09 Jan 2026

2h 41m

#2435 - Bradley Cooper

The Joe Rogan Experience

Bradley Cooper joins Joe Rogan to discuss the nuances of acting, filmmaking, and the human condition. Cooper shares insights into his preparation for roles like Chris Kyle in *American Sniper*, emphasizing the responsibility he felt towards portraying real people. They explore the evolving landscape of creative fields, particularly the impact of AI on art and communication, and the challenges of maintaining genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. Both reflect on the importance of embracing discomfort and the value of human interaction, with Cooper detailing his experiences directing *Is This Thing On* and Rogan highlighting the unique appeal of live stand-up. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of parenthood and the search for purpose beyond one's occupation.

Outlines

Part 1: Attention, Memory, and Social Media

Part 2: The Craft and Realism of Stand-Up Comedy

Part 3: Comedy Culture and Rogan’s Career Path

Part 4: Performance, Acting, and "American Sniper"

Part 5: Method Acting and Personal Growth

Part 6: Media Consumption and Artistic Authenticity

Part 7: Career Struggles and the LA vs. NY Divide

Part 8: Mastery, Discipline, and Parenthood

Part 9: AI, Technology, and the Future of Humanity

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Preview

How to Get Rich: Every EpisodeNaval

#2435 - Bradley Cooper

The Joe Rogan Experience

Part 1: Attention, Memory, and Social Media

00:11The Weirdness of Podcast Popularity and Resisting Short-Term Attention Spans

The Weirdness of Podcast Popularity and Resisting Short-Term Attention Spans

02:40Social Media's Impact on Memory and Perception of Reality

Social Media's Impact on Memory and Perception of Reality

04:10Dunbar's Number, Memory Limitations, and Hollywood's "Good to See You"

Dunbar's Number, Memory Limitations, and Hollywood's "Good to See You"

Part 2: The Craft and Realism of Stand-Up Comedy

06:35Authenticity in "Is This Thing On?" and Bradley Cooper's Fascination with Stand-Up Culture

Authenticity in "Is This Thing On?" and Bradley Cooper's Fascination with Stand-Up Culture

09:29Capturing the Realism of Stand-Up in "Is This Thing On?"

Capturing the Realism of Stand-Up in "Is This Thing On?"

11:41Will Arnett's Immersion in Stand-Up and the Real-Life Inspiration for the Film

Will Arnett's Immersion in Stand-Up and the Real-Life Inspiration for the Film

14:59The Genesis of "Is This Thing On?" and the Importance of Pushing Comfort Zones

The Genesis of "Is This Thing On?" and the Importance of Pushing Comfort Zones

17:27The Appeal of Watching Beginners and the Raw Reality of Stand-Up

The Appeal of Watching Beginners and the Raw Reality of Stand-Up

Part 3: Comedy Culture and Rogan’s Career Path

20:34The Craft of Stand-Up and the Supportive Culture in New York

The Craft of Stand-Up and the Supportive Culture in New York

22:33The Shift from Competition to Collaboration in the Comedy World

The Shift from Competition to Collaboration in the Comedy World

25:20The Poisonous Sitcom Dream and Rogan's Accidental Path to Acting

The Poisonous Sitcom Dream and Rogan's Accidental Path to Acting

26:48Rogan's Short Stint in LA and Unexpected Success with "NewsRadio"

Rogan's Short Stint in LA and Unexpected Success with "NewsRadio"

28:34The Backstabbing Culture of LA Stand-Up and Ari Shaffir's Influence

The Backstabbing Culture of LA Stand-Up and Ari Shaffir's Influence

30:04The Internet's Impact on Comedy and Rogan's Current Stand-Up Routine

The Internet's Impact on Comedy and Rogan's Current Stand-Up Routine

32:30Rogan's Early Stand-Up Days in New York and the Importance of Headlining

Rogan's Early Stand-Up Days in New York and the Importance of Headlining

Part 4: Performance, Acting, and "American Sniper"

34:54The Hypnotic Nature of Live Comedy and the Editing of Specials

The Hypnotic Nature of Live Comedy and the Editing of Specials

36:48The Pitfalls of Over-Editing and the Exploration of Stand-Up Shows

The Pitfalls of Over-Editing and the Exploration of Stand-Up Shows

38:36Cooper's Lack of Desire to Do Stand-Up and the Impact of "The Elephant Man"

Cooper's Lack of Desire to Do Stand-Up and the Impact of "The Elephant Man"

41:09The Power of "The Elephant Man" and the Lingering Awe of Meeting Heroes

The Power of "The Elephant Man" and the Lingering Awe of Meeting Heroes

44:33The Fake Baby in "American Sniper" and Cooper's Full-Circle Moment

The Fake Baby in "American Sniper" and Cooper's Full-Circle Moment

47:01The Pressure of Playing Real People and Serving Their Legacy

The Pressure of Playing Real People and Serving Their Legacy

50:03Cooper's Physical Transformation and Training for "American Sniper"

Cooper's Physical Transformation and Training for "American Sniper"

52:27Weight Gain, Strength Training, and the Importance of Neck and Shoulders

Weight Gain, Strength Training, and the Importance of Neck and Shoulders

54:52Natural Weight Gain, Creatine Use, and Sniping Training

Natural Weight Gain, Creatine Use, and Sniping Training

57:25Voice Training, Research, and the Immersive Experience of Playing Chris Kyle

Voice Training, Research, and the Immersive Experience of Playing Chris Kyle

Part 5: Method Acting and Personal Growth

1:00:50The Origins of Method Acting and its Evolution

The Origins of Method Acting and its Evolution

1:02:28Overcoming Fear and Embracing Insecurities Through Acting Training

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Insecurities Through Acting Training

1:04:56Maintaining Character and the Underappreciated Talent of Voice Actors

Maintaining Character and the Underappreciated Talent of Voice Actors

1:07:12Bradley Cooper's Mother's Love for Turkish Soap Operas

Bradley Cooper's Mother's Love for Turkish Soap Operas

1:08:33The Allure of Turkish Soap Operas and Bradley Cooper's Introduction to Podcasts

The Allure of Turkish Soap Operas and Bradley Cooper's Introduction to Podcasts

Part 6: Media Consumption and Artistic Authenticity

1:10:11The Soothing Nature of Podcasts and the Brilliance of "The Beast in Me"

The Soothing Nature of Podcasts and the Brilliance of "The Beast in Me"

1:13:34Claire Danes' Performance in "Fleishman Is in Trouble" and the Power of Believable Acting

Claire Danes' Performance in "Fleishman Is in Trouble" and the Power of Believable Acting

1:16:10The Hypnotic Power of Believable Acting and the Importance of Authenticity

The Hypnotic Power of Believable Acting and the Importance of Authenticity

1:17:58The Necessity of Loving the Craft and Being Willing to Fail

The Necessity of Loving the Craft and Being Willing to Fail

1:19:33The Value of Bombing and the Grind of Stand-Up Comedy

The Value of Bombing and the Grind of Stand-Up Comedy

1:21:13The Pressure of Maintaining Success and the Importance of Being a Passenger

The Pressure of Maintaining Success and the Importance of Being a Passenger