired…” (B, 55:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Illusions of Natural Physiques:

  • “You want to believe that? I do believe.” (B, 03:54)
  • “There are natural ways to be big and strong, but they take a long, long time to do. And you won't look like Liver King.” (B, 04:58)

• On PEDs and Honesty:

  • “The problem is when you're lying to people about your supplements being able to do what he was saying they do, and that's where you're gonna...upset everybody. ...The Internet is undefeated.” (B, 08:12)

• On Rogan’s Wealth:

  • “Joe has had everything he's ever wanted for several years now...So you lose that feeling of normal everyday life.” (B, 13:44)

• On Safety and Regulation:

  • “You should be able to go to a vending machine and get whatever you want. This is America. ...Now if that were to let that happen, would society collapse? Maybe.” (B, 31:22)

• On Ibogaine and Safety:

  • “Ibogaine's the most dangerous...you need to have a cardiologist there so people don't go into cardiac arrest…” (B, 34:03)

• On Addiction and Self-Development:

  • “...when I was drinking, the only thing that made me better was quitting drinking. And then I can move on to the next problem and start making the rest of my life healthier.” (B, 55:23)

Timestamp Highlights

• [02:44] Introduction & significance of Derek/More Plates More Dates
• [07:14] Liver King exposé and the consequences of PED use
• [13:44] Rogan’s privilege and connection to everyday problems
• [16:51] Skepticism about the latest fitness products and energy drinks
• [26:27] The FDA, peptide regulation, and the supplement landscape
• [34:03] Dangers and reality-check on ibogaine use for PTSD
• [38:24] Perspective on trauma, plant medicine, and recovery
• [41:52] The perils of self-dosing and the importance of medical guidance
• [54:14] The value of seeing a doctor for TRT and peptides
• [55:23] Motivation, example-setting, and overcoming addiction

Final Thoughts & Ratings

• The hosts reaffirm the importance of honest, informed guidance when it comes to health, fitness, and supplements.
• Derek is praised for his transparency, education, and no-nonsense approach both for himself and the audience.
• Both Nick and Adam rate the episode highly for its practical discussion and relatability.
  • “I would give this...I like Derek. I like him a lot. I give it a 8 out of 10 for sure.” (A, 57:28)
  • “Anything...to get more information to the health, health and wellness of people is in the 80s at least.” (B, 57:40)

Thematically, this episode offers:

• A reality check against fitness hype and supplement marketing.
• Practical advice for listeners who want to improve health, with an emphasis on honesty, seeking medical guidance, and setting sustainable goals.
• Critical discussion on the balance between freedom and regulation in an ever-evolving supplement and wellness landscape.

For JRE fans and fitness truth-seekers, this review episode is packed with insight, cautionary tales, and a grounded perspective on a rapidly changing world.