Everything that Joe Rogan does is funny. Whether he’s hosting his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience”, stand up comedy, hosting a UFC event, being the guest on a comedy show – he’s got that comedic edge everyone is looking for. Maybe that’s why he’s been so successful – he earned everything he got through pure talent, hard work, and the average amount of luck.

One thing you may not have known about Joe is that he was a martial arts competitor in his youth. It was his passion, but an injury slashed his dreams of going anywhere with it. We’re not thankful that he got hurt, but we’re happy he turned his sights to comedy instead.

Early Life

Joe, or Joseph James Rogan, was born in Newark, New Jersey, to working-class parents. They divorced when he was young, which resulted in him moving around the country a lot as a child. From San Fransisco, CA to Gainesville, FL, to finally Newton Upper Falls, MA – where he went to high school. It was there that he gained his passion for Martial Arts and even won a few championships. His martial arts career ended in a head injury and set him on the path to comedy.

From Martial Arts to Stand Up Comedy

In 1988, Joe finally gave in to his friends, who had always encouraged him to try comedy. He was working for laughs, barely making anything, and doing side-hustle like tasks to get by. He started to make an actual living through comedy in the 1990s, which sparked his move to New York, then to LA a few years later. In LA, he started getting slots on TV shows, radio shows, and even as a journalist for the UFC. All of that led to the comedic album I’m Gonna Be Dead Someday. He put in the work and now is living his dream in the comedy industry. But don’t worry – his life isn’t too perfect to be funny. We’re sure he’ll tell you all about it on stage.