History of Joe Rogan in Timeline

Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for hosting "The Joe Rogan Experience," a highly influential and popular podcast since 2009. Beyond podcasting, he is a UFC color commentator, stand-up comedian, actor, and former television host. His podcast is known for long-form conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds, covering topics ranging from science and philosophy to current events and comedy. Since 2020, it has consistently ranked as the most streamed podcast on Spotify, solidifying Rogan's position as a prominent figure in media and pop culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 11, 1967: Joseph James Rogan Born

On August 11, 1967, Joseph James Rogan was born. He would later become a podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host.

1985: Graduated from Newton South High School

In 1985, Joe Rogan graduated from Newton South High School.

August 27, 1988: First Stand-Up Routine

On August 27, 1988, Joe Rogan performed his first stand-up routine at an open-mic night at a Stitches comedy club in Boston.

1988: Started Comedy Career

In 1988, Joe Rogan began his career in comedy in the Boston area.

1990: Moved to New York City

In 1990, Joe Rogan moved to New York City to pursue comedy full-time.

1993: Accusations of Joke Thievery Against Carlos Mencia Began

Since 1993, Joe Rogan claimed that comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery, an accusation he repeated in 2005.

1994: Interest in jiu-jitsu after watching Royce Gracie

In 1994, Joe Rogan became interested in jiu-jitsu after watching Royce Gracie fight at UFC 2: No Way Out.

1994: Relocated to Los Angeles and First National Television Spot

In 1994, Joe Rogan relocated to Los Angeles. He made his first national television appearance on MTV's Half-Hour Comedy Hour, and later accepted a development deal with the Disney network and secured his first major acting role in the Fox sitcom Hardball.

1994: Became interested in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

In 1994, Rogan became interested in Brazilian jiu-jitsu after watching Royce Gracie fight at UFC 2: No Way Out, which led to his position at the organization.

1994: Relocated to Los Angeles and signed deal with Disney

In 1994, Rogan relocated to Los Angeles and signed an exclusive developmental deal with Disney and appeared as an actor on several television shows, including Hardball and NewsRadio.

1995: Starred in NewsRadio

From 1995, Rogan starred in the NBC sitcom NewsRadio as Joe Garrelli.

1996: Began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

In 1996, Joe Rogan began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Carlson Gracie in Los Angeles, California.

February 7, 1997: First UFC Show

On February 7, 1997, Rogan's first show took place at UFC 12: Judgement Day in Dothan, Alabama, as a backstage and post-fight interviewer.

1997: Began working for the UFC

In 1997, Joe Rogan started working for the UFC as an interviewer and color commentator.

1998: Phil Hartman's Death

In 1998, Phil Hartman, a fellow cast member on NewsRadio and friend of Rogan's, was murdered by his wife. This event affected Rogan's ability to perform stand-up.

December 1999: Recorded First Stand-Up Comedy Album

In December 1999, Joe Rogan recorded his first stand-up comedy album in two shows at the Comedy Connection at Faneuil Hall in Boston.

1999: Starred in NewsRadio

In 1999, Rogan continued starring in the NBC sitcom NewsRadio as Joe Garrelli.

August 2000: Released I'm Gonna Be Dead Some Day...

In August 2000, Joe Rogan released his first stand-up comedy album, I'm Gonna Be Dead Some Day...

2000: Released First Comedy Special

In 2000, Joe Rogan released his first comedy special, I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday...

2001: Accepted Hosting Offer for Fear Factor

In 2001, Joe Rogan accepted an offer from NBC to host the American edition of Fear Factor, which interrupted the development of his television show.

2001: Hosted Fear Factor

In 2001, Rogan began hosting the game show Fear Factor.

2001: UFC Taken Over by Zuffa

In 2001, after the UFC was taken over by Zuffa, Rogan attended some events and became friends with its new president Dana White.

December 2002: Emcee for Blockbuster Hollywood Spectacular

In December 2002, Joe Rogan was the emcee for the 2002 Blockbuster Hollywood Spectacular, a Christmas parade in Hollywood.

