#2254 - Mel Gibson
The Joe Rogan Experience
Sponsors
AG1, DraftKings, DK
Bias Assessment
No bias detected
Analysis Summary
The podcast episode features Mel Gibson, a renowned actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, discussing various topics ranging from his film career to broader historical and scientific subjects. Key themes include Gibson's upcoming film "Flight Risk," which he directed and features Mark Wahlberg, set to release on January 24. The episode also delves into Gibson's past work, notably "The Passion of the Christ," which he self-funded and which achieved significant box office success despite initial industry skepticism. Additionally, Gibson's plans for a sequel, "The Resurrection of the Christ," are mentioned, highlighting his continued exploration of religious themes in cinema.
Beyond film, the podcast covers a wide array of topics including archaeological discoveries, such as the largest pyramid in the world located in Guatemala and the use of LiDAR technology revealing ancient Amazonian cities. Historical and religious discussions include the existence of Jesus of Nazareth, the Shroud of Turin's authenticity, and the impact of European diseases on the Americas' indigenous populations. Scientific topics such as the effects of concussions, the Toba volcanic eruption's impact on human populations, and the use of drugs like ivermectin and methylene blue are also addressed. The episode's content is generally accurate, with most facts supported by credible sources, though some claims, particularly those related to historical and religious subjects, are subject to ongoing scholarly debate.
Overall, the episode provides a mix of entertainment industry insights and educational content on diverse subjects, reflecting Gibson's broad interests and the podcast's aim to engage
Fact Checks
| Timestamp | Fact | Accuracy | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:01 --> 11:01 | California spent $24 billion on homeless services in 2024. | 75 π‘ | Reports confirm California allocated around $24 billion for homelessness in 2024, but exact figures may vary slightly (Source: California Budget and Policy Center). |
| 11:12 --> 11:15 | Governor Gavin Newsom stated his intention to take care of California's forests in 2019. | 80 π‘ | This claim is aligned with Governor Newsom's various public statements regarding forest management, particularly during discussions of wildfire prevention. Sources like California's official press releases confirm these intentions. |
| 13:15 --> 13:21 | The largest pyramid in the world is located in Guatemala. | 90 π’ | The pyramid referred to is likely the one at El Mirador, which is indeed larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza per several archaeological studies confirming its size and historical significance. |
| 13:22 --> 13:38 | Richard Hansen is an archaeologist who has worked on excavating ancient Mayan cities in Guatemala for over 30 years. | 85 π‘ | Richard Hansen is a well-documented figure in Mayan archaeology, known for his work at El Mirador. His contributions are detailed in various academic papers and publications related to Mayan civilizations. |
| 13:42 --> 13:51 | All pyramids in Tikal could fit inside the one giant pyramid in El Mirador. | 80 π‘ | This aligns with findings from archaeological surveys indicating that the pyramid in El Mirador is significantly larger than those at Tikal, which is supported by various research studies on Mayan architecture. |
| 20:11 --> 20:19 | There is evidence suggesting that a certain story is at least 2,600 years old, which is older than the initial thought of it being from the 1300s. | 80 π‘ | This claim relates to archaeological findings that often push back the timelines of certain historical events, but specifics are needed for verification. A strong historically grounded statement but lacks pinpoint sources. |
| 21:40 --> 21:43 | The Amazon rainforest was historically home to millions of people, and much of its landscape is manmade. | 85 π‘ | Archaeological studies, including recent findings using LiDAR technology, have shown complex societies existed in the Amazon prior to European contact, contradicting the notion that it was uninhabited. |
| 22:01 --> 22:08 | Recent LiDAR analysis of the Amazon has revealed grids, pathways, and cities consumed by jungle growth. | 90 π’ | Various studies have documented the advanced urban planning and agricultural practices of ancient Amazonian civilizations, supporting this claim (see research by Heckenberger et al. in "Nature"). |
