#2316 - Cameron Hanes

Overview

This episode dives into Cameron Hanes' relentless pursuit of excellence in bowhunting, ultramarathons, and personal discipline. The conversation explores themes of physical endurance, mental toughness, ancient human ingenuity, and the transformative power of obsession. Hanes also discusses his new book, Undeniable: How to Reach the Top and Stay There, which encapsulates his philosophy on achieving greatness.

Notable Quotes

- You give up something to get something. I don’t think you can be completely balanced and be the best ever. – Joe Rogan, on the sacrifices required for greatness.

- I’m not racing anybody else. It’s always just how hard I can push myself. – Cameron Hanes, on his approach to ultramarathons.

- David Goggins existing in this soft-ass world raises the bar for literally everyone on Earth. – Joe Rogan, on the impact of extreme discipline.

🏹 The Obsession with Bowhunting and Discipline

- Cameron Hanes shares his passion for bowhunting, emphasizing the importance of precision and practice. He trains daily, pulling his bow hundreds of times to maintain peak performance.

- Joe Rogan highlights the primal connection humans feel with archery, describing it as a skill that resonates deeply with our evolutionary past.

- Both discuss their joint ownership of Archery Country, a business venture aimed at promoting the sport.

🏃‍♂️ Ultramarathons and Mental Toughness

- Hanes details his preparation for the grueling Cocodona 250, a 250-mile ultramarathon with 40,000 feet of elevation gain. Despite injuries, he continues to push his limits, embodying his no excuses philosophy.

- The conversation touches on the mental strategies of endurance athletes like David Goggins and Courtney Dauwalter. Dauwalter’s visualization of a pain cave during races exemplifies her unique mental resilience.

- Joe and Cameron reflect on the toll extreme endurance takes on the body, acknowledging that such feats often come at the expense of long-term health.

🦍 Ancient Humans and the Evolution of Tools

- The duo explores the origins of the bow and arrow, marveling at its simultaneous development across ancient civilizations. They speculate on whether this technology was independently invented or shared through early global travel.

- Joe discusses archaeological discoveries, such as elongated skulls in Malta and ancient structures in the Amazon, which challenge conventional timelines of human history.

- They draw parallels between ancient persistence hunting and modern endurance sports, emphasizing humanity’s innate capacity for stamina.

💪 The Power of Obsession and Willpower

- Hanes and Rogan celebrate figures like David Goggins, whose extreme discipline and mental fortitude inspire others to push their limits. Goggins’ relentless training, despite severe physical injuries, exemplifies the power of will.

- They discuss the importance of obsession in achieving greatness, citing examples from sports, hunting, and personal development.

- Joe reflects on his own experiences with intense training during Sober October, noting how competition can ignite dormant drive.

📚 The Philosophy Behind *Undeniable*

- Hanes introduces his new book, Undeniable, which distills lessons from his life and the lives of other high achievers. The book emphasizes passion, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

- Joe praises the title as encapsulating the mindset required to silence critics and achieve success.

- They critique the curated nature of bestseller lists, advocating for recognition based purely on merit and sales.