Podcasts are becoming a mainstream form of entertainment. In 2022, 62% of US consumers said they listened to podcasts which is a 5% increase from the previous year, and globally, 22% of internet users listen to podcasts on a regular basis. Here is a list of the top 15 famous Podcasters right now.
But what do the podcasters at the top of their game earn?
There’s no doubt the world’s most popular podcasters earn a decent stack from their regular podcast episodes.
However, it’s important to consider that most famous podcast hosts are already well-known for other reasons and therefore have accumulated their wealth by several different means.
But, as this list will prove, podcasting is lucrative. So, let’s see what the top 15 podcasters earn in 2024.
The Top 15 Famous Podcasters
It’s difficult to get a definitive list of the most popular podcasts. Particularly as some hosts are exclusive to companies such as Spotify. Therefore, one company’s top ten list differs slightly from the next.
However, the following hosts come up time and time again in the “top” lists, so it’s safe to assume that these are the top earners in the podcast world.
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
- Host: Joe Rogan
- Established: 2009
- Average listeners per episode: 11 million
- Total number of episodes: 2,205
- Top three episodes:
Who is Joe Rogan, and What’s His Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $120 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: It is estimated that Joe earns around $20 million per year from his podcast
Joe Rogan is an established American stand-up comedian and martial arts commentator. Right now, he is the most famous podcaster in 2024.
However, you will have likely heard of him thanks to his hugely successful podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, which was launched in 2009 and has since become the most popular podcast in the world.
Joe has a large following on social media and is known for his candid, humorous, and often controversial views on a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, and pop culture.
His podcast features a wide variety of guests, including scientists, authors, actors, and politicians. If anyone can pull in an A-list celebrity for a conversation, it’s Joe Rogan.
He is known for his lengthy, freestyle conversations with his guests but has frequently been criticized for his views on certain controversial topics, including vaccines and evolution.
Despite the criticism, Rogan remains a popular figure, and his podcast attracts millions of listeners worldwide.
He is considered one of the most influential voices in the entertainment industry and has been credited with helping to popularize the format of the long-form interview podcast.
2. Crime Junkie
- Hosts: Ashley Flowers
- Established: 2017
- Average listeners per episode: 5.9 million
- Total number of episodes: 330
- Top three episodes:
Who is Ashley Flowers, and What’s Her Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $5 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: It is estimated that Ashley earns around 70k per year from her podcast, but her total annual income is between $300,000 – $400,000
Ashley Flowers is an American podcast host and producer. Launched in 2017, Crime Junkie has become one of the top true crime podcasts, with millions of avid listeners tuning in per episode.
Her approach to storytelling and attention to detail have earned her a dedicated fanbase and widespread critical acclaim. Her podcast covers a varied range of criminal cases, from lesser-known crimes to well-known cases that have captured national attention.
The podcaster is known for her thorough research and commitment to accuracy in her storytelling, and her podcast has been praised for its engaging content and ability to bring attention to important cases that may have been overlooked by the mainstream media.
3. Call Her Daddy
- Host: Alex Cooper
- Established: 2018
- Average listeners per episode: 3 million
- Total number of episodes: 289
- Top three episodes:
Who is Alex Cooper, and What’s Her Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $25 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: It is estimated that Alex earns around $20 million per year from her podcast
Alex Cooper hosts the hit podcast, Call Her Daddy, which covers topics related to sexuality, dating, and relationships. The show has gained a large following among listeners, particularly younger females.
Alex is known for her humorous and no-nonsense approach to discussions. Her on-air chemistry with ex-co-host Sofia Franklyn was legendary and was a major factor in the podcast’s success.
Unfortunately, this co-host relationship ended in 2020, and Alex continued with the podcast alone.
Despite this, Alex remains hugely popular and has become a sought-after speaker for events and conferences. With her sharp wit and relatable personality, she has become an established voice in the podcasting world.
4. My Favorite Murder
- Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
- Established: 2016
- Average listeners per episode: 2.9 million
- Total number of episodes: 716
- Top three episodes:
Who are Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, and What’s Their Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: Karen Kilgariff: $20 million / Georgia Hardstark $20 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: The podcast earns around $15 million per annum, and each host nets about $5 million in salary
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark are American television hosts, writers, and producers but are best known for co-hosting the true crime comedy podcast My Favorite Murder.
