7 Podcast Hosts Who Consider Joe Rogan Their Biggest Rival

Rising Stars Challenge the King of Long-Form Interviews

Joe Rogan's podcast has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of listeners and sparking both admiration and competition in the podcasting world. With its massive reach and influence, The Joe Rogan Experience has set a high bar for success in the industry.

As Rogan's popularity continues to grow, other podcast hosts have emerged as potential rivals, seeking to capture a similar level of audience engagement and cultural impact. These hosts aim to differentiate themselves while still drawing inspiration from Rogan's formula of long-form conversations and diverse guest selection. The podcasting landscape has become increasingly competitive as a result, with hosts vying for listeners' attention and loyalty.

1) Marc Maron

Marc Maron has established himself as a prominent figure in the podcasting world. His show, "WTF with Marc Maron," has been running since 2009 and has garnered a dedicated following.

Maron's interview style is known for its depth and authenticity. He often delves into personal topics with his guests, creating intimate and revealing conversations.

The podcast has featured numerous high-profile guests, including comedians, actors, musicians, and even former President Barack Obama. This diverse guest list has helped solidify Maron's reputation as a skilled interviewer.

Unlike Joe Rogan, Maron's approach tends to be more introspective and focused on the creative process. He often explores the personal struggles and career journeys of his guests.

Maron's podcast has received critical acclaim and has been recognized as one of the most influential in the medium. His success has positioned him as a formidable presence in the podcasting landscape.

While Maron and Rogan have different styles, they both attract top-tier guests and maintain large, loyal audiences. This parallel success has led to comparisons between the two hosts.

2) Sam Harris

Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and philosopher, has established himself as a prominent figure in the podcast world. His show, "Making Sense," attracts a dedicated audience interested in deep intellectual discussions.

Harris covers topics ranging from philosophy and science to politics and meditation. His thoughtful approach and willingness to engage with controversial subjects have garnered him a significant following.

While Harris and Joe Rogan have different styles, they often tackle similar topics. This overlap has led to comparisons between the two hosts, with some viewing Harris as a more academic alternative to Rogan's conversational style.

Harris has appeared on Rogan's podcast multiple times, showcasing their professional relationship. These appearances have further fueled discussions about their respective positions in the podcasting world.

Despite their differences, both Harris and Rogan have cultivated large, engaged audiences. Harris's focus on nuanced arguments and expert guests has positioned him as a respected voice in the intellectual podcast space.

As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, Sam Harris remains a key figure. His ability to attract high-profile guests and tackle complex topics ensures his relevance in the ongoing competition for listeners' attention.

3) Andrew Schulz

Andrew Schulz has emerged as a prominent figure in the comedy podcast scene. He hosts two popular shows, "Flagrant" and "Brilliant Idiots," which have garnered significant followings.

Schulz's comedy style is known for being edgy and pushing boundaries. He often tackles controversial topics and isn't afraid to express contrarian views, particularly on issues related to "woke" culture.

His appearances on Joe Rogan's podcast have helped boost his profile. Schulz has been a guest on "The Joe Rogan Experience" multiple times, engaging in lengthy discussions on comedy, politics, and social issues.

While Schulz may not explicitly consider Rogan a rival, his rising popularity and similar demographic appeal put him in a position of competition. Both comedians attract audiences interested in unfiltered conversations and challenging mainstream narratives.

Schulz has also gained attention for his interactions with high-profile figures. Notably, he interviewed former President Donald Trump, delivering some unexpected jabs during their conversation.

His comedy special "Infamous" further solidified his status in the standup world. Schulz's mix of standup comedy and podcast hosting mirrors Rogan's career trajectory, potentially positioning him as a future contender in the podcasting space.

4) Bill Burr

Bill Burr is a renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster who has gained significant popularity in recent years. His podcast, "Monday Morning Podcast," has become a staple for comedy fans and a potential rival to Joe Rogan's show.

Burr's unique brand of humor and unfiltered commentary on various topics has earned him a dedicated following. His podcast covers a wide range of subjects, from sports and entertainment to social issues and personal anecdotes.

While Burr and Rogan are friends and have appeared on each other's shows, their podcasts compete for listeners in the comedy and general interest categories. Burr's sharp wit and no-nonsense approach have helped him carve out his own niche in the podcasting world.

The success of "Monday Morning Podcast" has led to speculation about whether Burr could challenge Rogan's dominance in the podcast space. Both comedians have loyal fan bases and attract high-profile guests to their shows.

Burr's podcast has consistently ranked among the top comedy podcasts, demonstrating its ability to compete with other major players in the industry. His appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience" in May 2020 further highlighted the friendly rivalry between the two comedians.

5) Jordan Peterson

Jordan Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist and professor, has gained significant popularity as a podcast host and public intellectual. His appearances on Joe Rogan's podcast have been widely viewed and discussed.

Peterson's own podcast, "The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast," covers topics ranging from psychology and philosophy to politics and cultural issues. He has interviewed numerous high-profile guests, including Rogan himself.

The two hosts share some similarities in their approach to long-form conversations and willingness to explore controversial topics. Both have faced criticism for their views and choice of guests.

