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 influential podcast where he engages in wide-ranging conversations with guests on topics like current events, comedy, politics, science, and martial arts. His podcast boasts a large audience and significant cultural impact.
August 11, 1967: Joseph James Rogan Born
On August 11, 1967, Joseph James Rogan was born. He would later become a famous podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host.
1985: Graduates High School
In 1985, Joe Rogan graduated from Newton South High School, marking the end 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 a Stitches comedy club in Boston, launching his comedy career.
1988: Comedy Career Begins
In 1988, Joe Rogan started his career in comedy in the Boston area, marking a key moment in his early professional life.
1990: Moves to New York City
In 1990, Joe Rogan moved to New York City to pursue comedy full-time, marking a significant step in his career.
1993: Initial Accusations of Joke Thievery
Since 1993, Joe Rogan had been accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.
1994: 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, Joe Rogan became interested in jiu-jitsu after watching Royce Gracie fight at UFC 2: No Way Out.
1994: Relocation to Los Angeles and Disney Deal
In 1994, Joe Rogan moved to Los Angeles and signed an exclusive developmental deal with Disney, opening new avenues in his career.
1994: Relocates to Los Angeles
In 1994, Joe Rogan relocated to Los Angeles and had his first national television spot, leading to a deal with Disney.
1995: Stars in NewsRadio
In 1995, Joe Rogan began starring in the NBC sitcom NewsRadio as Joe Garrelli, an electrician and handyman.
1996: Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In 1996, Joe Rogan began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Carlson Gracie at his school in Hollywood, California.
February 7, 1997: First UFC Show
On February 7, 1997, Joe Rogan's first show with the Ultimate Fighting Championship took place at UFC 12: Judgement Day in Dothan, Alabama, marking his debut as a backstage interviewer.
1997: Joins UFC as Interviewer and Commentator
In 1997, Joe Rogan began working for the UFC as an interviewer and color commentator, marking his entry into the world of mixed martial arts.
1998: Phil Hartman's Death
In 1998, Joe Rogan's NewsRadio castmate Phil Hartman was murdered by his wife, deeply affecting Rogan and causing him to cancel stand-up gigs.
December 1999: Records First Stand-up Album
In December 1999, Joe Rogan recorded his first stand-up comedy album at the Comedy Connection in Boston.
1999: Continues in NewsRadio
In 1999, Joe Rogan continued to star in the NBC sitcom NewsRadio, maintaining his role as Joe Garrelli.
August 2000: Releases First Comedy Album
In August 2000, Joe Rogan released his first stand-up comedy album, "I'm Gonna Be Dead Some Day...", gaining exposure on The Howard Stern Show.
2000: First Comedy Special Release
In 2000, Joe Rogan released his first comedy special, "I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday...", a significant milestone in his comedy career.
2001: Hosts Fear Factor
In 2001, Joe Rogan accepted an offer from NBC to host the American edition of Fear Factor, increasing his national exposure.
2001: Hosts Fear Factor
In 2001, Joe Rogan began hosting the game show Fear Factor, gaining mainstream recognition.
2001: UFC Acquired by Zuffa
In 2001, after Zuffa acquired the UFC, Joe Rogan attended some events and befriended Dana White, who later offered him a job as a color commentator.
December 2002: Emcees Hollywood Christmas Parade
In December 2002, Joe Rogan was the emcee for the 2002 Blockbuster Hollywood Spectacular, a Christmas parade in Hollywood.
2002: Joins UFC as Color Commentator
In 2002, Dana White hired Joe Rogan to work for free as a color commentator for UFC in exchange for prime event tickets, eventually leading to a paid position.
February 2003: Co-Hosts The Man Show
In February 2003, Joe Rogan became the new co-host of The Man Show on Comedy Central, following the departure of Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla.
August 2003: Starts Hosting The Man Show
In August 2003, Joe Rogan began hosting The Man Show on Comedy Central with Doug Stanhope.
2003: Residence in Bell Canyon
In 2003, Joe Rogan began living in Bell Canyon, California, on and off.
2004: The Man Show Ends
In 2004, Joe Rogan's involvement with The Man Show ended after disagreements over content with Comedy Central.
May 2005: Signs Deal with Endeavor Talent Agency
In May 2005, Joe Rogan signed a deal with the Endeavor Talent Agency.
