16 Jan 2026

Joe Rogan Experience #2440 - Matt Damon & Ben Affleck

PowerfulJRE

The podcast features Matt Damon and Ben Affleck discussing the evolving landscape of the film industry, the impact of streaming services, and the creative choices behind their films. They explore how streaming has shifted movie-making towards prioritizing immediate engagement, potentially sacrificing nuanced storytelling. They highlight the importance of fair compensation for film crews, detailing their efforts to implement bonus structures based on a film's success. The conversation also touches on the potential and limitations of AI in filmmaking, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human experience and artistry. They further delve into the state of the film industry, sharing anecdotes about working with legendary directors and the changing dynamics of audience engagement.

Outlines

Part 1: Literary Influences, Early Career

Part 2: The Evolution of the Film Industry

Part 3: Production Ethics, Crew, and Profit Sharing

Part 4: AI, Authenticity, and the Actor's Craft

Part 5: Research, Realism, and True Stories

Part 6: Psychology of Greatness and Human Nature

Part 7: Personal Reflections on Film and Passion

Part 8: Combat Sports and the Fighter's Mindset

Part 9: Health, Recovery, and Performance Science

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Preview

How to Get Rich: Every EpisodeNaval

Joe Rogan Experience #2440 - Matt Damon & Ben Affleck

PowerfulJRE

Part 1: Literary Influences, Early Career

00:15Matt Damon's Encounter with Hunter S. Thompson and Appreciation for His Writing

Matt Damon's Encounter with Hunter S. Thompson and Appreciation for His Writing

02:13Evolution of Hunter S. Thompson's Writing and Initial Movie Press Junket Experiences

Evolution of Hunter S. Thompson's Writing and Initial Movie Press Junket Experiences

Part 2: The Evolution of the Film Industry

04:04The Film Industry's Transformation Towards Streaming and the Impact of COVID-19

The Film Industry's Transformation Towards Streaming and the Impact of COVID-19

05:58Streaming Services' High-Quality Content and the Shift Towards IP in Movies

Streaming Services' High-Quality Content and the Shift Towards IP in Movies

08:28The Economics of Theatrical vs. Streaming Releases and Audience Attention

The Economics of Theatrical vs. Streaming Releases and Audience Attention

11:22Netflix's Influence on Movie Making and the Enduring Appeal of Theatrical Experiences

Netflix's Influence on Movie Making and the Enduring Appeal of Theatrical Experiences

14:06Balancing Experimental Films with Urgency and the Algorithm's Influence

Balancing Experimental Films with Urgency and the Algorithm's Influence

15:22The Value of Challenging Cinema and the Diminishing Attention Span

The Value of Challenging Cinema and the Diminishing Attention Span

17:18The Shared Experience of Cinema and Defying Conventional Wisdom

The Shared Experience of Cinema and Defying Conventional Wisdom

Part 3: Production Ethics, Crew, and Profit Sharing

19:10Profit Sharing with the Crew and Investing in Their Investment

Profit Sharing with the Crew and Investing in Their Investment

20:50Valuing the "Below the Line" Crew and the Importance of a Great Team

Valuing the "Below the Line" Crew and the Importance of a Great Team

22:25Creating a Positive Environment and Recognizing Individual Contributions

Creating a Positive Environment and Recognizing Individual Contributions

24:51Codifying Bonus Structures and Netflix's Support for Profit Sharing

Codifying Bonus Structures and Netflix's Support for Profit Sharing

26:19Setting Performance Levels for Bonuses and the Shift from Residuals

Setting Performance Levels for Bonuses and the Shift from Residuals

28:01The Volume of Content on Netflix and the Decision to Make This Film

The Volume of Content on Netflix and the Decision to Make This Film

29:54Securing the Best Price and Sharing Profits Pro Rata

Securing the Best Price and Sharing Profits Pro Rata

Part 4: AI, Authenticity, and the Actor's Craft

32:22AI's Impact on the Film Industry and the Protection of Likeness

AI's Impact on the Film Industry and the Protection of Likeness

34:46AI as a Tool and the Slow Adoption of Technology

AI as a Tool and the Slow Adoption of Technology

37:40Appreciating Real Art and the Power of Human Experience

Appreciating Real Art and the Power of Human Experience

41:21Emily Blunt's Performance and the Underappreciated "The Smashing Machine"

Emily Blunt's Performance and the Underappreciated "The Smashing Machine"

42:42The Documentary Behind "The Smashing Machine" and Dwayne Johnson's Transformation

The Documentary Behind "The Smashing Machine" and Dwayne Johnson's Transformation

44:51Overcoming Typecasting and the Power of Empathy in Film

Overcoming Typecasting and the Power of Empathy in Film

47:26The Magic of Film and the Illusion of Reality

The Magic of Film and the Illusion of Reality

49:37The Power of Great Actors and the Ease of Collaboration

The Power of Great Actors and the Ease of Collaboration

51:04The Reality of Conflict and the Importance of Collaboration

The Reality of Conflict and the Importance of Collaboration

53:44Listening and Authenticity in Acting

Listening and Authenticity in Acting

Part 5: Research, Realism, and True Stories

55:30Research and Authenticity in Film

Research and Authenticity in Film

58:03The Cocaine Run During the 80s and the Aftermath

The Cocaine Run During the 80s and the Aftermath

1:00:07The Reality of Dirty Cops and the Temptation of Money

The Reality of Dirty Cops and the Temptation of Money

1:02:30The Importance of Real Characters and the Value of Doing Your Job

The Importance of Real Characters and the Value of Doing Your Job

1:04:21The Importance of Details and Research

The Importance of Details and Research

1:07:09The Town and the Importance of Talking to People

The Town and the Importance of Talking to People

Part 6: Psychology of Greatness and Human Nature

1:09:20The Delta Force and Problem Solving

The Delta Force and Problem Solving

1:11:39The Caricatures of Tough People and the Reality of Kindness

The Caricatures of Tough People and the Reality of Kindness

1:13:34Humility and the Danger of Zeroing Out Humanity

Humility and the Danger of Zeroing Out Humanity

1:15:21The Complexity of Characters and the Slippery Slope

The Complexity of Characters and the Slippery Slope