The Joe Rogan Experience: 4 Lessons from the #1 Podcast

If you’ve never tuned into The Joe Rogan Experience, you’re among the few who aren’t part of its massive 14 million monthly listeners! 🎧 Yes, 14 million—and that’s based on data from march 2024. With recent U.S. presidential elections fueling interest, those numbers have likely climbed even higher.

Launched in 2009, The Joe Rogan Experience entered the podcasting scene at a time when the medium was still relatively unknown in many parts of the world, especially in France. Created and hosted by Joe Rogan—a former comedian and MMA commentator—the show has since grown into a behemoth of nearly 2,500 episodes. Most of these are long-form interviews ranging from 1 to 3 hours. Yes, it’s quite a time commitment to dive in!

Even if you’ve never listened to his podcast, you’ve probably heard Joe Rogan’s name in the media. Why? He’s frequently in the spotlight. Not only was he the first podcaster to secure an exclusive deal with Spotify (we’ll touch on this later), but he’s also known for his provocative style—a trait that’s gained him as many fans as critics.

Rogan has faced accusations of spreading conspiracy theories, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His interview with Donald Trump, which was widely discussed, didn’t help either. According to CNN, Trump allegedly made over 30 false claims during the episode, which Rogan didn’t challenge. Moreover, Rogan has publicly endorsed Trump in recent elections, cementing his place as a polarizing figure.

⚠️ But let’s be clear: not everything about The Joe Rogan Experience is worth emulating. This podcast is unique, with both its strengths and weaknesses. What we’ll do here is break down the factors behind its success, not to copy Rogan, but to extract actionable lessons you can apply to your own podcast. What makes this show so successful? And how can you leverage those strategies in your own way?

Let’s dive in. 👇

1. Longevity: The Backbone of Success

Let’s face it—one of the key ingredients to Joe Rogan’s success is a combination of timing and longevity. Back in 2009, the podcasting landscape was still in its infancy. The medium was niche, and the few podcasts that existed struggled to reach a wide audience.

Rogan had the foresight (or perhaps the luck!) to launch at just the right time. While you can’t rewind the clock to 2009, you can take inspiration from the longevity of his show.

Today, The Joe Rogan Experience is a global sensation partly because it’s still going strong after 16 years of consistent production. Sixteen years! That consistency has helped Rogan build a loyal audience while regularly attracting new listeners.

👉 Lessons for your podcast:

If you’ve been on the fence about relaunching your podcast after a break, here’s your sign to get back to it. The longer you stick with it, the better your chances of building a lasting audience. Grab the mic and keep going! 🎙️

2. The Power of Controversial Guests

You might think, “Sure, it’s easy for Joe Rogan to get attention when he’s interviewing big names like Donald Trump.” And you’re not wrong—his access to high-profile guests is an advantage. But let’s take a closer look at the types of guests he features.

Rogan doesn’t just stick to household names. He often invites lesser-known figures, many of whom are—let’s face it—controversial. These guests have two things in common: they’re relevant to current debates, and they hold strong, polarizing opinions.

Why does this work? Polarizing figures draw both fans and critics, creating natural engagement around each episode. Whether people love them or hate them, these guests spark curiosity and conversation.

👉 Lessons for your podcast:

Create debate: Inviting guests with opposing viewpoints can spark thoughtful discussions and keep your audience engaged.
Highlight lesser-known voices: An authentic, passionate guest with a fresh perspective can be more compelling than a well-rehearsed celebrity.

3. A Unique and Authentic Interview Format

What sets The Joe Rogan Experience apart is its interview style. No strict time limits, no pre-approved questions designed to flatter the guest or please the audience. Instead, Rogan leans into long, sincere, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. 🎙️

His authenticity shines through. Rogan’s questions are direct, occasionally awkward, but always rooted in genuine curiosity. Fans love his “learner” mindset—he asks simple, even naive questions to unpack complex topics, challenges his guests, and isn’t afraid to rethink his own views.

The result? Rich, unexpected conversations that reveal sides of his guests you don’t often see elsewhere.

And then there’s the length. Some episodes run over three hours. ⏱️ What might seem like a drawback becomes a strength, allowing Rogan to explore topics deeply and give guests the space to tell their full story.

👉 Lessons for your podcast:

Authenticity and spontaneity are crucial. Be yourself, let the conversation flow naturally, and focus on building a genuine connection with your guests.

4. Embracing Video

In 2020, Joe Rogan became the first podcaster to sign an exclusive deal with Spotify. Along with a hefty paycheck, this partnership gave him early access to new features, including video podcasts. By combining audio and video, Rogan expanded his reach to audiences who prefer watching over listening. 🎬

When his exclusivity ended in 2024, full episodes returned to YouTube—and the response has been massive. Some videos now boast up to 20 million views. 🚀

Why does it work? The formula remains the same: debates, polarizing guests, unfiltered discussions, and Rogan’s distinct style. Platforms like YouTube thrive on engagement, so a heated comment section only amplifies his reach. The more controversial the content, the more the algorithm pushes it.

👉 Lessons for your podcast:

Experiment with video. Even short clips shared on social media can attract a wider audience to your audio episodes. The key is to make your content accessible wherever your audience prefers to engage.

Learn, Don’t Copy

The Joe Rogan Experience is undeniably a podcasting success story. Longevity, intriguing guests, authenticity, and multi-format adaptability are all pillars of its triumph. But remember: your podcast is unique, just like your audience.

The goal isn’t to replicate Rogan’s model but to understand the mechanisms behind his success. Be consistent, seek out original voices, foster meaningful conversations, and experiment with formats that align with your vision. By applying these lessons while staying true to your identity, you can grow your podcast and build a loyal audience of your own.