Joe Rogan (born August 11, 1967, Newark, New Jersey) is an American comedian, actor, television host, podcaster, and UFC commentator.
Over the years, he has built a massive following, gaining recognition for his diverse career, from stand-up comedy and hosting TV shows to becoming one of the most popular and controversial podcasters in the world.
Early Life and Martial Arts Career
Rogan had a difficult childhood growing up in Newark, New Jersey, under what he described as an abusive father. After his parents’ divorce when he was five, he moved with his mother, first to San Francisco and later to Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Newton South High School in 1985.
As a teenager, Rogan developed a deep passion for martial arts. He practiced tae kwon do and became the Massachusetts full-contact tae kwon do champion for four consecutive years. At just 19 years old, he won the U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Championship’s lightweight title and later defeated middleweight and heavyweight champions to claim the Grand Championship.
Comedy and Acting Career
Rogan was inspired to pursue stand-up comedy after watching Richard Pryor’s Live on the Sunset Strip (1982). He started performing in Boston in the late 1980s before moving to New York in the early 1990s. His comedy style became edgy and raw, influenced by Sam Kinison and Bill Hicks.
His television career took off when he landed a role on the sitcom Hardball (1994). A year later, he joined the NBC sitcom NewsRadio (1995–1999) as Joe Garrelli, a conspiracy-theorist handyman.
Fear Factor and UFC Commentary
In 2001, Rogan became the host of the reality TV show Fear Factor, where contestants faced extreme physical and psychological challenges, including eating bizarre foods and performing high-risk stunts. The show became a huge success, running for six seasons until 2006, with a brief return in 2011.
Rogan’s connection to UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) started in 1997, when he worked as a backstage interviewer at UFC 12. In 2001, he became friends with UFC President Dana White, who was impressed by his knowledge of combat sports and offered him a color commentator role. His first broadcast was UFC 37.5 in 2002, and he has since become one of the most recognized voices in MMA, earning 11 “MMA Personality of the Year” awards.
The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast
One of Rogan’s biggest successes is his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, launched in 2009. The show features long, unfiltered interviews with a wide range of guests, including:
- Neil DeGrasse Tyson (astronomer)
- Elon Musk (business magnate)
- Bernie Sanders (U.S. senator)
- Mark “The Undertaker” Calaway (WWE superstar)
- Maynard James Keenan (musician, Tool frontman)
In 2020, Spotify signed an exclusive deal with Rogan worth $100 million, making it one of the most lucrative podcast deals in history.
Controversies and Criticism
Despite his success, Rogan has faced numerous controversies, especially due to his strong personal opinions on politics, health, and social issues:
- COVID-19 Misinformation – He was criticized for spreading anti-vaccine sentiments, leading artists like Neil Young to remove their music from Spotify in protest.
- Transgender Athletes – His views on trans women competing in women’s sports have been labeled transphobic by advocacy groups like GLAAD.
While his opinions have sparked backlash, Rogan has remained unapologetic and continues to dominate the podcasting world.
Legacy and Influence
Joe Rogan is a polarizing but highly influential figure. From stand-up comedy and TV hosting to UFC commentary and podcasting, he has built a career that reaches millions worldwide. Despite controversies, he remains one of the most-watched and listened-to voices in modern media.
