Joe Rogan Experience Review – Episode 473: Review of Andrew Schulz on JRE

Date: October 28, 2025
Hosts: Adam Thorne & Brandon
Main Focus: A review, breakdown, and community analysis of Andrew Schulz’s latest JRE appearance, including broader drama and shifts in the comedy/Rogan sphere.

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Andrew Schulz’s recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, exploring not just the content of the conversation, but also the brewing controversies, shifting alliances, and complex dynamics within the comedy podcast world—often referred to as the “Rogan Sphere.” Adam and Brandon touch on reactions from fans, community drama (including references to Marc Maron, Santino, and other comedians), the landscape of stand-up comedy today, and where the scene may be heading.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Format Changes and Community Commentary

• New JRE Review Format: The hosts announce they’ll consistently produce two episodes a week—one review-focused, one broader commentary on Rogan-sphere happenings.

  "We're gonna bump up to two episodes a week consistently...and then we're going to lean into more of a commentary of the whole Rogan sphere in general." (03:14, Adam)

• Addiction to ‘Comedy Drama’: The hosts admit to being deeply engaged with the ecosystem and recent controversies.

  "We're seeing a bit of a civil war in the Rogan sphere right now." (04:13, Brandon)

2. Schulz’s JRE Appearance: Format & Fan Reactions

• Length & Tone: Schulz’s episode is described as entertaining, casual, but lengthy (over 3.5 hours).

  "It was a very casual conversation. I enjoyed it quite a lot...a lot to enjoy—even the pool talk." (05:12, Brandon)

• Feedback from Social Media:

  • YouTube Comments: Fans roasted Schulz with “the type of guy” memes, not taking him too seriously.

    "Andrew Schulz, the kind of guy that sits on the toilet with his legs crossed..." (05:48, Brandon) Top comment: 'Schulz is the kind of guy who wakes you up to tell you he’s going to bed.'" (06:37, Adam)

  • Spotify Comments: More serious pushback, especially focused on Rogan’s commentary about Charlie Kirk’s controversial remarks regarding affirmative action and diversity.

    "People are pissed about Joe's Charlie Kirk commentary." (07:23, Brandon) "Joe also acknowledges that...you just could have said it better. Just don't hire someone because of their race." (08:26, Adam & Brandon)

3. Political Swings & Comedy’s Identity Crisis

• Shifting Rogan Sphere Allegiances:

  • Joe Rogan’s platform is described as “mainly right wing” but with bipartisan tendencies.

    "It is kind of turning into [bipartisan] lately, but it's mainly right wing and that's no surprise." (09:14, Brandon)

  • Rogan’s historical support for both Bernie and Trump is seen as evidence that major podcasters aren’t required to “pick a side.”

    "They're podcasters...they're not cable news. They're not required to pick a side." (10:29, Adam)

• Controversy in the Comedy World:

  • The hosts discuss how comedians like Andrew Schulz, Santino, and Marc Maron are openly clashing, which feels unprecedented and unnecessary.

    "It's crazy that we're seeing such big comics go at each other like this...it's becoming like this really weird drama." (15:06, Brandon) "You're the jesters. Don't forget that...it's all about being a jester, so chill out." (16:02, Adam)

4. Saudi Arabia Shows & Comedian Criticism

• Comics performing in Saudi Arabia: Numerous comedians—Schulz, Louie CK, Santino, Bobby Lee, Chappelle, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Pete Davidson, etc.—accepted high-paying gigs in Saudi Arabia. There’s significant backlash, especially about defending the regime and questions over “freedom of speech.”

  "Dave Chappelle said that freedom of speech is better in Saudi Arabia than the US—really, which is insane to say." (17:31, Brandon)

• Where is Rogan? Rogan apparently wasn’t invited to perform, and likely wouldn’t have accepted regardless.

  "He would have said so...I don't think he would have gone because he doesn't exactly need the money." (18:58–19:10, Adam & Brandon) "A lot of comedians talking shit about it...because they weren't invited." (20:43, Adam)

5. Rise of ‘Kill Tony’ and Club Scene Tensions

• Kill Tony’s Influence: Now a career-making machine, but Tony Hinchcliffe’s stand-up is considered mediocre among top comics. The show is seen more as a “game show” than stand-up.

  "When you look at the top 20 guys and gals...Tony's probably not in that list...He's making more money than almost any of them now because of Kill Tony." (25:12, Adam) "Even though it is funny, it's not really like all stand up comedy...it's more like a talk show." (26:10, Adam) "His [Tony Hinchcliffe] stand-up special 'One Shot'...is not good. He tried to scrub it off the internet." (26:23, Brandon)

• Austin Comedy Scene: Rogan’s club, the Mothership, is the center of gravity. The scene is "clicky" and may foster resentment among comics who feel excluded.

