History of Joe Rogan in Timeline
Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known for his work as a UFC color commentator, podcaster, comedian, actor, and former television host. His widely popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," features diverse conversations with celebrity guests encompassing current events, comedy, politics, philosophy, science, martial arts, and hobbies.
August 11, 1967: Birth of Joe Rogan
On August 11, 1967, Joseph James Rogan was born in Newark, New Jersey.
1985: Joe Rogan Graduates High School
Joe Rogan graduated from Newton South High School in 1985.
August 27, 1988: Joe Rogan's First Stand-up Routine
Joe Rogan performed his first stand-up comedy routine on August 27, 1988, at a Stitches comedy club in Boston.
1988: Joe Rogan Begins Comedy Career
Joe Rogan started his career in comedy in 1988 in the Boston area.
1990: Joe Rogan Moves to New York City
Joe Rogan moved to New York City to continue his stand-up comedy career in 1990.
1994: Rogan's Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu
In 1994, Joe Rogan became intrigued by jiu-jitsu after witnessing Royce Gracie's impressive fighting skills at UFC 2: No Way Out.
1994: Joe Rogan Relocates to Los Angeles
In 1994, Joe Rogan relocated to Los Angeles, where he signed a developmental deal with Disney and appeared in several TV shows.
1994: Joe Rogan Lands Role in "Hardball"
In 1994, Joe Rogan secured his first major acting role in the nine-episode Fox sitcom "Hardball."
1995: Joe Rogan Stars in "NewsRadio"
From 1995 to 1999, Joe Rogan starred in the NBC sitcom "NewsRadio."
1996: Rogan Begins Jiu-Jitsu Training
In 1996, Joe Rogan embarked on his Brazilian jiu-jitsu training journey under the tutelage of Carlson Gracie at his renowned school in Hollywood, California.
1997: Joe Rogan Joins the UFC
Joe Rogan began working for the UFC as an interviewer and color commentator in 1997.
1998: Death of Phil Hartman
Joe Rogan's "NewsRadio" co-star Phil Hartman was murdered by his wife in 1998.
1999: Joe Rogan's Time on "NewsRadio" Ends
Joe Rogan's time starring in the NBC sitcom "NewsRadio" came to an end in 1999.
2000: Release of "I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday..."
Joe Rogan released his first comedy special, "I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday...," in 2000.
2001: Joe Rogan Starts Hosting "Fear Factor"
Joe Rogan began hosting the game show "Fear Factor" in 2001.
2006: Joe Rogan Leaves "Fear Factor"
In 2006, Joe Rogan stopped hosting the game show "Fear Factor."
2009: Launch of "The Joe Rogan Experience" Podcast
Joe Rogan launched "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast in 2009.
2010: Rogan Presents Documentary on DMT
In 2010, Joe Rogan took on the role of presenter in the documentary film "DMT: The Spirit Molecule".
2015: "The Joe Rogan Experience" Becomes One of the Most Popular Podcasts
By 2015, "The Joe Rogan Experience" had become one of the world's most popular podcasts.
October 2019: Rogan Reveals Family Connection to My Chemical Romance
In October 2019, Joe Rogan disclosed his familial ties to the band My Chemical Romance, revealing that he is a first cousin once removed of band members Gerard and Mikey Way, although they had never met.
2020: CNN describes Rogan as "libertarian-leaning"
In 2020, CNN characterized Joe Rogan's political stance as "libertarian-leaning".
2020: Spotify Acquires Exclusive Rights to "The Joe Rogan Experience"
Spotify obtained exclusive distribution rights to "The Joe Rogan Experience" for US$200 million in 2020.
April 2021: Rogan's Controversial Remarks on COVID-19 Vaccines
In April 2021, Joe Rogan sparked significant debate with his contentious assertions regarding COVID-19 vaccines. He particularly argued that young, healthy individuals did not require vaccination against the virus, a stance that drew criticism from prominent figures like Anthony Fauci and White House communication director Kate Bedingfield, as well as various media outlets. Despite facing backlash, Rogan acknowledged the presence of "some legitimate science" supporting Fauci's perspective and emphasized that he was not a medical professional and should not be regarded as a reliable source of medical information.
September 1, 2021: Rogan Tests Positive for COVID-19
On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Following his diagnosis, he shared an online video detailing his condition and outlining his treatment regimen, which included monoclonal antibodies, prednisone, azithromycin, NAD drip, a vitamin drip, and ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug not recognized as an effective COVID-19 treatment. The inclusion of ivermectin in his regimen generated controversy due to reports of individuals experiencing hospitalizations after self-medicating with over-the-counter ivermectin intended for livestock, which typically carries a considerably higher dosage. Rogan subsequently criticized CNN for characterizing ivermectin as a "horse dewormer." During an episode of Rogan's podcast, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta clarified that ivermectin is used to treat parasitic diseases but acknowledged that CNN's implication of Rogan using a veterinary drug was inaccurate, as Rogan had obtained the medication through a doctor.
September 3, 2021: Rogan Tests Negative for COVID-19
On September 3, 2021, Joe Rogan shared that he had tested negative for COVID-19.
January 2022: Scientists and Healthcare Professionals Express Concerns over Misinformation on Rogan's Podcast
In January 2022, a group of 270 scientists, physicians, professors, doctors, and healthcare workers penned an open letter to Spotify, voicing their apprehensions regarding the dissemination of "false and societally harmful assertions" on The Joe Rogan Experience. They implored Spotify to implement a transparent and publicly accessible policy for moderating misinformation on its platform. The signatories specifically criticized Rogan for "broadcasting misinformation, particularly regarding the COVID-19 pandemic" and pointed to "a highly controversial episode" featuring guest Robert W. Malone (#1757), a biochemist known for promoting vaccine misinformation.
January 24, 2022: Neil Young Demands Removal of His Music from Spotify Due to Rogan's Podcast
On January 24, 2022, renowned songwriter Neil Young issued an open letter demanding Spotify to remove his music from its platform if they refused to remove The Joe Rogan Experience. Young asserted that "Spotify has a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform." Subsequently, on January 26, Spotify removed Young's music, with a spokesperson stating that Spotify aimed to provide "all the world's music and audio content to be available to Spotify users" while acknowledging its "great responsibility in balancing both safety for listeners and freedom for creators." On January 29, fellow songwriter Joni Mitchell followed suit, withdrawing her music catalog from Spotify in solidarity with Young and "the global scientific and medical communities on this issue."
April 2022: Rogan Criticizes Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports
In April 2022, Joe Rogan expressed his opposition to transgender women competing in women's sports, including MMA matches. Notably, he made a controversial statement that transgender swimmer Lia Thomas "might be the woke straw that breaks society's camel's back." Rogan also offered a pseudoscientific critique of transgender martial arts artist Fallon Fox, claiming, "If you had a dick at one point in time, you also have all the bone structure that comes with having a dick. You have bigger hands, you have bigger shoulder joints. You're a fucking man."
March 2024: Rogan Criticizes Israeli Actions in Gaza Strip
On March 26, 2024, Joe Rogan sparked controversy by labeling Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as "genocide". However, eight days later, during a podcast discussion with writer Coleman Hughes, Rogan acknowledged Hughes's differing perspective and conceded that Hughes possessed greater knowledge on the matter.
2024: Joe Rogan Renews Deal with Spotify
Joe Rogan renewed his deal with Spotify for an estimated $250 million in 2024.