This article was originally published at KnowledgeForMen.com
Joe Rogan has become something of a household name with hosting the UFC fights and Netflix stand up comedy specials.
But what started more than a decade ago as nothing more than a comedian getting high with friends and recording his authentic, unfiltered and thought provoking conversations has quickly become one of the most watched and listened to platforms on the planet.
With more than 1,300 episodes recorded (and new episodes being released every week), The Joe Rogan Experience has risen through the ranks and become the average Joe’s (no pun intended) go-to source for information on everything from politics to health to relationships to success.
Considering the sheer abundance of content that Joe has produced and the 2.5 hour average run time of his podcasts, it can be hard to determine which shows are worth your time and which ones aren’t.
Not to worry.
I’ve listened to (literally) hundreds of Joe’s podcasts over the years and found that the following episodes stand above the rest.
Regardless of your goal–whether you want to be happier, healthier, wealthier, wiser, or just laugh your butt off on a long commute–Joe has a podcast to help you out.
And without any further ado, here are the 27+ best Joe Rogan podcasts that will help you live a better life.
The Best Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes to Help You Improve Your Health
1. Episode #901 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Dr. Rhonda Patrick a health and wellness consultant who specializes in biomedical research is one of the leading experts on the topics of brain health and anti-aging. And although she’s appeared on the JRE multiple times, this particular episode is one of the most important discussions ever had on the podcast.
For the majority of this show’s three hour run time, Joe and Dr. Patrick discuss one thing: Depression.
More specifically what’s really going on inside the brain of a depressed person, the actual efficacy of SSRI’s (a very scary discussion), and holistic ways that people can rewire their brain for more happiness and success.
Dr. Patrick reveals the truths about anti-depressants that Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know and the practical steps you can take to heal your mind from the inside out. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, put this in your watchlist now. It might be the most important three hours of your life.
2. Episode #1176 with Dom D’agostino and Layne Norton
The Ketogenic diet is one of the most controversial and confusing advancements in dietary science. Proponents claim it to be the cure for every possible ailment–from skin conditions to autoimmune disorders to obesity to cellular decay. Dissenters point to some of the dangerous complications of no/low carb dieting and the numerous holes in the research behind it.
To set the record straight, Joe interviews Dom D’agostino Ph.D. (a proponent of the ketogenic diet) and Layne Norton Ph.D. (a keto antagonist) to discuss the research and help listeners decide for themselves whether or not the diet is a viable solution to their problems and how it can be used effectively.
If you’ve been curious about Keto, its purported benefits, and potential drawbacks, this is one of the best Joe Rogan podcasts of all time to satiate your curiosity and help you decide whether or not the diet might be right for you.
3. Episode#865 with Wim Hof
Wim Hof is something of a legend in the health and biohacking industries. When he first came onto the scene years ago, he was written off as a fraud and a scammer for his seemingly insane claims about the power of conscious breathwork to alter human biochemistry.
However, after multiple controlled studies, scientists discovered that Wim was indeed able to control his immune and hormonal responses, internal body temperature, and inflammation through breathwork.
From hiking Everest in his shorts to sitting in a tub of ice water for more than two hours to running the world’s fastest barefoot half-marathon on ice to (quite literally) destroying an endotoxin as it entered his bloodstream, Wim has consistently shattered our preconceived notions about what is possible for the human animal.
In his second appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Wim shares the most cutting edge research currently being conducted around his work and practical takeaways for how you can take what he’s discovered and apply it to your own life for less stress, better health, and increased performance.
4. Episode #1109 with Matthew Walker
American’s are facing an insomnia epidemic. Research has shown that a significant portion of the population (some estimates as high as 30% of the workforce) is chronically sleep-deprived. And this is a big deal when you consider that sleep deprivation has been linked to increases in workplace accidents, automotive accidents, depression, hallucinations, impaired cognition, and even suicide.
To help combat this epidemic, Joe interviewed sleep doctor Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep (a fantastic read, by the way).
Throughout their discussion, Matthew shares some of the very real dangers of sleep deprivation, the most likely culprits behind the epidemic and, more importantly, what the average person can do to fix these problems.
If you or someone you know struggles with insomnia, this podcast will give you the guidance and practical takeaways you need to fix your sleep and reclaim your health.
