John Clarke: The Art of Fighting and the Pursuit of Excellence | Lex Fridman Podcast

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Theragun: theragun.com/lex to get 30 day trial - Magic Spoon: magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get free shipping - Eight Sleep: www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get $200 off - Cash App: cash.app/ and use code LexPodcast to get $10 2:43 - The great American road trip 20:13 - Martial arts and philosophy 23:13 - Real vs fake success on Instagram 33:58 - The brutal honesty of Mike Tyson 38:44 - Breaking your opponent in wrestling 46:51 - Genghis Khan 57:57 - It's okay to change your mind 1:02:34 - Why do politicians become inauthentic 1:09:11 - Greatness requires sacrifice 1:11:54 - Whiplash 1:20:02 - Relationships 1:25:39 - Greatest fighters of all time 1:33:20 - Greatest fight of all time 1:47:43 - Khabib Nurmagomedov 1:49:31 - Can Conor McGregor beat Khabib Nurmagomedov? 2:03:47 - Conor vs Khabib 2 2:10:23 - Will there always be war? 2:11:59 - Future of civilization 2:14:10 - Kids 2:20:55 - The meaning of a "like" on social media 2:29:52 - Starting a podcast 2:48:34 - Book recommendations 2:52:04 - Keeping the independence of solitude

[@zakariaibrahim6781]

Firas zahabi should be next!!

[@paintbender1503]

Great episode and great guest, Lex!

[@merlantisbouquet6819]

Lex i literally LOVE YOU SO EFFING MUCH. He doesnt even know you know. You are the best Dad. All my heartbeats tonight are for you xxxxxx

[@michelleaneous]

I swear I didn’t bury them all >.>

[@ThievesInTheTreasureRoom]

I trained under John Clarke for a year. He is hands-down the most influential instructor I ever had. He teaches his students how to use Jiu-Jitsu to FIGHT; that is, he teaches a mindset and does not water it down. He rolls with his students every day and more than any other teacher I've had. Relatively few people know who he is but his instruction is world class. Great guy, great teacher.

[@lukat7183]

You should interview Firas Zahabi!!

[@blexaarron]

^

[@MajinXarris]

That would be a ten hour long podcast 😂

[@hardcoreclassicenjoyer]

^^^^^

[@chazzcanas6784]

Please do!!

[@emetee7047]

2 things- 1.) I love the time stamps w/ topics 2.) This dudes take on relationships was on point, great podcast

[@joshbrock2663]

he certainly tells it like it is. no bullshit. the bit about needing someone who compliments you and vice versa and not settling/knowing when to call it quits is something that is fatally ignored due to an, or so it seems, emphasis on expediency. people are way too concerned with being single (for any stretch of time) and especially for long periods of time because they fear the stigmas attributed to that. in reality, it doesnt matter and nobody cares. they may appear that way, but those people generally arent worth holding the door for anyway. good things take time and persistence. sadly, that is a dying ethos due to the constant need for instant gratification. lex's pipedream about a social media that doesnt rush things in general is just so fundamentally wrong and counter to the very thing social media is that i dont even think he believes its plausible. though his optimism may want to have a word with me regard my opinion on the. what we need is to slow down, digest and think. that goes for romantic relationships and just in general, not even limited to people. although it hasnt been that long, historically, every social media sells smaller and smaller instances of attention to sell ads to outpace its competitors. that metric alone makes the kind of thing lex wants tied to people jumping ship in such large numbers from the current giants that it would take a miracle to buck the pattern. moors law applies to more than just transistors. he of all people should know that. myspace->facebook->instagram->twitter->snapchat->tiktok-> (whatever is next and somehow more fractional and brainless than tiktok). i dont see it reversing until people just say fuck it all together and go back to the roller rink, park, club ect.

[@tomyin6525]

I agree, but Lex seemed to be reluctant to it and have a mangina’s view of relationships with women, probably because he hasn’t had many yet and doesn’t know what’s going on…

[@joshbrock2663]

@@tomyin6525 doesnt want to accept the nature of the game. social media or not, its still a game. always has been. disney fucked us over in our childhoods with all those fairytales we were too naive to not take them at face value. reality is a bitch named stacey.

[@michelleaneous]

@@tomyin6525algorithm keeps bringing me back for more and I feel like I’ve fallen for Lex in a very *sapiosexual* way, but probs best to not trigger my mania with delusions of enoughness 😅 Like, can I at leeeaast be his wingwoman? 💃🏻🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Kaget0ra]

"There's not that many negative people," classic Lex optimism.

