Joe Rogan, host of the top-rated podcast in the United States, is preparing for what could be his most significant episode as he interviews former President Donald Trump. This highly anticipated discussion, set to take place Friday in Austin, Texas, may give Trump an edge as he seeks to rally support in the final days before the presidential election. According to The Wall Street Journal, which cites unnamed sources, Trump has confirmed his participation in this episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience.” However, reports suggest Vice President Kamala Harris, who had previously expressed interest in an interview, will not be joining due to scheduling conflicts in Texas, where she will attend a rally with Beyonce and meet with motivational speaker Brené Brown.
Rogan’s podcast stands out as it requires each guest to engage in at least an hour of unscripted conversation, with no handlers allowed, an approach highlighted by the WSJ. Rogan’s typical format, involving several hours of discussion covering a variety of topics, has drawn huge audiences. His interviews with figures like Elon Musk and Alex Jones have been among his most-viewed episodes. Although Rogan has hosted prominent politicians, including Senator Bernie Sanders, he has never interviewed a former or current president.
Though Rogan has publicly stated he does not support Trump, he frequently criticizes Democratic figures and policies, pointing out instances he claims involve censorship or media bias, especially against Trump or his supporters. He has voiced theories regarding alleged “intelligence agency” involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection, a narrative that aligns with Trump’s views.
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When Will Trump’s Episode Air?
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump’s interview on “The Joe Rogan Experience” is expected to be released as early as October 26, raising expectations as audiences await the historic discussion.
Kamala Harris’ Expected Absence
Despite initial interest in joining Rogan’s podcast, Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly will not be available due to scheduling constraints, including planned appearances at a Texas rally alongside Beyoncé and a separate interview with speaker Brené Brown. Sources connected to the podcast cited these commitments as reasons for her absence from the Rogan interview.
Background on Trump’s Media Strategy
In recent years, podcasts have become an essential element of Trump’s outreach strategy, with a focus on reaching younger and potentially undecided voters. Trump has appeared on numerous podcasts throughout the year, including those hosted by comedians like Theo Von and popular streamers such as Adin Ross, with an emphasis on audiences that may not traditionally align with political candidates. His appearance with Theo Von recently garnered over 14 million views on YouTube, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. This targeted media approach is part of a broader effort to connect with young male and Black voters, two demographic groups that have shown high engagement with “bro” podcasts. By leveraging these platforms, Trump’s campaign aims to create a competitive balance with Kamala Harris, who has strong support among women voters. Joe Rogan’s show, which attracts a significant following of young men and Black listeners, is expected to further Trump’s outreach to these groups.
Critical Quote
A post from the official X account of “The Joe Rogan Experience” stated, “Who’s surprised?” with an image of Harris overlaid with Rogan’s words about her absence from the podcast, as well as a video clip of UFC fighter Nate Diaz declaring, “I’m not surprised, mother*******,” alongside an American flag emoji.
Harris’ Podcast Appearances and Mixed Reception
In addition to her traditional appearances, Kamala Harris has participated in a variety of podcasts with both journalistic and conversational formats. Earlier in October, she was featured on the widely popular sex and lifestyle podcast “Call Her Daddy” and later on the sports-oriented “All the Smoke” podcast, hosted by former NBA stars. However, her podcast outreach efforts appear to have yielded mixed reactions. An October 23 poll conducted by Suffolk University and USA Today found that only around 27% of voters had watched any of her recent appearances, and nearly half of respondents indicated that the episodes made them less likely to support her.
Public Reaction and Anticipation
Though Rogan has previously expressed reluctance to host Trump, stating he did not want to “rehabilitate” Trump’s image, his platform is known for discussions that sometimes entertain controversial and unsubstantiated theories. Both political analysts and Rogan’s vast audience are eager to see what he will ask Trump in this high-profile interview.
Anticipation Builds for Rogan-Trump Podcast Episode
With both anticipation and controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the upcoming interview could mark a pivotal moment in podcast history. As one of the most influential media personalities today, Joe Rogan’s interview style, combined with Trump’s characteristic outspokenness, may create a compelling conversation that resonates with audiences and potentially impacts the political landscape as Election Day nears.
