Podcast Power Clash

Sam Harris is under fire after accusing Joe Rogan of misusing his podcast’s influence, marking a sharp break from their past collaborations.

“Joe is a genuinely good guy who wants good things for people. But he is honestly in over his head on so many topics of great consequence,” Harris said.

His comments come amid renewed scrutiny of Rogan’s podcast, which has grown increasingly political—  and, according to critics, increasingly partisan. Once lauded for his wide-ranging curiosity, Rogan has lately been under fire for providing a platform to conspiracy theorists and for endorsing Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign — a move that shocked many given his previous criticisms of the former president.

A Shift to the Right?

Rogan’s critics argue that The Joe Rogan Experience has veered sharply right in recent years, with guests like comedian Dave Smith, political commentator Tucker Carlson, and Trump himself. Harris took particular issue with these guests, suggesting that Rogan is not doing enough to vet the information being amplified through his massive audience.

In a particularly scathing remark, Harris proposed that Rogan hire a team of investigative journalists to help ensure the accuracy of the content he broadcasts — a suggestion that left no doubt about Harris’ view on the stakes of Rogan’s influence.

Backlash and Defenses

Predictably, Harris’ remarks did not go unanswered. Smith responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a jab that referenced Harris’ famous mother, Golden Girls creator Susan Harris. Meanwhile, Rogan fans and free speech advocates leapt to his defense, including Gad Saad, who argued that “in a free society, all bets are off.”

Even Elon Musk weighed in, tersely posting: “Sam Harris has lost all credibility.”

Why It Matters

Rogan’s podcast remains one of the most downloaded in the world, with influence that often rivals — or exceeds — traditional news outlets. Harris’ critique has opened a wider conversation about the responsibilities of new media figures in an age of rampant misinformation and polarization.

As the information war rages on, the clash between Harris and Rogan may be less about personal disagreement and more about what it means to hold the mic in today’s fractured public square.