What happened in this episode?
Joe Rogan speaks with Cody Tucker, a fact-driven creator and author, in a wide-ranging discussion that moves from internet culture to history, biology, and institutional trust. Early on, they trade examples of strange crimes and urban legends, including discussion of scopolamine (“devil’s breath”) and how it is purportedly used in robberies. Rogan then veers into criticisms of corporate and government oversight, alleging that pharmaceutical companies can shape what becomes “peer-reviewed” without exposing raw data, and arguing that bureaucratic incentives drive regulation and spending; he cites California homelessness funding and claims Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed an audit.
A substantial segment focuses on online manipulation. Tucker says one of his Henry Ford videos drew a surge of Holocaust-denial comments, prompting the pair to debate whether bot networks and coordinated campaigns can manufacture outrage or consensus. Rogan also reiterates claims associated with the “Twitter Files”, alleging intelligence-agency involvement in content moderation during Covid.
On science and technology, Rogan describes visiting Colossal Biosciences and seeing animals the company describes as “direwolves”, outlining the company’s gene-editing approach as he understands it. They also discuss how humans classify species, the extreme range of human body types, and folklore around giants, with Rogan speculating about lost branches of the human family tree.
The conversation closes with lighter cultural material—music, films, and celebrity anecdotes—alongside Tucker’s candid talk about anxiety, routines, and his difficulty being alone with his thoughts.
