#2226 - Theo Von
The Joe Rogan Experience
Sponsors
None identified
Bias Assessment
No bias detected
Analysis Summary
The podcast episode hosted by Theo Von covers a wide range of topics, from political elections and historical events to sports, societal issues, and cultural references. Key themes discussed include the accuracy of election results, with Joe Rogan's claims about the 2020 U.S. presidential election being scrutinized for their accuracy. Rogan's statement that Donald Trump won "in a landslide" is incorrect, as Joe Biden won with 306 electoral votes compared to Trump's 232. However, Rogan's assertion that Biden received significantly more votes than any previous candidate, with around 81 million votes, is largely correct. The episode also touches on voter turnout trends in Texas and nationwide, with a notable decrease in Texas in the 2024 election despite increased voter registration.
Another significant portion of the episode is dedicated to sports, particularly boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA), with accurate references to the histories and achievements of fighters like Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr., Semmy Schilt, Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, and Amanda Nunes. The episode also discusses the rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico in boxing and the notable careers of boxers from Puerto Rico. Additionally, the podcast covers societal issues such as modern slavery, with accurate figures on the estimated number of enslaved people globally and the historical context of slavery in Libya and the United States. The episode also addresses the opioid epidemic in the U.S., attributing it to the Sackler family's involvement with Purdue Pharma and their marketing
Fact Checks
| Timestamp | Fact | Accuracy | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25:08 --> 25:15 | Joe Rogan claims that Donald Trump won in 2020 “in a landslide.” | 10 🔴 | Joe Biden won the 2020 election with 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232, and a 7 million vote lead in the popular vote (Federal Election Commission). |
| 25:49 --> 25:51 | Joe Rogan claims that in the 2020 election, Biden received “more votes than anybody by like 20 million.” | 75 🟡 | Biden received about 81 million votes, significantly more than any prior candidate, but the 20 million margin over Trump is an overestimate (Federal Election Commission). |
| 26:45 --> 27:03 | Joe Rogan states that Texas voter turnout fell in the 2024 election despite record registration numbers, with 61% casting ballots, a near 6% drop from the 2020 presidential race. | 80 🟡 | This claim appears to be accurate. Texas saw voter turnout decline to about 61% in the 2024 election compared to approximately 67% in 2020, despite a record number of registered voters. Data from the Texas Secretary of State confirms this trend, indicating a decrease in turnout rates can occur despite an increase in voter registration. |
| 27:09 --> 27:15 | Joe Rogan remarks that nationwide voting numbers were consistent through the years, specifically noting 2012, 2016, and 2024, while the anomaly was in 2020. | 60 🟠 | Voter turnout varies; 2020 had a high of 66.7%, while 2012 and 2016 were lower. 2024 data is not available yet (U.S. Census Bureau). |
| 50:35 --> 50:35 | Puerto Rico has a history of boxing. | 90 🟢 | Puerto Rico has produced numerous world-class boxers, such as Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad, contributing to its rich boxing history. This can be verified through sports history sources, indicating Puerto Rico's significant role in the sport. |
| 50:37 --> 50:38 | There was a rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico in boxing. | 85 🟡 | The boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico is well-documented, featuring notable bouts between boxers from both countries. Sources like sports history articles outline this competitive relationship prominently over decades. |
| 51:00 --> 51:03 | Mike Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. | 100 🟢 | The exhibition match between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. took place on November 28, 2020, and was sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission, drawing significant media attention and viewership. |
| 52:56 --> 52:57 | Roy Jones Jr. fought Vinny Pazienza in a match where Pazienza did not land a punch. | 90 🟢 | In 1996, during the WBA Middleweight Championship, Roy Jones Jr. fought Vinny Pazienza, and records confirm that Pazienza did not land a single punch throughout the fight, which is a notable statistic in boxing history. Sources include boxing record databases. |
| 56:00 --> 56:02 | "Kill Tony" is the number one comedy podcast in the world. | 60 🟠 | "Kill Tony" is popular but rankings fluctuate; it's often listed near the top but not consistently number one (Chartable, Podtrac). |
