It’s a question that has been frequently debated since Joe Rogan launched his podcast in 2009. Does he pay his podcast guests to be on the show or do they do it for free?
No, Joe Rogan does not pay his podcast guests money to come onto the JRE Podcast. However, Rogan does provide generous accommodations for his podcast guests, including flights, hotel, and meals. Guests also get paid very well in non-monetary means by getting access to Rogan’s massive audience.
JRE Guests Get Exposure: More Valuable Than Money
One appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast puts a guest in front of millions of JRE listeners. The exposure they get is extremely valuable in today’s world of social media, gathering followers, and gaining traction.
While not always the case, many guests come onto the show near the time of a book, album, or comedy special release. Getting their work into the eyes and hears of Rogan’s massive audience which in turn leads to an increase in sales.
Examples of notable guests who have had careers and exposure take off after appearing on the JRE podcast:
- Lex Fridman
- Mike Baker
- Young Jamie
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick
- Theo Von
Also See: 13 JRE Podcast Guests That Got Sober
JRE Guests Get Paid In Social Media Shout-Outs
Beyond the reach of just his podcast audience, Rogan has a massive following on social media.
On his Twitter and Instagram accounts, Rogan gives public shout-outs and endorsements for people he thinks are worth paying attention to. And his audience returns the favor by following those accounts. These kind acts by Rogan can change a person’s entire life.
Also see: 20 Instagrams That Joe Rogan Thinks You Should Follow
JRE Guests Get Paid In Accommodation
While guests don’t appear to get paid in money, Rogan pays them quite well in accommodation. In most cases, he will pay for their flight and hotel if they are from out of town.
Rogan’s is very hospitable in his podcast studio in Austin, Texas. He takes good care of them by providing cigars, alcohol, energy drinks, coffee, taking them out for dinner, and sometimes, even offering frozen elk meat that he hunted himself. And if he happens to be doing comedy show that night, he offers them free tickets to the show.
*Also See: Want to cook steak like Joe Rogan? His Mouth-Watering Elk Steak Recipe.
The Internet Debates Whether JRE Guests Get Paid
On this Quora forum, Joey Bowers says, “I have worked professionally with some of his former UFC guests and can therefore tell you unequivocally that no, they do not get paid to be on his podcast.“.
Some of the guests coordinate their press tours in Los Angeles with their availability to appear on the JRE podcast. Examples include James Hetfield of Metallica, Russell Brand’s Recovery book, and Steve-O’s comedy special Guilty As Charged.
Joe does not just let anyone come on the podcast, as I’m sure many people have reached out to him to do so. One of the most beautiful things about Rogan’s podcast is the authenticity of the discussions. He only picks people who he is genuinely interested in talking to, and will not sell himself or the podcast out just to make a few bucks.
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