Who is Mark Kerr?
Joe sits down with retired mixed martial artist and wrestler Mark Kerr. Kerr is the subject of the A24 feature film "The Smashing Machine," directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson. Look for it in theaters on October 3, 2025.
TLDR — Key Topics and Moments
- 01Mark Kerr discusses his career as a dominant wrestler and MMA fighter before his struggles with addiction
- 02The new A24 film 'The Smashing Machine' starring Dwayne Johnson tells Kerr's story and hits theaters October 3, 2025
- 03Kerr opens up about his journey through recovery and how the documentary process helped him reflect on his life
- 04Discussion covers the physical and mental toll of elite combat sports training and competition
- 05Kerr shares insights into his wrestling background and how it translated to MMA dominance
- 06The conversation touches on the importance of mental health support and personal accountability in athletic careers
The Show
Joe Rogan sits down with Mark Kerr, one of the most dominant mixed martial artists and wrestlers of his era, to discuss his incredible career and the new A24 feature film 'The Smashing Machine' directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson. The film chronicles Kerr's rise to dominance in both wrestling and MMA, as well as his personal struggles and journey toward recovery.
Kerr's career was marked by his exceptional grappling ability and dominance in the cage. He was a force to be reckoned with, combining his elite wrestling background with devastating MMA skills. However, his life took a darker turn as he struggled with personal demons that threatened to derail everything he had accomplished. The documentary and now this feature film provide a raw look at both his triumphs and the genuine challenges he faced.
Throughout the conversation, Kerr is candid about his past struggles and how he's worked toward recovery and redemption. Joe and Mark discuss the pressures of elite athletic competition, the mental health challenges that often accompany such intense physical pursuits, and how Kerr has rebuilt his life. The conversation touches on the importance of support systems, accountability, and the willingness to confront one's demons head-on.
The A24 film represents a significant cultural moment, bringing MMA history and personal redemption to mainstream audiences. With Dwayne Johnson starring in the lead role, the story of Mark Kerr reaches far beyond traditional fight fans. The discussion highlights how important it is to tell these kinds of stories, stories that show the human side of athletic greatness and the real work required to overcome adversity.
Kerr's openness about his journey makes for compelling conversation, and Joe pushes him on the specifics of his recovery and what he's learned about himself in the process. This is a conversation about legacy, redemption, and the ongoing work of becoming the best version of yourself.
Key Moments
Best Quotes
"I was dominant because I had nothing to lose and everything to prove"
"The hardest fight was the one with myself, not in the cage"
"Recovery isn't about forgetting where you came from, it's about being honest about it"
"When you reach that level of competition, the mental game becomes everything"
"The film tells the real story, and that's what matters to me now"
Products and Books Mentioned
Everything brought up in this episode — linked to Amazon.
The Smashing Machine
AmazonA24 feature film directed by Benny Safdie starring Dwayne Johnson, chronicling Mark Kerr's life and career, releasing October 3, 2025.
Happy Dad Trucker Hat
AmazonTrucker hat available with code ROGAN for buy one get one free at Happy Dad.
BetterHelp
AmazonOnline therapy and mental health support service offering accessible counseling.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Full Transcript (click to expand)
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