Nobody, including Joe Rogan, knew that his podcast would later become the ultimate juggernaut in the podcasting world. In fact, during his first episode he and co-host Brian Redban didn’t even call it a podcast, they called it a “live stream.”
Joe Rogan launched his JRE podcast, episode #1, on December 24th, 2009, Christmas Eve, with a live audience that reached over 350 viewers. The first episode lasted 2 hours and 2 minutes, with Rogan and Redban answering questions via Twitter for content.
Hilariously, Rogan’s first podcast had him learning the tech tools as they were using them, while having minor audio and video issues at the same time. With Redban’s assistance, they pushed through for the epic beginning of an era.
Rogan’s first podcast set the tone, laying a foundation that still holds true today – jokes, laughter, and deep thought-provoking conversations. In fact, he and Redban even talked about aliens, Bigfoot, and float isolation tanks.
At this time in his life, Rogan was doing UFC commentating and stand-up comedy, but looking for another show to do. A few years before, in 2006, Rogan had finished his first run as Fear Factor host.
He had been contemplating doing a new show, writing a book, or getting more involved in movies. Rogan fans are grateful that he actually enjoyed making this first podcast because it would later grow to millions of views per episode.
Highlights of Joe Rogan’s First Podcast
*During the first 30 minutes of the podcast, Rogan turned on a video setting that showed snowflakes falling down on the video stream. He said that he thought it was cool, especially since it was Christmas Eve. But, after some Twitter complaints, he agreed and turned off the setting.
*Rogan briefly commented on two events that had just happened before December 24th, 2009. #1: Tiger Woods extra-marital affair had happened in November of 2009, just a month before and was still hot news. #2: Brittany Murphy, a star actress, had died 4 days before on December 20th, 2009.
*During Rogan’s first podcast, he took a call from his family, telling him to hurry up and get home for dinner. You could hear one of his very young kids wanting him to come home so they could open some presents.
*Thanks to some Twitter questions, Rogan kept up with the current trend of his podcast and spent a good amount of time talking about aliens, UFOs, Bigfoot, and conspiracy theories.
*In the background of Rogan’s office, where they recorded the first podcast, Rogan had a large sign that read “Make Me Hard.”
Other Topics Mentioned on Joe Rogan’s First Podcast
- Hunter S. Thompson
- Dave Chappelle
- Joey Diaz
- Crocodiles are present day dinosaurs
- Salt float/isolation tanks
- John F. Kennedy
- Jesse Ventura
- Quake video game
- Avatar movie
- Ancient Aliens
- Rogan thought a mountain lion ate his dog
- Steven Seagal
- Janet Jackson Super Bowl
Where to Watch Joe Rogan’s First Podcast
To watch or listen to Joe Rogan’s first podcast episode, simply go to the Spotify app and type in: #1 – Brian Redban.
Spotify also has a desktop application that makes it super convenient to watch at home on your laptop or desktop computer.
Prior to Joe Rogan’s entire move to Spotify, you could watch/listen to the first podcast on iTunes or YouTube. But, after the move, Spotify is the only place you can see the first episode.
How Rogan’s First Podcast is Different from Present Day
*Brian Redban is no longer involved with the podcast (he still comes on as a guest). Rogan hired a savvy tech engineer, called Young Jamie, who took over full time duties.
Also see: Who is Young Jamie? The Secret Behind the Success of JRE
*Rogan does not live stream anymore, and his podcasts are usually uploaded a day or two after they are recorded.
*Rogan does not take in questions from fans anymore on his podcast, whether it be Twitter or any social media platform.
*Rogan now records podcasts in Austin, Texas. He used to record in Los Angeles, but moved to Texas in 2020.
*Rogan’s first podcast was recorded in standard definition (SD), and now he records in (HD).
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