When They Go Low, We Go High: A Reflection On Joe Rogan, Accountability, And Character

Transcript

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Welcome back to Ask Velvet Podcast. Today, I want to talk about someone who is one of the biggest names in podcasting. Joe Rogan. Through the Joe Rogan experience, he has built one of the most successful and influential podcasts in the world, reaching millions of listeners and becoming a household name. Over the weekend though, something happened that left me disappointed. A UFC fighter made comments about former First Lady Michelle Obama that many people found offensive and disrespectful. What bothered me wasn't just what was said, it was the reaction. Watching Joe Rogan smile and laugh in that moment didn't sit right with me at all. I'll be honest, I was angry. I was furious. Part of me wanted to jump on this microphone and absolutely rip him apart. I wanted to let every thought and every ounce of frustration fly. But then I stopped and remembered something Michelle Obama said years ago that still rings true today. When they go low, we go high. And that's exactly what I decided to do. Now, don't get me wrong, being disappointed doesn't mean staying silent. It doesn't mean pretending something didn't happen. It means expressing your feelings in a way that reflects who you are. Yes, I disagree with what happened. Yes, I believe people in positions of influence should understand the impact their reactions can have. Sometimes what you laugh at, what you tolerate, or what you choose not to challenge can say just as much as the words being spoken. But I also know that spending an entire podcast tearing somebody down doesn't accomplish much. Sure, I could vent my anger. Sure I could drag someone through the mud. Well what would that really solve? At the end of the day, every person has to live with the consequences of their actions. Public figures are no different. Their audience decides how they feel. Their supporters decide whether they continue listening. Their reputation is shaped by the choices they make. That's why I believe karma has a way of handling things. Not because I wish bad on anyone, but because actions have consequences. People pay attention, people remember. And sometimes the greatest response isn't retaliation. It's allowing people to be judged by their own behavior. I've always believed that when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Not because people can't grow or change, but because actions reveal keratin. What we do in the moment often says more about us than the apology that comes afterward. As I wrap this up, I want to leave you with something positive. In today's world, it feels like everyone wants a reaction. Everyone wants a fight. Everyone wants us to go lower and lower. But sometimes the strongest thing you can do is choose not to participate in that cycle. You can be disappointed without being destructive. You can disagree without being hateful. You can hold people accountable without losing your own character in the process. That's the lesson I'm taking away from all of this. Not every situation requires us to throw punches. Sometimes the best response is to stand firm in what you believe, speak your truth, and keep moving forward. And remember, when they go low, we go high. Thank you for listening to Ask Velvet Podcast. Until next time, take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and never let someone else's behavior determine the kind of person you're going to be.