About - JRE Compound

Raphael Attar

Instagram: @raphmyster

Why I designed this?

The first podcast I ever listened to was JRE #69 with Bryan Callen and ever since then I have probably listened to more than 80% of all the JRE podcasts that have come after that. Joe's podcasts have had a huge influence on how I have developed in the last few years. As his point of views and beliefs have evolved so have mine. I've learned to be much more critical and aware about where my beliefs, ideas, values and motivations stem from and how to evaluate them. The depth of guests that have appeared on his show have lead me down very interesting paths of discovery that I still feed from today. At the start, his podcast was the only source of intellectual discussion I was being a part of. Having inherited that need from my parents but being surrounded by social groups that were unable and often not willing to contribute to these types of discussions, the podcast became my outlet, feeding my thirst of curiosity and discovery. This podcast did so much more than just provide me with entertainment, it provided me with getaway and a sense of validation for who I was. It allowed to me to see that I could operate successfully as a type of "warrior poet" as Aubrey Marcus has preached and so well adopted. The idea that my more animalistic side can coexist with my more refined intellectual side was something I couldn't reconcile before. It may sound funny but I just hadn't seen that from anyone I had admired in the past. Discovering this podcast made it a reality for me. Recognizing this has made me very thankful and made me want to give back. I figured this would be the best way I could give back in a valuable way.

I studied Interior Design for 4 years in Vancouver, Canada and although not having practiced much in the real world, based on my decision to travel, I continue to work on conceptual designs in my free time for the fun of creating. Having listened to hundreds and hundreds of hours of Joe speaking I developed a very complex understanding of who he is. I was able to design something with relative confidence knowing what he would want or like. I started with the idea of bringing many of his interests and passions together in one space. The idea of a compound has been thrown around a lot on the podcast so I figured I would build something along those lines. I wanted to share my version of what that could look like and what sort of opportunities there could be if something like it were made. He now has something real to hold on to whether or not it was ever something he would have seriously thought of doing. I have made it for all the JRE fans who would probably love the idea of seeing something cool like this come together. I was also inspired by Rob Dyrdek's fantasy factory because it was a very real example of a space being built around someones every interest. I figured the same thing could be done with Joe's very clearly defined interests and passions.

I would be lying if I told you that this project was motivated with no selfishness in mind. I very much enjoyed the process of putting this together, I knew it would make a great portfolio piece and at best I might get some props from it. Regardless of that though it was the best way for me to give back in a valuable way. I hope that this can also motivate others to contribute or give back in a way. Whether it is a thank you, a dollar, a design, an email I think it's worth thanking those who we get value from on a consistent basis.

I hope whoever takes a look at this project enjoys it and maybe evens gets some motivation from it.

Lastly, thank you very much Joe, your podcasts have done more for me than you'll ever know!

- Raphael