2002: Hired by UFC as Color Commentator

In 2002, Dana White hired Rogan as a color commentator for the UFC, initially for free in exchange for prime event tickets. He later accepted pay for the job.

February 2003: Became Co-Host of The Man Show

In February 2003, Joe Rogan became the new co-host of The Man Show on Comedy Central.

August 2003: Co-Hosted The Man Show

In August 2003, Rogan co-hosted The Man Show on Comedy Central for its fifth season.

2003: Rogan's initial residency in Bell Canyon, California

In 2003, Joe Rogan initially began living in Bell Canyon, California, on and off.

2004: The Man Show Ended

In 2004, The Man Show ended. Rogan had disagreements with Comedy Central and the show's producers over content.

May 2005: Signed Deal with Endeavor Talent Agency

In May 2005, Joe Rogan signed a deal with the Endeavor Talent Agency.

2005: Accused Carlos Mencia of Joke Thievery

In 2005, Joe Rogan wrote a blog entry accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

2005: Wesley Snipes Cage Fight Challenge

In 2005, Wesley Snipes challenged Rogan to a cage fight. Rogan trained for the event for five months before Snipes backed out.

September 2006: Recorded Shiny Happy Jihad

In September 2006, Rogan recorded his fourth comedy special Shiny Happy Jihad at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco.

2006: Fear Factor Ended

In 2006, Fear Factor ran for an initial six seasons from 2001 to 2006 and Joe Rogan hosted for all of the initial seasons.

February 2007: Confronted Carlos Mencia on Stage

In February 2007, Joe Rogan confronted Carlos Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood over allegations of joke thievery.

April 2007: Released Shiny Happy Jihad

In April 2007, Comedy Central Records released Rogan's fourth comedy special, Shiny Happy Jihad.

2007: Joe Rogan: Live Premiered on Showtime

In 2007, Joe Rogan: Live, Rogan's second stand-up comedy special, premiered on Showtime.

2008: Birth of first daughter and move to Colorado

In 2008, Joe Rogan and Jessica Ditzel had their first daughter, and they moved to Gold Hill, Colorado.

January 2009: Hosted Game Show in My Head

In January 2009, Rogan hosted the short-lived CBS show Game Show in My Head, which aired for eight episodes.

December 2009: Launch of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast

In December 2009, Joe Rogan launched his free podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, with comedian Brian Redban. The first episode was recorded on December 24th, and was intended to be a live weekly broadcast.

2009: Launched The Joe Rogan Experience

In 2009, Joe Rogan launched The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

2009: Marriage to Jessica Ditzel

In 2009, Joe Rogan married Jessica Ditzel, a former cocktail waitress.

August 2010: The Joe Rogan Experience enters iTunes Top 100

By August 2010, Joe Rogan's podcast was named The Joe Rogan Experience and entered the list of Top 100 podcasts on iTunes.

2010: Accused Dane Cook of Joke Thievery

In 2010, Joe Rogan accused comedian Dane Cook of joke thievery.

2010: Birth of second daughter

In 2010, Joe Rogan and Jessica Ditzel had their second daughter.

2010: Presenter in DMT: The Spirit Molecule documentary

In 2010, Joe Rogan was the presenter in the documentary DMT: The Spirit Molecule, showcasing his interest in the exploration of consciousness through psychedelics.

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2011: Endorsement of Ron Paul's presidential campaign

In 2011, Joe Rogan endorsed Congressman Ron Paul and his presidential campaign during the Republican primaries, calling him "the only guy who is saying anything that makes any sense whatsoever."

2011: Resumption of Fear Factor hosting and endorsement of Ron Paul

In 2011, Joe Rogan resumed his role as the host of Fear Factor for its seventh and final season. Also in 2011, Rogan endorsed Congressman Ron Paul's presidential campaign, praising him as the only candidate making sense and joking about his election being the ultimate stunt.

2011: The Joe Rogan Experience picked up by SiriusXM Satellite Radio

In 2011, The Joe Rogan Experience was picked up by SiriusXM Satellite Radio, further expanding its reach.

