In the wake of the internet revolution of the late 2010s, platforms like YouTube have redefined the digital landscape, transforming social media into a powerhouse of influence and creativity. This shift has given rise to a new generation of stars, including trailblazers like Joe Rogan, PewDiePie, and the Paul brothers—Logan and Jake—who have transcended their origins as content creators to become cultural icons. Yet, among these luminaries, one name shines brightest: YouTuber and philanthropist Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr. Beast.

Unlike his peers, Mr.Beast stands out not just for his awe-inspiring content—such as the viral “Surviving 50 Hours in a Prison Cell” or his ambitious recreation of Squid Games—but for his unparalleled commitment to philanthropy. From organizing massive giveaways to funding surgeries that restore sight for blind children, Mr.Beast has redefined generosity in the digital age. Despite the wealth and recognition he enjoys today, Mr.Beast’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Once an everyday student grappling with challenges, many can relate to, he even faced the threat of homelessness at one point. Through sheer passion and determination, he overcame those hardships and built an empire. So how did the man rise from obscurity to become Forbes’ top-ranked YouTube earner with a staggering net worth of over $1 billion? Five months ago, he shared the remarkable story of his journey on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast (Episode #1788), offering a rare glimpse into the perseverance and vision that propelled him to unimaginable success.

During the podcast, Mr. Beast candidly shared the challenges he faced before making his breakthrough on YouTube. He spoke about the financial struggles and limited resources that defined his early years in content creation. “When I was a younger teenager, I was getting no views, had no money, and no equipment. Most of the time, it was just me trying to save enough to buy better tools,” the Youtuber recounted. “I was using my brother’s old laptop, and for my first couple of hundred videos, I didn’t even have a microphone. Just imagine a crackly, terrible voice.”

Things began to shift for Donaldson when he started making “one dollar a day” after his videos were monetized, giving him the means to improve his setup. “I saved up for six months, creating video game content—honestly, terrible videos—but eventually, I was able to afford a proper computer. That meant I could record games in high quality, and I finally had a microphone. I was 15 at the time,” Mr. Beast shared, reflecting on the pivotal moment when his passion and persistence started paying off.

From those humble beginnings, Mr. Beast’s journey has been nothing short of meteoric. Starting in 2013, he has consistently expanded his reach and influence. At just 26 years old, he now oversees five YouTube channels, each boasting millions of subscribers and adorned with accolades like the silver, gold, and rare red diamond play buttons.

Yet, even as he scaled incredible heights, Mr. Beast’s success has not been without controversy. In January 2023, he faced criticism after releasing a video documenting his efforts to help 1,000 people regain their sight through life-changing surgeries. While many praised the act, detractors accused him of using philanthropy as a publicity stunt and scam. Joe Rogan, however, had a different perspective, staunchly defending the humanitarian’s actions. Let’s dive into the podcaster’s take on the matter.

Joe Rogan supports Mr. Beast amidst the “1,000 blind people” controversy

Cataracts have been a longstanding issue in the 21st century, yet a significant portion of the global population continues to suffer from vision impairment, often due to the prohibitive costs of treatment and lack of access to affordable healthcare. In particular, many Americans struggle with insufficient insurance coverage, leaving them unable to afford necessary surgeries. Last year, Mr. Beast, made headlines with a generous initiative to cover the cost of cataract surgeries for 1,000 people.

While many lauded this act of kindness, some also criticized it. Fellow content creator Rosanna Pansino criticized the gesture, calling it a scam, and other voices joined in to question Mr. Beast’s motives. Despite the criticism, Joe Rogan came to Mr. Beast’s defense during a podcast episode with Bill Ottman.

The podcaster addressed the controversy, pointing out that there will always be individuals who react negatively to even the most well-intentioned actions. He described these reactions as “recreational outrage,” suggesting that some people criticize just for the sake of it. Rogan also praised Mr. Beast for his positive impact, saying, “He does so much good. It is so interesting to watch him do the thing. I get it. His content is fantastic, so what he is trying to do is maximize the reach of his content. It’s just clever.”

What are your thoughts on Mr. Beast’s early struggles? Do you believe his actions and achievements have earned him his place at the top of the success ladder? How do you view his journey—from starting with nothing to becoming a leading figure in the Forbes rankings? Share your thoughts below.