California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s “moving on” from appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast, calling The Joe Rogan Experience the “Facebook of podcasting,” even as Rogan’s reach remains staggering.
In a recent interview on The Story Is With Elex Michaelson, Gov. Newsom said of Rogan’s offer, or the lack thereof, “He won’t have me on. He’s consistently not having me on. By the way, I’m moving on. I have no interest. Joe Rogan is the Facebook of podcasting.”
Meanwhile, his press office claimed Rogan is “too scared” to invite him on the podcast, according to the Washington Examiner.
Newsom has also in the past called Rogan a “chicken.”
But Newsom’s characterization doesn’t match the numbers. Rogan’s show, The Joe Rogan Experience, remains one of the most-listened-to podcasts in the world.
On Spotify alone, the podcast boasts 14.5 million followers, nearly triple the next most-followed podcast. In April 2019, JRE claimed approximately 190 million monthly downloads.
Newsom’s “Facebook of podcasting” line appears to be an attempt to diminish Rogan’s cultural relevance—but the data say otherwise: JRE continues to command a massive audience, making Newsom’s snub appear more of a political posture than a reflection of Rogan’s influence.
Given that influence, Newsom’s decision to forgo the platform, as Kamala Harris did, will be a missed opportunity to reach younger, independent-leaning listeners. According to Edison Research, 32% of JRE’s audience identify as Republicans, 27% as Democrats, and 35% as independent or “something else.”
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