Joe Rogan, a renowned comedian and actor, recently revealed that he believes he was “tricked” into creating what has become one of the most successful podcasts in the world, “The Joe Rogan Experience.” In a candid conversation with author and screenwriter Norman Ohler during the latest episode of his show, Rogan shared the story of how his podcast journey began back in December 2009.
Rogan, now 56, recounted the early days of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, explaining that it started as a casual and fun project among friends. “It just happened,” he said, referring to the inception of the podcast. Rogan emphasized that he didn’t feel responsible for the podcast’s meteoric rise to success, attributing it instead to the support and enthusiasm of his listeners.
The Joe Rogan Experience podcast now boasts a staggering 17.1 million subscribers. Despite this massive following, Rogan maintains a humble perspective, suggesting that the show “made itself” and evolved organically over time. “I think this thing wanted to be made and it did in a very sneaky way,” Rogan explained. Initially, the podcast was simply Rogan and his friends, including Brian Redban and Eddie Bravo, chatting and having a good time on a webcam.
Rogan’s journey from a fun side project to a podcasting powerhouse highlights the unpredictable nature of creative endeavors. He recalled a turning point when the podcast gained enough downloads to attract high-profile guests like British writer Graham Hancock and the late Anthony Bourdain. “Then it became much, much bigger…I genuinely believe it tricked me into making it,” Rogan stated.
During the interview with Ohler, Rogan also touched on broader media skepticism, particularly following the pandemic. “I think the pandemic shook things up to a point where it’s much more difficult to pass off propaganda today than it was even just four years ago,” he said. Ohler praised Rogan for creating a platform that fosters free thought and communication, calling it an important artwork with global reach.
Rogan’s reflections on his podcast’s success resonate with many content creators who start with modest beginnings. The Joe Rogan Experience podcast has undoubtedly become a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of listeners and garnering significant influence.
The interview with Norman Ohler has already attracted over 783,200 views and 15,000 likes on YouTube, further testament to the enduring appeal and reach of Rogan’s podcast. As Rogan continues to explore diverse topics and host intriguing guests, the Joe Rogan podcast shows no signs of slowing down.
