Joe Rogan Faces Backlash After Old AI Comments Resurface
Joe Rogan is facing criticism online after an old podcast clip about artificial intelligence started spreading again.
The clip comes from an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience released in October and features actor Katee Sackhoff as the guest. The video has recently gained attention on X, and is being shared by users who say Rogan’s views on AI do not line up.
The Joe Rogan Experience launched in 2009 and is now Spotify’s biggest podcast, drawing millions of listeners each month. Even with its massive reach, the show was left out of the Golden Globes’ new podcast category set to debut in 2026. The renewed attention around the podcast has brought older conversations back into focus.
During the episode, Rogan and Sackhoff were talking about a movie that Sackhoff’s young daughter enjoys, called KPop Demon Hunters. Sackhoff praised the film’s music and message, saying, “The music on this thing is absolutely phenomenal.” She explained that the characters are voiced by real performers who also helped create the songs.
As the conversation continued, Rogan questioned whether seeing real people perform the music would feel strange after watching animated characters. He then suggested, “Probably would be better if AI made the music.” Sackhoff quickly shut that down and replied, “Stop it! It will never be better if AI makes the music.” She added, “You just broke my soul, Joe!”
Rogan pushed back by saying AI is already producing strong music. Sackhoff fired back with, “It’s also making some great podcasts.” At that point, Rogan stopped laughing and answered, “Well, I don’t know about that,” before changing the subject.
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 episode, Rogan played what he said was one of his favorite songs. It was an AI-generated version of 50 Cent’s “What Up Gangsta,” remade in a soul style.
Rogan claimed he liked the AI version more than the original track. Sackhoff challenged him on that, asking if 50 Cent could have created something similar if he had been asked. Rogan said yes, but argued that the AI version still impressed him. He said, “It tricks me and I know the trick… and I don’t care. It’s that good.”
The moment returned to public attention after a social media user reposted the clip this week. 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 quickly dismissed the idea of AI podcasts.
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 person wrote, “Everyone thinks AI is great at everything. Except their job.” Another commenter warned that AI could replace creative workers, saying the goal is to avoid paying artists for their work.
The resurfaced podcast clip, shared widely on social media, has reopened questions about how AI should be used in creative spaces and whether even its biggest supporters draw the line when their own work is involved.
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