I didn't mind Joe Rogan before the pandemic. But as a nurse, he felt like the enemy when vaccines started to become widely available to the public. Instead of supporting the efforts of Healthcare workers across the country, he used his gigantic platform to spread misinformation and doubt. I thought he was a funny guy, but I wish he would've stayed in his corner at a very divided and critical time in the US. I have no interest in listening to him again, but if he's issued an apology or acknowledged his part in the mass vaccination effort, I'd be happy to watch/listen.
Ok - I'm off my soapbox. Now, thank you for sharing your growth and acceptance of trying something new that you'd previously written off. I did the same with Bo Burnham. He wasn't quite my blend of comedy in his early days. Because of that, I didn't watch much (any) of his content. In 2021 he released a piece on Netflix called "Inside". To say that it was medicine for my crusty, burnt-up pandemic heart is an under-statement. He took the difficult, ugly parts... shone a light on them... and gave me a sprinkle of humor to make it taste better. A few artists have done that for me, and I'd love to talk about them more. But Joe Rogan still tastes like a bitter pill and I'm not quite ready to try it again. Thank goodness the internet gives me plenty of other options (like the lectures of Alan Watts) :)
Great points, Jessie. I was completely oblivious to his doings during those tough times, but I'm sure it wasn't pretty. Any attempt to invalidate the work of health workers is a huge mistake.
Even now, when I listen, there are segments when I cringe. Sometimes, I even turn it off. But I think there is something to be said about a place to hear those alternative views, even when they suck vs. a highly curated outlet where you only get what you want to hear.
I still need to watch "Inside." Thank you for the recommendations. I'd heard a lot about it, but never watched. I will :)
Thanks for this thoughtful comment. And thank you for the work you do as a health worker. My fiance is in nursing school right now, and is very eager to get out into the field full time. I marvel at people like you and her. You're the best of us.
This line: As far as I can tell — and believe me, I started listening with my shit-detector cranked up to 11 — he never fails to lift up fellow artists and creators, learn from people of diverse backgrounds, respect his guests, promote positivity, and engage in friendly debate whenever he disagrees.
I love this piece a lot and you just now made me interested in listening, esp to the episode with Anthony Keidis because I've been a long time fan. Also, it would make my husband very sad that you got me interested in listening, and not him!
I love this. I've never listened to Joe Rogan, for many of the same reasons you hadn't. But I'm going to now! And I agree with your writer/writing philosophy. I started blogging because I wanted a space to talk to readers without third party approval.
Love your authenticity, Matt, and that's the highest compliment I can give a person. I've always been lucky to have supportive fellow artists. At my age, I have zero interest in being critiqued by other artists/writers. Supported yes. Critiqued no. I always hated critique day in art school. I just love to write and always trust that it will find the right readers.
I started listening to Joe Rogan on and off last year and agree with everything you said! I love how open he is to learning and how supportive he is of others.
Your music choice was released when I was 20 and newly married! The Tunic piece was hilarious and what's more hilarious is that you found it funny! :) Watching Ari now. Thx for the great recommendations and another good newsletter. Keep them coming!
I needed to hear much of what this post had to say. Particularly about writers not viewing each other as competition. I struggle with this and am making an effort to change my mindset. Thanks for the nudge in the right direction, Matt. P.S. I'm rooting for you. 🙂
I agree with your ‘the more the merrier’ outlook. Thanks for liking some of my writings in politics. Politics is certainly a subject that benefits from different perspectives. I’m a big reader and I write about the books I read also. I do love comedians especially since humor does not seem to be one of my gifts.
Tonight after a convo w/ someone, I ended up listening to an episode from last year with Elon Musk 🚀 I understand why people have their various impressions of Joe Rogan, but I’m glad you discovered what’s beyond that. I also think he’s great for all the reasons you covered so well in this piece. Thank you for highlighting the importance of creatives supporting each other. Thank you for walking the walk. Writers unite! And woo team Substack! Haha
This is an excellent piece. I love Joe Rogan and have gotten a tremendous amount of value from his show.
It’s also true that a very small handful of gatekeepers seem to be pulling the strings of so many writers but that’s why I’m hoping that Substack changes that. I’d much rather be independent than not, but many writers will still tell you getting a traditional publishing deal is the best way to go. But is it anymore?
Thanks for this! I admit to the same skepticism before I even listened to his podcast (crazy how effectively media gets to you, isn't it? Even when you think you're 'above it'...). Then about a year ago, I listened and really enjoyed it, and found all of your points to be true. Your post is a good reminder to put his podcast back in my rotation!
I think that if you interview a mix of people like he does then stuff will be said that is "not acceptable" to generally filtered media. So he gets a lot of flak for doing what is almost normal journalism - but he is also doing entertainment not so much journalism, which is a problem - these days people get confused which is which. Its definitely hard to tell at time what is going on with Rogan
I didn't mind Joe Rogan before the pandemic. But as a nurse, he felt like the enemy when vaccines started to become widely available to the public. Instead of supporting the efforts of Healthcare workers across the country, he used his gigantic platform to spread misinformation and doubt. I thought he was a funny guy, but I wish he would've stayed in his corner at a very divided and critical time in the US. I have no interest in listening to him again, but if he's issued an apology or acknowledged his part in the mass vaccination effort, I'd be happy to watch/listen.