[@greggfisher7365]

Negative people aren't that bad if u are optimistic. It feels like you got one finger of theirs your holding on to so they don't fall off the cliff. My negative friends make some purpose for me I suppose. Obviously if they don't like you, you aren't helping them at all.

[@joshbrock2663]

yea.. thats the one fatal flaw in lex that i think serves as the root of the majority of his other flaws. far be it from me to assert such an assumption but it just seems like a lot of thing he struggles with, parallel to much of our generation, stem from being overly optimistic due to, and heres the kicker, social media/echo chambers/dogmatic prominent figures. real life is a lot less certain than what you can expect in the news or your morning social media feed whether or not you view those things as positive or not. 'most people are good' i believe comes from a lot of surface level information about a lot of people rather than a lot of deep information about a few people. the vast majority of people would hold a door for you but very few people would take a bullet for you. that deep comorodary lex likes to allude to is, i wouldnt say optimistic necessarily, but very shortsighted of him and i think he knows it. he just isnt ready to accept it. i doubt a sizeable fraction of people in his life have really let him down or lead him on for their own personal benefit, likey because most people assume smart people are privy to such behavior. certainly one could argue the contrary. and its not really an argument because both philosophies are, in my opinion, inherently flawed. being overy pessimistic can easily lead to resentment and eventually shutting everyone out entirely while too much optimism puts too many eggs in the basket of chance and luck. hard to know which is worse for oneself and the greater good. i guess part of it depends on an individuals goals

[@jccregar6540]

The pandemic is actually forcing some of us to use Media like KZbin as a substitute for human interaction. Using someone you don't know, like you or Summer Rayne Oakes, to be Mentors and Role Models is a coping mechanism for me now. I feel blessed that I found you. I hate that I spend time on media when I have a farm to work on, so now I am carrying you in my ear while feeding my horses. Instagram is a great place to explore art, restaurants and ideas but generally a hole you can fall down and waste all day. My Life Philosophy -Living and Learning All the Time led me to develop new routines inside this new paradigm. Thanks for sharing 🤗🙏

[@B.A.Y.C]

My Life Philosophy - Living and Learning All the Time

[@danm9917]

I went to high school with John. He was well respected in our school. I have a story that has always stuck with me. When your an underclassmen, the freshmen would suffer the ritual of wedges in the locker room by the juniors or seniors. One day, I was selected for the next round of wedgies. I am certainly no slouch and can hold my own but I'll never forget John stepped and said, not Dan guys. He's a cool guy , you leave him alone. I have shared that story over the years. I'm sure he won't remember that day, but I always have and I hope this finds him well. You're a class act John, Thank you.

[@EpictetusAurelius]

Lex I am a nursing home administrator and respiratory therapist here in Boston. I only recently took on my role as an administrator here in the city in the midst of the pandemic. What brought me here was the knowledge that I’d be surrounded by incredible Institutions filled with incredible individuals doing incredible work. Every conversation you post reinforces my sense of awe regarding the people and personalities here. Stay safe.

[@jonclark4328]

Dude's got a solid name

[@asharobinson7992]

So found this young man on JRE..I am Glued, and learning so much. Thank you Mr. Friedman, your compassion, kindness and thoughtfulness is a Beautiful thing to see. I am so happy that you're sharing your talents. Much Love... From Boulder, Co.

[@asharobinson7992]

Fridman

[@jaredcherry7593]

John nailed it about finding the right girl. The one who lets you be yourself, and also supports those things you do. In my experience so far, It's such a tough balance even with the right one

[@jaredcherry7593]

@@MrSomarw I mean it's like you said you never know. But things will probably never be completely perfect, and I think faith/trust are important too. I don't know lol

[@jaredcherry7593]

@@MrSomarw you too brother!

[@ancientnpc]

So totally man. I was married for 18 years to a woman who just spent the entire time trying to hold me back and drag me down. My current partner of 10 years has been so supportive and encouraging while also running her own life and achieving her own goals. John really summed up my experience with women.

[@sappermade6012]

Clarke is the real deal. TUF season 7 the guy had no idea he had to cut weight. In a very short period of time he cut 20lbs plus then had to fight. If that never happened he would have done very well in the UFC. He’s an incredible black belt in BJJ an incredible teacher and a solid person.

[@Blake-gh8xl]

Lex Just seems like such a humble and genuine person.. really a pleasure to listen too

[@Nicka1962]

Great talk! The only way to find out about LOVE is...having your own child in your arms and fight this world to bring meaning to his/her life.