2005: Accusations of Joke Thievery
In 2005, Joe Rogan accused comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery in a blog entry on his website.
2005: Wesley Snipes Cage Fight Challenge
In 2005, actor Wesley Snipes challenged Joe Rogan to a cage fight, for which Rogan trained for five months before Snipes backed out.
September 2006: Recorded Shiny Happy Jihad
In September 2006, Joe Rogan recorded his fourth comedy special, Shiny Happy Jihad, at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco.
2006: Fear Factor Ends
In 2006, Fear Factor's initial run concluded after six seasons, marking the end of Joe Rogan's hosting role on the show.
2006: Leaves Fear Factor
In 2006, Joe Rogan left his hosting role on Fear Factor, concluding a significant chapter in his television career.
February 2007: Confronts Carlos Mencia On Stage
In February 2007, Joe Rogan confronted Carlos Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood, escalating a long-standing accusation of joke thievery.
April 2007: Shiny Happy Jihad Released
In April 2007, Comedy Central Records released Joe Rogan's fourth comedy special, Shiny Happy Jihad.
2007: Joe Rogan: Live Premieres on Showtime
In 2007, Joe Rogan: Live, Joe 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's first daughter was born. They also moved to Gold Hill, Colorado, before returning to Southern California.
January 2009: Hosts Game Show in My Head
In January 2009, Joe Rogan hosted the short-lived CBS show Game Show in My Head, produced by Ashton Kutcher.
December 2009: Launches Podcast
In December 2009, Joe Rogan launched a free podcast with Brian Redban, initially a live weekly broadcast on Ustream.
2009: The Joe Rogan Experience Launched
In 2009, Joe Rogan launched The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, which became a cornerstone of his career.
2009: Marriage to Jessica Ditzel
In 2009, Joe Rogan married Jessica Ditzel, a former cocktail waitress.
August 2010: Podcast Named "The Joe Rogan Experience"
By August 2010, Joe Rogan's podcast was named "The Joe Rogan Experience" and entered the list of Top 100 podcasts on iTunes.
2010: Accuses Dane Cook of Joke Thievery
In 2010, Joe Rogan accused comedian Dane Cook of joke thievery, adding another instance to his public criticism of other comedians.
2010: Birth of Second Daughter
In 2010, Joe Rogan and Jessica Ditzel's second daughter was born.
2010: Presents DMT Documentary
In 2010, Joe Rogan was the presenter in the documentary "DMT: The Spirit Molecule."
2011: Resumes Hosting Fear Factor, Appears in Zookeeper
In 2011, Joe Rogan resumed his role as the host of "Fear Factor" for its seventh and final season. He also played his first major film character, Gale, in the comedy film "Zookeeper" in 2011.
2011: Podcast Picked up by SiriusXM
In 2011, The Joe Rogan Experience was picked up by SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
December 2012: Releases 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.
2012: Appearance in Here Comes the Boom
In 2012, Joe Rogan played himself in "Here Comes the Boom", an action-comedy film starring Kevin James.
2013: Hosts "Joe Rogan Questions Everything"
In 2013, Joe Rogan hosted the television show "Joe Rogan Questions Everything" on the SyFy network, which covered topics discussed on his podcasts.
January 2015: Podcast Reaches 11 Million Monthly Downloads
By January 2015, Joe Rogan's podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience", reached over 11 million monthly downloads.
2015: Podcast Achieves Global Popularity
By 2015, The Joe Rogan Experience had become one of the most popular podcasts globally, receiving millions of plays per episode.
2016: Worked with Mike Goldberg until the end of the year
Joe Rogan worked alongside Mike Goldberg as a color commentator for the UFC until the end of 2016.
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 Relationship 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.
2019: Describes Himself as Socially Liberal
In 2019, Joe Rogan described himself as socially liberal, supporting various progressive causes and freedoms.
May 19, 2020: Signs Deal with Spotify
On May 19, 2020, Joe Rogan announced a multiyear licensing deal with Spotify worth an estimated $200 million.
September 1, 2020: Podcast Available on Spotify
Starting September 1, 2020, "The Joe Rogan Experience" became available on Spotify as part of the licensing deal.