  "If the Mothership took off into space the next day, the [Austin] scene would be like 2% of what it used to be." (29:43, Brandon) "A scene can't just be one club...LA's scene wouldn't have been the comedy scene if it was just the Comedy Store." (31:29, Adam)

6. Celebrity Podcast Fatigue and Podcast ‘Civil War’

• Podcast Fragmentation:

  • “Rogan Sphere” podcasts are faltering. Shows like Two Bears, One Cave are described as declining, and even classic relationships (e.g., Bill Burr and Rogan) are growing distant.

    "It's crazy to see a lot of these podcasts, like, kind of go under. For example, Two Bears, One Cave...they're doing really bad." (40:34, Brandon)

  • Some hosts are “desperate,” with odd pivots (recruiting OnlyFans models).

    "They're trying to, like, recruit OnlyFans stars...it's a little weird. You're getting into pimp territory with that." (40:54–41:23, Brandon)

• Community ‘Civil War’ and Pushback:

  • The current wave of critique/pushback within the comedian community isn’t massive, but it’s enough to be felt. The “civil war” language is used, but the hosts see it as a natural cycle.

    "I don't want to say [the Rogan sphere] is collapsing, but it's in a rough state right now." (43:33, Brandon)

7. Comedy Careers Today: No Set Path

• Social Media Era: Stand-up is no longer about “paying dues,” getting on TV, etc. Success comes from viral clips, crowd work, or platforms like Kill Tony.

  "It's all a social media game now. It's not a path anymore. It's 800 forks in the road." (51:00, Brandon) "Kill Tony can make careers, but now there are so many golden ticket winners it doesn't really mean anything anymore." (52:38, Brandon)

• Uncertainty for the Future:

  • Comedy is “DIY” and unpredictable. Even headlining a TV spot won't guarantee success.

    "I don't know where things are headed...It's a weird time." (52:39, Brandon)

8. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Comedy’s Identity Crisis

Adam: "You're the jesters. Don't forget that. I know in your own way, you become like the kings...but it was all about being a jester, so chill out." (16:02)

On Saudi Arabia Gigs

Brandon: "Dave Chappelle said that freedom of speech is better in Saudi Arabia than the US—really, which is insane to say." (17:31)
Adam: "I mean, certainly not. I mean, America has pretty good versions of freedom of speech." (17:31)

On Rogan Sphere ‘Civil War’

Brandon: "It feels like there's a civil war almost." (21:09)
Adam: "I think that they...He might have thought a bit left out." (19:22)

On Kill Tony & the Mothership

Adam: "You just can't have a scene that's just the mothership, you know...you need more than one club with a pretty exclusive green room, right?" (31:29)

On Old vs. New Paths in Comedy

Brandon: "There's no real path anymore...It's all a social media game now. It's not a path anymore. It's 800 forks in the road." (51:00)

On Podcast Feuds

Brandon: "Schulz is just trying to convince Joe that Santino is a snake on this episode...but it's really more of a petty beef." (59:48)

9. Meta-Commentary on JRE and Its Effects

• Rogan’s Influence:
  Rogan is recognized for dragging up many comedians and podcasters, who “took themselves seriously” and now face critique for sharing strong views.

  "Their shows have all gone in whatever directions they've gone...Schulz...funny sometimes, then interviewing Trump." (55:17, Adam)

• Comics Need Pushback:
  Some pushback is “healthy,” even if big podcasters overreact to it.

  "Comics criticized each other. It's what keeps them fresh...overreacting from it." (58:15, Brandon)

10. Episode Ratings

• Both hosts rate Schulz’s JRE episode a ‘solid 7’ out of 10.

  "I give it a solid seven. It was worth listening to." (65:11, Adam)
  "I’d have to give it a seven, too, just for the drama." (65:15, Brandon)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro and Format Changes: 01:30–04:00
• Schulz JRE Recap and Internet Reaction: 05:12–07:00
• Discussion on Charlie Kirk & DEI Controversy: 07:23–08:53
• Comedy ‘Civil War’ Topic: 09:36–16:27
• Saudi Arabia Comedy Tour Debate: 17:31–20:43
• Kill Tony, Club Scene & Austin vs NY/LA: 25:12–31:29
• Podcast/Community Fragmentation: 40:34–43:53
• Comedy Career Paths Today: 49:54–54:17
• Final Reflections & Episode Ratings: 64:17–65:19

Final Thoughts

This JRE Review episode is much more than a breakdown of Andrew Schulz’s appearance—it’s a fly-on-the-wall tour of comedy’s tensions, podcast power plays, and the evolving nature of fame and gatekeeping in 2020s stand-up. The civil war language—even if tongue-in-cheek—highlights that as the "Rogan Sphere" grows, so too does scrutiny and drama, with comics forced to ask: are they jesters, political influencers, or just competitive entertainers trying to survive in a new era?

Notable Quote:

"You’re the jesters. Don’t forget that...it was all about being a jester, so chill out."
— Adam Thorne (16:02)

Stay tuned for a dedicated Marc Maron vs. Rogan sphere breakdown in the next episode!