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, comedian, UFC color commentator, actor, and former television host. He is best known for hosting The Joe Rogan Experience, a highly popular podcast that has gained significant traction, especially on Spotify. The podcast covers a wide range of topics with diverse guests, contributing to Rogan's widespread influence and recognition in the media landscape.

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. Rogan is an American podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host.

1985: Graduation from Newton South High School

In 1985, Joe Rogan graduated from Newton South High School. This marked the completion of his secondary education.

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 the Stitches comedy club in Boston. This marked the beginning of his career as a stand-up comedian.

1988: Comedy Career Begins

In 1988, Joe Rogan started his career in comedy in the Boston area. This marked the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.

1990: Moves to New York City

In 1990, Joe Rogan moved to New York City to pursue comedy full-time. During this time he stayed with his grandfather for the first six months.

1994: Interest 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. This interest led to his later involvement with the UFC.

1994: Moves to Los Angeles and Lands TV Spot

In 1994, Joe Rogan relocated to Los Angeles and secured his first national television spot on MTV's Half-Hour Comedy Hour. This led to a three-year exclusive contract offer from the network, which Rogan declined. He then accepted a development deal with the Disney network and secured his first major acting role in the Fox sitcom Hardball.

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1994: Relocation to Los Angeles and Disney Deal

In 1994, Rogan moved to Los Angeles and signed an exclusive developmental deal with Disney. This move opened doors for him to appear on television shows.

1996: Training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

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

1998: Phil Hartman's Death Affects Rogan

In 1998, Phil Hartman, a fellow cast member on NewsRadio and friend of Joe Rogan, was murdered by his wife. This affected Rogan's ability to perform stand-up, leading him to cancel a week of scheduled gigs.

2003: Residence in Bell Canyon, California

Since 2003, Joe Rogan lived on and off in Bell Canyon, California.

2005: Wesley Snipes Cage Fight Challenge

In 2005, actor Wesley Snipes challenged Joe Rogan to a cage fight. Rogan trained for five months, but Snipes backed out due to an IRS investigation for alleged tax evasion.

2008: Birth of first daughter and move to Colorado

In 2008, Joe Rogan and Jessica Ditzel had their first daughter and moved to Gold Hill, Colorado, later returning to Southern California due to Ditzel's pregnancy.

2009: Marriage to Jessica Ditzel

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

2010: Birth of second daughter

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

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."

2012: Endorses Ron Paul

In 2012, Joe Rogan endorsed Ron Paul. This marked his public support for a political candidate.

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: Revelation 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 the band 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, saying he supports same-sex marriage, gay rights, women's rights, recreational drug use, universal health care, universal basic income, gun rights, and the Second Amendment.

2020: Rogan described as "libertarian-leaning" by CNN

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

2020: Endorses Bernie Sanders

In 2020, Joe Rogan endorsed Bernie Sanders. This further demonstrated his engagement with the political landscape.

2020: Move to Lake Austin, Texas

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

September 1, 2021: Tests positive for COVID-19

On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan tested positive for COVID-19. Soon after, he released an online video reporting on the status of his condition and stating that he had begun a regimen including monoclonal antibodies, prednisone, azithromycin, NAD drip, a vitamin drip, as well as ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug.

September 3, 2021: Tests negative for COVID-19

On September 3, 2021, Joe Rogan was retested for the virus and the results were negative.

March 2024: Rogan describes Israel's actions as "genocide"

In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide". In a podcast with writer Coleman Hughes eight days later, where Hughes disputed the genocide allegations, Rogan said he appreciated Hughes' perspective, saying: "You clearly know more about it than I do".

November 4, 2024: Endorses Donald Trump

On November 4, 2024, the day before the 2024 United States presidential election, Joe Rogan endorsed Republican candidate Donald Trump. Rogan cited Elon Musk's compelling case for Trump as his reason.

November 2024: Criticism of Ukraine war and leaders

In November 2024, Joe Rogan said the Russian invasion of Ukraine was "100% wrong". He criticized outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden for allowing Ukraine to strike back at mainland Russia with US-supplied missiles. He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

2024: Supports Donald Trump

In 2024, Joe Rogan supported Donald Trump. This endorsement reflected a shift in his political affiliations.

March 2025: Criticizes Trump's feud with Canada

In March 2025, shortly after the election, Joe Rogan criticized some of Donald Trump's actions with which he disagreed. He said that Trump’s feud with Canada was "stupid".

April 2025: Criticizes Trump's deportation operations

By April 2025, little over two months into the second Trump administration and its deportation operations, Joe Rogan referred to the operation to deport immigrants to El Salvador as "horrific".