Last updated on February 26th, 2023
When you think about podcasting, one person dominates over the others when it comes to listeners, success and influence: Joe Rogan. Back in 2009, comedian and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan launched The Joe Rogan Experience, a show where he would sit down with a guest and talk about life.
Most of the Joe Rogan podcasts are around 3 hours long, and the guests come in many shapes and colors. From celebrities to entertainers to scientists to athletes to people who just have interesting stories or interesting minds, The Joe Rogan Experience exposes its audience to a variety of different ideas and ways of thinking. Rogan is known for his blunt and colorful personality, which has drawn in many like minded fans and probed guests to open up in ways they might not have considered.
The Joe Rogan Experience has become incredibly influential and a cultural touchstone, walking the line between mainstream and alternative media while dabbling in some controversial takes. Spotify bought exclusive streaming rights to The Joe Rogan Experience for a staggering fee, and Rogan’s name has popped up on a few controversial headlines.
Read more: What to Listen to Instead of Joe Rogan
It can be intimidating to get into The Joe Rogan Experience, since it’s well over 1700 episodes as of time of writing. You could just start with the most recent episode, but if you’re looking for some of the highlights, we’ve put together this list of some of Rogan’s best episodes.
Table of Contents
Now, this is going to be an ongoing and updated list. Afterall, our good buddy Joe Rogan (News Radio for the all time win) keeps pumping out hours and hours of content. So we’re going to make sure we showcase the best of what this prolific podcaster has to offer.
Let’s get started.
Aired October 2022
For the fourth consecutive October, Joe Rogan and other comics, Tom Segura, Ari Shaffir, and Brett Kreisher have participated in “Sober October.” Brett is not shy about his love of drink, but when you’re getting on in years, it’s tough to party like you did in your 20s. What started out as a desire to step in on Brett’s behalf has become an annual tradition among these four friends.
If you haven’t followed their journey through the past several years participating in Sober October, it’s worth going back through the archives to hear how their perspective on the practice has changed and evolved.
Aired On 8th June 2017
Megan Phelps-Roper is a social media activist and a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church. She and Rogan discuss the division and hatred that often come up with religion and politics, and how those two things are often tied together. The topic of freedom of speech often comes up in Joe Rogan Experience episodes, so it was nice to have an episode specifically focussed on drilling into the general political framework surrounding free speech. To quote Phelps-Roper, “popular speech doesn’t need protection.”
Some of the best Joe Rogan Experience episodes are the ones that dive into Rogan’s specific interests and fascinations. Given his well-known curiosity in extraterrestrial activities, Rogan’s duel interview with Bob Lazar and Jeremy Corbell is a must listen. Corbell directed a documentary about Lazar’s claims to have reverse engineered an alien spacecraft. Whether or not you believe Lazar doesn’t change the fact that this is a fascinating conversation to listen to.
Aired On 25th April 2018
As someone who has trouble sleeping, I personally found Rogan’s interview with Matthrew Walker informative and fascinating. Walker is the founder and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science, so his conversation with Rogan went into the intricacies in how much we take sleep for granted. The Joe Rogan Experience is where a lot of people go for various health tips, and this deep dive into deep sleep is another aspect of a healthy life.
Read more: 10 Relaxation and Sleep Podcasts So Effective, I Nearly Fell Asleep Writing this List
Aired On 12th February 2019
The 2020 Presidential Election was a formative time for The Joe Rogan Experience, as it’s place in the cultural zeitgeist evolved. Rogan’s long form, casual yet blunt interviews offered candidates and pundits a chance to really show off their beliefs to the public. While he didn’t wind up getting the Democratic nomination, Andrew Yang’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience was a boon to his chances for being considered for the position. At the very least, it’s a fascinating conversation that strips away the pretense of the election cycle.
Aired On 20th April 2019
There is a lot of diversity in the kind of people Rogan interviews on his show, from scientists to activists to politicians, but sometimes you can’t beat a podcast with two comedians shooting the breeze together. Russell Brand and Rogan have a fun chemistry together that leads to humorous conversation. However, they also manage to get into some deeper topics, with Brand taking the opportunity to open up about some of his own insights.