December 2012: Release of 'Live from the Tabernacle' comedy special

In December 2012, Joe Rogan released his sixth comedy special, "Live from the Tabernacle", exclusively as a download on his website for $5, following Louis C.K.'s example.

2012: Endorsed Ron Paul

In 2012, Joe Rogan endorsed Ron Paul.

2013: Hosting "Joe Rogan Questions Everything" on SyFy

In 2013, Joe Rogan hosted the television show "Joe Rogan Questions Everything" on the SyFy network, which aired for six episodes and covered topics from his podcasts.

January 2015: The Joe Rogan Experience reaches 11 million monthly downloads

By January 2015, The Joe Rogan Experience podcast reached over 11 million monthly downloads, marking a significant milestone in its growth and popularity.

2015: The Joe Rogan Experience Becomes Popular

By 2015, The Joe Rogan Experience was one of the most popular podcasts in the world.

2016: Worked Alongside Mike Goldberg Until End of Year

In 2016, Joe Rogan worked alongside Mike Goldberg as a color commentator for the UFC until the end of the year.

2018: Purchase of new home in Bell Canyon

In 2018, Joe Rogan and his family purchased a new home in Bell Canyon, California, for almost $5 million.

October 2019: Discovery of relation to My Chemical Romance members

In October 2019, Joe Rogan revealed that he is a first cousin once removed of Gerard Way and Mikey Way, members of My Chemical Romance, though he has never met them.

2019: Rogan describes himself as socially liberal

In 2019, Joe Rogan described himself as socially liberal, supporting various progressive causes and emphasizing his strong support for freedom of speech.

May 19, 2020: Licensing deal with Spotify

On May 19, 2020, Joe Rogan announced a multiyear licensing deal with Spotify worth an estimated $200 million.

September 1, 2020: The Joe Rogan Experience becomes available on Spotify

On September 1, 2020, The Joe Rogan Experience became available on Spotify as part of the licensing deal.

2020: Rogan described as libertarian-leaning by CNN

In 2020, CNN described Joe Rogan as "libertarian-leaning", providing insight into his political leanings.

2020: Move to Lake Austin in Austin, Texas

In 2020, Joe Rogan and his family moved into a $14 million home on Lake Austin in Austin, Texas.

2020: Endorsed Bernie Sanders

In 2020, Joe Rogan endorsed Bernie Sanders.

2020: Spotify Obtained Exclusive Distribution Rights

In 2020, Spotify obtained exclusive distribution rights to The Joe Rogan Experience for $200 million.

2020: The Joe Rogan Experience becomes number 1 podcast on Spotify

In 2020, The Joe Rogan Experience became the number 1 most streamed podcast on Spotify.

January 2021: The Joe Rogan Experience becomes exclusive to Spotify

In January 2021, The Joe Rogan Experience became exclusive to Spotify, marking a significant shift in its distribution.

April 2021: Contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines

In April 2021, Joe Rogan made contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines, claiming that young, healthy people do not need to be vaccinated, leading to criticism from health officials and media outlets.

September 1, 2021: Rogan tests positive for COVID-19

On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan tested positive for COVID-19 and subsequently reported on his condition, including his use of ivermectin, which drew controversy.

September 3, 2021: Rogan retested and receives negative COVID-19 result

On September 3, 2021, Joe Rogan was retested for the virus and received a negative result, indicating his recovery from COVID-19.

2021: Onnit sold to Unilever

In 2021, Onnit, the supplements and fitness company co-founded by Joe Rogan, was sold to Unilever.

January 2022: Scientists' open letter to Spotify

In January 2022, 270 scientists, physicians, and healthcare workers wrote an open letter to Spotify expressing concern over misinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience, particularly regarding COVID-19.

January 24, 2022: Neil Young demands Spotify remove his music

On January 24, 2022, Neil Young posted an open letter demanding that Spotify remove his music if they did not remove The Joe Rogan Experience due to misinformation concerns.

