Summary
The “Rogansphere,” a sprawling ecosystem of podcasts and online shows led by figures like Joe Rogan, has become a powerful cultural force for younger audiences, functioning as a “Fox News for the young.”
With its mix of anti-establishment rhetoric, distrust of Democrats, and casual conversations blending left-leaning and conservative ideas, it normalizes figures like Donald Trump for a disillusioned, lonely audience—particularly young men.
Democrats risk underestimating its influence, as this ecosystem fosters deep listener loyalty and has contributed to a significant shift in young male voters toward Trump.
I get what both of y’all are saying. I’ve seen his show a couple times, he takes an hour or so with someone on the edge of mainstream from either side and asks basic questions that pop into his head. That’s the gist of it, and by itself, in a vacuum (or in the privacy of one’s home, say) it’s fine. I wanted to hear what his guests had to say on occasion.
That said, there’s a lot of identification with power and dominance symbolism that happen all throughout it, and endorsing trump is unconscionable. I appreciate he’s expanded his mind with DMT or whatever but seriously, whatever supplements he’s on have suppressed some serious judgement pathways. I don’t eat Subway 'cause they’re still in ruzzia and I won’t listen to Rogan for any reason now.