Bert Kreischer: DVT, Sobriety, Fame & Shirtless Performances

Age: 53 (born November 3, 1972) ·
Net worth: Estimated $14 million ·
Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) ·
Spouse: LeeAnn Kreischer ·
Children: 2 daughters ·
Known for: The Machine, stand-up comedy

Eight key facts about Bert Kreischer, one pattern: his life is a series of improbable events that keep turning into publicity gold.

What is Bert Kreischer’s medical condition?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clot

In early January 2023, Kreischer woke up with severe leg pain. Doctors at a hospital found a significant blood clot behind his knee and additional clots in his lungs — a condition described as travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) scare, according to Fox News. He was put on blood thinners and told he would need them for six months, as reported by Center for Vein.

The bus fire incident

Kreischer linked his medication-driven sobriety to a later tour-bus fire, saying he may not have survived if he had been on the bus. The fire destroyed his tour bus on a Minnesota interstate, according to WDAY Radio Now. The driver was the only person on board; no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Travel clot risk awareness

Kreischer now speaks about clot prevention and the dangers of prolonged travel. The Center for Vein notes that his case underscores the risk of travel-related DVT, especially for frequent flyers. Kreischer said he lost significant weight after major lifestyle changes, according to Fox News.

The implication: Kreischer’s health scare not only prompted a lifestyle change but also may have physically prevented a tragedy.

Is Bert Kreischer sober?

Bert Kreischer’s history with alcohol

Kreischer was known for heavy drinking on stage and in his personal life, often sharing stories about partying during his college days at Florida State University. However, the DVT diagnosis changed everything, according to Fox News.

Sobriety timeline and statements

Kreischer said he quit drinking because he was on blood thinners and could not consume alcohol. He described nearly six months of involuntary sobriety, according to a podcast summary from Shortform. He also avoided smoking and marijuana during that period. In 2024, he publicly discussed his sobriety on his own podcast, Bertcast, and on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Impact on career and health

Kreischer reported improved mobility and feeling better after treatment, according to the Center for Vein. He said his blood clot diagnosis marked a turning point in his health and weight-loss journey, as reported by Fox News.

The pattern: Kreischer’s forced sobriety has reshaped his public image from a party animal to a health-conscious performer.

How did Bert Kreischer get famous?

Rolling Stone’s ‘Number One Partier in the Nation’ (1997)

While attending Florida State University, Kreischer was featured in Rolling Stone (music and culture magazine) as the “Number One Partier in the Nation” in 1997, according to Wikipedia. This exposure launched his early stand-up career.

The Machine story

Kreischer developed a story about a train trip in Russia that involved a mafia figure nicknamed “The Machine.” The story became a viral hit after he told it on The Howard Stern Show and later released as a stand-up special on Netflix, according to Wikipedia.

Stand-up specials and touring

Kreischer has released multiple stand-up specials on Netflix, including The Machine (2016), Secret Time (2018), and Hey Big Boy (2020), as listed on IMDb. He also hosts the podcasts Bertcast and 2 Bears 1 Cave with Tom Segura.

Why does Bert always take his shirt off?

Signature performance style

Kreischer started performing shirtless in college as a way to stand out, and it became a trademark. He says it’s part of his persona — a physical representation of his “party guy” image, according to Wikipedia.

Fan expectations

Fans now expect the shirtless bit at every show. Kreischer has said that taking his shirt off is a way to connect with the audience and show vulnerability, as reported by Wikipedia.

Body image and confidence

Kreischer has been open about his body image and weight fluctuations. He said his DVT diagnosis and subsequent weight loss have made him more confident, but he continues to perform shirtless as a crowd-pleaser, according to Fox News.

What is Bert Kreischer’s relationship with Joe Rogan?

History of friendship and podcast appearances

Kreischer and Rogan have been close friends for years. Rogan has hosted him on the Joe Rogan Experience many times, often discussing health, comedy, and fitness, according to Wikipedia.

Alleged rift or distance

Rumors of a falling out have circulated online, but both parties have denied any rift. Kreischer appeared on Rogan’s podcast as recently as 2024, according to Shortform.

Current status

The friendship appears intact. Kreischer continues to mention Rogan in interviews, and Rogan has praised Kreischer’s sobriety journey. No confirmed reports of a falling out exist, according to Wikipedia.

For fans of Bert Kreischer, the takeaway is clear: his health scare turned into a life-saving lesson, and his decision to talk about it openly may help others avoid the same fate. The comedian who once defined himself by partying is now a sober advocate for travel clot prevention — and that’s a story worth hearing.

Related reading: Bert Kreischer’s blood clot scare and Kreischer’s tour bus fire.