In a significant shake-up for the podcasting world, Joe Rogan has officially been crowned the new king of Apple's podcast charts. His wildly popular show, The Joe Rogan Experience, has ended the reign of The New York Times' flagship podcast, The Daily, to claim the number one spot on Apple's annual rankings.
The Battle for the Top Spot
Apple confirmed the news on Tuesday, marking a decisive victory for Rogan after years of finishing behind The Daily. This win is particularly significant as it means Rogan now holds the top position on the world's two leading podcast platforms, having already secured the number-one spot on Spotify.
The path to this victory began in February 2024, when Rogan made a highly anticipated return to Apple Podcasts after a three-year absence. This move coincided with Spotify relinquishing its exclusive rights to his show as part of a multiyear contract renewal, a deal reportedly worth up to $250 million.
Understanding the Rankings and Audience
Apple's annual podcast rankings are not based on mere downloads but reflect average weekly consumption measured continuously. This method provides a more accurate picture of listener engagement. On Apple's platform alone, Rogan's show attracts a staggering estimated 8 million monthly listeners.
The shift in power saw The Daily, which had held the number one position last year, fall to second place in the 2025 rankings. Following his return to the platform in 2024, The Joe Rogan Experience had initially secured third place before its ascent to the top.
A Tale of Two Podcast Formats
The contrast between the two top podcasts could not be more striking. The Daily, which debuted in 2017 following Donald Trump's inauguration, is a production of The New York Times. It is hosted by Times reporters Michael Barbaro, Rachel Abrams, and Natalie Kitroeff, supported by a team of editors and producers, and airs five days a week with a structured, news-driven format.
In contrast, The Joe Rogan Experience is known for its largely off-the-cuff and long-form conversations. Rogan's success underscores a broader trend where personality-driven podcasts that cultivate loyal communities continue to thrive. Certain episodes have seen exceptional performance, including his Election Day sit-down with tech billionaire Elon Musk and a March 2025 episode featuring vaccine skeptic Dr. Suzanne Humphries.
This change at the top of the charts signals a pivotal moment for the industry, highlighting the powerful draw of unique personalities and unfiltered content in the competitive audio landscape.