| 01:03:40 --> 01:03:40 | The number of enslaved people in the world today is estimated to be between 38 to 49 million. | 90 🟢 | The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that there are approximately 40 million people in modern slavery globally, making this claim largely accurate within the stated range. Sources published by the ILO and other organizations, such as anti-slavery research, support this estimate. |
| 01:07:01 --> 01:07:02 | Proposed amendment to California's Constitution would bar slavery in any form and repeal a provision allowing involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. | 80 🟡 | Proposition 6 in California aimed to repeal the provision allowing involuntary servitude as punishment for crime; however, it did not pass in the 2022 election. While this reflects a governmental context for slavery today, it requires some specifications about the electoral outcome. |
| 01:04:30 --> 01:04:42 | There were slave auctions in Libya after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, which were documented online. | 85 🟡 | Following the Libyan Civil War and the death of Gaddafi in 2011, reports and videos surfaced showing slave markets operating in Libya. Organizations like CNN reported on this issue extensively, confirming the accuracy of the claim. |
| 01:02:50 --> 01:02:50 | The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in 1865, but some involuntary servitude is still permitted as punishment for crime. | 90 🟢 | The 13th Amendment indeed abolished slavery but includes a clause that permits involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. Legal scholars and constitutional experts confirm this interpretation; therefore, the claim is accurate. |
| 01:31:19 --> 01:31:26 | Human beings have a long history of engaging in war, and tribal conflicts have occurred throughout history. | 90 🟢 | Historical records demonstrate that warfare has been a consistent aspect of human civilization dating back to ancient tribes, where conflicts often arose over resources. Studies in anthropology and history document early tribal conflicts and their outcomes. |
| 01:30:33 --> 01:30:37 | Christopher Columbus's expeditions led to significant violence against indigenous populations. | 85 🟡 | Historical accounts detail the violent encounters and enslavement of indigenous peoples by Columbus and his crew during his voyages to the Americas, particularly evident in writings from the time. |
| 01:30:48 --> 01:30:51 | Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his home, Graceland, is located in Memphis, Tennessee. | 95 🟢 | It is a verified fact that Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo (1935) and later lived at Graceland in Memphis, which has become a pilgrimage site for fans. His deep connection to these locations is well-documented. |
| 01:32:26 --> 01:32:33 | The character of Elvis Presley in the movie "Elvis" is portrayed by actor Austin Butler. | 90 🟢 | Austin Butler's acclaimed portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic "Elvis" directed by Baz Luhrmann has been widely recognized and reported by various entertainment media outlets. |
| 01:37:43 --> 01:37:50 | A study published suggests a genetic link between promiscuous mothers and their likelihood of having gay sons. | 75 🟡 | Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine discusses a correlation between female relatives of gay men and higher numbers of children, supporting theories of genetic predisposition within familial lines; however, further studies are needed for definitive conclusions. |
| 01:40:46 --> 01:40:47 | The study on reproductive rates mentioned was conducted at the University of Padova in Italy. | 90 🟢 | The University of Padova is a well-known institution in Italy, recognized for its research across various fields, including biology and social sciences. This claim can be verified through university publications and academic literature. |
| 01:44:52 --> 01:45:05 | Semmy Schilt, a former mixed martial artist, is a K-1 Grand Prix winner and fought in the UFC. | 90 🟢 | Semmy Schilt is indeed recognized for his achievements in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, especially with K-1 where he won multiple championships, and he also competed in UFC events. His career records support this claim. |
| 01:46:00 --> 01:46:11 | Jon Jones has a history of winning fights and is often considered one of the greatest MMA fighters. | 85 🟡 | Jon Jones is frequently cited in discussions of the greatest MMA fighters due to his record of victories and title defenses. His career accomplishments can be confirmed through UFC records and sports analysis. |
| 01:49:12 --> 01:49:14 | Alex Pereira is one of only three fighters to hold titles in two divisions in the UFC. | 80 🟡 | Alex Pereira is recognized as a two-division champion in the UFC alongside Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier, a fact supported by UFC records and fighter statistics. |
