Joe Rogan Experience #2456 - Michael Jai White

Podcast Intro and Reunion00:01

Joe Rogan welcomes Michael Jai White, noting his wild card boxing hat and Bruce Lee shirt. They discuss turning down the volume on equipment. Last saw each other at Terry Black's Barbecue, a great place. Michael plans to go there after the podcast.

Living in LA00:30

Michael lives in LA and defends it: with good people, it's enjoyable due to hiking trails in 20 minutes, amazing geography, unbeatable weather, ocean to mountains in two hours. Joe agrees the spot is magical but concerned about a big earthquake soon. Article mentions high possibility of massive earthquakes in California within next decade, last big ones in 1972, 1994 (or 1993). Michael moved to LA right after the last big one, saw collapsed highway section.

1994 Northridge Earthquake Story02:30

Michael was in the 1994 earthquake: woke up off balance, jumped off first-floor apartment balcony to parking lot, watched building shake and lights go out from outside before main quake hit. Girl with him was trapped by closet door in hallway; he and friend pried it open. Guard confirmed lights went out when it shook, so Michael felt it before it happened. Joe attributes to good instincts, like animals sensing 2004 Thailand tsunami running to high ground. Michael's tuned into body and environment from being on own since 14, detecting predators, always saying "let's leave" before trouble like shootouts.

Early Independence and Martial Arts07:00

Grew up junior in groups despite looking like grown man since 13-14, fought heavyweights at 15. Taught karate at Bridgeport, Connecticut community center in the hood (top murder rate per capita). People thought he was adult, taught ~200 students under table at 15-16. Father at 15 with older student's sister; some in Bridgeport think he's in 70s now.