The Joe Rogan Experience

Speaker's Experience in His 20s

• Describes his 20s as a "crazy roller coaster."
• Initially didn't have clear aspirations, believed he knew everything at age 22-23.

Journey into Music

• Started making music while still in the Navy.
• Began posting music videos on Twitter around 2017.
• Early music videos only received a few likes, but it felt validating.
• Multiple videos went viral while he was training in Florida.
• Initially had no recording aspirations or knowledge of the music industry.

Transition from Navy to Music Career

• Family has a long history in the Navy; believed he would have a long Navy career.
• Life took an unexpected turn after videos went viral.
• Began receiving massive online attention, leading to a music career.

Military Background

• Served in the Navy for nine years, including deployments to Africa and Bahrain.
• Initially trained to be a diver but ended up becoming an Aviation Ordnanceman (AO).
• Also trained to become a Navy SEAL; abandoned the dream after his mother's death.
• Describes intense training and duties, including missile assembly and loading.
• Found fulfillment and inspiration from his superiors.

Deployment Experiences

• Deployed to Djibouti, Africa; enjoyed the routine work and camaraderie.
• Responsibilities included assembling and loading cluster bombs and other ordnance.
• Despite a tough environment, loved the simplicity and discipline of deployment life.
• Describes being a "sand sailor" (deployed in desert regions rather than on ships).

Shift to Civilian Life and Music

• Received advice from superior officers to leave the Navy due to growing fame.
• Took eight months to process out of the Navy.
• Feared disappointing his father, but received encouragement to pursue music.
• Transitioned rapidly into the music industry, bypassing traditional gradual progression.

First Concert Experiences

• First major concert was at The Pageant in St. Louis, Missouri; performed to 2,000-2,500 people.
• Contrasts his quick rise with the usual gradual progression of most musicians.
• Mentions receiving criticism for his rapid success.

Reflections

• Reflects on his unexpected journey from Navy ordnance handling to becoming a viral musician.
• Expresses astonishment and humility over his rapid rise and the changes in his life.