Joe Rogan, the undisputed king of podcasting, finds himself at the center of a fiery debate with Joy Behar of The View. Known for his no-holds-barred approach, Rogan addressed Behar’s criticism during a lively Thanksgiving episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. With the world of media as their battlefield, both titans brought their A-game, igniting discussions that may redefine the influence of traditional versus new media.
During the podcast, which also featured comedians Mark Normand, Shane Gillis, and Ari Shaffir, Rogan responded to Behar’s surprising claim that he believed in dragons, a notion she mentioned dismissively, suggesting a lack of credibility in Rogan’s information sources. Rogan, amused yet unshaken, retorted with characteristic wit and a dose of reality. He highlighted a key moment from the exchange:
“She said, ‘I checked it, I checked it!’ and then the lady goes, ‘Did you double check it?’ and she goes, ‘I checked it, he believes in dragons. They lived alongside people’.”
In his response, Rogan not only corrected the misconstrued dragon comment but also tackled the deeper issue at hand—media credibility. He pointed out the irony in Behar’s attempt to bolster The View‘s authority by associating it with ABC News, only to undermine her own argument by misrepresenting his views.
The Underlying Fear: Traditional Media vs. Podcasting Giants
Rogan’s counterarguments went beyond personal defense, touching on the broader implications for the media industry. He suggested that Behar’s pointed criticism stemmed from a deeper fear:
“When you’re worried about losing your job… and podcasts are taking over… it’s just frantic,”
Rogan observed, indicating that the rise of podcasts might be stirring existential fears among traditional media personalities.
This insight opens up a discussion on the evolving landscape of media consumption. Podcasts, with their direct and often unfiltered approach, offer an alternative to traditional broadcast formats, drawing in millions of listeners and viewers. Rogan’s own show exemplifies this shift, consistently attracting vast audiences far surpassing the viewer counts of many conventional shows.
The Cultural Impact of The Joe Rogan Experience
Rogan’s influence through his podcast cannot be overstated. His ability to engage with a wide range of topics and guests—from scientists to celebrities—has cemented his status as a pivotal figure in modern media. In contrast, traditional programs like The View are experiencing fluctuating ratings, despite still having a loyal viewership base. As of November 2024, The View attracts approximately 2.4 million viewers per episode, a testament to its enduring appeal but also indicative of the challenges it faces in a digital-first culture.
The clash between Joe Rogan and Joy Behar is more than just a fleeting spat; it’s a snapshot of the ongoing transformation within the media sector. As podcasts continue to rise in popularity and influence, traditional television must adapt or face the risk of becoming an echo of the past. For now, Rogan’s laughter echoes as a reminder that in the digital age, everyone’s voice can be as mighty as a network’s—perhaps even mightier.