5. Episode #1069 with Ben Greenfield
“Ladies and gentlemen, Ben Greenfield eats ants.”
The opening comments to this episode are a mere teaser of the absurdity (and surprising value) of conversations to come. Ben Greenfield, a former guest on my podcast, is the world’s top personal trainer. He’s known for treating himself like a guinea pig and testing wild hypothesis on his own body.
If you remember hearing about the guy who “injected stem cells into his dick”, that’s Ben.
As absurd as some of the discussions and experiments might be, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for any aspiring biohacker. From fighting aging to increasing testosterone, to improving overall performance, Ben and Joe cover a ton of ground and provide actionable insights to help you get the most out of your mind and body.
This is one of the best Joe Rogan podcasts of all time for anyone looking to improve their health and become a superhuman. Ben’s expertise is clear at every turn and the sheer number of different strategies and tactics they share are enough to keep you busy for the rest of the year.
The Best Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes on Philosophy
6. Episode #1283 with Russel Brand
Russel Brand is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable stories to ever emerge from the world of modern media. Beginning his career as a drug-addicted womanizer, Russel has gone on to kick his addictions and transform himself completely from the inside out. And the man who has emerged might be the closest thing to a modern-day Gandhi that you’ll find.
His genuine humility, love for all life, and desire to do good in the world is palpable in every sentence he says and every point he makes and this interview is easily one of the greatest embodiments of the old quote, “Spend no time arguing what a good man is. Be one.”
From the ethics of veganism to the golden rule to religion to Trump, Joe and Russel dive deep on of the best JRE podcast episodes of all time and the entertaining amalgam of topics they cover will leave you feeling wiser, happier, and better for having watched it.
7. Episode #958 with Jordan Peterson
Having appeared on the show four times (that I found), Peterson is one of the world’s most interesting and analytical thinkers.
Particularly in the realms of social justice and free speech.
But beyond his political rants and ramblings (which are insightful and thought-provoking to say the least), what I love most about Peterson’s discussions are the way in which he makes philosophy and history applicable to everyday life. He breaks down the common problems and plights facing modern humans–particularly young men–and draws from a wide variety of disciplines to prescribe effective solutions.
If you feel stuck in the chaos of life right now. If you’re struggling, pissed off, and confused. This is one of the best JRE podcast episodes to listen to. Joe and Jordan will provide you with actionable and effective ways to overcome the chaos and reclaim control of yourself and your life.
8. Episode #804 with Sam Harriss 804
Ever since reading his book Waking Up, I’ve become a huge fan of Sam Harriss and his work. Although he has appeared on Joe’s podcast a number of times, this particular episode is one of my favorites.
Joe and Sam discuss an incredible variety of topics (not limited to philosophy), from psychedelics to meditation to politics to ecological preservation, they cover it all. But what you should pay attention to most is the way that Harris thinks about and discusses these different topics. His commitment to the proper application of the scientific method, logic, and basic common sense is unquestionable and we’d all be better off by modeling these types of behaviors and mental models.
9. Episode #1073 with Steven Pinker
Is the world really as fucked up as we think it is? Sure, our political world is whack. There’s some crazy stuff happening in the Middle East. North Korea is out of control. And Russia possesses hypersonic missiles that could decimate entire American states in about six minutes.
But what about all of the positive changes that aren’t profitable for the media to cover?
Well, Steven Pinker has an answer to that question. Pinker, unlike many, believes that the world is better today than it’s ever been and, in all likelihood, will continue to be so as the years go on. But he isn’t some overly optimistic well-wisher viewing the world through rose-colored glasses. He is able to back up every single one of his beliefs with an overwhelming amount of evidence.
In this episode, Steven shares why human life is the best it’s ever been, why it will continue to get better, and most importantly, how we can capitalize on the unprecedented prosperity to make the most of our time here on this planet.
With the plethora of terrifying news headlines and the endless tragedies facing humanity, this discussion is a breath of fresh air that will leave you feeling just a little bit more hopeful about your future.
10. Episode #1320 with Eric Weinstein
American mathematician and Managing Director of Thiel Capital, Eric Weinstein (no relation to the notorious Harvey Weinstein) is one of the most interesting and insightful guests Joe has ever had on the show (which is saying something after more than 1300 episodes).
