Golden Globes Spark Uproar After Snubbing Joe Rogan and Political Podcasts in New Award Category

The Golden Globes have ignited a heated debate after unveiling nominees for their first-ever Best Podcast category—conspicuously leaving out major political podcasters, including Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, and Candace Owens. Even the popular left-leaning Pod Save America failed to earn a nomination, signaling a deliberate move away from politically charged content during Donald Trump’s second term.

The inaugural nominations include Call Her Daddy, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Mel Robbins Podcast, NPR’s Up First, and SmartLess. Notably absent: the world’s No. 1 podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, which dominates Spotify, Apple and YouTube charts.

A Clear Message: No Politics, No Controversy

Out of 25 eligible shows, not a single political program made the cut—including progressive or conservative voices. Media experts believe the Globes, still recovering from past scandals, want to rebrand as a mainstream, non-controversial awards show.

Ben Bogardus of Quinnipiac University noted that avoiding politically explosive nominees allows the Globes to appear “for the masses” and distance themselves from culture-war drama. This approach, however, has triggered criticism across social media, especially from fans of top-ranking conservative shows like Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Candace Owens, and Megyn Kelly.

The Timing: Tension With the Trump Administration

The snubs arrive amid heightened tensions between the entertainment industry and the Trump administration, which has repeatedly accused Hollywood and mainstream media of biased coverage. Many believe that political podcasts—especially influential ones like Rogan’s—played a major role in shaping voter sentiment leading up to the 2024 election.

The Golden Globes’ decision to exclude all political voices is being viewed as both strategic and symbolic.

Inside the Selection Process: More Questions Than Answers

Industry insiders describe the Globes’ criteria as vague. Eligible podcasts required a minimum of six episodes aired between January and September 2025, each at least 30 minutes long. But nominees appear to be chosen based not on downloads but on a blend of “quality, creativity, engagement, and impact”—terms critics say are subjective and easily influenced.

Further controversy emerged when it was revealed that the shortlist was created by Luminate Data, a company owned by Penske Media Corp—which also owns both the Golden Globes and major entertainment outlets like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

 

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A Landmark Moment for Podcasting—Just Not the One Expected

Despite the uproar, many experts say this is a milestone for the podcasting industry. The Globes are the first major Hollywood awards show to recognize podcasts, elevating the medium’s legitimacy and visibility. Podcasting veteran Karl Hughes calls the move “a natural step,” noting that the industry has matured far beyond its early DIY roots.

Whether the Globes’ cautious approach will pay off—or whether backlash will reshape future nominations—remains to be seen.