Top 14 Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes to Check Out from 2022
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The Joe Rogan Experience featured numerous notable guests in 2022, including figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Aaron Rodgers, and Mark Zuckerberg. This year also marked the second full year of Rogan's lucrative $200 million deal with Spotify. Interestingly, the controversy surrounding alleged Covid misinformation seemingly boosted his audience, adding 2 million new subscribers.
Amidst the debates, the essence of the Joe Rogan Experience remained intact: engaging, long-form discussions with a diverse array of guests fueled by Rogan's genuine curiosity.
In the following sections, I highlight 14 of my favorite episodes from the year, arranged in chronological order. This selection is based on a blend of conversational chemistry, educational insights, humor, and unique viewpoints. I opted not to include repeat guests such as Dr. Phil, Theo Von, Mike Tyson, Andrew Huberman, David Goggins, Daryl Davis, Tulsi Gabbard, and Dakota Meyer, as I found their initial appearances more captivating.
Read through to discover my critiques of Neil deGrasse Tyson's episode and the reasons Aaron Rodgers and Mark Zuckerberg did not make my top picks. Featured books by the podcast guests, linked to Amazon, are included for those interested.
The 14 Best Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes of 2022
While the following list is presented chronologically, I found the most intriguing discussions to be:
- #1873 with Brigham Buhler
- #1908 with Erika Thompson
- #1855 with Chris Best
Without further delay, here’s the complete list.
General H.R. McMaster — #1763
Who: Retired United States lieutenant general, former National Security Advisor (2017-2018) Air Date: January 13 Highlighted Book: Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World
Why You Should Listen: If you're fascinated by game theory and global politics, this episode is tailored for you. McMaster shares his perspectives on American foreign policy successes and failures, drawing from his extensive military experience. They discuss the rise of China, the dynamics of great power rivalry, and the challenges facing American democracy, while also considering potential pathways forward.
Maajid Nawaz — #1780
Who: Former Islamist turned counter-extremism advocate Air Date: February 19 Highlighted Book: Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism
Why You Should Listen: Nawaz's compelling backstory is fully explored in this episode. He recounts his past leadership roles in insurgent groups in the UK and his involvement in terrorism in Bosnia and beyond. His transformation is remarkable, culminating in conversations with leaders like former President Bush to help bridge divides between the West and the Middle East. The three-hour episode dives into his unique views on integration, religious freedom, and immigration.
Coleman Hughes — #1781
Who: Writer, opinion columnist, and host of "Conversations with Coleman" Air Date: February 21
Why You Should Listen: Known for his writings on race, Hughes delves into complex ethical discussions during this episode. His perspectives on race are particularly unconventional in light of America's recent cultural climate. The dialogue challenges listeners to think critically about societal issues, making for a thought-provoking experience.
Nims Purja — #1790
Who: Record-breaking mountaineer who summited all 14 'Death Zone' peaks in 6 months and 6 days Air Date: March 9 Highlighted Book: Beyond Possible: One Man, Fourteen Peaks, and the Mountaineering Achievement of a Lifetime
Why You Should Listen: Nims Purja's incredible achievements instill a sense of optimism in human potential. He shattered expectations by climbing Mount Everest and thirteen other peaks over 8,000 meters in record time. His remarkable journey is both inspiring and a testament to human determination.
Michio Kaku — #1828
Who: Theoretical physicist and science communicator Air Date: March 15 Highlighted Book: The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything
Why You Should Listen: This episode is a delightful exploration of topics like extraterrestrial life and the differences between dogs and humans. Rogan's background allows for substantial inquiries, enabling Kaku to share insights that benefit listeners with an interest in science.
Marc Andreessen — #1840
Who: Co-creator of Mosaic, the first widely-used web browser Air Date: July 6
Why You Should Listen: A key figure of the internet era, Andreessen discusses the early days of technology and predicts future developments. His dialogue with Rogan also delves into the philosophical implications of innovation and the intersection of faith and business.
Andrew Schulz — #1846
Who: Standup comedian and host of the "Flagrant" podcast Air Date: July 23
Why You Should Listen: Schulz challenges industry norms by connecting directly with fans online. He and Rogan engage in witty banter that addresses critical issues within American culture, including topics like wokeness and media influence.
Chris Best — #1855
Who: CEO of Substack Air Date: August 11
Why You Should Listen: This episode highlights the perils of social media and the incentives that drive negative behaviors. Best shares insights on Substack's mission to promote quality journalism in an era dominated by sensationalism, making for a significant conversation about the future of media.
Dr. Gabor Maté — #1869
Who: Retired family physician and palliative care expert Air Date: September 13 Highlighted Book: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
Why You Should Listen: Dr. Maté addresses the crisis of mental health in America and critiques societal structures contributing to it. His insights into childhood, relationships, and trauma provide a profound understanding of human well-being.
Brigham Buhler — #1873
Who: Founder of Ways2Well and ReviveRx Air Date: September 23
Why You Should Listen: Buhler's articulate discussion sheds light on the flaws within the American healthcare system, particularly concerning the opioid crisis. This episode balances despair with hope as Buhler presents solutions to help combat these issues.
Roger Waters — #1878
Who: Co-founder of Pink Floyd and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Air Date: October 6
Why You Should Listen: Waters discusses his life as a musician and his activism beyond music. He articulates his views on politics, military engagement, and human rights, showcasing the depth of his commitment to various causes.
Bjørn Lomborg — #1896
Who: Statistician and director of the Copenhagen Consensus Center 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's insights challenge prevailing climate science narratives. His episode provides a platform for discussing alternative approaches to environmental policy, encouraging critical thinking on urgent global issues.
Steven Pressfield — #1901
Who: Author of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles Air Date: November 22 Highlighted Book: Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way
Why You Should Listen: Pressfield's perspective on creativity is both refreshing and inspiring. His discussion with Rogan about overcoming barriers to creative expression resonates deeply, providing motivation to those in artistic fields.
Erika Thompson — #1908
Who: Beekeeper and founder of Texas Beeworks Air Date: December 8
Why You Should Listen: In her podcast debut, Thompson shares invaluable insights into the world of bees and their critical role in our ecosystem. Her story illustrates how social media can elevate lesser-known voices, showcasing the impact of the "Rogan Effect."
The Not-Best of the Joe Rogan Experience In 2022
Here’s why I found Neil deGrasse Tyson, Aaron Rodgers, and Mark Zuckerberg's episodes lacking.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, especially if your favorite JRE episode from 2022 isn't included in my list. I welcome your feedback.
Mark Zuckerberg — #1863
Who: CEO of Meta Platforms Inc. Air Date: August 25
Why You Could Listen: While I appreciate the unfiltered nature of long-form podcasts, Zuckerberg's appearance felt rehearsed and insincere. His ambitious vision for the metaverse appears disconnected from everyday life, raising questions about its practicality.
Aaron Rodgers — #1865
Who: Green Bay Packers Quarterback and Super Bowl Champion Air Date: August 27
Why You Could Listen: As a fellow Cal alum, I support Rodgers, but his pandemic narrative sometimes seemed out of touch. While his lengthy interview provided insights, it also echoed sentiments that felt disconnected from public health discourse.
Neil deGrasse Tyson — #1904
Who: Astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium Air Date: November 30 Highlighted Book: Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization
Why You Shouldn’t Listen: Tyson, while an esteemed scientist, often dominates conversations with lectures rather than engaging dialogues. His approach can come off as condescending, making the episode feel less like a conversation and more like a presentation.
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