| 01:49:50 --> 01:50:06 | Amanda Nunes is mentioned in the context of female champions in MMA but is noted to have fought in a shallow division. | 65 🟠 | Amanda Nunes is a dual-division champion, but the depth of women's featherweight is debated (MMA Fighting, ESPN). |
| 01:54:55 --> 01:54:58 | Hawaii experienced significant wildfires in August 2023 that led to substantial destruction and loss of life. | 90 🟢 | The Hawaii wildfires in August 2023 were among the deadliest in U.S. history, particularly affecting Lahaina on Maui, resulting in at least 97 confirmed deaths, and destroying over 2,000 structures (source: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources). |
| 01:57:51 --> 01:57:57 | The governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, outlined plans for the state to acquire land after the Lahaina wildfires to create memorial spaces and affordable housing. | 85 🟡 | Governor Josh Green indeed mentioned acquiring land to prevent it from being taken by outside interests and to establish memorials and housing, which was controversial given the context of the tragedy (source: Governor's statements reported by local news). |
| 02:00:27 --> 02:00:29 | The U.S. inadvertently sent $6 billion to Ukraine in 2022, which was later corrected. | 80 🟡 | Reports confirmed that the Department of Defense erroneously sent about $6.2 billion in aid to Ukraine, which was later recognized and corrected (source: Department of Defense press statements). |
| 02:00:35 --> 02:00:36 | The cost to rebuild every house in Maui from the fires is $5 billion. | 75 🟡 | Estimates for rebuilding Maui after the 2023 fires range around $5 billion, but exact figures may vary (Hawaii News Now, FEMA). |
| 02:23:20 --> 02:23:20 | The Charles River is located in Massachusetts. | 100 🟢 | The Charles River runs through eastern Massachusetts, including areas near Boston. It is a well-documented river known for its recreational activities. |
| 02:23:02 --> 02:23:03 | Newton is a city in Massachusetts. | 100 🟢 | Newton is a city located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, known for its suburban character and highly rated schools. |
| 02:23:14 --> 02:23:18 | Newton is a town known for having woods and trees. | 100 🟢 | Newton, Massachusetts, features many parks and wooded areas, contributing to its suburban landscape and recreational opportunities. |
| 02:21:37 --> 02:21:46 | An IROC-Z Camaro is a model recognized for its design, popular in the 1980s. | 100 🟢 | The IROC-Z Camaro, produced in the 1980s, is an iconic version of the Chevrolet Camaro that gained popularity for its performance and styling. |
| 02:25:00 --> 02:25:07 | The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic car model. | 100 🟢 | The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is a well-known classic muscle car and is often appreciated for its distinctive design and power options. |
| 02:29:15 --> 02:29:19 | The phrase "coasted into the pump" refers to a driver running out of fuel and coasting to refuel. | 100 🟢 | This phrase describes a common scenario in driving where a vehicle runs out of gas but manages to reach a gas station by coasting. |
| 02:36:22 --> 02:36:26 | Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in America. | 80 🟡 | Numerous studies, including from the American Journal of Public Health, indicate that medical debt significantly contributes to bankruptcies, often being cited as the leading cause. However, the statistics can vary based on factors such as insurance coverage and state laws. It remains a complex issue rather than a singular cause. |
| 02:36:29 --> 02:36:30 | The number one cause of medical debt is insurance-related issues. | 70 🟡 | Insurance issues contribute significantly to medical debt, but other factors like high costs also play a major role (KFF, JAMA). |
| 02:36:34 --> 02:36:34 | Pharmaceutical drug prices in the U.S. are higher than in other countries. | 90 🟢 | Research consistently shows that the prices of prescription drugs in the U.S. are significantly higher than in other countries, primarily due to different regulatory environments and lack of price controls. Reports from organizations like the OECD support this claim. |
| 02:36:39 --> 02:36:40 | The opioid epidemic is a significant issue in the U.S. | 90 🟢 | The opioid epidemic is a well-documented public health crisis in the U.S., with the CDC reporting hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths since the 1990s. This statement is broadly supported by a wealth of research and statistical evidence. |
| 02:40:24.000 | The Sackler family, known for their involvement with opioid medications, has been criticized for their role in the opioid crisis that caused hundreds of thousands of deaths in the United States. | 90 🟢 | The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, faced significant backlash for their marketing of OxyContin, which is associated with widespread addiction and overdose deaths. Reports estimate that over 500,000 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses from 1999 to 2019 (CDC). Their involvement in promoting addictive substances has led to multiple lawsuits and public outcry. |