2020: Described as Libertarian-Leaning
In 2020, CNN described Joe Rogan as "libertarian-leaning".
2020: Move to Lake 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, showcasing his political views.
2020: Endorses Bernie Sanders
In 2020, Joe Rogan endorsed left-wing Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders.
2020: Spotify Exclusive Deal
In 2020, Spotify acquired exclusive distribution rights to The Joe Rogan Experience for $200 million, marking a major shift in the podcast's distribution.
January 2021: Podcast Exclusive to Spotify
From January 2021, "The Joe Rogan Experience" became exclusive to Spotify, with both audio and video content.
April 2021: Makes Contentious Remarks About COVID-19 Vaccines
In April 2021, Joe Rogan made contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines, particularly claiming that young, healthy people do not need to be vaccinated against the virus.
September 1, 2021: Tests Positive for COVID-19
On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan tested positive for COVID-19.
September 3, 2021: Tests Negative for COVID-19
On September 3, 2021, Joe Rogan tested negative for the virus.
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 Express Concern Over Misinformation
In January 2022, 270 scientists, physicians, professors, doctors, and healthcare workers wrote an open letter to Spotify expressing concern over "false and societally harmful assertions" on "The Joe Rogan Experience".
January 24, 2022: Neil Young Demands Removal From Spotify
On January 24, 2022, Neil Young demanded that Spotify remove his music if they would not remove "The Joe Rogan Experience", citing concerns about misinformation.
February 4, 2022: Spotify Removes 70 Rogan Episodes
On February 4, 2022, Spotify removed 70 episodes of Joe Rogan's podcast, selected by Rogan himself, due to racially insensitive language.
February 2022: Rogan Apologizes for Racial Slurs
In February 2022, Joe Rogan apologized after a compilation of him saying the racial slur "nigger" on "The Joe Rogan Experience" was shared on Instagram. He called his past language "regretful and shameful".
February 2022: Spotify Removes Episodes
In February 2022, Spotify removed 113 episodes of "The Joe Rogan Experience" due to racially insensitive language.
April 2022: Comments on Transgender Women in Sports
In April 2022, Joe Rogan made comments about transgender women competing in women's sports, including MMA matches, and transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.
October 2022: Shares Litter Boxes in Schools Hoax
In October 2022, Joe Rogan shared the widely discredited litter boxes in schools hoax while interviewing Tulsi Gabbard on his show.
2022: Says Ron DeSantis Would Be "A Good President"
In 2022, Joe Rogan said that Republican Ron DeSantis would be "a good president".
2022: Rogan Declines Rumble Offer
In early 2022, Joe Rogan declined an offer from Rumble to switch from Spotify for $100 million.
February 2023: Makes Comments About Jewish People and Money
During an episode of his podcast in February 2023, Joe Rogan stated the "idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous." His comments were condemned as reflecting "antisemitic tropes about Jews and money."
March 2023: Comedy Mothership Opens
In March 2023, Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership comedy club opened in Austin, Texas.
February 2024: Rogan's Podcast Controversy over AIDS
In February 2024, Joe Rogan made controversial statements on his podcast with Bret Weinstein regarding party drugs and AIDS, referencing AIDS denialist Peter Duesberg. This led to criticism from the American Foundation for AIDS Research for "disseminating false information".
March 2024: Describes Israel's Actions as "Genocide"
In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide".
April 2024: Lawsuit Filed Against Onnit
In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit, alleging that its 'Alpha BRAIN' supplement performed no better than a placebo and was surrounded by "false, misleading and deceptive advertising".
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.
November 2024: Criticizes Biden and Zelenskyy
In November 2024, Joe Rogan criticized President Joe Biden for allowing Ukraine to strike back at mainland Russia with US-supplied missiles. He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
December 2024: Podcast Top on Spotify for Fifth Year
In December 2024, Spotify confirmed that "The Joe Rogan Experience" was the top podcast on its platform for a fifth consecutive year.
2024: Spotify Deal Renewed
In 2024, Joe Rogan renewed his deal with Spotify for an estimated $250 million, though the podcast will no longer be exclusive to the platform.
2024: Supported Donald Trump
In 2024, Joe Rogan voiced support for Donald Trump.
January 10, 2025: Publishes 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 had pressured Facebook to remove content related to the COVID-19 vaccine.