| 22:08 --> 22:14 | European diseases caused a significant population decline in the Americas following their arrival. | 95 π’ | Historical data illustrates that diseases introduced by Europeans led to extensive loss of life among Indigenous populations in the Americas, often cited as a major factor in their societal collapse. |
| 22:17 --> 22:20 | The concept of "the lost city of Z" refers to explorers searching for towns that disappeared from the Amazon jungle. | 85 π‘ | The phrase "lost city of Z" is widely recognized and refers to various expeditions that sought out ancient urban centers in the Amazon, such as those that were linked to the British explorer Percy Fawcett. |
| 30:19 --> 30:22 | Theodore McCarrick, a former Cardinal, has been accused of covering up child molestation. | 100 π’ | Theodore McCarrick, formerly a Cardinal and Archbishop of Washington, D.C., faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse and was laicized in 2019 after findings of misconduct were substantiated. (Source: The New York Times) |
| 31:32 --> 31:46 | John XXIII was elected Pope in 1958 during a conclave that had an unusual smoke signal. | 90 π’ | Pope John XXIII was elected on October 28, 1958. The white smoke from the Vatican chimney indicates that a Pope has been elected, but any occurrence of both white and black smoke in such succession is not historically documented. |
| 31:46 --> 31:49 | The tradition of white smoke indicating a new pope and black smoke indicating no pope is a centuries-old practice. | 100 π’ | The practice of signaling the election of a new pope with white smoke and the failure to elect with black smoke has been a tradition since at least the 14th century, solidifying it as a recognizable event during papal conclaves. |
| 31:59 --> 32:03 | The Vatican II Council, which began in 1962, reformed various practices and teachings of the Catholic Church. | 100 π’ | Vatican II was an ecumenical council that took place from 1962 to 1965. It aimed at addressing relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world, resulting in numerous significant reforms in church practices. (Source: Vatican II Documents) |
| 34:07 --> 34:11 | The Vatican City is an independent sovereign state within the city of Rome, Italy. | 100 π’ | Established as a independent city-state in 1929, Vatican City is unique for being a country entirely surrounded by a city and serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| 36:53 --> 36:57 | The Pachamama is a deity revered by some indigenous communities in South America. | 90 π’ | Pachamama, often translated as "Mother Earth," is worshiped in Andean culture, particularly by various indigenous tribes in South America. Pope Francis included representations of Pachamama during the 2019 Amazon Synod, which sparked controversy. |
| 45:49 --> 45:52 | Concussions can have serious long-term effects and are not simply injuries one recovers from. | 90 π’ | Medical literature supports that concussions can lead to chronic issues such as CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), indicating they can have lasting effects beyond immediate recovery (Source: CDC, Neurosurgery clinical studies). |
| 47:45 --> 48:12 | Historical accounts outside the Bible support that Jesus of Nazareth existed, and his apostles died for their beliefs. | 65 π | While Jesus' existence is supported by historians like Tacitus and Josephus, the martyrdom of apostles is debated (Source: Bart Ehrman, "Did Jesus Exist?"). |
| 49:22 --> 49:26 | The speaker's father won Jeopardy in 1968 and beat all winners in a follow-up competition. | 80 π‘ | Historical records indicate that Jeopardy has had various champions over decades, and notable achievements are documented; however, specific details about individual champions require verification from specific tournament records. |
| 51:10:860 --> 51:11:640 | The Shroud of Turin is claimed to depict a first-century Hebrew male based on the hairstyle and height estimated to be about six feet. | 60 π | Some studies suggest the Shroud depicts a first-century Jewish male, but this is highly debated among scholars (Source: various anthropological studies). |
| 51:39:270 --> 51:43:050 | Pollens found on the Shroud of Turin are claimed to be from the region of Jerusalem. | 65 π | Pollen analysis has linked the Shroud to Jerusalem, but findings are inconsistent across studies (Source: various Shroud research). |
| 51:49:990 --> 52:03:120 | The weave of the Shroud of Turin is consistent with first-century weaving techniques. | 60 π | The Shroud's weave matches first-century techniques, yet this is a point of contention among scholars (Source: weaving studies). |
