Episode #325
James Thompson
Books mentioned
The Disaster Diaries
Mentioned by Joe Rogan (host) · at 02:37:34
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
Timestamps are segment start times from the podscripts.co transcript of the audio release (includes ad reads), so they may differ from the video by a few minutes.
James “Colossus” Thompson is an English mixed martial artist who reflects on his early career, rugby, gambling addiction, recovery, and experiences fighting in Japan and moving to America. The conversation connects MMA with wrestling, promotion and officiating controversies, while also exploring hypnosis, information saturation, institutional priorities, child sexual abuse cover-ups, and English history.
What they talked about
- James Thompson's early MMA career and quick rise to Pride
- The biggest bank robbery in England and inside job theories
- Gambling problems, genetics, and family history
- James's father's death and complicated family relationship
- MMA judging, bad decisions, and the Kimbo Slice fight
- Wrestling's importance in MMA and character development
- Pride FC's atmosphere and culture shock in Japan
- Fighting in front of large crowds and early career experiences
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