Summary of The Joe Rogan Experience #2248 with Michael Waddell

Release Date: December 26, 2024

In episode #2248 of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan engages in an extensive and multifaceted conversation with Michael Waddell, a seasoned hunter, bowman, and outdoor enthusiast. Their discussion spans a wide array of topics, including folklore, ancient civilizations, the intricacies of hunting, wildlife management, and the cultural perceptions surrounding hunters. Below is a detailed summary of their conversation, structured into clear sections with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Bigfoot and Folklore ([00:15] - [01:45])

Discussion Points:

• Joe Rogan and Michael Waddell delve into the myth of Bigfoot, debating its existence and dietary habits.
• They explore why hunters, despite extensive time in wilderness areas, rarely report sightings of Bigfoot.
• The conversation touches on trail cameras and the elusive nature of such legendary creatures.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Waddell ([00:21]): "I think he's got canines like us, so there's a good chance that he does eat meat."
• Joe Rogan ([00:34]): "Hunters are the number one argument against Bigfoot being real. I've never met a hunter who's seen Bigfoot."

2. Ancient Civilizations and Graham Hancock ([02:00] - [07:17])

Discussion Points:

• The duo discusses Graham Hancock's theories on ancient civilizations and the potential existence of the Gigantopithecus, a bipedal hominid.
• They explore the mystery surrounding the Ark of the Covenant, its rumored location in Ethiopia, and the guardians who protect it.
• The impact of ancient societal collapses, possibly due to asteroid debris, on modern civilizations is examined.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Rogan ([02:00]): "I think there's real physical evidence that something happened around 11,800 years ago, that the Earth was most likely pounded with asteroid debris."
• Michael Waddell ([02:34]): "It's pretty, amazingly compelling."

3. Hunting and Tracing Arrowheads ([07:11] - [14:42])

Discussion Points:

• The conversation shifts to the archaeological significance of arrowheads found across hunting grounds.
• Michael shares personal anecdotes about discovering ancient artifacts and the challenges in identifying genuine pieces versus forgeries.
• They reflect on the lifestyles of ancient hunters and the sophisticated societies that existed thousands of years ago.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Waddell ([09:14]): "They've been guarding it for so long, it's almost like our Buffalo Drop storyline."
• Joe Rogan ([14:24]): "Imagine some Native American was napping this flint on his knee, sitting there who knows how many thousand of years ago."

4. Archery, Bow Hunting, and Hunting Culture ([15:00] - [44:52])

Discussion Points:

• Detailed exploration of archery as a hunting discipline, its historical roots, and modern advancements.
• The emotional and therapeutic aspects of hunting, emphasizing its role in mental well-being and family bonding.
• Stories about notable figures in the hunting community, the evolution of hunting shows, and the camaraderie among hunters.
• The technical aspects of archery, including rangefinders, bow designs, and the skill required for ethical hunting.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Rogan ([23:37]): "It's like every time you go rifle hunting, I love it. Still love it."
• Michael Waddell ([32:01]): "Pope and Young, a lot of people don't know it, but that basically is the basis of what it comes from."

5. Wildlife Management and Conservation ([76:01] - [86:50])

Discussion Points:

• Examination of wildlife populations, focusing on predators like mountain lions and wolves, and their impact on ecosystems.
• Debate on the effectiveness of conservation efforts and the role of hunters in managing wildlife balances.
• Personal experiences with observing and interacting with various wildlife, highlighting the complexity of natural predator-prey relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Waddell ([79:16]): "A lot of the studies are now it's been changed and everything. The goalposts are being adjusted."
• Joe Rogan ([86:51]): "They just don't know what they're talking about, and they don't have any experience in it."

6. Media Representation of Hunters ([86:49] - [112:29])

Discussion Points:

• The negative portrayal of hunters in media and its impact on public perception.
• Personal anecdotes about hunting shows, the founding of The Outdoor Channel, and efforts to present hunting in a more relatable and enjoyable light.
• The importance of authentic representation and the friendship and respect within the hunting community.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Waddell ([89:44]): "People think of hunting based on what they see in a Walt Disney movie. They think we're barbaric or hillbillies."
• Joe Rogan ([132:34]): "You were having a good time. You were laughing and cutting up, and I think that's what made you famous in that world."

7. Personal Stories and Experiences ([117:07] - [170:44])

Discussion Points:

• Michael Waddell shares his journey into the hunting industry, overcoming familial skepticism, and building a career through passion and perseverance.
• Stories about interactions with celebrities, influential figures, and fellow hunters, highlighting the diverse and interconnected nature of the hunting community.
• Reflections on the therapeutic benefits of hunting, the deep appreciation for nature, and the importance of genuine human connections.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Waddell ([119:57]): "How did you pull that off? Were you just lucky, or was there something else?"
• Joe Rogan ([165:31]): "The relationships you make in this life, that's the real trophy."

8. Ethical Hunting and Conservation ([114:05] - [167:05])

Discussion Points:

• The ethical considerations of hunting, emphasizing responsible practices, and the hunter’s role in conservation.
• The balance between predator and prey populations, and how ethical hunting contributes to ecosystem management.
• Personal philosophies on hunting as a means of sustenance, discipline, and connection to nature.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Rogan ([114:27]): "These deer also have coyotes. They reintroduced wolves, and they have done studies that a mountain lion can kill up to 100 mule deer."
• Michael Waddell ([153:20]): "Once you learn to respect each other and love each other's goals, you can achieve something greater together."

9. The Future of Hunting and Conservation ([167:22] - [170:44])

Discussion Points:

• Speculations on the future of hunting, the evolving role of technology, and the importance of preserving hunting traditions.
• The impact of social media and podcasts in reshaping the hunting narrative, making it more accessible and understandable.
• Final reflections on the importance of gratitude, community, and authentic relationships within and beyond the hunting world.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Waddell ([169:46]): "It's something that's very difficult to do that you care a lot about. Anytime there's something that's very difficult to do that you care a lot about, you're gonna get nervous 100%."
• Joe Rogan ([170:26]): "Appreciation for this beautiful, chaotic world that we live in is a virtuous and very important thing."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Joe Rogan and Michael Waddell provide an in-depth exploration of hunting, blending technical knowledge with personal stories and cultural insights. Michael's passion for archery, ethical hunting, and conservation shines through, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the hunting lifestyle and its broader implications on wildlife management and human connections. Their conversation also underscores the importance of authentic representation in media, fostering a more nuanced and respectful perception of hunters in society.

For those interested in delving deeper into Michael Waddell's adventures and insights, he is active on various social media platforms:

• Website: BoneCollector.com
• Instagram: @officialbonecollector
• TikTok: @MichaelWaddell

This summary encapsulates the rich and engaging dialogue between Joe Rogan and Michael Waddell, providing essential insights and perspectives for both hunting enthusiasts and general listeners seeking to understand the multifaceted world of hunting and conservation.