#2384 - Mark Kerr

Overview

This episode features a deep dive into the life and career of Mark Kerr, a legendary mixed martial artist and wrestler. The conversation explores his rise in MMA, the challenges of addiction, the making of the documentary The Smashing Machine, and the upcoming feature film adaptation starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Kerr reflects on his personal struggles, the evolution of MMA, and the lessons he's learned about resilience, identity, and redemption.

Notable Quotes

- I was trying to take your will. Most people don’t want to give it, and that’s what made it so hard. – Mark Kerr, on the psychological intensity of fighting.

- Fighting’s what I did, not who I am. I’m much more than that. – Mark Kerr, reflecting on his post-fighting identity.

- Without guys like you, there’s no UFC today. – Joe Rogan, acknowledging Kerr’s role in MMA history.

🎥 The Smashing Machine Film and Legacy

- Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal: Kerr describes the surreal experience of seeing The Rock embody his mannerisms and life story, with his son even commenting, Dad, he nailed it.

- The film’s authenticity was a priority, with painstaking attention to detail, including recreating fight arenas and props from Kerr’s career.

- Kerr reflects on the emotional impact of the film, calling it therapy as it forced him to confront his past, including his treatment of loved ones during his career.

🥋 The Evolution of MMA and Wrestling’s Dominance

- Kerr and Rogan discuss the foundational importance of wrestling in MMA, with Kerr stating, Wrestling gives you the ability to dictate where the fight takes place.

- They highlight the rise of elite wrestlers like Khamzat Chimaev and the cardio dominance of fighters like Merab Dvalishvili.

- Kerr recalls the early days of MMA, including the lack of regulation, the introduction of techniques like calf kicks, and the evolution of training methods.

💊 Addiction, Recovery, and Sobriety

- Kerr opens up about his struggles with opioid addiction, which began as a way to manage pain but spiraled into dependency.

- He credits his son’s plea—“Dad, would you stop tomorrow?”—as the turning point in his sobriety journey.

- The conversation touches on the stigma of addiction, the role of shame, and the potential of treatments like Ibogaine to disrupt addictive pathways.

🏆 Reflections on Fighting and Identity

- Kerr describes the psychological toll of fighting, calling the walk to the ring and the aftermath of a fight the loneliest places in the world.

- He shares how his identity was once entirely tied to being a fighter, but sobriety and self-reflection helped him realize, I’m much more than a fighter.

- Rogan and Kerr discuss the mental and emotional challenges of transitioning out of a high-stakes career, with Kerr emphasizing the importance of small wins and emotional honesty.

🌌 Philosophy, Nature, and Perspective

- Kerr shares how practices like meditation and connecting with nature have helped him find peace, even embracing activities like tree-hugging and chanting.

- Rogan and Kerr discuss the broader mysteries of life, the importance of staying open-minded, and the need to reconnect with foundational truths.

- Kerr reflects on his gratitude for the lessons learned through his struggles, saying, Anything’s possible. Look at all the bullshit I went through, and I’m on the other side of it.