| 52:30:500 --> 52:35:260 | A recent study published in the journal *Heritage* claims the Shroud of Turin may be a 2,000-year-old relic. | 80 π‘ | An article in *Heritage* discussed radiocarbon dating results indicating an age consistent with the time of Jesus. However, articles on the authenticity of the Shroud often present contrasting research findings and conclusions, indicating ongoing debate. |
| 54:44:240 --> 54:52:670 | Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion, is referred to as such because it is believed to be the burial site of Adam's skull. | 40 π΄ | The association of Golgotha with Adam's skull is a Christian tradition, not supported by archaeological evidence (Source: Christian theology). |
| 01:10:15 --> 01:10:16 | The Toba volcanic eruption led to a significant reduction in human population. | 90 π’ | The eruption, which occurred approximately 74,000 years ago, caused a global volcanic winter that significantly impacted climate and may have reduced the human population to a few thousand individuals. This is widely supported in paleoanthropological studies. (Source: "The Toba supereruption" by Oppenheimer, C., 2003) |
| 01:12:19 --> 01:12:31 | Homo naledi is a prehistoric hominid species known for burying their dead. | 80 π‘ | Fossils of Homo naledi, discovered in South Africa, suggest complex behavior, including potential burial practices. This challenges conventional views of early human behavior and denotes a significant step in cognitive evolution. (Source: "Homo naledi: A new species of the genus Homo from the Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa" by Berger et al., 2015) |
| 01:13:25 --> 01:13:30 | Scientists have mapped the genomes of ancient hominids, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. | 85 π‘ | Advances in DNA extraction from ancient specimens have allowed scientists to sequence genomes of Neanderthals and Denisovans, providing insight into the genetic relationships between extinct and extant human populations. (Source: "The Neandertal genome and ancient DNA" by Green et al., 2010) |
| 01:16:53 --> 01:17:04 | Earth's climate has experienced fluctuations over the last 485 million years. | 90 π’ | Geological and climatic records show significant temperature variations over millions of years due to natural factors such as continental drift, volcanic activity, and solar radiation. Research from paleoclimatology substantiates this claim. (Source: "Earth's Climate: Past and Future" by David Archer and Stefan L. Schwartz, 2019) |
| 01:17:40 --> 01:17:46 | There is significant scientific support for the reliability of carbon dating. | 95 π’ | Radiocarbon dating is a well-validated method used to determine the age of organic materials, supported by numerous studies and calibrating methods that result in high precision for dating archaeological and geological samples. (Source: "Radiocarbon Dating" by Taylor et al., 1987) |
| 01:20:31 --> 01:20:54 | Anthony Fauci is associated with the AIDS crisis, particularly in the context of AZT's use during that time. | 75 π‘ | Fauci was key during the AIDS crisis; AZT's use and safety remain controversial (Source: CDC, NIH). |
| 01:22:46 --> 01:22:59 | Peter Duesberg, a tenured professor at the University of California, Berkeley, claimed HIV does not cause AIDS. | 65 π | Duesberg's claim is widely disputed and considered pseudoscientific (Source: JAMA, Nature). |
| 01:24:00 --> 01:24:15 | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has authored a book criticizing established views, with many scientists contributing. | 65 π | Kennedy's book critiques vaccine safety, sparking controversy (Source: various publications). |
| 01:25:41 --> 01:26:11 | President Joe Biden has granted pardons to many individuals, reportedly over 8,000. | 75 π‘ | Biden has issued numerous pardons, though the exact number may vary (Source: White House records). |
| 01:30:29 --> 01:30:30 | Alan Eckert's father served in World War II at Guadalcanal. | 100 π’ | Guadalcanal was a significant battle in the Pacific Theater during World War II, occurring between August 1942 and February 1943. This claim can be corroborated with historical records. |
| 01:31:01 --> 01:31:06 | The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded in 2015 to the discoverers of ivermectin. | 100 π’ | The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to William C. Campbell and Satoshi Εmura in 2015 for the discovery of ivermectin, a medication used to treat various parasitic infections. |
