Chelsea Handler Questions Joe Rogan’s $82 Million Podcast Earnings

Comedian Chelsea Handler criticized Joe Rogan after Forbes estimated he will earn $82 million in 2026, making him the world's highest-paid podcaster.

Reacting to the ranking on Instagram, Handler wrote: “Who is paying Joe Rogan $82 million? Give that to our vets, or our children!” She also accused Rogan of frequently spreading misinformation and dismissing mistakes with “whoopsie doodle.”

According to Forbes, The Joe Rogan Experience generates more than 80 million monthly downloads and views. Rogan records about 15 episodes each month and signed a new Spotify deal in 2024 reportedly worth up to $250 million over three years.

Other top earners on the list include Crime Junkie host Ashley Flowers ($42 million), Smartless hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes ($37 million), Mel Robbins ($35 million), and New Heights hosts Jason and Travis Kelce ($35 million).

Rogan remains a divisive figure. He has faced criticism over COVID-19 misinformation and past use of racial slurs, for which he apologized in 2022. Spotify defended its decision to keep his podcast while introducing content guidelines.

Rogan has also shifted politically over time. After previously saying he did not support Donald Trump, he endorsed Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign following discussions with Elon Musk. In 2025, however, Rogan criticized the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.