#2472 - Jeff Ross

Joe Rogan hosts comedian Jeff Ross for a wide-ranging talk blending stories of dog ownership, comedy's grind and grief, personal health battles, and everyday resilience. Their chat reveals how animals, art, and adversity shape discipline and joy, with Ross sharing tales from his Netflix special "Take a Banana for the Ride" and beyond.

Dogs as High-Energy Partners

Ross describes his rescue German Shepherd, Nipsey, as a "wild" dog from a Reno breeder who now performs on cue—jumping on stage during his Broadway run, howling with audiences, even navigating planes like a pro. German Shepherds demand constant tasks, exercise, and mental stimulation to avoid destructive habits like backyard digging; left idle, their intelligence turns problematic. Rogan agrees, comparing his Golden Retriever Marshall (easygoing, belly-rub loving) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Charlie to high-drive breeds. Both stress training from puppyhood builds unbreakable bonds—dogs read emotions, provide unconditional love, and combat loneliness, especially for solo comics. Feeding matters too: kibble leads to obesity and cancer risks (Rogan lost a dog to it), while fresh, human-grade food like Farmer's Dog elicits frenzy, sustains leanness on minimal portions (1.5 cups kibble daily for Nipsey, topped with turkey). Raw or fresh outperforms shelf-stable processed food, mimicking natural diets wolves evolv