During a candid conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience with The Red Clay Strays, host Joe Rogan delivered an honest take on internet negativity that cut straight to the heart of human psychology.
When the band’s Brandon mentioned getting called names in YouTube comments, Rogan’s response was both simple and profound: “You think Michael Jordan leaves YouTube comments? No. Cuz he’s a f**king winner.”
This observation reveals a fundamental truth about success and mindset that extends far beyond social media behavior. Rogan’s point wasn’t just about basketball legend Michael Jordan specifically, but about the mentality that separates achievers from those who spend their energy tearing others down online.
The conversation emerged naturally when The Red Clay Strays discussed their struggles with reading negative comments after podcast appearances. Brandon admitted to being called “a lesbian” multiple times due to his mustache, while the band collectively wrestled with whether to engage with online criticism.
Rogan’s advice was: “Don’t pay attention to numbers. Don’t pay attention to s**t. Don’t read the comments.”
Rogan suggested that winners are too busy winning to waste time anonymously criticizing others online. They channel their energy into productive pursuits rather than destructive commentary from the shadows of internet anonymity.
Rogan expanded on this theme throughout the conversation, noting that much of society’s “main contribution is b**ching” rather than creating or building something meaningful. He contrasted this with The Red Clay Strays’ approach of using their platform to make music that helps people through difficult times, rather than engaging in online drama or political battles.
