Let’s talk podcasting. It is safe to say that Joe Rogan has been the undisputed king of podcasts for years. But nothing lasts forever right? So, can someone dethrone the digital media mogul in 2025? AI thinks it’s possible. The podcast world has evolved, and so has the competition to sit at the top.

But who’s in the running? Let’s explore three podcasts that might just challenge the podcasting titan. Intrigued? Let’s dive into why each of these could become the new podcast powerhouse. And what makes them stand out in the crowded podcasting landscape.

1) The Lex Fridman Podcast

What if the future of podcasting isn’t all about celebrity drama or viral moments, but deep dives into science, AI, philosophy, and human psychology? It might sound niche, but Lex Fridman’s podcast is gaining massive popularity because of its thoughtful approach to conversations. While Joe Rogan casts a wide net across a variety of topics, Fridman’s focus on intellectual depth is making waves among a younger, tech-savvy audience. Could this be the next big shift in podcasting?

Lex isn’t new to the podcast game. He has been on The Joe Rogan Experience multiple times, and Joe himself has credited Fridman’s intellectual curiosity. In fact, Lex’s posted on LinkedIn saying, “Joe has been an inspiration to me for many years as a human being and now a good friend. He’s one of my favorite people to talk to for hours, on and off the mic.” Do you think this intellectual approach could pull listeners away from Rogan’s more mainstream style?

Fridman is aligning himself with some major players in tech, like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, and if he keeps that momentum going, expanding globally, it might just be time for Rogan to start watching his back. Could podcasting’s future be all about substance over entertainment? Would you tune into something more intellectual, or are you here for Joe Rogan’s variety?

2) Call Her Daddy (by Alex Cooper)

Shifting gears, let’s talk about Call Her Daddy. Alex Cooper’s show has evolved from a cheeky relationship advice podcast into a celebrity-driven powerhouse, blending raw vulnerability with high-profile guests. It has quickly become one of Spotify’s biggest podcasts, and in 2025, Alex Cooper might be poised to overtake Rogan. But can she challenge the podcast king?

It’s interesting, as Cooper has said that she doesn’t want to be compared to Joe Rogan. And honestly, who would want to be boxed in? “Why am I always called the female Joe Rogan?” she’s said on the Jay Shetty Podcast. “No shade to Joe, but it’s frustrating. It disqualifies me.” And that’s a fair point! But think about it, both Rogan and Cooper have massive platforms, and Alex is quickly making a name for herself by tapping into the Gen Z and millennial female demographic.

By landing guests like Selena Gomez, and Taylor Swift, and diving into viral, emotionally raw moments, Call Her Daddy is becoming the go-to podcast for an audience craving authenticity. If Cooper keeps expanding into live events and collaborations, could she steal JRE’s audience? Would you rather listen to someone getting real or dive into the world of intellectual exploration like Fridman?

3) The Nelk Boys’ Full Send Podcast

Now, let’s switch it up. What if the next podcast to take on Rogan’s reign isn’t about deep philosophical debates or emotional connections but raw, rebellious energy? Enter The Nelk Boys’ Full Send Podcast. Known for its edgy humor, internet culture, and celebrity interviews, the Nelk Boys are tapping into something bigger, something that could seriously rival Rogan’s audience.

What’s their secret sauce? The Nelk Boys are masters at landing viral guests like Donald Trump and Andrew Tate, and their unfiltered style is exactly what younger, rebellious audiences are craving. But, does that ‘rebel’ energy have the potential to steal Rogan’s younger male demographic? The Nelk Boys can definitely cater to some of the biggest personalities, blending internet culture and edgy humor in a way that could strike a chord with Rogan’s core fanbase.

Here’s an interesting moment. During his presidential campaign, Trump took a shot at traditional media. And during his occasional showups in podcasts, the President-elect had a conversation with Kyle Forgeard from the Nelk Boys and questioned, “Did Joe become so well-known because of the UFC? And he does a great job with that, right?” So now, the question as the upcoming President put forth, could UFC be the secret ingredient that made Rogan the podcast king?

More importantly, if the Nelk Boys double down on their edgy content, landing more viral guests, could they capture a huge chunk of Rogan’s audience? We’ve got some serious contenders for the top spot in podcasting. But who do you think will rise to the top? Is The Joe Rogan Experience destined to remain the king of podcasts?

Are we ready for a shift in the podcasting landscape? So, who’s it going to be for you? Lex? Alex? The Nelk Boys? Or are you staying true to Rogan? Let us know your vote in the comments below!