What constitutes addiction? Is it a word used negatively most of the time? Is an addiction to something harmless still a bad thing? While pondering these questions, let’s dive into a candid moment on The Joe Rogan Experience.
In a recent episode (#2223) with Elon Musk, Joe Rogan openly called out his long-time producer and integral part of the show, Jamie Vernon as an “addict.” Known for his all-or-nothing personality, Rogan can spot intense dependency when he sees it. But to our surprise, Young Jamie aka ‘Fingers’ isn’t a maniac for substances or high-stakes adrenaline. Instead, his fixation is toward a familiar and rather “slow” pursuit.
“Jamie is an addict,” Rogan joked as he and Elon Musk discussed what it means to be so consumed by a hobby that it takes up a big part of a day. “He’s a golf nut. It’s super addictive and it takes like eight hours a day.” Rogan continued about his long-time producer. A self-admitted Quake addict, Musk finds golf “too slow” for his taste but agreed that the outdoorsy, social nature of the sport could hook a person in surprisingly deep ways.
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via Getty PASADENA, CA – APRIL 17: Comedian Joe Rogan performs during his appearance at The Ice House Comedy Club on April 17, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Michael S. Schwartz/Getty Images)
As they continued, Rogan and Musk painted a picture of their contrasting preferences. “I’m an obsessive person,” Rogan admitted, yet he draws the line at golf. Both puzzled by the game’s appeal, agreed that golf’s slower pace contrasts sharply with the instant “sensory overload” of video games. While Rogan doesn’t share Jamie’s passion, he conceded that some extent at finding satisfaction in things which might be revolting to others.
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How did passion become obsession for Joe Rogan’s podcasting right-hand Young Jamie?
Now that we know about Jamie’s ‘obsession, do we feel the same intrigue, or judgement that we did at the start? When asked about his favorite golfers, Jamie responded, “Not really a favorite. I like to watch a few guys, I guess, Collin Morikawa, obviously Rory [McIlroy], Brooks [Koepka] & Bryson [DeChambeau] are a fun duo to watch.” Is Jamie playing it cool, or is it a misconception that “addicts” must go all-out with excitement at the mention of their passion?
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Musk’s observation that “any sport can get super addictive” when someone dives in deeply echoed with Rogan’s comment on the high level of “feedback” video games provide. Beyond his role in production, Jamie has become Rogan’s trusted right-hand man, managing technical aspects like sound and camera work to ensure seamless experience for millions of fans. His quick research skills during live recordings have become a hallmark of the show. Could all this discipline and attention to detail stem from golf? Isn’t it true that people with intense hobbies often perform better in their main jobs?
This particular conversation isn’t just about Jamie and his love for golf, it’s a light-hearted look at how different people gets themselves drawn to specific activities, for the better or the worse, which can become defining parts of their identities. In today’s world, when unconventional hobbies often defy traditional expectations, how do we measure their importance of potential positive impact? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
“Jamie Is an Addict” – Joe Rogan Puts Young Jamie on the Spot Over Hobby That Consumes “Eight Hours a Day”
