Joe Rogan Under Fire as Old AI Debate Clip Goes Viral
Joe Rogan is being criticized online after an old clip from his podcast started spreading again. The clip has sparked a fresh debate about his views on artificial intelligence and whether he applies the same standards to his own work as he does to others.
Rogan has hosted The Joe Rogan Experience since 2009. The show is now Spotify’s biggest podcast and reaches tens of millions of listeners each month. Even with its huge popularity, the podcast was not included in the Golden Globes’ new podcast award category announced for 2026.
The clip causing the backlash comes from an episode released in October. Actor Katee Sackhoff was the guest, and the two were talking about a movie Sackhoff’s daughter enjoys.
The conversation shifted to music and then to artificial intelligence. Sackhoff praised the movie’s soundtrack and message, saying, “The music on this thing is absolutely phenomenal.” She explained that real performers helped create and record the songs.
Rogan questioned whether seeing real people perform music tied to animated characters would feel strange. He then suggested, “Probably would be better if AI made the music.” Sackhoff immediately pushed back and replied, “Stop it! It will never be better if AI makes the music.” She added, “You just broke my soul, Joe!”
Rogan argued that AI is already producing strong music. Sackhoff responded by saying, “It’s also making some great podcasts.” Rogan’s tone quickly changed. He answered, “Well, I don’t know about that,” and moved on from the topic.
for those that wanted to see the clip of him being genuinely annoyed at the suggestion ai podcasts are good after he spends time glazing ai music lol https://t.co/dZboaXiK1i pic.twitter.com/3VKNF4gNvj
— onion person (@CantEverDie) December 16, 2025
Later in the same episode, Rogan played an AI-made version of a 50 Cent song and said he preferred it over the original. Sackhoff questioned whether the rapper could have made a similar version himself if given the chance.
She said that skipping the artist removes that opportunity. Rogan admitted the point but still defended the AI track, saying, “It tricks me and I know the trick… and I don’t care. It’s that good.”
The clip resurfaced this week after a user on X shared it and criticized Rogan’s stance. The post said, “The ‘you should love ai’ line is best outlined by a recent joe rogan episode.” The user pointed out that Rogan praises AI music but reacts negatively when AI podcasts are mentioned.
the “you should love ai” line is best outlined by a recent joe rogan episode. he LOVES ai music and always tells guests this. a guest pushed back on him saying “i’ve heard ai podcasts are amazing too” and joe rogan immediately pushes back. losers love it until it comes for them
— onion person (@CantEverDie) December 16, 2025
Other users joined the discussion. One wrote, “Everyone thinks AI is great at everything. Except their job.” Another warned that AI could replace creative workers across many fields and said artists should stand together against it.
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