The podcast, which covers a wide range of true crime stories, has gained a substantial dedicated following and is widely credited with popularizing the true crime comedy genre.
Karen and Georgia are known for their engaging approach to discussing crime, which combines humor with a deep respect for victims and their families.
In addition to their podcast, the duo has also written several books, including the New York Times bestselling Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered.
With their captivating personalities and commitment to making true crime accessible and entertaining, Karen and Georgia have become top-earning stars in the podcast world.
5. The Ben Shapiro Show
- Host: Ben Shapiro
- Established: 2015
- Average listeners per episode: 2.6 million
- Total number of episodes: 2,299
- Top three episodes:
Who is Ben Shapiro, and What’s His Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $50 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: The Ben Shapiro Show is part of the Daily Wire subscription service, which nets around $100 million per year in revenue
Ben Shapiro is a conservative American political commentator, author, and lawyer. He is best known for his right-wing views and his work as editor-in-chief of the Daily Wire, a news and opinion website he founded in 2015.
His podcast covers various topics, including politics, current events, and pop culture, and features Shapiro’s signature blend of humor and serious commentary.
The show has become one of the most listened-to conservative podcasts, attracting a wide audience from the US and beyond.
Shapiro is best known for his outspoken views on a range of topics and his willingness to engage in lively debates with those who disagree with him.
Despite criticism, the show continues to be a major force for conservative media and has been credited with helping to shape the conversation around a number of important issues.
6. The Daily
- Hosts: Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
- Established: 2017
- Average listeners per episode: 2 million
- Total number of episodes: 1,756
- Top three episodes:
Who are Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, and What’s Their Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: Michael Barbaro $5 million / Sabrina Tavernise $5 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: The podcast earned around $36 million in 2021. It is unclear what percentage of this each host received
Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise are both journalists for The New York Times while also hosting The Daily podcast.
Michael Barbaro has been a reporter at The New York Times since 2005 and has covered a wide range of topics, including politics, business, and culture.
Sabrina Tavernise is a science and national correspondent covering topics ranging from public health to technology.
Together, the duo bring their unique perspectives and reporting expertise to The Daily, providing listeners with a deep dive into the critical stories of the day.
Their on-point conversations, combined with in-depth reporting, have made The Daily one of the most listened-to news podcasts worldwide.
7. Office Ladies
- Hosts: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
- Established: 2019
- Average listeners per episode: 1.5 million
- Total number of episodes: 175
- Top three episodes:
Who are Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, and What’s Their Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: Jenna Fischer $16 million / Angela Kinsey $12 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: This information is unavailable
Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey are American actresses best known for their roles as Pam Beesly and Angela Martin in the popular US television show The Office.
In Office Ladies, the two actresses revisit each of the show’s episodes and provide behind-the-scenes stories, trivia, and often hilarious commentary.
The podcast offers fans of the show an inside look at the making of The Office and the host’s personal experiences while filming.
Office Ladies is a popular choice among existing show fans and has received glowing praise for its light-hearted and nostalgic content.
The podcast has also successfully introduced The Office to a new generation of fans and has been credited for its ability to keep the spirit of The Office alive.
8. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast
- Hosts: Alaina Urquhart and Ashleigh Kelley
- Established: 2018
- Average listeners per episode: 1.5 million
- Total number of episodes: 510
- Top three episodes:
Who are Alaina Urquhart and Ashleigh Kelley, and What’s Their Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: Alaina Urquhart $1.25 million / Ashleigh Kelley $1.2 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: It is estimated that the podcast has a net worth of around $4 million
Alaina Urquhart and Ashleigh Kelley are an aunt and niece duo hailing from Massachusetts. Ashleigh is also a hairstylist with a large social media following. Her aunt, Alaina, is an autopsy technician and host to other popular shows.
Morbid: A True Crime Podcast explores the dark and often disturbing world of true crime. It covers a range of crimes, from historical serial killers to lesser-known but equally chilling cases.
