The Joe Rogan Experience
The Joe Rogan Experience
June 10, 2026

Joe Rogan Experience #2512 - Joey Diaz

YouTube · oD13_3D8QY0

Quick Read

Joey Diaz shares wild personal anecdotes from his life, covering everything from knee surgery recovery and early comedy struggles to bizarre drug test evasion tactics and his predictions for Cuba's future.
Authenticity on stage is more vital than rigid material for sustained comedy success.
Early steroid use had severe, unforeseen health consequences, including prion diseases from cadaver-derived HGH.
The US is actively pressuring Cuba, leading to a potential military intervention and regime change.

Summary

Joey Diaz joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation. Diaz recounts his rapid recovery from knee surgery, his use of topical pain relievers like Voltaren, and his past experiences with various substances, including edibles and illicit drug test evasion methods from his probation days. The discussion also touches on the evolution of human growth hormone, the dangers of early steroid use, the rise of legal weed dispensaries, and the increasing prevalence of sports betting. Diaz shares insights into his comedy career, emphasizing authenticity over material, and reflects on the unique camaraderie and challenges of the stand-up world. The conversation concludes with a deep dive into the historical and current political situation in Cuba, with Diaz offering personal predictions about its imminent future.
This episode offers a raw, unfiltered look into the life and mind of a seasoned comedian, providing unique perspectives on personal resilience, the changing landscape of health and wellness, and the often-unseen struggles and triumphs behind a successful entertainment career. It also highlights the social and economic impacts of evolving drug laws and geopolitical shifts, all delivered with Joey Diaz's signature candidness.

Takeaways

  • Joey Diaz recovered from knee surgery in three days, attributing it to edibles, ice, and Voltaren cream.
  • Cadaver-derived human growth hormone used until 1985 transmitted prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
  • Legal cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey face intense competition, with four stores on the same block in Englishtown.
  • Joey Diaz used various folk remedies like iodine, white vinegar, and Serto to try and pass drug tests during probation, none of which worked.
  • Creatine and nootropics like Ketone IQ and Gorilla Mind are highlighted for their cognitive benefits and focus enhancement.
  • Joey's approach to comedy shifted from focusing on material to being authentic and 'vibing' with the audience, inspired by Paul Mooney.
  • The US indictment of Raul Castro and economic pressure on Cuba are seen as precursors to potential military action and regime change.
  • The rise of social media addiction is framed as preparation for a future where humans are completely connected to electronics.

Insights

1The Dangerous History of Human Growth Hormone

Early forms of human growth hormone (hGH) used from the mid-1900s to 1985 were derived from cadavers. This practice was discontinued due to the risk of transmitting prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (a form of mad cow disease), which can also be contracted by cannibals eating human brain tissue. Modern hGH is now synthetic and recombinant.

Joe Rogan's research on Perplexity confirmed cadaver-derived hGH was used until 1985 and was linked to prion diseases.

2The Mental Addiction and Physical Toll of Steroids

Former NFL player Lyle Alzado, who died at 43 from a brain tumor, publicly attributed his fatal illness to anabolic steroid abuse. He described steroids as mentally addicting and noted that 90% of athletes he knew were using them. Alzado experienced increased violence on and off the field, and by the end of his life, suffered from severe memory issues and difficulty walking.

Joe Rogan read an article from Sports Illustrated recounting Alzado's admissions and his physical decline.

3The Boom and Bust of Legal Cannabis Markets

The legalization of cannabis has led to high taxes (e.g., 39% in Colorado, an additional 10% 'essential business' tax in LA during the pandemic) and intense competition. This has resulted in many dispensaries, particularly in California and New Jersey, struggling and closing down due to high operating costs and market saturation. The initial investment to open a shop is substantial, requiring significant sales to break even.

Joey Diaz describes multiple weed stores on the same block in Englishtown, NJ, and notes closures in California. Joe Rogan mentions the high taxes.

4Authenticity and Vulnerability as Comedy Tools

Joey Diaz's comedic breakthrough came when he stopped focusing rigidly on pre-written material and instead embraced his authentic self on stage, treating the audience like friends. This approach, inspired by Paul Mooney's relaxed, topical style, allowed him to connect more deeply and improvise for extended periods, even without prepared jokes. He applies this to acting, focusing on the character's intent rather than memorizing exact lines.

Joey recounts doing an hour-long set with no material after taking an edible (). He credits Paul Mooney for teaching him to relax and vibe with the audience ().

5Cuba's Imminent Political Transition

The US has indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro for murder and has cut off Venezuela's oil flow to Cuba, leading to severe economic hardship (no power, no gasoline). This economic pressure, combined with recent civil unrest and the Cuban government distributing weapons to citizens in fear of a US invasion, suggests an impending regime change, potentially involving US military action.

Joe Rogan reads a UMass Amherst analysis predicting a US military action (). Jamie finds news about Cuba distributing weapons to citizens (). Joey Diaz predicts a US invasion within two weeks ().

Lessons

  • Prioritize physical therapy and pre-surgery strengthening: Prepare your body with exercises and supplements before surgery to aid recovery and minimize post-operative pain.
  • Embrace authenticity in your craft: For comedians or performers, focus on genuine connection and self-expression rather than rigid adherence to prepared material.
  • Cultivate a resilient mindset: View challenges as opportunities for growth and adaptation, as exemplified by D-Rod training in jail or Joey's perseverance in comedy despite setbacks.

Notable Moments

Joey Diaz recounts his rapid recovery from knee surgery, walking quickly after only three days, attributing it to edibles, ice, and Voltaren cream.

Highlights the effectiveness of a multi-modal recovery approach and introduces a specific topical pain relief product.

Joe Rogan researches the history of human growth hormone, discovering it was once derived from cadavers and caused prion diseases.

Reveals a dark and dangerous chapter in medical history, underscoring the risks of early, unregulated bio-enhancements.

Joey Diaz shares his past attempts to evade drug tests during probation using folk remedies like iodine, white vinegar, and Serto, none of which worked.

Provides a humorous yet stark illustration of the desperation and ingenuity involved in drug test evasion, and the ineffectiveness of common myths.

Joey Diaz describes his shift in comedy style from relying on material to embracing authenticity, inspired by Paul Mooney, which led to his breakthrough.

Offers a valuable lesson for aspiring performers on the importance of genuine self-expression and connection with the audience over rote performance.

The discussion on Cuba's current economic and political state, including US indictments and the distribution of weapons to citizens, leads to predictions of an imminent US intervention.

Provides a timely and personal perspective on a significant geopolitical situation, highlighting the potential for major shifts in the region.

Quotes

"

"Cadaver derived human growth hormone was real, used mid-1900s to 1985 and turned out to be dangerous cuz it sometimes transmitted prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob."

Joe Rogan
"

"90% of athletes I know are on the stuff. We're not born to be 300 lb or jump 30 ft."

Lyle Alzado (read by Joe Rogan)
"

"If you could take aspirin, THC like gummies with CBD are phenomenal for aches and pains."

Joe Rogan
"

"We're not in the comedy business, Joe. I've never been in the comedy business. I don't know what anybody's talking about. We're in the karma business."

Joey Diaz
"

"The addiction to our phones are preparing us to the next stage of what life is going to be like as a person. This is just the gate."

Joe Rogan

Q&A

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