His business acumen is admittedly impressive, but what makes this discussion even more valuable is the unique way in which Westein views the human existence.
From the dangers of complacency to “checking off” of the planet to psychedelics (are you seeing a theme here?) to the curious “octonion numbers”, few stones are left unturned. The interview does an excellent job of changing not only what you think about particular issues, but helping you understand how the most brilliant people on the planet view and think about the world.
The Best Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Episodes on Success and Happiness
11. Episode #1041 with Dan Carlin
This episode surprised me. Not because of the great conversations and surprising likability of the gruff-sounding host of the podacst Hardcore History. Rather because of the sheer breadth of knowledge and wisdom that Dan possesses.
His insights into entrepreneurial success, the reality of “following your passions”, and the creative process are uncanny. And the combination of humility, humor, and intellect make for an entertaining and enlightening ride that will leave you feeling ready to grab life by the horns and wrestle it into submission.
12. Episode #1278 Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart is, without a doubt the most successful comedian on the planet. He regularly sells out entire football stadiums for his stand up gigs. He always seems to be making some new movie, or TV show. And despite a few rather public indiscretions, he still holds a reputation as one of the most grounded, positive, and humble guys in Hollywood.
During the course of their interview, I was pleasantly surprised by Kevin’s hyper-positive world view and the way in which he refuses to allow negativity to dampen his spirit. He’s a remarkable case study in the real power of positive thinking (and what that actually looks like in reality) that we would all do well to emulate. He’s funny, he’s compassionate, and he will help you eradicate the b.s. from your brain so that you can go out and achieve the success you’ve always desired.
13. Episode #1309 with Naval Ravikant
Naval Ravikant is a self-described “Bear on a Unicycle.” He’s an immensely successful investor and entrepreneur in the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley. But he’s also one of the happiest, most grounded, and down to earth people, you could ever meet.
It’s hard to capture the scope and power of the conversation that happens throughout this episode, but I will suffice it to say that it is, bar none, the most best JRE podcasts I have ever heard.
If you want to learn how to work better, love better, live better, and be better as a human being, this is a must-watch.
14. Episode #857 Dan Bilzerian
Dan Bilzerian has what every man (thinks he) wants. A huge bank account? Check. Dozens of beautiful models traveling to and apparently sleeping with him in exotic locations? Check. Huge houses, massive parties, and international notoriety? Check, check, and check.
Which makes his conversation with Joe that much more interesting. It’s clear throughout the course of the interview that Dan is ultimately unfulfilled by the fast-paced lifestyle. And he states, in no uncertain terms, that money and sex are not the answer for which most men are searching.
It’s an interesting case study on the reality of wealth and infamy and may have you reconsidering many of your goals and aspirations.
15. Episode #910 with Gary Vaynerchuck
What else do I need to say? You know him. You love (or really hate) him. Mr. Gary Vaynerchuk. He’s the founder of the $100 million+ marketing and media company Vaynermedia, he’s followed by millions all over the world, and he’s quickly become the most influential voice inside the world of entrepreneurship.
This is one of the best JRE podcasts and is filled with invaluable knowledge and wisdom that will help any entrepreneur or professional level up their lives and achieve the next level of success. But it’s also filled with interesting insights into the realities of achieving those successes. If you currently are or are thinking about starting your own business, this episode is a must watch.
The Best Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes on Psychology and Mindset
16. Episode #962 with Jocko Willink
Jocko Willink is, as Tim Ferriss described him, “The scariest Navy SEAL on the planet.” The man has an almost inhuman level of discipline, resilience, and mental fortitude and it’s put on full display during his various discussions on Joe’s podcast.
This episode in particular, however, offers several highly actionable takeaways for improving your mind and body to achieve the life you desire. The episode opens with a discussion about the epidemic of suicide, the importance of struggle, and the reason for human unhappiness. And it just keeps building from there.
If you need something to light a fire under your ass and give you an inside look into how the toughest men in the world think, this episode will give you everything you’re looking for and more.
17. Episode #1080 with David Goggins
If you think you had a rough childhood, you may want to re-evaluate that statement after listening to Joe’s discussion with the great David Goggins.
