Punchy & viral-style: Gavin Newsom Trashes Joe Rogan — And It Instantly Blows Up in His Face

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent comments about podcast giant Joe Rogan have ignited a firestorm—one that quickly backfired and became the subject of heated debate on the “Actual Friends” podcast, hosted by Dave Rubin, Jillian Michaels, and Dr. Drew Pinsky. Newsom, appearing on Elex Michaelson’s “The Story Is,” dismissed Rogan as “the Facebook of podcasting” and accused him of being too afraid to host Newsom on his show. But instead of sidelining Rogan, Newsom’s remarks drew sharp criticism and exposed deeper frustrations with his leadership and public persona.

The Exchange: Newsom vs. Rogan

In his interview with Michaelson, Newsom complained that Rogan had attacked him for years but refused to offer him a platform for a direct conversation:
“He’s been attacking me and it’s one way and he won’t have me on. … Joe Rogan’s the Facebook of podcasting.”
Newsom went further, suggesting Rogan lacked the confidence to host him and accusing Rogan—and other commentators—of belittling and demeaning their subjects rather than engaging in “civil dialogue.”

But as Dave Rubin pointed out, Newsom’s narrative was pure projection. Rogan’s podcast is widely recognized for its long-form, open-ended conversations—even with guests who fundamentally disagree with him. Rubin argued that Rogan is “ridiculously fair” and, if anything, sometimes criticized for not knowing enough about the topics he covers, not for demeaning his guests.

The Podcast Reaction: Projection and Political Games

The “Actual Friends” hosts didn’t hold back in their assessment of Newsom’s comments:

– Dave Rubin: Called Newsom’s remarks a reversal of reality, noting that as a public figure, criticism is part of the job. Rubin emphasized that it’s incumbent upon leaders to face their critics, citing Donald Trump’s willingness to appear on hostile shows as an example.
– Jillian Michaels: Shared a personal dislike for Newsom, blaming him for policies that “destroyed home” and highlighting how criticism of Newsom crosses party lines. Michaels pointed out that even far-left figures like Anna Kasparian and James Lee have publicly bashed Newsom, showing that frustration with his leadership is bipartisan.
– Dr. Drew Pinsky: Weighed in on the emotional toll Newsom takes on his critics, discussing the psychological strategy of compartmentalizing negative feelings toward public figures.

The hosts also mocked Newsom’s attempts to relate to people of color by referencing Wonderbread and mac and cheese, calling it “inherently racist” and manipulative. They criticized his privileged background, noting his upbringing in wealth and connections to the Getty family, as evidence of his inability to genuinely empathize with ordinary people.

Why Newsom’s Attack Backfired

Newsom’s attempt to undermine Rogan didn’t land as intended. Instead of casting Rogan as a coward, Newsom appeared evasive and unwilling to engage in the kind of open discussion Rogan’s show is known for.
Key reasons for the backlash include:

– Rogan’s Reputation: Rogan’s willingness to host controversial and opposing voices makes Newsom’s accusation ring hollow.
– Political Projection: Newsom’s complaints about being attacked without a platform were seen as hypocritical, given his own reluctance to face criticism head-on.
– Broad Criticism: Discontent with Newsom isn’t limited to conservatives; it spans the political spectrum, suggesting deeper issues with his leadership.
– Emotional Disconnect: Newsom’s attempts to relate to everyday struggles were perceived as disingenuous, further alienating critics.

The Bigger Picture: Leadership, Media, and Accountability

This episode highlights the changing landscape of political discourse. Podcasts like Rogan’s have become key arenas for unfiltered debate, challenging politicians to engage directly with critics and the public. Newsom’s refusal to appear, coupled with his dismissive comments, suggests a reluctance to participate in that dialogue—a stance that may hurt rather than help his image, especially as speculation about his presidential ambitions grows.

The “Actual Friends” hosts argue that true leaders don’t shy away from tough conversations. As Dave Rubin put it, “It’s incumbent upon you to go in and talk to the people who criticize you.” The contrast between Newsom’s approach and that of other politicians who embrace contentious interviews is stark—and could have lasting implications for his political future.

Conclusion

Gavin Newsom’s attempt to insult Joe Rogan has backfired, exposing not only his unwillingness to engage with critics but also the broader dissatisfaction with his leadership. The reaction from prominent podcast hosts underscores the importance of open dialogue and accountability in today’s political climate. If Newsom hopes to win over skeptics—or run for higher office—he may need to rethink his strategy and embrace the kind of honest, unscripted conversations that Americans increasingly demand.