[@Yeoldelole]

Such an ignorant comment. Hinging on the word "only."

[@mikhailfranco]

Thanks to John and Lex. This was a great interview ...and chat ...and exploration of themes grand and mundane. Lex, you are developing a deep technique for conversations with people you know and respect. The exemplar, of course, is the talk with your father, but this was also unexpectedly and triumphantly unshallow.

[@silentblocks3457]

I'm an hour 20 in. Didnt think I'd like this one, not being maybe backed by another scholar on the camera but it's actually awesome. & I'm glad I did. All in.

[@williamskrainski8407]

WOW John Clarke's come a long way. The last time I saw him, he and Reggie were taking turns trying to knock my head off...... Merry Christmas John!

[@lindseydrake4407]

Yay! New podcast👏👏 Thank you Lex for continuing to bring such a diverse range of personalities and perspectives!

[@stevenguevara2184]

If you havnt been to Yellowstone it is definitely worth the trip. Give yourself some time there. Its the most awe inspiring, beautiful place I've ever seen

[@danielludlow8960]

Lex...I always love your intros to your conversations! Says alot about you...its your "Tell".

[@kras2255]

One take from my first great road trip was the feeling of not needing to be anywhere at anytime. Being in cities as an observer outside of everyone else’s schedule. It’s a strange feeling. But also something I always think about and romanticize.

[@Zestybwoi]

I like John Clarke.

[@Adventurewizard44]

this was a great podcast lex, and a beautiful introduction, its weird seeing the creator of a podcast telling you to pick and choose your favorites lol

[@namrepusprime6793]

Lex I really wish I had discovered you earlier. Its taking a lot of time to go back and listen to all the older podcasts you have done.

[@TheKrasTel]

The feeling when you are just using Theragun on yourself whilst suddenly Lex mentions it as the sponsor. Is this next level advertising by the new model of LEX-3?

[@abelvalle6188]

Loved this discussion! You guys rock. You guys had me at the book recommendation. I have been carrying a barnes and noble classics collection of Emerson's writings since I was 17. I am 28 now. That essay on Self-Reliance has been the most influencial thing in my life. I still go back and read it frequently. Keep up the good work Mr. Luther!

[@ChadcholMeesaeng]

Clarke meets Lex? Is this Superman theme or something.

[@TC-xd3gq]

Hey man love the podcast . Just been listening to them all straight. Keep it up Lex .

[@johnbremner4154]

Clarke is right! I always think that the best time in my life was when I was young and my kids were growing up...

[@johnbremner4154]

@Lex Fridman WTF... Lex, you’ve been hacked!

[@MaxDeckard]

I cant get enough, man.

[@Krombop.M]

IMO, JRE is old hat and lex is the new king of podcasting..

[@claytonfilpo]

That's a dope mug, Lex.

[@TalkThisOut]

Ty for the podcast needed to chill for a while! Thank you fam fam!

[@maximefilion8793]

At the end of the podcast I was like "maaaan, this podcast can't get any better!" then he quoted Miyamoto Musashi... Keep up the good work Lex!

[@KyleGushue]

Great to hear from martial artists on the podcast!

[@KyleGushue]

@Meta Hindsight Helpers yup

[@ancientnpc]

This was a surprisingly interesting chat. I have to hand it to you Lex, you are really reaching a high level with your interviewing skills. I went into this expecting another drawn out, Rogan style talk with a martial artist that in the end was just not that interesting. You did a great job and John is a very interesting guy. Thanks also for the MMA links to fights and topics, went and watched a bunch, all high quality. Cheers.

[@williewillertom827]

this made me want to sign up for a bjj tournament in the end of 2021 and train for a year. on some karate kid vibes. or maybe a marathon with a time goal

[@nataq]

Lex, I know you are open to criticism and you seem to allow people to challenge your attachment to ego... When John takes a moment to explain to you what "shotgunning" a beer is, I think you were overly dismissive. I'm sure vodka serves a purpose for you and perhaps you don't need to hear about frat and North American traditions you think less of but you shut down a moment of excitement with John and a possible learning opportunity for deeper insight into his personal perspective. It wasn't super important but I saw that you didn't seem open at that moment to learn from your guest. Thought I would pass that along because it resonated with me. Great interview, great guest. I am a fan of your podcast and watch quite often. Thank you for everything you share. Wendy

[@nataq]

@Lex Fridman What a strange auto response.