Aired On 8th August 2018
Macaulay Culkin was a child actor and has gone through the ups and downs of what life is like when you become famous at such a young age. Despite this Culkin’s down-to-earth attitude makes this a pretty relaxing listen. He’s had a lot of unique experiences that have given him a different perspective on life. As a 90’s kid, this interview feels like catching up with an old friend and finding out that they’re doing alright now.
Aired On 13th February 2019
The conversation around pot has been muddled with politics and personal prejudices. Rogan sits down with two representatives from opposing sides of the argument to hash it out (no pun intended). Even though they’re from two different sides of a heated topic, the conversation is civil and informative. It’s clear that Berenson and Dr.Hart respect one another, and Rogan does a great job moderating the discussion. Regardless of where you fall on the debate, this episode is worth a listen.
Read More: Highly Recommended Stonercasts
Aired On 17th March 2020
The news doesn’t often cover what is going on with the modern Narive American tribes throughout the country, especially since the pandemic hit. Rogan took some time to sit down with Shannon O’Loughlin, citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the executive director and attorney for the Association on American Indian Affairs to dive into these issues, as well as the way native traditions clash with modern American culture. This conversation is in depth and important, and Rogan gives O’Loughlin the amount of respect she and the topic deserve.
Aired On 31st October 2019
It’s always great when Rogan invites a well known celebrity since, in the span of their often long interview, you can’t predict what might come up. For example, in this interview with Edward Norton, Norton discusses almost passing on American History X. This is a fascinating conversation about following your creative muse. Then, in the same episode, Rogan and Norton go in depth about the Japanese martial art aikido with the same amount of gusto. This episode is a fun and thought provoking ride about passion and creativity.
Aired On 28th August 2019
Penn Jillette is one half of the famous magician duo Penn & Teller, as well as an actor, writer, inventor, musician, and overall performer in his own right. Rogan and Jillette hit upon many topics, from politics to magic to comedy and even conspiracies. Jillette is a thoughtful person with a clear drive, and it’s clear how fascinated Rogan is by his career. This is a great listen for anyone who wants to get a peak into one of the greatest minds in magic.
Aired On 5th August 2019
Bernie Sanders is the second 2020 Democratic presidential candidate whose episode is on this list, but it’s still worth the listen. Sanders is clear and confident in his beliefs, laying out his opinions and plans in a more direct manner than most politicians. Rogan always works well when interviewing people who want to be genuine, so he and Sanders really hit it off. The Joe Rogan Experience offers a rare opportunity for politicians to show their stripes in long box discussions, often leading to interesting conversations you might not see in traditional news outlets.
Aired On 2nd September 2 2020
Miley Cyrus’ appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience really gave the pop star a chance to publicly talk about the struggles of growing up in the public eye. Cyrus talks about the dark places she fell to earlier in her life as well as the road she took to recovery. It’s fascinating to see her talk about how she balances maintaining her craft while also dealing with so much public scrutiny. She and Rogan are both invested in physical wellness, so it’s cool seeing them trade tips back and forth to live healthy lifestyles in both of their fields.
Aired On 20th January 2021
Joe Rogan is known for being a huge fan of fighting, so it’s great to be able to hear him get a chance to sit down and pick the brain of one of the most legendary fighters out there: The Undertaker himself. In this compelling out of character interview, Calaway talks about how he got his start in wrestling and some of his earlier struggles. He also gets into how much of a toll it took on his body. The Undertaker is an icon of the WWE, making this a must listen to episode.
Aired On 26th June 2020
For well over a decade on The Daily Show, Jon Stewart was seen as the everyman’s interviewer, sitting down with politicians and celebrities and getting down to brass tacks with them. In recent years, it could be said that this mantle has been passed down to Joe Rogan. Not only does this episode showcase the differences between Rogan and Stewart’s interview philosophies, but it also shows how Stewart’s views have developed and changed over the years. If anything, it’s just refreshing to be able to sit down with Stewart for an extended time hearing his take on things.
