Andrew Tate‘s brash confidence and internet-fueled swagger have captured a generation of young men seeking guidance—or at least amusement. From extravagant cars to hyper-masculine soundbites, his style is undeniably loud. But during a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience (#2308), an interview with Jordan Peterson led to an unexpected comparison. Peterson pointed out that Joe Rogan has many of the characteristics that make Tate appealing, with one key difference: Rogan is “respectable.” That one word opened the door for the UFC commentator to explore what truly differentiates him.

The JRE host acknowledged Tate’s captivating charm, particularly among the younger crowd. In fact, he said that if he were a young man today, he might have been drawn to Tate as well, just as he used to respect fighters who were not exactly role models outside of the ring. “I get the posturing. I get how it would be attractive to young men—I get it. If I were a young man, I would certainly be drawn to him, and I was to many fighters.” Rogan stated, adding that success in challenging fields such as combat is frequently accompanied by narcissism and strong self-focus. These characteristics, while difficult, can drive greatness. However, Joe Rogan made it clear: understanding something doesn’t mean endorsing it.

That distinction is at the center of Rogan’s philosophy. He traced the difference back to his roots—his life experiences, his own path of physical and mental training. “I’ve got a completely different background than him, first of all. And also, my feeling in life is—whenever you can, be nice…that’s like the general guideline,” he said, emphasizing that his life philosophy combines kindness and strength. While Tate has built his reputation around confrontation and domination, the UFC commentator prefers a state of balance. To him, toughness does not have to be at the expense of sensitivity, and respectability does not diminish but amplifies your message. That’s a tough sell in today’s click-driven society, but Rogan seemed more concerned with legacy than virality.

In the end, Joe Rogan’s message is less about bringing Andrew Tate down and more about providing an alternative. Where Tate thrives on shock and ego, Rogan favors humility, even if it is not as flashy. He’s seen both sides and knows why young guys may worship a specific form of masculinity, but he wants to show that being “nice” and “good” is not a weakness. It is a decision. And it’s a conscious decision the JRE host takes every day, in a world that frequently rewards the opposite. In fact, it also made him and Jordan Peterson speculate about what makes Andrew Tate so attractive to his followers.

Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan Decipher what makes Andrew Tate so appealing

As Joe Rogan laid out his life philosophy, which is based on discipline and kindness, it inevitably led to a more in-depth discussion about why someone like Andrew Tate can captivate so many hearts. Especially when his persona contrasts sharply with Rogan’s values. It was no longer just about pointing out the differences but also about understanding the root cause of Tate’s massive influence. And with Jordan Peterson sitting across from him, the conversation immediately took a sharp psychological turn, examining Tate and the young men who worship him.

Peterson, with his extensive academic background and years of experience examining human behavior, had clearly been thinking about this for some time. As a result, he did not hesitate when speculating. “I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out why people are attracted to Andrew Tate,” he told Rogan. And, as the clinical psychologist sees it, the answer is simple: survival. Andrew Tate serves as a dream escape hatch for young males who are feeling hopeless, disregarded, and unloved. The social media influencer is powerful, wealthy, and confident, and he does not appear to be accountable to anyone. “They’d rather be Andrew Tate than an incel,” Peterson stated. And for someone trapped in a cycle of rejection and bitterness, that option feels liberating.

The JRE host agreed, noting that grief, particularly romantic pain, can distort a man’s vision of the world. He’s seen how rejection hardens into bitterness, which then turns into hatred. “That’s how you get a woman-hater,” he stated clearly. The duo wasn’t excusing the toxic behavior that sometimes follows; they were dissecting it down to its core. It’s not about Bugattis or celebrity, really. It’s about young men who feel invisible while admiring someone like Tate, who is never neglected. When you are trapped in the dark, even a deadly light can feel like salvation. But what do you think? Is the ‘Top-G’ worth admiring for these young fans? Let us know in the comments.