[@thegreenseven]

Always a thought provoking podcast Lex. Brain food. Great value. Appreciate your work bro

[@jessicasosa1991]

Find somebody that looks at you the way the hedgehog looks at Lex 😊💛

[@voidtech8865]

My best advise to anyone is.....Take 1 year out of your life as soon as possible and wander aimlessly with only a backpack to hold essentials. By the end of that year not only will you hunger for reliable shelter and sustenance, but you will also have realized this planet provides, and there is an energy much more powerful than you that knows your Heart.

[@gregorypalamara6723]

Lex...amazeballs as always. Love your interviews, point of view and place of birth ! Happy Holidays, keep enjoying life.

[@j_j8758]

Gravity analogy to relationships was awesome. I love Johnathan Livingston Seagull. Read it along time back.

[@juanito714ok]

Hugh Ross, the Canadian physicist in CA, just told me yesterday, he'd love to sit for an interview with you.

[@gregorypalamara6723]

"What's the difference,... have you tried all of 'em?" That, was amazeballs

[@lestercrafton]

1. Whatever you create and share. 2. David Deutsch 3. Joscha Back round 2. Thanks.

[@martinmuldoon8166]

Where is John Clarke's KZbin Channel? Thanks!

[@danhendo4664]

He has a podcast named Please allow me. Awesome dude.

[@Deb.L.]

Lex - "I love the weird and the brilliant." Never lose this love please

[@user-my6yf1st8z]

honest and captivating talk, great guest!

[@iangeyer1182]

I really enjoyed this. I'm blessed to have been introduced to you via Rogan. Cheers brother!

[@michelleaneous]

2:24:55 I thought we were ALL our own algorithm trainers-liking upvotes what you want to see more of, so I tend to “like” when my friends are killin it at life (not just posing for a pic).

[@frshbb]

Loved this, fuck convention. Keep these martial artist guests coming!

[@kennelly100]

"Everything is fleeting if you dont put effort into it" I like that John

[@EllipsesMusicc]

"I guess I'm just optimistic" Classic Lex optimism

[@DavidUno23]

Great timing! Tnx Lex

[@DavidUno23]

@Lex Fridman Nice try fake Lex!

[@danhendo4664]

Great podcast, definitely going to visit John’s gym down in south Boston!

[@ayceeonethirty6141]

2:27:05 Left me thinking of this part from a Dance Gavin Dance song. "Everybody sins, everybody's volatile Everybody doubts decisions when they're vulnerable Nobody's perfect, but everyone's searching, I'm sure"

[@markt3688]

I'll listen to it twice

[@aaronrivard7741]

I have only one friend that would help me bury a body... and that’s all I need in this life!

[@ronnieflanders7449]

@@elandashing1814 dark poetry...

[@incantations.]

You seem to be a very thoughtful person lex. I very much appreciate it. Anyone who jumps up as an adversary due to mistaken expression are not really worthy opponents. They are simply small people fighting small fights.

[@jefftaf6361]

Awwww yeah I love BJJ/MMA Pods esp if its here!

[@crimsonchin2786]

I love and look forward to the martial art episodes.

[@jzen1455]

What was the name of John's favorite modern-day MMA fighter? Was it Murilo Bustamante?

[@musashi1045]

Yeah it was Murilo Bustamante brother.

[@sebastianfischer3380]

When you two talked about how the Run for presidency corrputs even good-minded people I had to thought of Dumbledore's words to Harry (and I am paraphrasing here) that those who do not seek power are the ones that would do the job best.

[@billbrouse9663]

Good one Lex! Cheer's 💞😎♿

[@marthahorton5350]

I think for GenX there has been such a HUGE adjustment. A lot of what we found fulfilling, like real life, real personal relationships and experiencing the world as it, not living for people's approval. All these things are slowly dying. I tend to agree with Clarke and maybe it's generational or we just value similar things. I know my children experience life very differently than I did as a child, they are happy children and certainly have a relationship with technology that I will never have. But they have had a lonely childhood compared to mine but they don't know it, they don't know any different. That's may be the silver lining.

[@OnGuardBJJ]

Goddamn I wish I could order magic spoon in Canada. It sounds great.

[@shanerrussell]

I love your ingenious PSA announcement about if you don't like an episode. Just skip it. 🤣🤣🤣

[@f1shf1n]

Great stuff. I really love mma, boxing, grapling and in general martial arts. Would be super interesting to hear you cover more about this stuff. Maybe at some point you could have luke thomas over. It could lead to interesting and broad discussion.

