Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, is no stranger to raw, unfiltered moments. But on episode #2268, a particularly emotional exchange unfolded when the UFC commentator opened up about the personal toll of the 2018 Los Angeles wildfires. As he shared his experience of being evacuated multiple times and watching his neighbors lose everything, it was clear that this tragedy hit closer to home than most.
The January 2025 fires in Southern California, which destroyed thousands of homes and claimed lives, are still fresh in the minds of many residents. Rogan, during his podcast chat with real estate mogul Rick Caruso, began to reflect on his own harrowing experiences. With wildfires continuing to plague the region, he shared a glimpse of the devastation from 2018, a year that left deep scars on his community.
Joe Rogan Opens Up About Personal Loss
“Unfortunately, the fire insurance issue in Los Angeles is kind of insane, where, you know, we were talking in the lobby before. I was evacuated three times when I lived in L.A. Two of my neighbors lost their homes, you know. And watching those folks cry in front of the rubble where they lived is just — It’s just horrible, you know. But they kept their lives. And this was 2018.”
Rogan, known for his tough persona, became visibly emotional, rubbing his eyes as tears started to form. His usual composure slipped as he described the aftermath of the fires, when entire neighborhoods were left in ruins.
“Two of the houses are still gone in my old neighborhood. They never rebuilt. They just pulled out. They just like, ‘What am I going to do?’ They lose everything. I mean, [Hollywood actor] Mel Gibson lost books from the 1600s. You know, Mel is a very religious man, and he collects, like, these ancient, irreplaceable books. And then, of course, the loss of lives is horrifying.”
Impact of the Fires on Los Angeles
As Caruso, who has been involved in politics and business, talked about the growing homeless crisis in LA, which worsened due to the fires, Rogan couldn’t help but reflect on the scale of the damage. This conversation underscored just how vast the destruction was, not only affecting homes but the sense of security many residents once had.
“And, you know, they rebuild some of them.”
This emotional segment on JRE serves as a powerful reminder of how devastating the California wildfires have been, especially for those who have lost not just their homes, but their memories and livelihoods. While Caruso’s foundation is working to assist in recovery efforts, the conversation stirred deeper questions about California’s lack of effective fire prevention and the increasing risk of such disasters.
Rogan’s Personal Connection to the Wildfires
For Rogan, these fires were a big part of why he made the decision to leave LA for Texas in 2020. It’s clear that the trauma of losing homes and seeing his neighbors suffer is something that will stay with him for a long time. The wildfires continue to be an ongoing challenge for the region, and discussions like these highlight the personal costs of these catastrophic events.
Rogan’s rare vulnerability in this conversation gives listeners a glimpse into the human side of the celebrity. While he’s known for his candid, sometimes controversial, views, moments like these remind us that even the most outspoken figures have personal stories that can move us deeply.
