#772 - Mark & Chris Bell
NaN minutesEpisode #772
Mark Bell is an elite powerlifter and owner of Team Super Training Gym in Sacramento, CA. Chris Bell is a writer, director, and filmmaker known for the documentary "Bigger, Stronger, Faster" and his new documentary called "Prescription Thugs" was recently released.
Episodes with Mark Bell
Episode Timestamps
Joe Rogan and the Prescription Drug Epidemic: A Conversation Triggered by Documentary Insights
- Discussion of the $300 billion prescription drug habit in the U.S. and its impact on life expectancy.
- Joe Rogan reflects on the shift in medicine becoming a business, detailing the influence of Ronald Reagan's TV advertising policies.
- Experiences shared regarding addiction to painkillers and alternatives like ibuprofen and Tylenol as effective pain management.
The Emotional Toll of Addiction: Stories of Loss and the Power of Documentary
- Talk about the devastating impact of addiction, showcasing a father's loss of his son to heroin, linked to Oxycontin use.
- Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and the need for extended treatment durations for recovery.
- Recognition of the role documentaries can play in raising awareness and helping individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
Ed Clay's Life-Saving Ibogaine Ceremony: A Revolutionary Approach to Overcoming Addiction
- Ed Clay struggled with pain pill addiction and underwent an Ibogaine ceremony in Mexico that helped him become 100% clean.
- Ibogaine, a psychedelic ritual drug, is illegal in the U.S. but is noted for its effectiveness in treating addiction by exploring deep psychological issues.
- The discussion highlights the importance of introspection and honesty in the recovery process, showcasing the challenges faced by addicts.
The Impact of Loss: A Brother's Struggle with Drug Abuse after Losing Mad Dog
- The narrator recounts the emotional toll of losing his brother, Chris, to drug abuse, a devastating experience that continues to affect his family deeply.
- Chris's girlfriend played a critical role when she reached out for help during a panic about his drug use, leading to an intervention.
- The discussion reflects on the lingering effects of addiction on relationships, the vulnerability felt in recovery, and the ongoing challenges of addressing family trauma.
Donald Trump and the Opioid Epidemic: A Call to Action
- The speaker highlights the opioid crisis and mentions personal connections to individuals affected by addiction.
- Criticism of political leaders, particularly Donald Trump, for not addressing the opioid epidemic despite its severity.
- Discussion of pharmaceutical companies' influence on politics and the importance of open conversations about drug-related issues.
The Controversial Practices of Pharmaceutical Giants: Bear and AZT
- Exploration of Bear's decision to sell tainted medications overseas amidst the AIDS crisis, prioritizing profits over lives.
- Criticism of how major drug companies market to doctors and the impact this has on patient health.
- Discussion of the complex nature of depression and the effects of medication, emphasizing a need for better treatments beyond pharmaceutical solutions.
The Battle of Ronda Rousey: Mental Health and the Highs and Lows of Fame
- Ronda Rousey experiences deep depression despite her fame and success as a fighter.
- Discussion of the impact of external factors like trauma, physical struggles, and social media backlash on mental health.
- Emphasis on the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive friends and engaging in meaningful, fulfilling activities.
Conor McGregor's Resilience: Overcoming Defeat and Self-Definition
- Conor McGregor embodies resilience through his public persona and reaction to defeat.
- The conversation highlights the necessity of self-definition in the face of societal expectations.
- Partners and relationships play a crucial role in personal growth, with advice on recognizing toxic ones and learning from breakups.
Mark’s Battle with Recognition: The Struggles Beyond the Glory of Wrestling Fame
- Mark, driven by the desire for fame in WWE, struggles with depression when faced with harsh realities of age and fitness.
- The pursuit of athletic achievement leads to fleeting highs but can result in significant lows.
- Misguided priorities and unhealthy behavior patterns can repeat, even amid success, as seen in Mark's brother's tragic journey.
Trophy Kids: The Pursuit of Greatness in Youth Sports Through Hardships and Privilege
- Mark discusses the correlation between overcoming personal challenges and achieving success in competitive sports.
- The impact of parental involvement on youth athletes sparks a debate regarding the drive for excellence and the pressures involved.
- Identifying potential in young athletes requires both early recognition and the freedom to explore their true passions.
Exploring Identity Through Passion: The Journey of Unknown Futures
- The speaker discusses the unpredictability of career paths and the importance of self-discovery.
- Reference to Alfred Hitchcock highlights that looks aren't everything in pursuing a career.
- Reflection on the authenticity of personal expression in professional settings, including his experiences with various interviews.
Lance Armstrong's Unexpected Comeback: Training Dan Bilzerian
- Lance Armstrong reaches out to the speaker to assist Dan Bilzerian in a high-stakes cycling bet.
