Joe Rogan has opened up about feeling ‘overwhelmed’ from reading ‘too much news’ late at night and it’s sparked outrage among some social media users.
On a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan spoke with comedian, writer, actor and fellow podcast host Matt McCusker.
During their conversation, the two touched on a range of current headlines, including discussion around various products that have been reported as allegedly containing chemicals linked to an increased cancer risk. Rogan also said the constant flow of grim updates has been affecting his ability to switch off at night.
And it isn’t only viral AI clips on Instagram — including the kind featuring talking foods warning people about health effects — that he described as unsettling and making him want to “stay offline.”
The podcast host continued: “I’m reading too much of the news and it’s overwhelming me. Sometimes at night-time I can’t wind down. There’s too much news.”
He went on to single out a few stories in particular that he said were weighing on him.
Rogan said: “There’s too much f**king madness. We’re about to go to war with Iran, everyone’s eating beef jerky and pizza. What are these files? What the f**k is pizza?
“How far does this go? How come this never got released before? Like, what is happening?”
The great and powerful @elonmusk.
If it wasn't for him we'd be fucked. He makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you'll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way.
For the record, yes, that's an endorsement of Trump.
Enjoy the podcast pic.twitter.com/LdBxZFVsLN— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) November 5, 2024
While plenty of listeners found the comments relatable, they also triggered significant criticism online.
That’s partly because, in November 2024, Rogan publicly backed Trump after releasing an episode featuring Elon Musk, who has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Trump.
Sharing the podcast episode to X, Rogan wrote: “The great and powerful @elonmusk. If it wasn’t for him we’d be fucked. He makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way.
“For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump. Enjoy the podcast.”
With Trump playing a major role in upcoming nuclear talks with Iran — and with his name appearing repeatedly in the latest release of files tied to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein — critics were quick to argue Rogan’s frustration now reads differently in that context.
An X user wrote: “Joe Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024: It’s overwhelming me. Sometimes at night time I can’t wind down. There’s too much news. It’s too much f**king madness. We’re about to go to war with Iran. How far does it go? What’s happening?”
“@joerogan Suck it up. This is what you endorsed, & voted for. You helped get this monster & his minions elected. Actions have consequences. Cry about it to someone who gives a s**t. In the meantime, grow some & disavow him publicly, use your money & platform to make a change,” another added.
A third questioned: “Is it too much news or the realization that he helped create all of this and got played?”
Representatives for Rogan have been contacted for comment.