Podcasting's king of the castle is a divisive character with an opinion for every issue and a question for every answer.
Joe Rogan is often criticised for his views and for providing a platform for voices that aren't always in his studio to debate in good faith, but he is at least known to be curious and willing to listen to views other than his own.
The 57-year-old UFC co-commentator boasts the most streamed podcast on Spotify and a lengthy guest list reveals a distinct interest in various strands of science and scientific thinking, some aspects of it more credible than others.
So, listeners were understandably surprised when an impromptu flight of curiosity prompted Rogan to decide between science and religion in the starkest possible terms.
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On an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience in which he interviewed some TikToker, Rogan found himself quoting the late American author, botanist and psychedelic plants expert Terence McKenna and asking himself rhetorical questions about the meaning of life.
"The difference between science and religion is that science only asks you to believe in one miracle: the Big Bang," mused the podcaster, somewhat underestimating both the weight of the issue at hand and the complex relationships between science and theism.
"People would be incredulous about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, yet they're convinced that the entire universe was smaller than the head of a pin and then for no reason... instantaneously became everything.
"I'm sticking with Jesus on that one. Jesus makes more sense."
Clearly matters of faith and belief are highly personal but Rogan's is not an uncurious mind and he's no stranger to science or its definitions of what is and isn't proven.
Rogan's podcast was picked up and paywalled by Spotify in 2020, more than a decade after it began.
He has consistently courted controversy with his views about politics, COVID-19 vaccines and various other talking points, and by welcoming a cast of guests that includes conspiracy theorists and climate change deniers.
There have been more than 2,500 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience, many with a scientific focus but often taking a political standpoint.
Rogan endorsed terrific golfer Donald Trump for the US Presidency in 2024.
Topics: Joe Rogan
Chris Nee