Joe Rogan is best known today as a comedian, podcast host, UFC commentator, and former Fear Factor host. But before he broke into show business, Rogan worked a variety of jobs, many of which shaped his perspective and work ethic. His journey wasn’t a straight shot to fame—he had to grind through regular jobs like anyone else.
Martial Arts Instructor
Rogan’s passion for martial arts started at a young age. By his late teens, he was heavily involved in Taekwondo and kickboxing, even becoming a U.S. Open Champion in Taekwondo. With his skill and knowledge, one of his early jobs was teaching martial arts at various gyms. This experience not only reinforced his love for combat sports but also helped him develop his ability to communicate and entertain—qualities that later proved invaluable in his career.
Construction Worker
Like many young men looking to make a living, Rogan spent some time working construction jobs. While not much is known about the specifics, he has mentioned in interviews that he worked in physically demanding environments. This period of his life likely contributed to his no-nonsense attitude and appreciation for hard work.
Delivery Driver
Another early gig Rogan had was working as a driver, possibly delivering newspapers or packages. Though not the most glamorous job, it provided him with income while he figured out his long-term goals.
Newspaper Delivery
In his teenage years, Rogan also delivered newspapers to make extra cash. While this job didn’t last long, it was one of his first experiences in the workforce and gave him a taste of financial independence.
Private Security
Rogan has also mentioned working in security at some point, which isn’t surprising given his martial arts background. His combat skills would have made him well-suited for the job, whether it was bouncing at bars or working security at events.
Stand-Up Comedy: The Turning Point
While none of these jobs directly led to his career in entertainment, they all played a role in shaping his outlook and resilience. At 21, Rogan took a chance and tried stand-up comedy, which ultimately changed his life. His martial arts background gave him discipline, and his experience teaching and working physical jobs gave him an edge when it came to dealing with people and navigating tough environments.
The ‘Worst’ Job
Rogan had a horrible experience providing voice-over commentary for the 2014 EA Sports UFC game, which was released on PlayStation and Xbox One.
“Doing the voice over for that was one of the most bru tal jobs I have ever had. It’s so long. It’s also a huge strain on your voice. It’s like you are pushing your voice,” Rogan shared.
The task of recording commentary for the video game proved to be particularly demanding, even for someone who has spent more than two decades behind the microphone. Gills was notably impressed by Rogan’s ability to switch into his commentator voice during their conversation.
Despite hosting the world’s biggest podcast, which involves hours of conversation, Rogan explained that the voice work for the game required a different kind of vocal stamina and modulation compared to his usual broadcasting style.
Throughout his career with UFC, Rogan has been credited with helping viewers understand the technical aspects of grappling during the sport’s early days. UFC CEO Dana White has consistently acknowledged Rogan’s contributions to the sport and stood by him through various challenges.
At 57, Rogan remains one of the most respected voices in the MMA community. His extensive experience includes witnessing the evolution of numerous UFC champions, including those he considers the greatest of all time.
Speaking about the sport’s legendary athletes, Rogan noted, “There are a lot of arguments for who is the greatest of all time. Jon Jones, most people would say is the GOAT…. There’s another argument for Georges Saint-Pierre. Anderson Silva in his prime, Might Mouse.”