[@brandwas12]

Hey Lex, I'd love to hear a show about the vast influence of small and cabinet level Government institutions (Like the U.S. EEOC) influance on everyday Americans lives through legal precident and policy change. I'm a current Federal EEO Investigator in Los Angeles and would love to discuss it!

[@sebastianfischer3380]

Amazing Podcast and very refreshing. Btw: a great book on opposing forces within you: Der Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse :)

[@mikhailfranco]

Steppenwolf is indeed a tremendous book for a certain kind of individual. It starts telling a story, then you realize the main character is you. It is a shocking, and bewildering, then enthralling as you wonder: what will I do in the story?

[@Denasoutdooradventures]

I agree with you Lex about people really do want to be positive and so called, good.

[@tinatammaro1694]

You don't ruin your life. You make a choice and follow a path and it's your life.

[@Adventurewizard44]

by god this dude is talking the truth. ''politicians is a job'' is a simple but very direct concept

[@senifev7830]

For maximum philosophy please bring Firas Zahabi!

[@huraira448]

how do you spell "dioxopus"? that ancient fighter he talked about

[@lslewis]

Can someone tell me the names of the fighters that fought that fight that Lex said was the greatest? I wanna look it up...

[@SQorian]

Have Firas Zahabi on the podcast Lex. It would be really a great episode.

[@RITUVLOGSTODAY]

respect worthy bits for sure.

[@RITUVLOGSTODAY]

@Lex Fridman i'm sorry i don't know what to say. have a gr8 rest of teh day ahead

[@ShivaRainchild]

The importance of a promise doesn't depend on where you are located. It depends on the size of your heart.

[@shawnrobert2685]

when a artist say he did he's part in this country already I lol since everything run in credit and its about consuming, if people follow you and you are all about success(us) you will make people go on credit to feel like you. THANK YOU

[@aydtsang]

good podcast, but back on the couch now :)

[@ericksonlk]

I wish you could interview Tamiko Thiel and get her talking about the Connection Machine and Art and Technology.

[@beebmuff2011]

Get the diaz bros!

[@beebmuff2011]

@Lex Fridman Oh shit! Cicada 3301!

[@Ottee2]

I gotchu bruh 👊

[@holdenpanetti9743]

GO LEX!!!

[@jasonrobinson9242]

Come out the northern cali and lets go fishing!

[@jasonrobinson9242]

Thanks for the reply, i will give her a call. Admittedly i don't know alot about crypto, but i have spent most of my life chasing after money! Thank you for being a source of alternative information and education! And the offer to go fishing will always be here!

[@adeline7980]

I haven't got to the whiplash bit yet, but I'm trying to work if they're gonna be talking about the film or the injury ha

[@adeline7980]

@Meta Hindsight Helpers ha yeah the internet is weird, I wonder if Lex knows he has an imposter

[@adeline7980]

@Meta Hindsight Helpers lol true

[@sairabshah]

It would good to get your analysis of pukhtunwali

[@Matt-gl5fj]

He taught a class one day while he was in town at my gym.

[@dofek-piano]

John Clarke: The Art of Fighting and the Pursuit of Excellence | Lex Fridman Podcast #143 1.) 10.12.2020. 00:00:00 - 00:30:00 2.) 13.12.2020. 00:30:00 - 01:00:00

[@TheShadyStudios]

ur awesome lex

[@metalmindscrollart7417]

Hi Lex Fridman!I love your show this episode is kind of hilarious when you cause my mind to crank in a different level...Thank you I love ❤️ you!... Will you dress in drag in makeup a pirate again or Austin powers on an episode with trying on the fake funky teeth as a joke...It's an interesting thought!😊

[@williamramseyer9121]

Different and very interesting interview. Thank you. Lex, if you are a fan of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” and of Russian history, you might enjoy the KZbin video from the Timefly Bar: “Last Daze and Knights of the Romanoffs,” a SF version of Russian history, with co-star, Chase, daughter of Hal Chase. Hal Chase is the character Chad King in the book “On the Road”, which was apparently autobiographical with name changes. We made this movie with a budget of less than $100, most of which obviously spent on alcohol. Thank you. William L. Ramseyer

[@lisamuir4261]

1:28:23 loved the story share. I have another incident to add to that 'coincidence' data for research.. Must admit, it's beginning to look like Santa's work list. 🎉

[@rossfisher5543]

I want to try this "super local egg in another country "

[@iGutierrez805]

16:20 LMAO

[@varsou6651]

This guy sound so smart

[@BGdroopy]

John Clarke is definitely closely related to Canelo 🥊

[@Stardog-w2c]

hi lex