Early Life and Education of Joe Rogan: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Joe Rogan, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Joe Rogan is an American podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host. He is best known for hosting The Joe Rogan Experience, a highly popular podcast. Since 2020, it has been the most streamed podcast on Spotify, achieving widespread popularity and influence in the podcasting world.

Sections (5)

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

August 11, 1967: Joseph James Rogan Jr. born

On August 11, 1967, Joseph James Rogan Jr. was born. He later became an American podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host.

1985: Graduated from high school

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

1990: Moved to New York City

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

1994: Became interested in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

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

1994: Interest in Jiu-Jitsu

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

1996: Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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

1998: Phil Hartman's death affected Rogan

In 1998, the death of Joe Rogan's NewsRadio cast mate Phil Hartman affected his ability to perform stand-up, causing him to cancel a week of scheduled gigs.

2003: Living in Bell Canyon, California

In 2003, Rogan had lived on and off in Bell Canyon, California.

2005: Wesley Snipes challenged Rogan to a cage fight

In 2005, actor Wesley Snipes challenged Joe Rogan to a cage fight, but Snipes backed out due to an IRS investigation.

2008: Birth of First Daughter and Move to Colorado

In 2008, Rogan and his wife Jessica Ditzel had their first daughter. Also in 2008, the family moved to Gold Hill, Colorado, but returned to Southern California four months later when Ditzel became pregnant.

2009: Marriage to Jessica Ditzel

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

2010: Birth of Second Daughter

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

2011: Endorsement of Ron Paul

In 2011, Joe Rogan endorsed Congressman Ron Paul and his presidential campaign during the Republican primaries.

2012: Endorsed Ron Paul

In 2012, Joe Rogan voiced his support for Ron Paul.

2018: Purchase of New Home in Bell Canyon

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

October 2019: Relationship to My Chemical Romance Members Revealed

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

2019: Rogan Describes Himself as Socially Liberal

In 2019, Joe Rogan described himself as socially liberal, supporting same-sex marriage, gay rights, women's rights, recreational drug use, universal health care, universal basic income, and gun rights.

2020: CNN Describes Rogan as "libertarian-leaning"

In 2020, CNN described Joe Rogan as "libertarian-leaning".

2020: Endorsed Bernie Sanders

In 2020, Joe Rogan endorsed Bernie Sanders for president.

2020: Move to Lake Austin, Texas

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

September 1, 2021: Rogan Tests Positive for COVID-19

On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan tested positive for COVID-19 and began a regimen including monoclonal antibodies, prednisone, azithromycin, NAD drip, a vitamin drip, and ivermectin.

September 3, 2021: Negative COVID-19 Retest

On September 3, 2021, Joe Rogan retested for COVID-19 and the results were negative.

2022: Stating Ron DeSantis would be "a good president"

In 2022, Joe Rogan stated that Republican Ron DeSantis would be "a good president".

November 4, 2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump for President

On November 4, 2024, the day before the 2024 United States presidential election, Joe Rogan endorsed Republican candidate Donald Trump.

2024: Supported and criticized Donald Trump

In 2024, Joe Rogan initially supported Donald Trump but later criticized some of his policies.

March 2025: Criticism of Trump's Feud with Canada

In March 2025, Joe Rogan criticized Donald Trump’s feud with Canada as "stupid".

April 2025: Reference to Deportation Operations to El Salvador as "Horrific"

By April 2025, Joe Rogan referred to the Trump administration's operation to deport immigrants to El Salvador as "horrific".

June 2025: Fitness Influencer Arrested for Threats Against Rogan

In June 2025, fitness influencer Liver King was arrested after making violent threats against Rogan on social media.

July 2025: Urging James Talarico to Run for President

In July 2025, Joe Rogan urged Texas Democrat James Talarico to run for President on his podcast.

2025: Belief in Religion

In 2025, when questioned by Zahi Hawass, Rogan affirmed his belief in religion, having softened his previous stance in recent years. According to Christian apologist Wesley Huff, Rogan attends church every Sunday.