Forbes Unveils Top-earning Podcasters, Kelce Bros Among Stars
WHO:
NY Post - The Kelce brothers and comedian Amy Poehler are among the highest-paid podcasters.
XXL Mag - Joe Budden and Charlamagne are featured on Forbes' highest-paid podcasters list.
WHAT:
[11:07 a.m. ET] - USA Today - Joe Rogan earned about $82 million between June 2025 and June 2026.
[11:07 a.m. ET] - USA Today - "The Joe Rogan Experience" averages about 11 million listeners and downloads per episode.
[11:07 a.m. ET] - USA Today - "The Joe Rogan Experience" is Spotify's top global podcast and the No. 1 podcast on Apple Podcasts.
[11:07 a.m. ET] - USA Today - Jay Shetty's podcast "On Purpose" began in 2019 and has transformed significantly, with four major streaming platforms bidding for the show. Shetty stated, "To see that kind of interest and enthusiasm was pretty amazing – for me and for the industry overall.”
[11:07 a.m. ET] - USA Today - The top paid podcasters for 2026 include Joe Rogan at $82 million, John Coogan and Jordi Hays at $70 million, and Steven Bartlett at $45 million, among others.
NY Post - Forbes unveiled its list of the 20 highest-paid podcasters in 2026.
NY Post - The top-earning podcaster made $82 million.
NY Post - The Kelce brothers and other podcasters earn tens of millions of dollars.
WHEN:
NY Post - Forbes released the list on a Thursday in 2026.
WHY:
[8:07 p.m. ET] - USA Today - Chelsea Handler expressed disbelief about Joe Rogan's earnings, questioning, "WHO IS PAYING JOE ROGAN 82 million?" and suggested the money should be allocated to veterans or children.
NY Post - The list includes various genres such as celebrity shows, political, and true crime podcasts, indicating a diverse interest in podcasting content.
HOW:
NY Post - The earnings are derived from the popularity and reach of the podcasts hosted by these individuals.
(UPDATED August 1, 2026 05:57 UTC)
Joe Rogan has made headlines by earning approximately $82 million between June 2025 and June 2026, while his podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," boasts an impressive average of 11 million listeners and downloads per episode. This popular show is not only Spotify's top global podcast but also holds the number one spot on Apple Podcasts. In response to Rogan's earnings, Chelsea Handler expressed her disbelief, questioning who is paying him such a sum and suggesting that the money could be better spent on veterans or children.
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(UPDATED August 1, 2026 01:28 UTC)
Jay Shetty's podcast "On Purpose," which started in 2019, has seen significant transformation, attracting bids from four major streaming platforms, with Shetty expressing amazement at the industry's enthusiasm for the show. In 2026, the top paid podcasters include Joe Rogan, earning $82 million, followed by John Coogan and Jordi Hays at $70 million, and Steven Bartlett at $45 million. This surge in podcasting popularity highlights the growing influence and profitability of the medium.
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(UPDATED July 31, 2026 17:26 UTC)
Forbes has just released its list of the 20 highest-paid podcasters for 2026, with the top earner raking in an impressive $82 million. Among those featured are the Kelce brothers and comedian Amy Poehler, alongside Joe Budden and Charlamagne, all of whom are earning tens of millions from their popular shows. The list showcases a diverse range of genres, including celebrity, political, and true crime podcasts, reflecting the broad appeal of podcasting content today.