#1920 - Dave Portnoy
The Joe Rogan Experience

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Bias Assessment
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Analysis Summary
The podcast episode featuring Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, covers a wide range of topics from literature and charity spending to sports, media, and health. Portnoy discusses the eerie prediction of the Titanic disaster by Morgan Robertson\'s novel \"Futility,\" which was published 14 years before the actual event, showcasing the accuracy of this historical claim. The episode also delves into the spending practices of various charities, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Kids Wish Network, Red Cross, and Wounded Warrior Project, with Portnoy providing mostly accurate insights into their financial allocations. Additionally, the podcast touches on the NFL\'s history with concussion lawsuits and the identification of CTE by Dr. Bennett Omalu, both of which are well-documented and accurately presented.
Further, the episode addresses contemporary issues such as Ukraine\'s new media law, which has sparked debate over press freedom and censorship, with Portnoy\'s claims aligning with reports from various sources. The discussion extends to social media and its impact, including the release of the Twitter files and the prevalence of bots on the platform, though some claims lack solid verification. Portnoy also touches on health topics, such as the number of Adderall prescriptions and the role of coffee in hydration, both of which are supported by credible sources. The podcast also covers sports, with accurate references to notable events and figures in MMA and boxing, such as Kamaru Usman\'s injury and Leon Edwards\' knockout.
Fact Checks
Timestamp | Fact | Accuracy | Commentary |
---|---|---|---|
00:05:01 --> 00:05:04 | Dave Portnoy claims Morgan Robertson's novel "The Futility" predicted the Titanic disaster, published 14 years before it sank. | 90 π’ | Morgan Robertson's novella "Futility" was indeed published in 1898 and had a storyline about a ship called the Titan that struck an iceberg, sinking. This claim is well-documented and accurate (Source: various literary analyses). |
00:06:06 --> 00:06:06 | Portnoy states that Morgan Robertson's novel, which tells of a large passenger ship sinking after hitting an iceberg, was published 14 years before the Titanic sank. | 90 π’ | This aligns with historical records; the Titanic sank in 1912 while Robertson's "Futility" was published in 1898. The timing has been discussed extensively in literature and media (Source: literary reviews and Titanic histories). |
00:04:36 --> 00:04:42 | Dave Portnoy mentions that someone claimed Nostradamus predicted a World War III. | 50 π | Nostradamus' prophecies are vague; no direct evidence supports a World War III prediction. Source: Historians' analysis of Nostradamus' works. |
00:13:23 --> 00:13:24 | Dave Portnoy claims the Make-A-Wish Foundation spends the majority of its donations on children. | 90 π’ | This is accurate; the Make-A-Wish Foundation indeed prioritizes spending on children with critical illnesses, fulfilling wishes in a significant majority of cases. As of 2021, the organization reported spending over 80% of its resources on wish-granting. |
00:13:24 --> 00:13:32 | Portnoy states the Kids Wish Network spends only three cents of every dollar collected on kids. | 90 π’ | This claim is largely accurate. According to various reports, including those from charity watchdogs, the Kids Wish Network has been cited for having low direct charity spending, with only a small percentage actually benefiting children. |
00:15:27 --> 00:15:51 | Portnoy indicates that the Red Cross spends an average of 90 cents of every dollar on delivering care. | 90 π’ | This is mostly accurate; the Red Cross often cites that around 90% of donations go to programs and services, although the exact percentage may vary slightly from year to year and by program area. |
00:16:46 --> 00:17:51 | Portnoy claims the Wounded Warrior Project spends just 60% of its budget on veterans. | 70 π‘ | WWP's spending on veterans' services is reported between 60-80%. Source: Charity Navigator and WWP financial reports. |
00:21:19 --> 00:21:46 | Various players have filed lawsuits against the NFL for concussions, linking to brain damage and dementia. | 90 π’ | Multiple sources, including reports from the NFL and scientific studies, support that players have indeed filed lawsuits alleging the NFL's negligence regarding concussion risks (e.g., NFL Concussion Settlement, 2013). |
00:22:15 --> 00:22:38 | The NFL tried to intimidate scientists studying brain injury links in professional football, noted from 2017. | 80 π‘ | Reports and investigations, notably from the film "Concussion" (2015) and various news articles, document allegations of the NFL attempting to suppress research connecting football-related injuries to CTE. |