David was raised in a violent household where his father, “Beat the shit out of [him] every day”. As a black man, he went to school 20 miles from the headquarters of the KKK. When his mother left his father and re-married–to a kind and non violent man–his new step father was murdered days before the family was supposed to move with him to a new city. And it just gets worse from there.
Despite the tremendous adversity he faced as a boy, David broke free from the chains of his upbringing and turned himself into one of the toughest humans on the planet.
From enduring the Navy SEAL’s “Hell Week” three times (once with a broken leg). To running 200 miles through the desert. To breaking the world record for most pull-ups done in a day. David became a force to be reckoned with.
And in this discussion with Joe Rogan, he shares the exact mindsets and replicable strategies that anyone can implement to become “untouchable”.
If your life is not where you want it to be. If you feel alone, depressed, and overwhelmed by life. Listen to this.
18. MMA Episode #28 with George Saint Pierre
George St. Pierre is arguably one of the greatest fighters alive. The man is an animal who has a UFC fight record of 26-2-0 (at least as of this writing). And during their discussion, you get a rare glimpse inside the mind of one of the most dangerous humans on the planet.
Joe and George cover everything from his training to in-fight mindset to dietary rules and practical steps to boost mental toughness (not to mention Joe’s ridiculously badass side-kick). And the result is one of the most interesting MMA centric podcasts ever recorded that, if applied, will help you become mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger so that you can go out into the world and bend it to your will.
19. Episode #405 with Aubrey Marcus & Steven Pressfield
Aubrey Marcus is easily one of my favorite speakers, authors, and thinkers. He’s one of those few people who are willing to share the dark realities of his life and speak openly about otherwise “personal” topics like polyamorous relationships, sexuality, and the use of psychedelics. And as a result, he’s built a cult-like following of raving fans.
Steven Pressfield, on the other hand, is one of the most reclusive and eclectic authors on the planet. His perennial seller, The War of Art has been endorsed by thousands of celebrities, artists, and prolific creators and his work gave me the foundational mindset I needed to build Knowledge for Men into the brand it is today.
In their three-way discussion, Aubrey, Joe, and Steven discuss all things creativity, success, happiness, and mastery and will give any aspiring creative the tools and mindsets they need to create wild success.
The Best Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes on Science, Politics, and History
20. Episode #1276 with Ben Shapiro
I’m going to be completely honest. I disagree with Ben Shapiro on a significant number of his beliefs. And so does Joe. Which is why this particular discussion is that much more interesting. Despite their disagreements. Despite the fact that Ben is a conservative Orthodox Jew who is morally (although not legally) opposed to gay marriage and ardently adheres to his religious doctrine, he and Joe have one of the most cordial and enlightening discussions on the show to date.
Ben’s arguments, although you might disagree with them, are well thought out and often substantiated. And what results is a thought-provoking and incredibly interesting talk between two characters with wildly disparate views and beliefs.
This interview is a perfect example of what our political landscape should be like. Respectful, kind, and based on evidence and reason…not name-calling and pandering.
Regardless of your political, religious, or ethical beliefs, this is an interesting discussion that may very well change your mind on a number of topics or, at the very least, leave you considering points from a new angle.
21. Episode #919 with Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Although Neil has appeared on the JRE a number of times, this particular episode is my favorite for a number of reasons.
First, just look at the man’s hat! It’s awesome.
But, more importantly, Tyson spends a significant portion of the discussion helping listeners understand how to think better. Unlike many contemporary scientists, Neil doesn’t spend his time exclaiming, “You’re all idiots, why can’t you see that?” He genuinely wants people to understand the beauty of our universe and the power of the scientific method.
And this enlightening and frankly mind-blowing conversation does exactly that.
22. Episode #938 with Lawrence Krauss
“How could something come from nothing.”
It’s an age old question pondered by members of every party. Religious and atheistic alike have spent thousands of years wondering about and debating over the origin of the universe and the possible explanations for our existence. And physicist Lawrence Krauss might have the best explanation I’ve ever heard.
In this mind-warping, confusing, and admittedly hard to follow discussion, Lawrence lays out not only the evidence for a universe from nothing, but the specific theories for how it could come into being. It’s a fascinating interview that leaves plenty of questions unanswered but feels like a step in the direction of true scientific advancement.
