The Top 14 Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes You Can't Miss
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Best Episodes from the Joe Rogan Experience
In 2022, the Joe Rogan Experience featured a plethora of notable guests, including Neil deGrasse Tyson, Aaron Rodgers, and Mark Zuckerberg. This year also marked Rogan's second full year under his $200 million contract with Spotify. Perhaps the most talked-about aspect was the controversy surrounding his show related to allegations of Covid misinformation, which surprisingly resulted in an influx of 2 million new subscribers.
Despite the controversies, the essence of the Joe Rogan Experience remained intact, providing invaluable long-form discussions fueled by Rogan's natural curiosity. Below is a list of my favorite episodes from the year, presented in chronological order and assessed based on conversational chemistry, educational merit, humor, and fresh insights. I have intentionally excluded some returning guests, such as Dr. Phil, Theo Von, and Mike Tyson, as I felt their initial appearances were more compelling.
Stay tuned for my thoughts on why Neil deGrasse Tyson was a disappointing guest, as well as the reasons Aaron Rodgers and Mark Zuckerberg didn't make the cut. Featured books by podcast guests are linked to Amazon for those interested in supporting my work.
Top 14 Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes of 2022
While the episodes below are listed chronologically, the most captivating conversations include:
- #1873 with Brigham Buhler
- #1908 with Erika Thompson
- #1855 with Chris Best
General H.R. McMaster — #1763
Who: Retired U.S. lieutenant general and former National Security Advisor
Air Date: January 13
Highlighted Book: Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World
Why You Should Listen: If you have an interest in game theory and geopolitics, this episode offers profound insights from McMaster, who reflects on U.S. foreign policy through the lens of his military experience. They delve into the rise of China and the challenges facing American democracy while discussing potential paths forward.
Maajid Nawaz — #1780
Who: Former Islamist and counter-extremism advocate
Air Date: February 19
Highlighted Book: Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism
Why You Should Listen: Nawaz shares his extraordinary journey from leading insurgent groups to becoming an advocate for peace. His 3-hour discussion highlights integration, religious freedom, and immigration in ways that are both thought-provoking and challenging to mainstream narratives.
Coleman Hughes — #1781
Who: Writer and host of Conversations with Coleman
Air Date: February 21
Why You Should Listen: Known for his nuanced discussions on race, Hughes navigates complex ethical issues. His unconventional views offer a refreshing perspective, particularly in today's heated cultural climate.
Nims Purja — #1790
Who: Record-breaking mountaineer
Air Date: March 9
Highlighted Book: Beyond Possible: One Man, Fourteen Peaks, and the Mountaineering Achievement of a Lifetime
Why You Should Listen: Purja's remarkable journey to summit all 14 of the world's highest peaks in just over six months is both inspiring and incredible. His story challenges conventional limits and showcases the potential of human achievement.
Michio Kaku — #1828
Who: Theoretical physicist and educator
Air Date: March 15
Highlighted Book: The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything
Why You Should Listen: Kaku and Rogan engage in a fascinating dialogue about extraterrestrial life and the fundamental aspects of physics, making complex topics accessible and entertaining for listeners.
Marc Andreessen — #1840
Who: Co-creator of the first popular web browser, Mosaic
Air Date: July 6
Why You Should Listen: Andreessen discusses the early days of the internet and his innovative ideas about the future of technology. Their conversation dives into deeper philosophical questions about human nature and the role of spirituality in business.
Andrew Schulz — #1846
Who: Comedian and host of Flagrant
Air Date: July 23
Why You Should Listen: Schulz's comedic genius shines as he and Rogan tackle contentious topics such as wokeness and mainstream media, all while providing laughs and thought-provoking commentary.
Chris Best — #1855
Who: CEO of Substack
Air Date: August 11
Why You Should Listen: Best's insights into the challenges posed by social media and the importance of good journalism are enlightening. His thoughts on creating a platform that values truth over sensationalism are timely and necessary.
Dr. Gabor Maté — #1869
Who: Retired physician
Air Date: September 13
Highlighted Book: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
Why You Should Listen: Dr. Maté examines the mental health crisis in America and discusses the societal factors contributing to it, highlighting the importance of human connection and understanding in the healing process.
Brigham Buhler — #1873
Who: Founder of Ways2Well
Air Date: September 23
Why You Should Listen: Buhler's discussion about the opioid crisis and the American medical system's flaws is both eye-opening and hopeful, showcasing innovative solutions to pressing issues.
Roger Waters — #1878
Who: Co-founder of Pink Floyd
Air Date: October 6
Why You Should Listen: Waters shares his views on music, politics, and social justice, providing a unique perspective from a legendary artist deeply engaged in global issues.
Bjørn Lomborg — #1896
Who: Statistician and climate expert
Air Date: November 9
Highlighted Book: False Alarm: How Climate Change Panic Costs Us Trillions, Hurts the Poor, and Fails to Fix the Planet
Why You Should Listen: Lomborg challenges mainstream climate narratives and proposes alternative solutions, encouraging listeners to think critically about environmental policies.
Steven Pressfield — #1901
Who: Author
Air Date: November 22
Highlighted Book: Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way
Why You Should Listen: Pressfield's insights into creativity and overcoming obstacles offer inspiration for anyone looking to pursue their passions.
Erika Thompson — #1908
Who: Beekeeper and founder of Texas Beeworks
Air Date: December 8
Why You Should Listen: Thompson's expertise in beekeeping reveals the vital role bees play in our ecosystem, making this episode a fascinating listen for nature enthusiasts.
The Noteworthy Guests Who Didn't Make the Cut
As I wrap up, I’ll explain my reasons for considering Neil deGrasse Tyson a less-than-stellar guest, as well as why Aaron Rodgers and Mark Zuckerberg's appearances didn’t quite resonate with me.
Mark Zuckerberg — #1863
Who: CEO of Meta Platforms Inc.
Air Date: August 25
Why You Could Listen: While this episode provides a humanizing glimpse into Zuckerberg's life, his demeanor often feels rehearsed. Despite being an influential figure, his vision for the metaverse may seem disconnected from everyday experiences.
Aaron Rodgers — #1865
Who: Green Bay Packers quarterback
Air Date: August 27
Why You Could Listen: Rodgers shares his experiences and views on the vaccine debate, which, while intriguing, may not resonate with everyone due to the polarizing nature of the topic.
Neil deGrasse Tyson — #1904
Who: Astrophysicist and educator
Air Date: November 30
Highlighted Book: Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization
Why You Shouldn't Listen: Despite his popularity as a scientist, Tyson's approach can come off as condescending, often prioritizing lecture over dialogue, which detracts from the conversational essence of the podcast.
Feel free to share your thoughts or let me know if your favorite episode of 2022 isn’t included in my list!