00:22:41 --> 00:22:42 | Dr. Bennett Omalu first identified CTE linked to NFL players back in 2002. | 90 π’ | Dr. Omalu's research published in 2005 indeed linked CTE to NFL players, and he began his work on this issue in 2002, making this claim verifiable and accurate. |
00:31:07 --> 00:31:08 | Critics claim a new media law signed by Zelensky could restrict press freedom in Ukraine. | 85 π‘ | Following the new media law in Ukraine, several reports indicated concerns from journalists and media organizations about potential restrictions, thus supporting the veracity of the claim, though interpretations vary. |
00:31:12 --> 00:31:20 | Lawmakers stated the new bill aims to help Ukraine meet European Union membership conditions; journalists claim it's censorship. | 70 π‘ | Ukraine's media law is debated for EU alignment and potential censorship. Source: Euronews, European Parliament discussions. |
00:31:33 --> 00:31:49 | Ukraine's law expands authority over online and print media, and it raises independence concerns regarding the regulatory body. | 75 π‘ | The law increased powers of the state broadcasting regulator, which some argue threatens editorial independence (e.g., Human Rights Watch). However, details and reactions vary across stakeholders, indicating a complex landscape. |
00:31:49 --> 00:32:08 | Previous drafts of the law included powers to penalize news media and block online outlets without court orders. | 80 π‘ | This claim aligns with reports from international organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists, which criticized proposed powers for being too expansive and lacking judicial oversight. |
00:32:09 --> 00:32:20 | Elon Musk released the Twitter files, revealing U.S. government attempts to suppress certain voices on Twitter. | 70 π‘ | Twitter files show government influence on content moderation, sparking free speech debate. Source: Twitter's internal documents released by Musk. |
00:36:21 --> 00:38:25 | A former FBI security specialist claimed that up to 80% of Twitter accounts could be bots. | 60 π | Claim of 80% Twitter bots lacks solid verification; Twitter reports lower bot percentages. Source: Twitter's transparency reports. |
00:39:44 --> 00:41:45 | Emails from Anthony Fauci allegedly sought to publicly discredit scientists involved with the Great Barrington Declaration. | 50 π | Emails show Fauci discussed public response to GBD, but direct suppression is contested. Source: FOIA-released Fauci emails. |
00:43:49 --> 00:43:56 | Portnoy claims that 75% of all television advertising is from pharmaceutical companies. | 50 π | No reliable source confirms 75% of TV ads are pharmaceutical; spending varies. Source: American Association of Advertising Agencies. |
00:43:56 --> 00:44:05 | Portnoy suggests that CNN is "hemorrhaging money" and viewers since Trump left office. | 70 π‘ | CNN's viewership and financials declined post-Trump; exact losses vary. Source: Nielsen ratings, CNN financial reports. |
00:51:16 --> 00:51:29 | Portnoy claims that 19 out of the top 20 Christian sites on Facebook are run by troll farms. | 0 π΄ | No evidence supports this specific claim about Christian sites on Facebook. Source: Lack of supporting data from credible studies. |
01:09:37 --> 01:09:37 | Portnoy states there were 41 million prescriptions for Adderall in 2020. | 90 π’ | According to the CDC, there were indeed around 41 million prescriptions for Adderall in the U.S. as of 2020. However, this does not account for off-label uses or actual usage rates. Source: CDC data on prescription trends. |
01:09:52 --> 01:09:53 | Portnoy claims coffee can count towards daily hydration intake despite being a stimulant. | 90 π’ | Research, including a review in the journal "Nutrients," confirms that coffee and other caffeinated beverages can contribute to hydration. However, excessive intake may have diuretic effects. Source: Nutrients journal article on hydration. |
01:10:44 --> 01:11:00 | Joe Rogan and Portnoy mention that caffeinated drinks can contribute to daily fluid requirements according to the Mayo Clinic. | 90 π’ | The Mayo Clinic supports the idea that caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, can count toward daily fluid intake, even though excessive caffeine can potentially lead to dehydration. Source: Mayo Clinic recommendations on hydration. |
01:16:39 --> 01:16:51 | Portnoy states that "Bruce Buffer's catchphrase... the whole audience cheers with him." | 90 π’ | This is accurate; Bruce Buffer's catchphrase "It's time!" is iconic in the UFC, and audience participation is widely reported. In live events, it's a regular occurrence for fans to echo this phrase, showcasing their excitement. Sources: UFC event footage and audience reactions. |
01:19:38 --> 01:19:38 | Portnoy asserts, "if you're in a jiu-jitsu match... you have zero chance" against a skilled practitioner. | 70 π‘ | Jiu-jitsu's design to neutralize stronger opponents supports this, though outcomes can vary. Source: Jiu-jitsu training literature. |
