Back in 1997, when the sport of MMA still dwelled in the shadows of American sports legality, the UFC ventured into the heart of the Deep South – Dothan, Alabama. The Civic Center, packed with 3,100 passionate fight fans, would witness a pivotal moment in combat sports history, though they didn’t know it yet. Enter a fresh-faced, 29-year-old Joe Rogan, whose first appearance on UFC television carried no hint of the media empire he would later build.

His debut words set the tone for what would become a decades-long journey: “Thanks, Bruce. I’m back here right now backstage. I’ll be interviewing the fighters as they come out of the Octagon. I’ll also be previewing the fights, the final fights, in each weight division. I’ll be talking to the fighters and we’ll find out who’s injured, who’s going to be able to continue, and who is going to be able to go in if we need an alternate.”

This night in Dothan wasn’t just another UFC event. It was the genesis of modern MMA broadcasting, featuring a young commentator who would become the voice of the sport, calling fights in a promotion that would transform from a controversial spectacle into a global phenomenon worth billions. In 2009, Rogan launched his podcast during Christmas week as a fun side gig. Fast forward to last year, and he secured a monumental $250 million deal with Spotify.

It is safe to say that his career has followed an unconventional path. Throughout, the Newark export has stayed true to his style: fresh, humorous, candid, and unapologetically real. His content has always been raw and “super consistent.” If we look back at the way he spoke in the world, the way he did comedy, and—perhaps for many—the very first time they ever saw him on Fear Factor, it’s clear how his authenticity has earned him the admiration of both critics and fans. Recently, musician-turned-MMA analyst Robin Black, in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports’ Andrew Whitelaw, further emphasized Joe Rogan’s impact on modern media.

Black praised Rogan’s journey, stating, “Parallel to that, before and after it, he was a fight commentator. Joe Rogan sat there watching people commentate—probably non-judgementally—but he was like, Why do they speak in code? Why do they all act like newscasters? Instead, he thought, I’m just gonna talk like a guy who’s a martial arts expert, who loves martial arts, and be real and authentic.”

He lauded the podcaster for avoiding the “boring, repetitive, and old,” methods of hosting game shows, which led to a transformation in the industry. Reflecting on Rogan’s approach, Black shared, “He certainly had no idea where it would be today, but he looked at the news, talk shows, and the way people communicate and thought, ‘This is boring, repetitive, and highly structured.’ So he just said, ‘I’m gonna get high with my friends and do it regularly.'”

“Live your life like you’re the hero in your movie.” Rogan’s words have echoed through the halls of modern media like a battle cry for self-actualization. From the sweat-soaked mats of his early taekwondo days to the neon-lit stages of comedy clubs, and now to his position as the world’s most influential podcaster, Rogan has written his own Hollywood script.

Rogan’s perspective has always been unique, never confined to just sports or trending topics. His podcast and commentary, in particular, have evolved into a treasure trove of content that caters to everyone. Regardless of age, interest, or background. Whether you’re fascinated by UFOs, passionate about science, obsessed with pop culture, sports fanatic, or deeply engaged in politics, the Austin native’s podcast is like a gift bag full of diverse and engaging content for all. In fact, one of Rogan’s former colleagues recently echoed this sentiment, affirming his broad appeal. Let’s take a closer look.

Mike Goldberg weighs in on Joe Rogan’s unparalleled success

Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg both entered the UFC in the same year. However, their paths to success unfolded in distinct ways. The podcaster began his UFC career as a backstage interviewer, while Goldberg established himself as a commentator. Goldberg’s tenure in the UFC spanned from 1997 to 2016, concluding with UFC 207. Afterward, he made a move to Bellator, where he continued to shine as a commentator until 2021. Today, Goldberg is a play-by-play commentator for the BYB Extreme Fight Series.

Meanwhile, Joe Rogan, who followed in Goldberg’s footsteps, has solidified his position at the pinnacle of UFC commentary. Beyond his UFC career, the Newark export has built a massive empire with his podcast. This has attracted high-profile guests such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, among others. His success in digital media mirrors his impact on the UFC. Thanks to a podcast that consistently features an impressive lineup of guests and offers candid conversations.

In a recent interview with Dodge Woodall on YouTube, Goldberg discussed the secret to Rogan’s podcast success, emphasizing the depth of Rogan’s approach: “He’s very interested in everything in this universe. But he’ll never be unprepared for any interview he does on his podcast. And that’s the thing I respect most about Joe—he does his homework, and he asks the right questions. He’s not afraid to ask the tough questions. For people like you and me, I think if you want to ask a question, ask it like that. That’s the beauty of podcasts.”

What are your thoughts about Joe Rogan’s career? Do you believe it’s worthy of a biography? With his “real and authentic” style, the Austin native has undeniably captured the hearts of countless fans. Share your thoughts below!