| 02:44:30.000 | The Sackler family also produced Valium, a medication widely prescribed in the 1960s, often referred to as "Mother's Little Helper." | 95 🟢 | Valium, a benzodiazepine, was indeed marketed by the Sackler family's company, promoting widespread usage that contributed to dependency issues, particularly among housewives in the 1960s, as reported by various historical analyses. |
| 02:46:20.000 | Many states have laws that prevent government employees from transitioning to work for industries they previously regulated, although enforcement and stipulations can vary. | 80 🟡 | While many states have regulations in place to address conflicts of interest regarding lobbying and government positions, the specific phrasing and enforcement of these laws can differ significantly, leading to gaps. Numerous reports discuss concerns about the revolving door between government and industries. |
| 02:46:30.000 | Insider trading by Congress members is a widely debated issue, with instances reported where legislators profited from stock market moves based on non-public information. | 75 🟡 | Allegations of insider trading by members of Congress have been scrutinized, particularly regarding stock sales tied to knowledge of forthcoming legislative activities. The STOCK Act was passed in 2012 to address and limit such practices, aiming for transparency in financial transactions by legislators. |
| 02:46:50.000 | The availability of real-time information through platforms like the internet has changed how citizens access government and fiscal data, promoting accountability. | 85 🟡 | The internet has greatly increased public access to information about government budgets and operations, providing citizens with tools to oversee their government more effectively than before. Many studies indicate that increased information transparency can enhance government accountability. |
| 02:50:51 --> 02:50:56 | Living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro can imply a chaotic and deteriorated society. | 80 🟡 | The statement reflects known issues in Rio's favelas, which are characterized by violence and inadequate public services. While it captures the essence of social problems, saying it will definitely result in chaos is subjective. Source: Numerous studies and reports on crime and living conditions in Rio de Janeiro. |
| 02:52:36 --> 02:52:50 | California had 20 million mail-in ballots cast during the last election. | 90 🟢 | In the 2020 election, California reported approximately 20 million mail-in ballots were sent due to the pandemic, reflecting a significant transition to mail-in voting. Source: California Secretary of State election statistics for 2020. |
| 02:53:11 --> 02:53:29 | A notable difference between the California electoral maps of 2016, 2020, and 2024 exists regarding the number of counties voting Republican. | 75 🟡 | There have indeed been shifts in voting patterns in California from 2016 to 2020, with more counties voting Republican in 2020 compared to previous years. However, the exact change in counties for 2024 needs verification post-election. Sources: California state election data. |
| 03:01:21 --> 03:01:21 | Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, stated he was going to release the JFK files. | 90 🟢 | Trump claimed to release the remaining classified JFK assassination files, but not all were released by the end of his presidency. In 2021, the Biden administration postponed the full release due to ongoing national security concerns. (Source: National Archives) |
| 03:02:29 --> 03:02:29 | Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968. | 100 🟢 | This historical fact is widely documented. James Earl Ray was convicted for King's assassination, which occurred in Memphis, Tennessee. (Source: FBI records) |
| 03:03:12 --> 03:03:12 | James Earl Ray attempted to establish himself as a pornographic film director after escaping prison. | 80 🟡 | James Earl Ray did escape from prison and had various escapades post-escape, including attempts to start a career in the adult film industry; however, details may vary in reliability and specificities. (Sources: Historical records on Ray's post-escape actions) |
| 03:04:57 --> 03:04:57 | In 1965, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) unilaterally declared independence from the United Kingdom. | 100 🟢 | This is a well-documented historical event. Rhodesia's declaration was made by its white-minority government, leading to international condemnation and long-term conflict. (Source: Britannica) |
10 🔴
Joe Rogan claims that Donald Trump won in 2020 “in a landslide.”
75 🟡
Joe Rogan claims that in the 2020 election, Biden received “more votes than anybody by like 20 million.”
80 🟡
Joe Rogan states that Texas voter turnout fell in the 2024 election despite record registration numbers, with 61% casting ballots, a near 6% drop from the 2020 presidential race.