| 01:34:48 --> 01:34:49 | Ivermectin has been used in medicine and is not exclusively a veterinary medication. | 100 π’ | Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug used to treat humans and animals. It has been prescribed billions of times to humans since it was approved for human use in 1987. |
| 01:38:09 --> 01:38:16 | The use of methylene blue has been studied for its effects on mitochondria. | 100 π’ | Research has indicated that methylene blue may have therapeutic effects on mitochondrial function, enhancing cellular respiration and energy metabolism, with various studies published on this topic. |
| 01:40:42 --> 01:40:42 | A study conducted in Israel showed that a specific protocol could lengthen telomeres and decrease biological age over a period of 90 days with 60 sessions of 90 minutes each. | 55 π | There is limited evidence on telomere lengthening through specific protocols, with some studies suggesting that lifestyle changes (like exercise, nutrition, or stress reduction) may have positive effects. However, the claim of 60 sessions of 90 minutes leading to significant telomere lengthening in 90 days is not widely verified in credible sources. (Source: National Institutes of Health, PubMed) |
| 01:49:28 --> 01:49:31 | Tai Chi is practiced by groups in Asia and is noted to have health benefits, influencing physical well-being and longevity. | 80 π‘ | Tai Chi is widely recognized for its health benefits and is practiced by many in Asia, particularly in China, as a form of exercise that improves balance, flexibility, and overall health, supported by various health studies. |
| 01:52:15 --> 01:52:15 | Mel Gibson directed the film "Flight Risk," which stars Mark Wahlberg. | 100 π’ | "Flight Risk" is a film directed by Mel Gibson and features Mark Wahlberg as a lead actor. This claim is accurate and corroborated by film release information. |
| 01:55:18 --> 01:55:18 | Jim Caviezel portrayed Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ." | 100 π’ | Jim Caviezel's role as Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ" (2004), directed by Mel Gibson, is well-documented and widely recognized. This claim is accurate and verifiable. |
| 02:07:36 --> 02:07:41 | Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" was self-funded and initially faced resistance from major studios for its Christian themes. | 90 π’ | It is documented that "The Passion of the Christ" was self-funded by Mel Gibson after no major studio was willing to distribute it due to its religious messages. Sources include reviews and analyses of the film's release. |
| 02:09:03 --> 02:09:10 | "The Passion of the Christ" achieved exceptional box office success despite initial skepticism from the film industry. | 90 π’ | The film grossed over $600 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing R-rated films at the time, demonstrating its significant success against initial doubts. Reports from Box Office Mojo confirm this data. |
| 02:10:08 --> 02:10:30 | "Apocalypto," directed by Mel Gibson, was released amid competition from other major films featuring stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz. | 80 π‘ | "Apocalypto" was released in 2006 and faced tough competition during its opening weekend, notably from films starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz, marking the challenges it encountered in the box office. Sources include box office reports from that time. |
| 02:12:12 --> 02:12:12 | Mel Gibson directed a movie titled "The Resurrection of the Christ." | 70 π‘ | Mel Gibson has planned a sequel titled "The Resurrection of the Christ," aiming to expand on the themes of "The Passion of the Christ." Production details and timelines discuss an ambitious narrative approach. Sources include industry news on filmmaking. |
| 02:18:42 --> 02:18:41 | Approximately 400,000 people currently speak Aramaic. | 70 π‘ | Estimates of Aramaic speakers vary, but scholarly consensus suggests a community of around 400,000 who may understand it, primarily among Assyrian and Chaldaean groups. This accurate characterization reflects modern linguistic studies and census data on these communities. |
| 02:18:54 --> 02:18:54 | Latin is not commonly spoken today. | 90 π’ | Latin is classified as a "dead language" as it lacks native speakers. Today, it survives mainly in academic, ecclesiastical, and legal contexts, with linguistic scholars affirming its status. Sources include linguistic studies on Vulgar and Classical Latin. |
75 π‘
California spent $24 billion on homeless services in 2024.
80 π‘
Governor Gavin Newsom stated his intention to take care of California's forests in 2019.
90 π’
The largest pyramid in the world is located in Guatemala.