Aired On 12th Nov, 2021
While the show is great at giving guests the space to talk about whatever they like, it’s always cool when Rogan has a guest that he just hangs out with without getting into a ton of their baggage. Snoop Dogg is honest, chill, and just relaxes during this three and a half hour interview. Some people have the idea that most Joe Rogan Experience episodes are just him sitting down with a famous person and getting high. While that’s recently not been the case, sometimes it’s nice to have a good old fashioned chill and get high episode.
Aired On 29th June 2021
Quentin Tarantino is one of Joe Rogan’s favorite filmmakers, so he brought a clear determination to this interview. Rogan gets into the nitty gritty with Tarantino about his career and specific parts of his movies. Most Joe Rogan Experience episodes tend to focus on a person’s overall career, but this is a case where the actual work itself is dove into. Tarantino isn’t phased by this and enjoys talking about his work and career. This is a must listen to episode for any of you movie buffs out there.
Aired On 17th June 2020
There is a prominent genre in podcasting where actors who used to be on shows get together to do a rewatch podcast of the show they were on. Steve Schirripa and Michael Imperioli were co-stars on HBO’s The Sopranos and currently host the rewatch podcast Talking Sopranos.These two have a well honed chemistry that came from working together for so long, and Rogan does a great job playing off their dynamic. This episode is obviously geared toward people who have seen The Sopranos since it goes into various different details and facts about he showk, but it’s still with the listen if you want to hear some interesting stories about working on such a well known show.
Aired On 30th January 2020
There are some episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience that focus on Rogan talking to someone who might not necessarily be famous, but has been living a fascinating life. Daryl Davis is primarily a jazz musician. However, he has also made it his life’s mission to meet with Ku Klux Klan members and talk them into leaving the group. Rogan sits down with Davis and talks about why he seeks to do this considering the dangers to himself, and how he feels he has made an impact. It’s a fascinating conversation about acting in spite of fear to change the world even a little for the better, one person at a time.
Aired On 29th January 2019
Fitness is one of the main pillars of conversation that come up on The Joe Rogan Experience. That’s why it’s no surprise that Rogan has had many different fitness experts on the show, including biohacker Ben Greenfield. Greenfield and Rogan get into the nuts and bolts of healthy living, laying out a ton of different easy tips to improve your way of living. It’s nice to have a fitness episode of JRE that doesn’t just talk about working out, but also incorporates the lifestyle changes needed to get fit.
Aired On 11th June 2021
We’re listing Duncan Trussell’s most recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience on this list, but it’s honestly worth it to listen to all of his previous appearances as well, since he is one of the best recurring guests on the show. Trussell is so good at laid back, conversational philosophical podcasting that his own podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour. has been adapted to the animated Netflix show The Midnight Gospel. Every time he and Rogan sit down for an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, you know you’re in for a good time.
These episodes come from versions of this article past. If you want more Joe Rogan, here’s more Joe Rogan.
Edward Snowden, the infamous American whistleblower responsible for leaking classified documents of the NSA, video conferenced with Joe Rogan for a nearly three hour conversation. Snowden claims he searched the NSA network for any evidence of aliens, chemtrails, and other popular conspiracy theories. To Rogan’s disappointment, Snowden didn’t find anything.
If you don’t know who Elon Musk is, you’re probably living under a rock (how’d you find this article?). The leading edge innovator and the CEO and founder of SpaceX and Tesla sat down with Rogan to discuss a variety of issues, ranging from the problems of developing artificial intelligence too rapidly to the manic driving force behind his own ideas and success. His multiple business ventures were obviously also a part of the conversation along with a few hints of what the future could have in store for us.
If you care for your health, this podcast is a must. Dr. Rhonda Patrick is a Ph.D in biomedical science and expert on nutritional health. She breaks down in-depth how diet and exercise affect our wellbeing and health in many levels and explains the biochemical interconnectedness of our bodies and how to keep it healthy. In fact, Joe was so impressed with her knowledge that she has been on the podcast on plenty of other episodes (#459 #502 #568 #672 #773 #901).