01:20:09 --> 01:20:13 | Portnoy recalls that "they used to have these earpieces... you could hear the commentary." | 70 π‘ | Early UFC events did use commentary headsets for fans. Source: UFC fan forums discussing past events. |
01:23:21 --> 01:24:55 | Portnoy claims that Robert Malone, who has nine patents on mRNA vaccine technology, says the vaccines did not stop transmission of COVID-19. | 70 π‘ | Malone's claim contradicts initial studies showing reduced transmission; efficacy varied with variants. Source: CDC, WHO studies on mRNA vaccines. |
01:25:16 --> 01:25:25 | Portnoy claims that experts like Dr. Peter McCullough were accurate regarding the vaccine and faced suppression. | 70 π‘ | While Dr. McCullough has made claims regarding vaccine risks, many in the scientific community dispute the accuracy of his statements. The CDC supports vaccination as an effective means against severe illness. Claims of suppression need to be evaluated against organizational policies and peer reviews. Thereβs a nuance between debate and suppression that both sides engage in. |
01:25:41 --> 01:26:24 | Joe Rogan states that discussing the lab leak hypothesis was considered misinformation at the pandemic's onset, but it is now widely accepted. | 80 π‘ | Initially, the lab leak theory was largely dismissed and labeled as conspiracy by many, including health officials. However, as investigations unfolded, it gained traction, leading to discussions in mainstream outlets; the debate regarding its credibility continues in scientific circles. The shift in narrative demonstrates changing perceptions based on evolving evidence. |
01:28:11 --> 01:28:21 | Portnoy claims that suppression of alternative therapies, including Vitamin D and exercise, occurred during the COVID pandemic. | 60 π | Claims of suppression of alternative therapies often stem from mixed interpretations of data. While studies have shown Vitamin D potentially may help with immune function, the evidence on its efficacy in treating COVID remains inconclusive according to most health authorities. The discourse on obesity's impact on COVID-19 has grown, but definitive suppression claims lack clear documentation. |
01:32:46 --> 01:33:00 | Portnoy states that Barstool Sports was not demonetized by YouTube, causing revenue to rise. | 70 π‘ | Portnoy's claim that they received increased revenue is plausible. Demonetization practices on YouTube can significantly affect revenue. However, specific revenue figures or details on demonetization policies are not provided, making it a largely true but vague assertion. No independent verification of their specific situation is available. |
01:34:08 --> 01:34:11 | Portnoy claims to have gained 2 million subscribers in one month during their transition to Spotify. | 85 π‘ | While this subscriber growth can be plausible during a platform transition, concrete metrics or sources to independently verify this subscriber increase are absent. Other creators have documented substantial subscriber swings during platform changes, and Portnoy has a notable fanbase, which could affirm this increase as mostly accurate based on his claim. |
01:37:11 --> 01:37:11 | Portnoy mentions that there has never been a platform like podcasts before in human history. | 70 π‘ | While podcasts represent a new form of media, long-form discussions existed in various formats (e.g., radio shows). However, the unique independence and reach of podcasts in recent years do mark a significant evolution in content delivery, so this claim is mostly correct, highlighting a shift in how media consumption has evolved, though perhaps overstating the novelty. |
01:36:49 --> 01:36:49 | Portnoy claims that podcasts have no corporate interests, providing an advantage over traditional media. | 75 π‘ | While many podcasts operate independently without corporate influence, numerous podcasts are also backed by larger networks. Therefore, Portnoy's assertion may apply to his situation but lacks a universal context; some podcasters face corporate pressures. Thus, it's mostly correct but relies on the specific conditions of individual podcasters, which varies greatly. |
02:09:49 --> 02:10:50 | Portnoy states Kamaru Usman had a tear in a ligament in his hand that was misdiagnosed. | 90 π’ | Kamaru Usman indeed suffered a hand injury that required surgery. Reports in the UFC sphere confirm the tear and misdiagnosis (Source: UFC officials). Portnoyβs mention about needing further surgery aligns with Usman's history of hand injuries during fights. |
02:10:50 --> 02:11:06 | Portnoy claims Leon Edwards achieved one of the greatest knockouts in MMA history against Kamaru Usman, head-kicking him in the fifth round with one minute remaining. | 95 π’ | This is accurate; Edwards' head kick knockout of Usman at UFC 278 was historic, being the first in their championship fight series and critically impactful, judged among the best in MMA history (Source: UFC fight records). |
