Joe Rogan, the 57-year-old podcaster and media mogul, has had a controversial life, both professionally and personally.
Despite his success, Rogan’s past, particularly his strained relationship with his father, has shaped much of who he is today.
For years, Rogan has spoken openly about the impact of his father’s violent behavior and how it affected his upbringing.
A Violent Childhood and Father’s Denial
Rogan has been candid about his father’s behavior, claiming that his father, Joseph Sr., was a violent and psychotic man who often engaged in aggressive acts, even beating people up at bars.
Rogan has frequently expressed that his father’s actions could have turned him into a “psychopath.” However, Joseph Sr., now a retired New Jersey cop in his 80s, has vehemently denied these accusations.
He sent a letter to Rogan’s lawyers in 2022, warning him to stop making defamatory statements.
Since that time, Rogan has refrained from discussing the matter publicly.
Yet, the allegations continue to stir controversy, particularly with Rogan’s half-sister, Rosa Rogan Lunelli, who rejects his claims.
Rosa, 46, told the Daily Mail that she had never met Joe and firmly denies that their father was ever abusive.
She feels regretful that Joe has never reached out to meet their father or them.
Rosa also mentioned that her family continues to stand by their father, and she feels proud of Joe’s interview with former President Donald Trump, which she saw as an important moment in the 2024 campaign.
Joe’s Tumultuous Upbringing and Path to Success
Joe Rogan’s story began in Newark, New Jersey, in 1967, where he was born to Joseph Sr. and his mother, Susan.
His parents split when Joe was just five years old, and he and his mother moved to San Francisco a few years later.
There, Rogan lived in an eclectic environment surrounded by a gay couple, pot-smoking hippies, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Haight-Ashbury district.
However, this new lifestyle was a far cry from his previous experiences in New Jersey.
Rogan’s teenage years took him to Newton, Massachusetts, where he struggled at school and faced a strong desire to fit in. Karate became his outlet and confidence booster.
He later spoke on his podcast about how martial arts gave him a sense of confidence and shaped his future.
Rogan firmly believes that without martial arts, he would not have become the person he is today.
A New Career Path in Martial Arts and Media
Rogan’s passion for martial arts eventually led him to a unique career in sports commentary.
In 2002, Rogan was hired as a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Initially working for free, Rogan quickly became known for his insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the sport.
UFC president Dana White recognized Rogan’s potential and praised him for his ability to articulate the action in a way that fans could understand.
While Rogan was still hosting NBC’s Fear Factor, he caught White’s attention with his commentary on the UFC.
Rogan’s voice became synonymous with UFC events, and he continued to gain popularity in the martial arts world.
His comedic timing and unfiltered reactions during knockout moments made him a fan favorite.
The Rise of Joe Rogan: From Fear Factor to The Joe Rogan Experience
Rogan’s rise to global prominence accelerated with the launch of The Joe Rogan Experience in 2009.
The podcast quickly gained momentum, and within two years, Rogan signed a deal with SiriusXM.
In 2020, he took his career to new heights with a massive $200 million deal with Spotify, where his influence reached millions of followers and subscribers.
With his newfound fame, Rogan’s podcast became a platform for wide-ranging discussions, from conspiracy theories to politics, and his guests included prominent figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bernie Sanders.
His controversial views and willingness to speak out on topics like the moon landings, vaccinations, and political endorsements have made him both admired and criticized.
Rogan’s influence became undeniable as his show became a powerful force in shaping public opinions, particularly with his interviews with controversial figures like Donald Trump.
A Shifting Political Stance and Family Struggles
Despite once being seen as a potential kingmaker for the Democratic Party, Rogan’s political views have shifted in recent years.
His interview with Trump in 2024 marked a significant moment in his political journey.
Rogan, who had previously endorsed Bernie Sanders in 2019, found himself navigating the complex terrain of American politics.
Despite being asked by Trump to endorse him for the 2024 election, Rogan remained indecisive until the last minute, only making his endorsement after a failed negotiation with Kamala Harris.
Though Rogan’s influence continues to grow, his personal life remains troubled. His estranged relationship with his father, Joseph Sr., remains unresolved.
In 2022, Joseph Sr. expressed his desire to reconnect with Joe, but the podcaster has not reached out.
Joseph Sr. has made it clear that he feels hurt by his son’s accusations and wants the chance to tell his side of the story.
In the end, Joe Rogan’s story is one of contradictions: a man who rose from a troubled childhood to become one of the most influential figures in media, yet whose family ties remain fractured and unresolved.
The journey from Newark to global superstardom has been anything but smooth, and Rogan’s personal struggles continue to make headlines alongside his professional success.