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. Everything about the space and the universe mixed in with the mundane earthly matters, Tyson speaks and acts like a bridge between the common man and the expert field, a fascinating mixture indeed.
The two former university professors and intellectual heavyweights don’t shy away from controversial subjects and discuss contemporary social issues, conflicts at university campuses, Hitler, racism, the radical left and evolutionary sociological aspects in humans while uncovering different layers of our complex nature. (Editor’s note: Alternatively, consider the Maintenance Phase episodes on Jordan Peterson. –Editor Wil, a trans person)
Jocko Willink is a NYT Best Seller author, the host of Jocko Podcast and a retired US Navy Seal Commander of the most highly decorated unit during the Iraq War. He gives a great insight to what makes a great leader, how to deal with crisis, how to cultivate personal willpower and why discipline grants you freedom (Discipline Equals Freedom is also a title of one of his books).
Aired on 2nd September 2014
Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, podcast host and author of multiple New York Times Best Sellers. His skillful articulation has risen him to the top ranks of thinkers, as he tackles many complex subject matters from neuroscience to the existence (or lack thereof) of free will and the place of religion in modern society.
Sam also appeared in the Joe Rogan Episode #940 with Dan Harris to discuss the benefits of meditation. Dan (not related to Sam) was a long time anchor and correspondent for ABC. He famously had a panic attack on air which is certainly triggering for a person who suffers from them. He’s gone on to focus on his 10% Happier project and greener pastures have been the result. Sam Harris also has a meditation app called Waking Up, so the discussion with Rogan was wide ranging and very interesting to listen to. Having both Harris’ in a discussion was a delight.
Most of us know him probably from the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Nowadays he spends his time doing stand-up comedy and hosting Jay Leno’s Garage, showcasing sports cars and restoring rarities. On JRE he opens up about being a true petrolhead and his huge passion for cars. The podcast doesn’t lack any fun stories from the old days either.
Since confessing to doping use back in 2013, the 7-time winner of the Tour de France has faced multiple lawsuits and a ton of flack from all sides. Armstrong gives the listeners an insightful insiders perspective to the widespread use of forbidden performance-enhancing substances in the top ranks of professional cycling and top-tier competitive sports.
Though Dan Carlin is not a real historian with credentials, his podcast Hardcore History is one of the most captivating mediums to learn the extreme happenings of our history. Being a political commentator with radio background, he also hosts another popular podcast Common Sense. This episode gives you a taste of both history and common sense evaluation of the current political landscape. And more.
This outspoken comedian was ranked 17th of Rolling Stones list of 50 all time greatest stand-up comics in 2017. As to be expected, the conversation gets rather eclectic between Joe and Bill. Nothing seems off-limits to crack a joke about, and that illustrates Burrs overall approach fairly well.
Georges St-Pierre, the former UFC champion has one of the most meticulous records on the UFC to date. Although the JRE MMA podcasts might seem a little uninteresting to the casual listener, there are definitely interesting bits for everyone, like the story about when St-Pierre met his childhood bully a few years ago.
Aired on 2nd August 2017
As a witty right-wing conservative, Shapiro seems to love trashing the leftist social justice warriors at any given opportunity. The viral debates and Q&A’s have added fuel to the fire and Shapiro has had to resort to having multiple bodyguards accompanying him whenever he gives speeches at campuses. Mainly discussing social issues such as identity politics and gender pronouns, Shapiro gives his perspective on present-day issues that would’ve seemed absurd pseudo-problems one or two decades ago. (Editor’s note: Alternatively, consider just not. –Editor Wil, a trans person)
You may know him from Netflix, but the late internationally traveling chef and the stories he tells are hard not to like. The episode was recorded on the earlier phase of the Joe Rogan Experience, when it was still being streamed from Joe’s home. Brian Redban co-hosted and produced the JRE from the beginning of the show from 2009 to 2013. For the Bourdain fans and veteran JRE listeners, this episode is definitely a nostalgic one.
image credit: joerogan.com
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