- Discussion of the ongoing prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs in sports and how it affects competition.
- Insights into the legitimacy of powerlifters' claims regarding drug-free achievements in the sport.
Brian Shaw and Hafthor Bjornsson: Giants Among Men in Strongman Records
- Brian Shaw, a six-time World's Strongest Man champion, showcases incredible strength feats with seemingly lighter kettlebells.
- Hafthor Bjornsson, known for his role as 'The Mountain' in Game of Thrones, squats a staggering 1,102 pounds and holds a world record for throwing a 56-pound kettlebell over 20 feet.
- Discussions highlight the physical prowess and personalities of strongman competitors, including Robert Oberst and Eddie Hall, questioning the prevalence of performance enhancers in the sport.
The Role of Hormone Therapy and Supplements in Athletic Performance
- Discussion on the use of hormone replacement therapy among athletes for recovery and performance enhancement.
- The effectiveness and side effects of growth hormone are debated, focusing on its impact on physical health and training regimens.
- The importance of placebo effects in supplement usage is mentioned, alongside anecdotal evidence of various supplements like fish oil for inflammation.
Diet and Supplement Dilemmas: Insights from Unknown Health Gurus
- Discussion on the effectiveness and potential side effects of various supplements, including niacin and curcumin.
- Conversations about healthy eating habits on the road, inspired by a friend's commitment to nutrition.
- Reflection on personal health journeys, with emphasis on the importance of balanced diets versus reliance on supplements.
Brian Shaw's Path to Strength: The World’s Strongest Man Revealed
- Detailed insights into Brian Shaw's rigorous diet and training regime as he prepares to compete.
- Discussion of Shaw’s impressive stats, including lifting a 555-pound atlas stone, emphasizing systematic training.
- Personal anecdotes from the narrator about training injuries and recovery, highlighting the balance between work and rest.
Joe Rogan's Dive into Stem Cell Therapy with Dr. Roddy McGee
- Joe discusses his chronic pain issues and the potential of stem cell therapy with Dr. Roddy McGee in Las Vegas.
- Stem cells derived from placentas of cesarean section births are highlighted as revolutionary treatment options.
- Incidents are cited, including a man cured of ocular cancer through stem cell therapy, which impressed Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Exploring Ketogenic Diets and Health Transformations with Impactful Claims
- Discussion flows into the efficacy of ketogenic diets for both dogs and humans, particularly its use in cancer treatment.
- Joe shares personal dietary changes and remarkable improvements in mental clarity and physical health.
- Controversies surrounding gluten-free diets and their effectiveness are debated, referencing a pivotal retraction from the diet's pioneer.
Joe Rogan Discusses the Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet with Mary Shenouda's Fat Fudge
- Joe Rogan shares his experience with going gluten-free and how reducing sugar intake positively impacted his health.
- He explains the ketogenic diet and mentions the convenience of products like Fat Fudge by Mary Shenouda.
- Rogan highlights the importance of balancing fats and carbohydrates for strength athletes and discusses how the diet affects energy levels.
Joe Rogan's Journey in Bodybuilding and Weight Management: Lessons from Mike O'Hearn
- Rogan reflects on his early bodybuilding days training with Mike O'Hearn and learning the significance of diet in weight classes.
- He recounts a strict regimen of only consuming red meat and water to lose weight for competition.
- Rogan discusses the challenges of maintaining a restrictive diet like keto long-term and the psychological struggle that can arise from triggers in social eating situations.
Nate Diaz: The Vegan Fighter Who Defies Dietary Stereotypes
- Discussion on Nate Diaz's eating habits, clarifying he is not a strict vegan but incorporates fish and eggs into his diet.
- The conversation highlights the misconception surrounding Diaz's diet and its impact on his fighting success.
- Comparison of dietary choices among athletes, emphasizing that a lack of carbohydrates may limit performance for some.
The Nutritional Debate: Veganism vs. Carnivorism in Athletic Performance
- Arguments for and against veganism among athletes, including personal experiences of individuals like John Fitch and Rob Wolf.
- Discussion on the importance of responsible dietary choices and supplementation for those following a vegan diet.
- Insight into the complexities of animal farming and dietary ethics, challenging the 'cult-like' mentality of extreme dietary advocates.
The Hawk Rescue: A Family's Weekend with a Hurt Hawk
- A hawk flew into a window and injured its wing, leading to it being taken to a wildlife rescue.
- The family took care of the hawk for a day and fed it pinkies, which are baby mice.
- Ultimately, the daughter wanted to keep one pinky mouse as a pet, but it was fed to a chicken instead.