60 🟠
Joe Rogan remarks that nationwide voting numbers were consistent through the years, specifically noting 2012, 2016, and 2024, while the anomaly was in 2020.
90 🟢
Puerto Rico has a history of boxing.
85 🟡
There was a rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico in boxing.
100 🟢
Mike Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
90 🟢
Roy Jones Jr. fought Vinny Pazienza in a match where Pazienza did not land a punch.
60 🟠
"Kill Tony" is the number one comedy podcast in the world.
90 🟢
The number of enslaved people in the world today is estimated to be between 38 to 49 million.
80 🟡
Proposed amendment to California's Constitution would bar slavery in any form and repeal a provision allowing involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime.
85 🟡
There were slave auctions in Libya after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, which were documented online.
90 🟢
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in 1865, but some involuntary servitude is still permitted as punishment for crime.
90 🟢
Human beings have a long history of engaging in war, and tribal conflicts have occurred throughout history.
85 🟡
Christopher Columbus's expeditions led to significant violence against indigenous populations.
95 🟢
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his home, Graceland, is located in Memphis, Tennessee.
90 🟢
The character of Elvis Presley in the movie "Elvis" is portrayed by actor Austin Butler.
75 🟡
A study published suggests a genetic link between promiscuous mothers and their likelihood of having gay sons.
90 🟢
The study on reproductive rates mentioned was conducted at the University of Padova in Italy.
90 🟢
Semmy Schilt, a former mixed martial artist, is a K-1 Grand Prix winner and fought in the UFC.
85 🟡
Jon Jones has a history of winning fights and is often considered one of the greatest MMA fighters.
80 🟡
Alex Pereira is one of only three fighters to hold titles in two divisions in the UFC.
65 🟠
Amanda Nunes is mentioned in the context of female champions in MMA but is noted to have fought in a shallow division.
90 🟢
Hawaii experienced significant wildfires in August 2023 that led to substantial destruction and loss of life.
85 🟡
The governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, outlined plans for the state to acquire land after the Lahaina wildfires to create memorial spaces and affordable housing.
80 🟡
The U.S. inadvertently sent $6 billion to Ukraine in 2022, which was later corrected.
75 🟡
The cost to rebuild every house in Maui from the fires is $5 billion.
100 🟢
The Charles River is located in Massachusetts.
100 🟢
Newton is a city in Massachusetts.
100 🟢
Newton is a town known for having woods and trees.
100 🟢
An IROC-Z Camaro is a model recognized for its design, popular in the 1980s.
100 🟢
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic car model.
100 🟢
The phrase "coasted into the pump" refers to a driver running out of fuel and coasting to refuel.
80 🟡
Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in America.
70 🟡
The number one cause of medical debt is insurance-related issues.
90 🟢
Pharmaceutical drug prices in the U.S. are higher than in other countries.
90 🟢
The opioid epidemic is a significant issue in the U.S.
90 🟢
The Sackler family, known for their involvement with opioid medications, has been criticized for their role in the opioid crisis that caused hundreds of thousands of deaths in the United States.
95 🟢
The Sackler family also produced Valium, a medication widely prescribed in the 1960s, often referred to as "Mother's Little Helper."
80 🟡
Many states have laws that prevent government employees from transitioning to work for industries they previously regulated, although enforcement and stipulations can vary.
75 🟡
Insider trading by Congress members is a widely debated issue, with instances reported where legislators profited from stock market moves based on non-public information.
85 🟡
The availability of real-time information through platforms like the internet has changed how citizens access government and fiscal data, promoting accountability.
80 🟡
Living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro can imply a chaotic and deteriorated society.
90 🟢
California had 20 million mail-in ballots cast during the last election.
75 🟡
A notable difference between the California electoral maps of 2016, 2020, and 2024 exists regarding the number of counties voting Republican.
90 🟢
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, stated he was going to release the JFK files.
100 🟢
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968.
80 🟡
James Earl Ray attempted to establish himself as a pornographic film director after escaping prison.
100 🟢
In 1965, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) unilaterally declared independence from the United Kingdom.