The Joe Rogan Experience
Episode #2362 - Ralph Barbosa
Release Date: August 8, 2025
1. UFO Phenomena and Abduction Stories
The episode kicks off with Ralph Barbosa engaging Joe Rogan in a discussion about extraterrestrial encounters, specifically focusing on Travis Walton, a man who alleged an abduction by a UFO in the 1970s. Ralph describes Walton's story as compelling and consistent over four decades, noting its adaptation into the movie Fire in the Sky.
Ralph Barbosa [00:20]:
"That's Travis Walton. And he's a guy that got abducted allegedly by some sort of a UFO in the 1970s. And the story was so crazy that it became a movie. It's called Fire in the Sky."
Joe expresses his belief in Walton's honesty, highlighting the improbability of maintaining such a detailed lie for so long.
Joe Rogan [00:55]:
"I think he's telling the truth. I don't know anybody who's kept up a lie for that long."
2. D.B. Cooper and Aerial Hijacking
The conversation transitions to the infamous case of D.B. Cooper, a man who hijacked a Boeing aircraft in 1971, extorted ransom money, and parachuted into the wilderness, disappearing without a trace. Ralph shares a detailed account of Cooper's meticulous yet ultimately flawed plan, pondering the man's intelligence and possible substance use.
Ralph Barbosa [06:02]:
"DB Cooper free 36 passengers in exchange for a mountain of cash and four parachutes. The plane took off with several crew members aboard bound for Mexico City on his orders."
Joe questions the practicality of Cooper's plan, especially his ability to navigate the heavily wooded areas of the Pacific Northwest without modern GPS.
Joe Rogan [12:00]:
"What if I miss the shots, though?"
3. Amphetamines and Meth Use in Warfare
Ralph delves into the historical use of methamphetamine, known as Pervitin, by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. He explains how soldiers utilized stimulants to enhance performance, endurance, and aggression on the battlefield.
Ralph Barbosa [16:11]:
"U.S. military distributed an estimated 200 million amphetamine pills to its soldiers during World War II. Japanese kamikaze pilots in the Pacific used it in their final fateful missions."
The discussion highlights the ethical implications and long-term consequences of such widespread drug use among military personnel.
4. Advances in Diabetes Treatment with Stem Cells
Shifting to medical advancements, Ralph discusses a groundbreaking stem cell therapy developed in China that successfully reversed Type 1 Diabetes. This therapy involved reprogramming insulin-producing cells and transplanting them into patients, leading to significant reductions in insulin dependency.
Ralph Barbosa [40:29]:
"In June of 2023, the team transplanted about 1.5 million isolates into a woman's abdominal muscles... Two and a half months after her transplant, the woman started producing enough insulin on her own."
Joe contemplates the practicality and accessibility of such treatments, expressing a desire to undergo the procedure himself.
Joe Rogan [43:18]:
"I don't know how I. Like, how do you even start that process? You just go to China."
5. Car Modifications and Automotive Content Creation
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to automotive enthusiasts. Ralph and Joe discuss various car modification projects, focusing on LS engine swaps into older models like the Nissan Skyline and Plymouth Barracuda. They highlight the technical challenges and creative freedom involved in customizing vehicles for both performance and aesthetic purposes.
Ralph Barbosa [51:18]:
"We got a 1989 Nissan 240 SX. It's my buddy's car. He bought it for like 600 bucks, and he wants to put an LS in it."
Joe shares his experiences with racing cars on tracks like Circuit of the Americas (COTA), emphasizing the importance of handling and balance in high-performance vehicles.
Joe Rogan [56:08]:
"I have not taken the GTR to a track. You got a Nismo, you got to take it to a track."
6. Stand-Up Comedy Strategies and Personal Experiences
Ralph Barbosa provides insights into the world of stand-up comedy, discussing techniques to overcome writer's block and develop new material. He emphasizes the balance between confidence and humility, advocating for self-assessment without being overly influenced by audience feedback.
Joe Rogan [106:02]:
"Have you ever tried to with anybody? No."
Ralph shares his method of allowing ideas to flow naturally and refining them through interactions with fellow comedians, highlighting the collaborative nature of comedy.
7. Societal Issues: Japan's Population Decline and its Implications
The conversation takes a contemplative turn as Ralph and Joe discuss the population decline in Japan, its causes, and potential repercussions. They explore the societal and economic challenges posed by a shrinking workforce and the cultural shifts resulting from decreased birth rates.
Ralph Barbosa [130:37]:
"In June of 2023, the team transplanted about 1.5 million isolates into a woman's abdominal muscles... Two and a half months after her transplant, the woman started producing enough insulin on her own."
Joe expresses concern over the long-term sustainability and the burden placed on younger generations.
Joe Rogan [132:07]:
"And the population's in decline... Economy is just going to stagnate. Pretty nuts, man."
8. Personal Anecdotes and Family Dynamics
Ralph shares personal stories about his family, touching on complex relationships and the impact of his grandfather's actions. These narratives provide a glimpse into Ralph's background and the personal challenges he navigates.
Ralph Barbosa [135:03]:
"He's the only one on my mom's side that looks like me too."
9. Drug Use and Mental Health
The episode concludes with a discussion on the psychological effects of drug use, particularly focusing on experiences with psilocybin mushrooms. Ralph recounts his unsettling trips where he heard voices, leading to a cautious approach towards such substances.
Ralph Barbosa [150:26]:
"On shrooms, my last few mushroom trips, I started hearing voices... So it scared me off of mushrooms."
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Joe Rogan and Ralph Barbosa traverse a wide array of topics, from the mysteries of UFO abductions and historical drug use in warfare to cutting-edge medical treatments and the intricate world of car modifications. Their candid conversation offers listeners a blend of informative discussions, personal insights, and reflective thoughts on societal issues. Ralph's journey in stand-up comedy and his automotive passions add depth to the dialogue, making this episode a multifaceted exploration of diverse subjects.
Notable Quotes:
-
Ralph Barbosa [00:20]:
"That's Travis Walton. And he's a guy that got abducted allegedly by some sort of a UFO in the 1970s." -
Joe Rogan [00:55]:
"I think he's telling the truth. I don't know anybody who's kept up a lie for that long." -
Ralph Barbosa [16:11]:
"U.S. military distributed an estimated 200 million amphetamine pills to its soldiers during World War II." -
Ralph Barbosa [40:29]:
"Two and a half months after her transplant, the woman started producing enough insulin on her own." -
Ralph Barbosa [51:18]:
"We got a 1989 Nissan 240 SX. It's my buddy's car. He bought it for like 600 bucks, and he wants to put an LS in it." -
Ralph Barbosa [130:37]:
"Japan may have the longest national life expectancy about 85 years, but the nation's population has been in decline for 15 years." -
Joe Rogan [132:07]:
"The population's in decline... Economy is just going to stagnate. Pretty nuts, man." -
Ralph Barbosa [150:26]:
"On shrooms, my last few mushroom trips, I started hearing voices... So it scared me off of mushrooms."
For more insights and upcoming shows, visit BarbosaComedy.com and follow Ralph Barbosa on Instagram @RalphBarbosa03 and the Formula Bean YouTube channel.