Public Statement Rule

A discussion about the importance of being mindful about what you say privately, especially when recording a podcast that will be heard by many people.

Core Philosophy

• Only say things privately that you're willing to say publicly or to someone's face
• Being "comfortable" in private conversations can lead to problematic statements
• Important to remember audience size (e.g. 150,000 listeners) even in casual settings

Key Lessons Learned

• The podcast format creates a false sense of intimacy

  • Easy to forget large audience when just talking to one person
  • Feels like private conversation but reaches many people
  • Can lead to saying things you later regret

• Joe Rogan's Approach (Used as positive example)

  • Rarely disrespects people
  • Deflects drama/conflict with neutral statements
  • Says things like "they just have a difference of opinion, it's all good"
  • Actively avoids picking fights

Implementation Strategy

• If going to talk negatively about someone:
  • Must be ready to say it to their face
  • Should be comfortable with it being public
  • Need to stand behind the statement

Historical Context

• Reference to Abraham Lincoln story:
  • Talked negatively about someone
  • Got challenged to a duel
  • Apologized out of fear
  • Learned to never talk trash about people again
  • Became a personal policy

Reality Check

• Talking trash is human nature and happens occasionally
• The key is being accountable and willing to stand behind your words
• If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it behind their back