Joe Rogan, the podcasting juggernaut, has been dethroned. Yes, you read that right. After ruling the airwaves for years, the UFC commentator and “undisputed king of podcasting” has been shoved off his Spotify throne. And who’s the one to take his spot, you ask? None other than Mel Robbins. Who? Exactly. The NYT best selling author and “self improvement guru” has officially taken the top spot.  She is proving that people might just prefer life advice over bear-hunting stories and Elon Musk musings.

The Joe Rogan Experience was an untouchable beast. It wasn’t just a podcast; it was a movement. But podcast audiences’ tastes change like the seasons, and a new sheriff rides into town every now and then. According to Jedi I Goodman’s tweets, Robbins’ self-help-packed show has surpassed Rogan’s in Spotify’s US rankings. And just like that, a woman who started her podcast in 2022 as a birthday project has outpaced a man who’s been talking into a microphone since 2009.

For those unfamiliar, The Mel Robbins Podcast markets itself as the ultimate guide to transforming your life, tactical advice, motivational nuggets, and the occasional relatable screw-up. Sounds a little different from Rogan’s deep dives with controversial figures, right? And yet, it’s working. Robbins isn’t just leading the charts; she’s proving that the podcast world isn’t just about who yells the loudest or gets the most viral guest. Sometimes, people just want to feel like they have their life together.

But don’t cry for Rogan just yet. He’s been here before. A few weeks ago, Kylie Kelce, yes, the wife of former Eagles star Jason Kelce, briefly snatched the top spot, only for Rogan to reclaim it like a bad habit. The same could happen with Robbins, though she might want to keep looking over her shoulder.

And to the $250M question, does Joe Rogan even care?

Oh, but here’s a thought, Rogan might not be exactly hurting. Spotify recently renewed his deal for a mind-melting $250 million, ensuring that his gravelly-voiced takes will now be heard across Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. That’s right, he’s no longer confined to Spotify’s walls. They’re letting him roam free, probably hoping he’ll pull in even more listeners (and maybe controversy driven clicks, who knows).

The deal reportedly includes an upfront minimum guarantee along with a revenue sharing model based on ad sales. And in true Spotify fashion, they declined to confirm the financial details, because—you know—why not keep the mystery alive?

Interestingly, Rogan isn’t the only one getting a distribution upgrade. Spotify recently loosened the reins on Call Her Daddy, the massively popular podcast hosted by Alex Cooper, which had also been a Spotify exclusive. Well, the allegedly no. 1 podcast among female listeners now sits at no. 5. So maybe its safe to say that Spotify is testing its waters, letting its top tier talent reach wider audiences while still cashing in.

And in typical Rogan fashion, he’s unlikely to publicly sweat the numbers. This is the guy who shrugs off media backlash like it’s a mosquito bite. But let’s not pretend losing that No. 1 spot doesn’t sting, even just a little. Rogan’s been the king of podcasting for years. And suddenly, a motivational speaker is giving him a run for his money? That’s gotta be a little humbling.

Still, the dude has an army of devoted listeners who aren’t going anywhere. After all, as he puts it, “There’s no script of what we’re going to talk about, and it all just sort of happens in real time.” His fans tune in for those unpredictable, long-winded, often eyebrow-raising conversations that range from elite scientists to, well, conspiracy theorists. “It’s just an actual organic conversation with people enjoying themselves, which is something we all can relate to, and something we all love to do. These conversations have changed the way I think about life immeasurably and continue to do so.”

So, Mel Robbins, enjoy the view from the top while you can. Rogan has a way of making comebacks, and something tells us this fight isn’t over yet. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!