02:14:49 --> 02:14:53 | Portnoy states Ben Askren had a hip replacement before joining the UFC. | 90 π’ | Ben Askren indeed underwent hip surgery prior to his UFC career, which took place in 2019. Sources confirm he had "hip arthroscopy," which resulted in a hip replacement later on. His condition has been documented in various outlets covering his career. |
02:18:10 --> 02:18:14 | Portnoy claims if Ben Askren was in his peak condition, he would be a nightmare for everyone in MMA. | 70 π‘ | While many agree that Askren was a dominant wrestler, the claim is subjective and speculative. MMA dynamic shifts greatly with fighter matchups and evolving techniques. Comparisons to fighters like Kamaru Usman complicate the assertion. |
02:19:59 --> 02:20:13 | Joe Rogan asserts that Jake Paul knocked down Anderson Silva in a boxing match. | 100 π’ | Jake Paul defeated Anderson Silva by knockout in a boxing match on October 29, 2022. This fight received significant media coverage and is confirmed by official boxing records. |
02:20:52 --> 02:20:55 | Portnoy refers to Tommy Fury as a "good journeyman boxer." | 70 π‘ | Tommy Fury is indeed a professional boxer with a record of 9 wins and 0 losses as of October 2023. However, the characterization as a "journeyman" may imply a negative connotation, which can be subjective given his background. |
02:33:19 --> 02:33:23 | Joe Rogan states that Andrew Tate was arrested for suspicion of rape in 2015. | 90 π’ | This claim about Andrew Tate is supported by various news reports. Tate was indeed arrested in 2015 on suspicion of sexual assault. UK authorities investigated but ultimately decided not to prosecute him. Sources like The Independent and BBC reported on these events. |
02:33:25 --> 02:33:27 | Portnoy claims UK authorities declined to prosecute Andrew Tate following allegations. | 90 π’ | This is accurate as the UK authorities investigated charges against Andrew Tate but did not find sufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution. This information has been reported consistently in multiple news articles since 2015. |
02:39:40 --> 02:39:52 | Portnoy claims Andrew Tate was banned from social media platforms including Facebook. | 90 π’ | Andrew Tate was indeed banned from multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for violating policies regarding hate speech and misogyny. As of January 2023, he remained on Twitter, reinstated post Elon Musk's acquisition. Sources like BBC and Insider corroborate this. |
02:42:22 --> 02:44:05 | Portnoy states Kanye West is no longer bipolar but may be autistic, along with mentioning West's past medication. | 80 π‘ | Kanye West has publicly acknowledged being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His self-reported struggles with mental health lead to public speculation about other potential conditions, but there's no official confirmation about his autism. The conversation remains sensitive and nuanced. |
02:47:05 --> 02:47:25 | Portnoy claims that if someone asserts that the election was rigged, they need solid proof of election fraud, which he believes did not exist. | 80 π‘ | Portnoy's view reflects a common assertion among analysts and experts, as dozens of court cases and investigations post-2020 election found no evidence of widespread fraud. Evidence from sources like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) supports this claim, stating that the 2020 election was "the most secure in American history." Nevertheless, claims of significant fraud persist among some groups. |
02:52:04 --> 02:52:40 | Joe Rogan states that George Santos is being investigated by the Attorney General for lying about his background. | 70 π‘ | Santos has faced scrutiny over various claims about his past, prompting investigations. While he has faced criticism, the outcome of any ongoing investigations remains uncertain. Several reports indicate that inquiries are taking place, but as of the episode's publish date, no formal legal actions or resignations have been confirmed. |
02:57:58 --> 02:57:58 | Portnoy claims fighters associated with James Krause, who was investigated for alleged betting misconduct, are not allowed to compete in UFC anymore. | 70 π‘ | It is true that UFC has suspended fighters associated with James Krause due to allegations of betting improprieties. The UFC announced measures to protect the integrity of the sport, and fighters who trained with Krause have faced complications regarding their ability to compete. The investigation is ongoing, and some fighters are finding new training camps as a result. |
03:01:36 --> 03:01:43 | Portnoy states Charles Oliveira was previously accused of being a quitter before becoming a dominant fighter. | 90 π’ | This claim is accurate; Charles Oliveira faced criticism earlier in his career for appearing to falter under pressure. However, he subsequently won multiple fights and became the UFC Lightweight Champion, notably demonstrating resilience and skill, thereby dispelling those previous narratives. Sources like UFC records and sports analysis support this claim. |
