NPR's Up First is better for listeners who want a quick, daily news update with a left-center perspective. The Joe Rogan Experience is better for listeners who enjoy long-form conversations, diverse perspectives, and a right-center leaning viewpoint.
| Attribute | NPR's Up First | The Joe Rogan Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Name | NPR's Up First | The Joe Rogan Experience |
| Host(s) | Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, A Mart ez (weekdays); Ayesha Rascoe, Scott Simon (Saturdays); Ayesha Rascoe (Sundays). Former hosts: Rachel Martin, David Greene, Noel King. | Joe Rogan |
| Average Episode Length | Weekday and Saturday: 10-15 minutes; Sunday: Longer (featuring "The Sunday Story") | Approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes |
| Release Schedule | Weekdays: 6:30 a.m. ET; Saturdays: 9 a.m. ET; Sundays: 8 a.m. ET | Episodes are typically released Tuesday through Friday, and sometimes Saturday, at 1 PM EST / 10 AM PST. Rogan releases 3 to 4 episodes per week. |
| Content Format | Quick overview of top news stories. Weekday/Saturday: brief overview. Sunday: extended content with context. | Long-form conversations and interviews with a wide range of guests. The format is largely unscripted and allows for open, free-flowing discussions. |
| Target Audience | Those seeking short, daily news updates; listeners with limited time. | Primarily males around 30 years old with average incomes. Interests include sports, food, TV, photography, and cars. Many listeners are interested in fitness, entrepreneurship, and are skeptical of mainstream media. |
| Guest Interviews (Frequency & Prominence) | Each story often includes insights from guest experts. | Frequent guest interviews are a core component. Guests include comedians, actors, musicians, MMA fighters, authors, scientists, and political figures. |
| News Coverage Depth | Broad overview (except Sunday edition). | The podcast features guests who discuss current events, but it is not strictly a news program. News coverage can be influenced by the guest's expertise and perspective. |
| Humor Integration | Some episodes may include "a little fun," but it is not a primary focus. | Heavily integrated, as Joe Rogan is a comedian. |
| Political Leaning/Bias | Left center bias (Ad Fontes Media: "Skews Left") | Described as right-center biased, with Joe Rogan holding mostly libertarian positions. He has expressed both liberal and conservative views. |
| Production Quality (Audio) | Excellent | Good audio quality, using equipment such as the Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone. |
| Availability on Platforms | NPR website, NPR One, Audible, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many other podcast platforms. | Available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. |
| Overall Tone/Mood | Lively and welcoming conversation. | Conversational, unfiltered, and often humorous. The tone can vary depending on the guest and topic. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Political Leaning/Bias: Left center bias (Ad Fontes Media: Skews Left with a bias score of -9.44) | Not available |