Peterson's podcast has a dedicated following, with many listeners considering him an alternative to Rogan's style of interviewing. His academic background and focus on psychological concepts set him apart from other podcast hosts.

While Peterson may not openly consider Rogan a rival, their overlapping audiences and occasional collaborations have led to comparisons between the two. Peterson's appearances on Rogan's show have been among the most viewed episodes, highlighting their shared appeal.

As both continue to grow their platforms, the comparison between Peterson and Rogan as influential podcast hosts is likely to persist. Their distinct styles and areas of expertise contribute to the diverse landscape of long-form conversation podcasts.

6) Tom Segura

Tom Segura is a prominent stand-up comedian and podcast host who has gained significant popularity in recent years. He co-hosts multiple successful podcasts, including "Your Mom's House" with his wife Christina Pazsitsky and "Two Bears, One Cave" with Bert Kreischer.

Segura has appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast multiple times, establishing a friendly rapport with the influential host. His comedic style and podcast presence have drawn comparisons to Rogan's approach.

While not explicitly positioning himself as a rival, Segura's growing podcast empire and stand-up success have put him in a similar sphere of influence as Rogan. Both comedians have cultivated large, dedicated fan bases through their podcasting ventures.

Segura's podcasts cover similar territory to Rogan's, including comedy, current events, and interviews with fellow comedians and celebrities. This overlap in content and audience has led some to view Segura as a potential competitor in the podcasting space.

As Segura's popularity continues to rise, his podcasts have become increasingly sought-after platforms for guests, much like Rogan's show. This parallel growth has fueled speculation about a friendly rivalry between the two comedians.

7) Dax Shepard

Dax Shepard has emerged as a formidable presence in the podcasting world with his show "Armchair Expert." Launched in 2018, the podcast quickly gained popularity, attracting millions of listeners.

Shepard's success has led to comparisons with Joe Rogan, especially after signing a multi-year licensing deal with Spotify. This move mirrored Rogan's own exclusive agreement with the platform.

"Armchair Expert" features a mix of celebrity interviews and discussions on various topics, appealing to a broad audience. Shepard's engaging personality and candid approach have contributed to the show's success.

The podcast's estimated monthly audience of 20 million listeners demonstrates its significant reach. Shepard has also expanded his audience through occasional live shows, sometimes attracting crowds of up to 4,000 people.

With an annual income of approximately $9 million from podcasting, Shepard has established himself as one of the highest-earning figures in the industry. This financial success further cements his status as a major player in the podcasting world.

Shepard's rise in the podcasting realm has positioned him as a potential rival to Joe Rogan. Both hosts have secured lucrative deals and maintain large, dedicated audiences, fueling comparisons between the two.

Understanding Podcast Rivalries

Podcast rivalries shape the industry landscape, driving innovation and competition. Success in podcasting is measured through various metrics that reflect audience engagement and growth.

The Competitive Landscape of Podcasting

Podcast rivalries emerge as hosts vie for listeners, sponsors, and influence. Top podcasters often compete for exclusive guests and breaking stories. Some rivalries are friendly, spurring mutual improvement, while others can be more contentious.

Niche overlap intensifies competition, with hosts targeting similar demographics. Cross-promotions and guest appearances on rival shows are common strategies to expand reach.

Media coverage and social media buzz play crucial roles in fueling rivalries. Controversial statements or format changes can quickly shift the competitive dynamics.

Metrics of Success in Podcasting

Download numbers remain a key indicator of podcast success. Weekly and monthly active listeners provide insights into audience retention and growth.

Advertising revenue is a critical metric, reflecting a show's commercial viability. Sponsorship deals and listener support through platforms like Patreon indicate financial health.

Chart rankings on major podcast platforms offer visibility into relative popularity. Social media followers and engagement rates measure a podcast's broader cultural impact.

Episode completion rates and listener reviews provide qualitative feedback on content quality. Industry awards and critical acclaim contribute to a podcast's prestige and influence within the medium.

Impact of Joe Rogan on Other Hosts

Joe Rogan's immense success has reshaped the podcasting landscape. His influence extends beyond his own show, affecting content strategies and audience engagement techniques across the industry.

Influence on Content Strategy

Many podcast hosts have adapted their formats to emulate Rogan's long-form, conversational style. Interviews now frequently stretch beyond the traditional 60-minute mark, allowing for deeper discussions and more nuanced exploration of topics. Hosts increasingly prioritize booking high-profile guests from diverse fields, mirroring Rogan's eclectic guest list.

Some podcasters have expanded their content to include more controversial or fringe topics, inspired by Rogan's willingness to engage with unconventional ideas. This shift has led to increased scrutiny and debate around the responsibility of hosts in platforming certain viewpoints.

Audience Engagement Techniques

Rogan's authentic, unscripted approach has set a new standard for audience connection. Hosts now place greater emphasis on relatability and transparency, sharing personal anecdotes and opinions more freely. Many have adopted a more casual, conversational tone in their shows.

Social media engagement has become crucial, with hosts actively interacting with listeners between episodes. Some podcasters have launched membership programs or exclusive content, inspired by Rogan's successful Spotify deal. Live shows and events have gained popularity as hosts seek to replicate the energy of Rogan's comedy club recordings.