Addiction and Recovery: Conversations About Helping Loved Ones
- The speakers discuss the importance of driving family and friends towards help for addiction, emphasizing that expertise is not necessary.
- Experiences with AA meetings are shared, highlighting the value of community in recovery.
- The conversation also touches on the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and addiction, questioning the increase in prescriptions and how it affects people's lives.
Mark's Struggles with Addiction: Insights from Jail and Family Conversations
- Mark reveals his brother felt normal only during his three-month incarceration due to sobriety.
- The discussion leads to questions about the accuracy of the bipolar diagnosis amidst addiction.
- Family dynamics are explored, reflecting the struggles to treat mental health issues complicated by drug use.
The Disturbing Truth Behind America's Painkiller Overprescription Epidemic
- The conversation highlights the alarming extent of opioid overprescription by doctors due to patient pressure.
- We're reminded that while painkillers serve an important purpose for acute pain, chronic use leads to addiction.
- The participants debate the ethics of pharmaceutical advertising and its impact on prescribing behavior.
OxyContin Crisis: Inside Florida's Pill Mills and the Epidemic's Reach
- The discussion highlights how the lack of a prescription database led to the rise of OxyContin abuse in Florida.
- Key events include the release of a revealing documentary by Vanguard showcasing the OxyContin express route from Florida to West Virginia.
- The chapter also illustrates the devastating impact on communities, with personal anecdotes of loss from drug overdoses.
Big Pharma's Manipulation: The Dangerous Marketing of Antidepressants
- The dialogue tackles the misleading nature of antidepressant advertisements and the lack of transparency regarding side effects.
- Insights on the influence of advertising on public perception, emphasizing a call for accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Personal stories shared reflect the struggles of addiction and the need for reform in prescription drug practices.
Joe Rogan Exposes the Deceptive Practices of Big Pharma
- Discussion on the lack of accountability from public servants and PR representatives regarding pharmaceutical policies.
- Criticism of statins' ineffectiveness, highlighting their connection to impotence and the marketing of Viagra.
- Concerns raised about medical prescriptions for antidepressants and the paradoxical messaging surrounding marijuana use.
Dr. Lane Norton's Flexible Dieting Revolutionizes Nutritional Understanding
- Introduction of flexible dieting by Dr. Lane Norton and its comparison to traditional dieting methods like Weight Watchers.
- The increasing awareness among the public about the importance of strength training and healthy eating as they age.
- Critique of societal trends in health, including observations of unhealthy lifestyles at airports and amusement parks.
Joe Rogan Discusses Sugar Addiction and Health Awareness with His Kids
- Joe emphasizes the importance of nutrition education in schools, questioning why it's not mandatory.
- He shares insights from documentaries on sugar and its effects, teaching his children about food choices.
- Rogan explains the challenges of finding healthy options in grocery stores, likening shopping to hunting for good products.
Joe Rogan's Battle with Prescription Drug Addiction and the Health Crisis
- Rogan recounts his struggle with prescription painkillers following multiple hip surgeries, highlighting the cycle of addiction.
- He discusses the alarming approval of OxyContin for young teens and the implications for drug epidemics.
- The conversation touches on the challenges of making a documentary about addiction and the need for transparency in the pharmaceutical industry.
Chris Leben's Struggle with Addiction and Recovery Insights
- Chris Leben, a former UFC fighter, shares his ongoing battle with substance dependence and the complexities of addiction.
- The discussion highlights the stigma around prescription drugs and the misconception that they are less harmful than street drugs.
- Reflecting on his recovery journey, Leben emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the common temptation of attempting to quit substances cold turkey.
Embracing Positivity: Joe Rogan's Influence on Personal Growth
- The conversation turns to the impact of Joe Rogan's podcast as a source of motivation and knowledge for listeners.
- The speaker shares a story about a friend who found inspiration through Rogan's show, leading to significant improvements in his life.
- The message focuses on the importance of staying positive, valuing relationships, and not giving up on the people you care about.
Mark Bell's Influence: The Power of Social Media and Fitness Promotions
- Mark Bell promotes his social media accounts, including MB Slingshot and Mark Smelly Bell, to engage with fans.
- He shares discounts for followers on howmuchybench.net to celebrate his podcast appearance.
- Mark highlights the availability of his film 'Prescription Thugs' for streaming on various platforms like iTunes and Amazon.
The Enigma of Stem Cells: Insights and Controversies
- The discussion delves into the complexities and excitement surrounding stem cell therapies.
- Mark mentions a playful and cryptic remark involving Peter, possibly hinting at humor amidst serious topics.
- The conversation hints at a secretive aspect surrounding stem cells, emphasizing the need for clarity in understanding medical innovations.