February 4, 2022: Spotify removes 70 Joe Rogan Experience episodes

On February 4, 2022, Spotify removed 70 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience selected by Rogan, all of which predated the COVID-19 pandemic, after discussions about his past racially insensitive language.

February 2022: Spotify removes episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience

In February 2022, Spotify removed 113 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience due to concerns over racist and insensitive language.

February 2022: Controversy over racial slur usage

In February 2022, singer India Arie shared a compilation of Joe Rogan saying a racial slur on The Joe Rogan Experience, leading to Rogan's apology and claims of a "political hit job".

April 2022: Criticism of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas

In April 2022, Joe Rogan criticized transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, suggesting she "might be the woke straw that breaks society's camel's back". He has been outspoken against transgender women competing in women's sports.

October 2022: Sharing discredited litter box hoax

In October 2022, Joe Rogan shared the widely discredited hoax about public schools providing litter boxes to students who identify as cats during an interview with Tulsi Gabbard. He later acknowledged a lack of proof but falsely claimed there were discussions about the idea.

2022: Statement on Ron DeSantis as a potential president

In 2022, Joe Rogan said that Republican Ron DeSantis would be "a good president", indicating a potential shift in his political preferences.

2022: Rumble offers Rogan $100 million

In early 2022, the video platform Rumble offered Joe Rogan $100 million to switch from Spotify, but Rogan declined the offer.

February 2023: Antisemitic comments about Jewish people and money

In February 2023, Joe Rogan made controversial comments on his podcast, stating that the "idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous", defending Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. The Anti-Defamation League condemned these comments as antisemitic.

March 2023: Opening of Comedy Mothership comedy club

In March 2023, Joe Rogan opened the Comedy Mothership comedy club in Austin, Texas, expanding his presence in the comedy scene.

February 2024: Promotion of debunked AIDS claims

In February 2024, Joe Rogan promoted debunked claims that party drugs caused AIDS and falsely claimed that the drug AZT killed people faster than AIDS, during a podcast with Bret Weinstein. The American Foundation for AIDS Research criticized the podcast for disseminating false information.

March 2024: Rogan describes Israel's actions in Gaza as a genocide

In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide" but later appreciated a guest's perspective disputing the allegations.

April 2024: Lawsuit filed against Onnit

In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit, alleging that its 'Alpha BRAIN' supplement was deceptively advertised and ineffective.

November 4, 2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump

On November 4, 2024, Joe Rogan endorsed Republican candidate Donald Trump for the 2024 United States presidential election, citing Elon Musk's compelling arguments in favor of Trump.

November 2024: Criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

In November 2024, Joe Rogan stated that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was "100% wrong". He criticized President Biden and President Zelenskyy. Ukrainian world heavyweight boxing champion, Wladimir Klitschko, accused Rogan of "repeating Russian propaganda".

December 2024: The Joe Rogan Experience is the top podcast on Spotify for a fifth consecutive year

In December 2024, Spotify confirmed that The Joe Rogan Experience was the top podcast on its platform for a fifth consecutive year, highlighting its continued popularity.

2024: Renewed deal with Spotify

In 2024, Joe Rogan renewed his deal with Spotify for an estimated $250 million, but will no longer be exclusive to them.

2024: Supported Donald Trump

In 2024, Joe Rogan supported Donald Trump.

January 10, 2025: Interview with Mark Zuckerberg

On January 10, 2025, Joe Rogan published an interview with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, where Zuckerberg alleged that the Biden administration pressured Facebook to take down posts claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine had side effects.

March 2025: Criticism of Trump's feud with Canada

In March 2025, Joe Rogan criticized Donald Trump’s feud with Canada as "stupid", highlighting the negative reception faced during sporting events.

April 2025: Criticism of deportation operations

By April 2025, Joe Rogan referred to the Trump administration's deportation operations to El Salvador as "horrific", expressing strong disapproval of the policy.

April 2025: Comments on the re-emergence of the slur "retard"

In April 2025, Joe Rogan made controversial comments stating the re-emergence of the disability slur "retard" into the mainstream is "one of the greatest cultural victories", attributing it to podcasts.