I have not listened to his podcast much, perhaps twice, but I’m a long time fan of his, from earlier in his career. He’s also 53, so closer to my age group than most, so perhaps it’s partly that which makes him relatable.
Frankly I identify with some of his beliefs in many ways, I get him, in other words. Which may also be why he gets a lot of hate, especially from the left.

“Rogan is a fundamentally critical thinker who formulates his views on a case-by-case basis rather than adhering to ideological narratives. The same man who describes himself as “left on everything” also asserted earlier this year that “I’d rather vote for Trump than [Biden]” because of his concerns about the former VP’s mental decline. For some, Rogan’s fluid, open-minded philosophy makes perfect sense, but for others it causes cognitive dissonance.”
https://nypost.com/2020/12/05/why-the-left-is-lashing-out-at-joe-rogan-and-his-podcast/

Joe Rogan is ok. His podcasts have variety. He covers a wide variety of topics. He allows the guests to express themselves but at the same time, doesn’t hesitate to put them in their place when they step out of line. I used to watch his youtube channel regularly but stopped following him when he went over to spotify. So yeah, his podcasts are good….his comedy is not….

He likes to believe that he is a standup comedian but sorry to say, he just doesn’t have that comic’s timing. DryBar comedians are so much better than Joe…and they’re mostly unknown. Believe me, I tried to like Joe Rogan, the comedian. I tried because he was one of the first people to raise his voice against joke theft, He publicly called out a comedian on his rampant joke thievery…and that video went viral. I watched it and admired his cojones….walking onto the stage of a more famous comedian (at that time) and calling him out on theft, right in front of the audience, took guts. I tried watching his comedy routines and tried to like them…didn’t happen

critical thinker who formulates his views on a case-by-case basis rather than adhering to ideological narratives.

Uh oh. My alarms went off went I read that. Not that I have any personal experience with that or anything… ;)

Thanks for the answers. I do feel I understand the appeal and the controversy better and I’m currently listening to the episode referenced in @KNOWITALL‘s linked article.

@Demosthenes Funnily enough, it’s that intellectual inquiry I admire about him. Even when I disagree on his stance.

I wouldn’t say fan but I don’t mind listening to him for about five minutes.

Joe Rogan is Oprah for men.

Who?

@kritiper Joe Rogan.

I think the man’s only value lies in some of the guests he has on his show.
He himself should not be seen as a role model when it comes to his alleged “critical thinking”.
From what I have been able to gleam, he is impressionable, and changes his mind based on very little evidence.
There is being open minded, and then there is being so open minded that your brain falls out. Guess which I think he is.

Never heard of him.