23. Episode #872 Randall Carlson and Graham Hancock
Last year, after the excavation of the monolithic structure (read: a big ass temple that would have required advanced tools and building techniques) Gobekli Tepe, which was dated to more than 12,000 years, the historical and archeological community confirmed what Graham Hancock and Randall Carlson have been claiming since the early ‘90s.
The history of human civilization isn’t as linear as we might imagine.
Today, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence suggesting that an ancient lost civilization (possibly more advanced than we are today) may have been responsible for the creation of structures like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx–structures which modern historians and engineers still cannot explain.
The verdict is definitely out. But Randall and Graham are two of the predominant figures in this field of study and show up to this episode armed to the teeth with different pieces of evidence suggesting a radically different view of history than what we have today.
This discussion is one of the best primers on the topic and will leave you wondering, much like I do, “What the hell is really going on?”
24. Episode #1169 with Elon Musk
What happens when one of the most iconic, prolific, and eclectic human beings on the planet agrees to appear on the Joe Rogan podcast?
He sets off a flamethrower in the studio, smokes weed–for which he proceeds to get fined by the U.S. government–, and concludes that “love is the answer” to all of humanity’s problems.
This episode is simultaneously one of the best and most confusing discussions I’ve ever seen. Although Musk is wildly intelligent and shares and immense amount of knowledge and wisdom, he has a very roundabout way of doing so. Many of Joe’s questions go unanswered as Elon rambles tangentially for minutes on end. And frankly, some of his points are so far above the average person’s pay grade that you aren’t really sure what you’re hearing.
But that’s exactly what makes it so damn good.
This is a rare look inside the mind of the world’s most brilliant inventor and entrepreneur and it will leave you with tons of practical takeaways to help you create a life and business on your own terms.
The Best Joe Rogan Podcast Episodes for a Great Life
25. Episode #1255 Alex Jones
Apparently, Hillary Clinton is an interdimensional demon attempting to bring Satan into the human dimension. In the Middle East there are, “Literal death factories where they keep babies alive to sell their body parts.” Bill Gates is attempting to wipe out minorities with eugenics. And pretty much every terror and/or long gunman attack was set up by the government.
Those are just a few of the patently bat shit crazy conspiracies Alex Jones believes.
And he goes into all of them in great detail after smoking a blunt with Joe on his podcast.
I’ll be honest. There is no value in this episode whatsoever… but it’ll make you laugh your ass off, shake your head in incredulity, and smile at yourself in the mirror–because hey! At least you don’t believe that half the members of congress are interdimensional demons!
26. Episode #917 with Steven Crowder
Steven Crowder is, without a doubt, one of the most divisive characters in the world of political commentary. His polarizing views elicit either endearment or scorn, there’s rarely an in between. And some of those views, particularly regarding marijuana, create one of the most entertaining discussions on the show.
Although Joe rarely breaks his composure during interviews, Steven’s beliefs (more specifically the way he attempts to back them up) bring about a 30-minute debate during which insults fly in every direction.
It might not be the most educational or valuable interview on this list, but if you want to watch Joe lose his mind and repeatedly shout, “Shut up fuck face!”, it’s worth a watch.
27. Episode #1225 with Theo Von
Theo Von, one of the funniest and most relatable comedians to come on the scene in recent years, is here to help you laugh your way to six pack abs. Although he has a ton of great episodes, this one, in particular, had me smiling until my face hurt and laughing until I couldn’t breathe.
From school bus erections to summoning ghosts to mathematical butt tattoos, the insanity and hilarity will have you rolling around on the floor wishing you could watch this for the first time again.
28. Episode #967 with Bill Burr
Few comedians today can rival the dry wit and razor-sharp insights of Bill Bur. He’s been in the game for decades and since the release of his Emmy Nominated Netflix Original F is for Family, his success has skyrocketed.
But that hasn’t really changed much for Bill. He’s still just as abrasive, sarcastic, and down to earth as ever and his podcasts with Joe provide hilarious insights into the modern realities, especially those related to gender politics.
Modern masculinity is facing a crisis and the prevalence of outrage culture is leading to some very bizarre and unexpected events. And Bill does an excellent job of addressing these challenges in a way that only a comedian can.
Hope you enjoyed this list.
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