Joe Rogan has lost his number one slot to a show critical of President Donald Trump, the MeidasTouch Podcast, according to Podscribe data. The podcast charts have largely been dominated by shows with a conservative or pro-Trump voice, and the likes of Joe Rogan, Shawn Ryan, and Ben Shapiro have frequently appeared in the top 10. Trump himself appeared on a number of these podcasts, eschewing traditional media outlets, as part of his successful bid for reelection in 2024. Less than a month into the new administration, the rise of the left-leaning MeidasTouch to become the country's most popular podcast indicates a potential shift in tone currently resonating with Americans.
The Joe Rogan Experience has long dominated the podcast chart, but this month he slipped down into the second spot, according to Podscribe. His podcast was downloaded and played 48.6 million times, a 32 percent decrease from the previous month. The MeidasTouch Podcast took top spot with 56 million downloads and plays, increasing in reach by 101 percent this month. MeidasTouch was founded by three brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas. It is described on its website as: "A pro-democracy news network," the organization first started with creating viral videos and political ads opposing Trump and supporting Democratic candidates. The podcast is critical of Trump, and in the most recent episode, Ben Meiselas said "The buck stops with you, whether Trump wants to admit it or not, he needs to take responsibility for everything that is going on and I think it is up to the people to hold him responsible and I know that's what we're gonna do here every single day."
Trump's election campaign podcast appearances were influenced by his youngest child, Barron Trump, who was the reason behind his father doing interviews on Adin Ross and Bussin With the Boys. Trump told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo in October that Barron "tells me about all the 'hot' guys, people I've never heard of." When Trump claimed victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, his longtime friend Dana White thanked some of the hosts of podcasts Trump had appeared on during the campaign. "I want to thank the NELK Boys, Adin Ross, Theo Von, Bussin With The Boys, and last but not least, the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan," he said. The MeidasTouch Podcast's success can be attributed to its unique approach to covering news, combining humor and democracy with an unapologetic support for Democratic candidates, making it a social media icon.
The podcast's growth in popularity is a significant indicator of the shift in Americans' listening preferences, with many opting for content that is critical of Trump and his administration. The MeidasTouch Podcast's success has also been acknowledged by Congressman Robert Garcia, who congratulated the podcast on its achievement, saying "Congrats to @MeidasTouch. Well done @meiselasb and the whole crew. We need to be everywhere to reach working people and get our message out. Let's keep it up." Whether MeidasTouch will hold onto the top spot, or whether more anti-Trump podcasts start to climb the charts, remains to be seen. The rise of MeidasTouch to the top of the podcast charts is a significant development in the world of podcasting, and its impact on the political landscape will be closely watched in the coming months.
The MeidasTouch Podcast's achievement is also a testament to the power of podcasting as a medium for political commentary and discussion. With its unique approach to covering news and its unapologetic support for Democratic candidates, the podcast has resonated with millions of listeners across the country. As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how MeidasTouch and other podcasts navigate the complex and often divisive world of politics. The success of MeidasTouch has also raised questions about the role of podcasting in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. As the medium continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that podcasts will play an increasingly important role in shaping the political landscape of the country.