Ok - I'm off my soapbox. Now, thank you for sharing your growth and acceptance of trying something new that you'd previously written off. I did the same with Bo Burnham. He wasn't quite my blend of comedy in his early days. Because of that, I didn't watch much (any) of his content. In 2021 he released a piece on Netflix called "Inside". To say that it was medicine for my crusty, burnt-up pandemic heart is an under-statement. He took the difficult, ugly parts... shone a light on them... and gave me a sprinkle of humor to make it taste better. A few artists have done that for me, and I'd love to talk about them more. But Joe Rogan still tastes like a bitter pill and I'm not quite ready to try it again. Thank goodness the internet gives me plenty of other options (like the lectures of Alan Watts) :)
Take good care, and stay warm/dry!
Jessie
Great points, Jessie. I was completely oblivious to his doings during those tough times, but I'm sure it wasn't pretty. Any attempt to invalidate the work of health workers is a huge mistake.
Even now, when I listen, there are segments when I cringe. Sometimes, I even turn it off. But I think there is something to be said about a place to hear those alternative views, even when they suck vs. a highly curated outlet where you only get what you want to hear.
I still need to watch "Inside." Thank you for the recommendations. I'd heard a lot about it, but never watched. I will :)
Thanks for this thoughtful comment. And thank you for the work you do as a health worker. My fiance is in nursing school right now, and is very eager to get out into the field full time. I marvel at people like you and her. You're the best of us.
This line: As far as I can tell — and believe me, I started listening with my shit-detector cranked up to 11 — he never fails to lift up fellow artists and creators, learn from people of diverse backgrounds, respect his guests, promote positivity, and engage in friendly debate whenever he disagrees.
I love this piece a lot and you just now made me interested in listening, esp to the episode with Anthony Keidis because I've been a long time fan. Also, it would make my husband very sad that you got me interested in listening, and not him!
I love this. I've never listened to Joe Rogan, for many of the same reasons you hadn't. But I'm going to now! And I agree with your writer/writing philosophy. I started blogging because I wanted a space to talk to readers without third party approval.
I've always liked Joe Rogan, too. I haven't listened much, but in the clips I have heard, he's a deeply thoughtful conversationalist.
Love your authenticity, Matt, and that's the highest compliment I can give a person. I've always been lucky to have supportive fellow artists. At my age, I have zero interest in being critiqued by other artists/writers. Supported yes. Critiqued no. I always hated critique day in art school. I just love to write and always trust that it will find the right readers.
I started listening to Joe Rogan on and off last year and agree with everything you said! I love how open he is to learning and how supportive he is of others.
Your music choice was released when I was 20 and newly married! The Tunic piece was hilarious and what's more hilarious is that you found it funny! :) Watching Ari now. Thx for the great recommendations and another good newsletter. Keep them coming!
I needed to hear much of what this post had to say. Particularly about writers not viewing each other as competition. I struggle with this and am making an effort to change my mindset. Thanks for the nudge in the right direction, Matt. P.S. I'm rooting for you. 🙂
I agree with your ‘the more the merrier’ outlook. Thanks for liking some of my writings in politics. Politics is certainly a subject that benefits from different perspectives. I’m a big reader and I write about the books I read also. I do love comedians especially since humor does not seem to be one of my gifts.
All right, I'll give Joe a try ;)
Interesting piece Matt
Tonight after a convo w/ someone, I ended up listening to an episode from last year with Elon Musk 🚀 I understand why people have their various impressions of Joe Rogan, but I’m glad you discovered what’s beyond that. I also think he’s great for all the reasons you covered so well in this piece. Thank you for highlighting the importance of creatives supporting each other. Thank you for walking the walk. Writers unite! And woo team Substack! Haha
Joe Rogan - without Google I have no idea who he is!
Hello from a very icy England!
This is an excellent piece. I love Joe Rogan and have gotten a tremendous amount of value from his show.
It’s also true that a very small handful of gatekeepers seem to be pulling the strings of so many writers but that’s why I’m hoping that Substack changes that. I’d much rather be independent than not, but many writers will still tell you getting a traditional publishing deal is the best way to go. But is it anymore?
Thanks for this! I admit to the same skepticism before I even listened to his podcast (crazy how effectively media gets to you, isn't it? Even when you think you're 'above it'...). Then about a year ago, I listened and really enjoyed it, and found all of your points to be true. Your post is a good reminder to put his podcast back in my rotation!
I think that if you interview a mix of people like he does then stuff will be said that is "not acceptable" to generally filtered media. So he gets a lot of flak for doing what is almost normal journalism - but he is also doing entertainment not so much journalism, which is a problem - these days people get confused which is which. Its definitely hard to tell at time what is going on with Rogan
Way to be open-minded! I’m going to give him another shot.