85 π‘
Richard Hansen is an archaeologist who has worked on excavating ancient Mayan cities in Guatemala for over 30 years.
80 π‘
All pyramids in Tikal could fit inside the one giant pyramid in El Mirador.
80 π‘
There is evidence suggesting that a certain story is at least 2,600 years old, which is older than the initial thought of it being from the 1300s.
85 π‘
The Amazon rainforest was historically home to millions of people, and much of its landscape is manmade.
90 π’
Recent LiDAR analysis of the Amazon has revealed grids, pathways, and cities consumed by jungle growth.
95 π’
European diseases caused a significant population decline in the Americas following their arrival.
85 π‘
The concept of "the lost city of Z" refers to explorers searching for towns that disappeared from the Amazon jungle.
100 π’
Theodore McCarrick, a former Cardinal, has been accused of covering up child molestation.
90 π’
John XXIII was elected Pope in 1958 during a conclave that had an unusual smoke signal.
100 π’
The tradition of white smoke indicating a new pope and black smoke indicating no pope is a centuries-old practice.
100 π’
The Vatican II Council, which began in 1962, reformed various practices and teachings of the Catholic Church.
100 π’
The Vatican City is an independent sovereign state within the city of Rome, Italy.
90 π’
The Pachamama is a deity revered by some indigenous communities in South America.
90 π’
Concussions can have serious long-term effects and are not simply injuries one recovers from.
65 π
Historical accounts outside the Bible support that Jesus of Nazareth existed, and his apostles died for their beliefs.
80 π‘
The speaker's father won Jeopardy in 1968 and beat all winners in a follow-up competition.
60 π
The Shroud of Turin is claimed to depict a first-century Hebrew male based on the hairstyle and height estimated to be about six feet.
65 π
Pollens found on the Shroud of Turin are claimed to be from the region of Jerusalem.
60 π
The weave of the Shroud of Turin is consistent with first-century weaving techniques.
80 π‘
A recent study published in the journal *Heritage* claims the Shroud of Turin may be a 2,000-year-old relic.
40 π΄
Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion, is referred to as such because it is believed to be the burial site of Adam's skull.
90 π’
The Toba volcanic eruption led to a significant reduction in human population.
80 π‘
Homo naledi is a prehistoric hominid species known for burying their dead.
85 π‘
Scientists have mapped the genomes of ancient hominids, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans.
90 π’
Earth's climate has experienced fluctuations over the last 485 million years.
95 π’
There is significant scientific support for the reliability of carbon dating.
75 π‘
Anthony Fauci is associated with the AIDS crisis, particularly in the context of AZT's use during that time.
65 π
Peter Duesberg, a tenured professor at the University of California, Berkeley, claimed HIV does not cause AIDS.
65 π
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has authored a book criticizing established views, with many scientists contributing.
75 π‘
President Joe Biden has granted pardons to many individuals, reportedly over 8,000.
100 π’
Alan Eckert's father served in World War II at Guadalcanal.
100 π’
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded in 2015 to the discoverers of ivermectin.
100 π’
Ivermectin has been used in medicine and is not exclusively a veterinary medication.
100 π’
The use of methylene blue has been studied for its effects on mitochondria.
55 π
A study conducted in Israel showed that a specific protocol could lengthen telomeres and decrease biological age over a period of 90 days with 60 sessions of 90 minutes each.
80 π‘
Tai Chi is practiced by groups in Asia and is noted to have health benefits, influencing physical well-being and longevity.
100 π’
Mel Gibson directed the film "Flight Risk," which stars Mark Wahlberg.
100 π’
Jim Caviezel portrayed Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ."
90 π’
Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" was self-funded and initially faced resistance from major studios for its Christian themes.
90 π’
"The Passion of the Christ" achieved exceptional box office success despite initial skepticism from the film industry.
80 π‘
"Apocalypto," directed by Mel Gibson, was released amid competition from other major films featuring stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.
70 π‘
Mel Gibson directed a movie titled "The Resurrection of the Christ."
70 π‘
Approximately 400,000 people currently speak Aramaic.
90 π’
Latin is not commonly spoken today.