Why Joe Rogan is (Arguably) the Most Successful Podcaster of All Time

For almost as long as podcasting has existed, one man has dominated the space.

His name? Joe Rogan.

Even if you’ve never listened to an episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, you’ve definitely heard his name.

With over 2,000 episodes amassed in the 15 years since its launch in 2009 and over 11 million listeners per episode, The Joe Rogan Experience has gone viral again and again and again, catapulting Rogan to the status of ‘arguably the most successful podcaster of all time.’

But what is it about Rogan that draws so many eyes? Or ears? Let’s break down what qualities have made Joe Rogan so successful in the podcast world.

He’s a natural-born entertainer

Did you know that before he was a podcaster, Rogan was a comedian? And a UFC commentator? And a TV show host?

And now he runs the most popular podcast in the USA. It’s clear he knows how to entertain an audience and has been doing so successfully for close to four decades.

Between his great comedic timing, provocative sense of humor, and engaging way of speaking, Rogan always puts on a great show for his listeners.

Authenticity and freedom of expression

Here are just a few words that those not well-acquainted with Rogan may use to describe him: Controversial. Provocative. Outspoken.

But is that an accurate assessment of his personality, or a side effect of welcoming freedom of expression from his guests?

Rogan has a huge back catalog of interviews with some incredible guests, including subject matter experts, thought leaders, and even celebrities. And what can’t be denied is that he lets every one of them speak their ‘truth,’ even when it's outlandish or able to be proven false. (We all remember the fallout from Rogan’s interview with virologist Robert Malone, don’t we?)

Whether he agrees with his guests or not isn’t the point; instead, Rogan chooses to prioritize authentic, unfiltered conversations. Even if it opens him up to controversy, this is outweighed by the end result: highly engaging, raw content that is unlike anything else being created today.

And speaking of his guests…

Rogan has become as well known for his stand-out interviews with some of the world’s most influential figures, from Elon Musk to Miley Cyrus, as his conversations with everyday people.

This is a very clever strategy, as the diversity of his guests broadens the scope of the conversation, pulling in listeners from all backgrounds, political leanings, and cultures.

Last but not least, he’s humble

People may come for the controversy, but they stay for Rogan’s personality. Regular listeners tend to describe Rogan as humble; while he’s found undeniable fame and fortune, his attitude hasn’t changed much over the years. He’s still grounded and happy to admit when he doesn’t understand something, presenting himself as relatable to audiences.

Could you be the next Joe Rogan?

Building a podcast empire is no easy feat. But as Joe Rogan has proven, it is possible. Here are six learnings content creators can take from the King of Podcasting.

1) Don’t shy away from open conversation
Whether people agree with Rogan’s views or not, they’re drawn to his content for its authenticity — and the openness he inspires in his guests. Though unfiltered conversation may invite controversy, it also helps build a reputation for transparency and honesty.

2) Build consistency
You don’t reach 2,000 episodes by flaking on your posting schedule. Rogan has steadily built up a loyal following by consistently creating content since 2009. The takeaway? Aim to stick to a regular schedule, whether you publish an episode twice a week or once a month.

3) Diverse guests attract a broad audience
Rogan covers a huge range of topics, from science to comedy, and brings on guests with an array of political views, backgrounds, and perspectives. So, if you want to attract a broad audience, embrace diversity.

4) Stay curious
Rogan clearly believes that learning should never stop. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning and cultivating a culture of curiosity will attract an audience of like-minded people.

5) Value long-form content
Attention-grabbing, binge-worthy short-form content has its place, but long-form content allows you to dig deeper into a given topic. If you want to deliver maximum value, consider creating long-form podcast episodes that support deeper discussion.

6) Stay humble
Audiences value authenticity, and we’ve seen far too many examples of previously relatable influencers getting too big for their boots and alienating their audience. Want to find longevity? Take a leaf out of Rogan’s book and embrace humility.