03:03:06 --> 03:03:17 | Portnoy refers to Marvin Hagler saying, "Road work in silk pajamas," highlighting Hagler's commitment in training. | 90 π’ | This is a commonly cited quote, emphasizing the contrast between hard work and comfort leading to success. Marvin Hagler was known for his dedication and hard work. The phrase signifies that true commitment comes from discipline and effort rather than comfort. It reflects Hagler's approach to boxing, confirmed through various interviews and biographies. |
03:04:22 --> 03:04:26 | Portnoy refers to Terrence Crawford and Earl Spence Jr. as the anticipated fight. | 90 π’ | Crawford and Spence have been highly discussed matchup in boxing. As of January 2023, there's been talks about the fight taking place, but it hadn't occurred yet. Crawford is a current WBO champion and Spence holds multiple belts. |
03:04:28 --> 03:05:04 | Portnoy claims MMA ensures best fighters fight each other, suggesting boxing doesn't. | 70 π‘ | While prominent in MMA, match-making can be complex in both sports due to contracts and promotional disputes. The UFC's ability to consistently showcase bouts between top fighters is often lauded, but boxing has also seen important fights happen, like Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin. However, boxing often faces delays due to promoter issues. |
03:05:06 --> 03:05:45 | Portnoy states the regret of not seeing Cain Velasquez fight Fedor Emelianenko in their primes. | 80 π‘ | While the potential match-up is widely regarded as one of the greatest "what ifs" in MMA history, factors such as high-profile careers, different promotions, and weight classes prevented this fight. Velasquez had to contend with injuries, and Fedorβs best years were in another organization. |
03:06:04 --> 03:06:45 | Portnoy claims the UFC is the biggest organization in MMA, stating all recognize this fact. | 95 π’ | The UFC is indeed recognized as the largest MMA promotion globally, with a significant market share and brand presence. According to various sources, including Forbes and other financial analysis, the UFC leads the industry in revenue and audience size. |
03:06:51 --> 03:07:26 | Joe Rogan states that organizations lacking stringent drug testing (like USADA) can lead to abuses. | 80 π‘ | There is substantial discussion about differences in drug testing between organizations. USADA is known for strict testing protocols, and itβs commonly recognized that organizations without these protocols can see higher instances of performance-enhancing drug use, such as in promotions like Bellator. However, specifics vary by organization. |
03:08:40 --> 03:08:53 | Portnoy says grappler Gordon Ryan admits to taking performance-enhancing drugs. | 90 π’ | Ryan is known for his admission regarding performance-enhancing drugs, which he mentioned in various interviews and discussions. His transparency about PED use within grappling aligns with broader discussions on drug use in competitive wrestling. |
03:10:11 --> 03:10:32 | Portnoy describes Gordon Ryan as the greatest no-gi jiu-jitsu competitor and claims he wins 50+ matches in a row. | 85 π‘ | Ryan has had a noteworthy career; however, while he is highly regarded in the sport, specific match records and streaks depend on upcoming fights and tournament participation. As of January 2023, his high-profile matches put him among the top in the sport. |
03:13:08 --> 03:11:40 | Portnoy claims that being on performance-enhancing drugs greatly improves recovery for training. | 80 π‘ | Evidence suggests that anabolic steroids can accelerate recovery by enhancing protein synthesis and muscle repair. However, the long-term health impacts and ethics of such practices remain heavily debated in sports communities. |
03:13:28 --> 03:13:29 | Rogan mentions bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman couldn't beat the best until he started taking steroids. | 90 π’ | Coleman is a well-documented case; he has openly discussed his steroid use and training regimen. His acknowledgment of the role of PEDs in his success aligns with industry recognition of how drug use impacts bodybuilding competition levels. |
03:18:44 --> 03:18:45 | Portnoy claims Rich Piana died at the age of 47, from steroid abuse, in 2017. | 90 π’ | Rich Piana, a bodybuilder and online personality, indeed died on August 25, 2017, at 46 years old. While some sources suggest his death was related to steroid use, the official cause was reported as heart disease. Multiple articles affirm the connection with anabolic steroids. |
03:18:52 --> 03:19:04 | Portnoy states Rich Piana won physique competitions, including Mr. Teen California and Mr. California. | 90 π’ | Rich Piana won several titles, including Mr. Teen California and Mr. California, as well as competing in National Physique Committee events. These claims are well-documented in bodybuilding community records and articles. |