The hosts bring unique views and insights to each case, often drawing on their own personal experiences and knowledge of crime and investigation.
The show has been lauded for its in-depth research and storytelling and for its ability to bring a human element to the often harrowing stories it covers. It has a dedicated following of fans drawn to its dark and sometimes gruesome subject matter.
9. On Purpose
- Host: Jay Shetty
- Established: 2019
- Average listeners per episode: 380,000
- Total number of episodes: 418
- Top three episodes:
Who is Jay Shetty, and What is His Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $4 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: This information is unclear, but Jay is speculated to earn around $150,000 per year
Jay Shetty is a British Indian former monk, speaker, and internet personality. He is best known for his motivational videos and podcasts that offer piles of practical wisdom and mindfulness-based advice with the aim of helping individuals live happier and more fulfilled lives.
He has a massive following on social media and has been recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in the media category.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty features conversations with influential people from various industries and goes deep into the stories and experiences that have shaped their lives and careers.
The show covers topics such as happiness, success, mindfulness, and personal growth and has received glowing reviews from its fanbase for its insightful and engaging content.
10. The Dan Bongino Show
- Host: Dan Bongino
- Established: 2021
- Average listeners per episode: Information unavailable
- Total number of episodes: 2,123
- Top three episodes:
Who is Dan Bongino, and What is His Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $10 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: It is speculated that Dan Bongino receives an annual salary of $115,000 for political commentary; however, it is unclear how much of this is related to his podcast.
Dan Bongino is an American political commentator, radio host, and former Secret Service agent. The Dan Bongino Show is a conservative-driven podcast as well as a radio show that covers differing but current topics such as politics, recent events, and pop culture.
Bongino is known for his strong opinions and provocative manner, which often draws a passionate response from his listeners.
Prior to his career in media, Bongino served as a Secret Service agent for 12 years and was part of the presidential detail for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
He has also run for political office, including a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2012. Bongino is a popular figure in conservative media and has a large fanbase on various social media platforms.
11. Anything Goes With Emma Chamberlain
- Host: Emma Chamberlain
- Established: 2020
- Average listeners per episode: 1.1 million
- Total number of episodes: 191
- Top three episodes:
Who is Emma Chamberlain, and What is Her Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $12 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: Emma’s podcast is signed exclusively to Spotify, and the deal is worth around $10 million.
Anything Goes is a podcast hosted by Emma Chamberlain, who began her career on YouTube.
The podcast features Emma having informal, fun, and light-hearted conversations with her friends and guests about various topics such as life, relationships, and current events.
The podcast is known for its relaxed and authentic vibe, which reflects Emma’s unique approach to content creation and her ability to connect with her audience. It has been well-received by fans and has become a popular addition to Emma’s content offerings.
Aside from her podcast, Emma remains a prominent YouTuber and social media personality and applies her relaxed persona and approach to vlogging and content creation.
She rose to fame in 2019 with her relatable and humorous vlogs that often feature her quirky perspective on everyday life.
12. Stuff You Should Know
- Hosts: Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark
- Established: 2008
- Average listeners per episode: 1.3 million
- Total number of episodes: 2,127
- Top three episodes:
Who are Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, and What is Their Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: Chuck Bryant $5 million / Josh Clark $54 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: The podcast is estimated to earn around $7.2 million per year
Chuck and Josh are both writers and researchers who share their knowledge, wisdom, and insights on a huge range of topics in a conversational and entertaining style.
With over 1,000 episodes and millions of downloads, their podcast has become one of the most listened-to educational shows on the internet.
Chuck and Josh cover all sorts of topics, from science and history to pop culture and the weird and wacky. It could be fascinating facts or serious historical moments. Whatever their chosen topic for the show, the content is always accessible to a wide audience.
Through this approach, they have built a loyal following of listeners who tune in for their informative and humorous take on the world around us.
13. Pod Save America
- Hosts: Jon Favreau, Daniel Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor
- Established: 2017
- Average listeners per episode: 1.5 million
- Total number of episodes: 697
- Top three episodes:
Who are Jon Favreau, Daniel Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor, and What is Their Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: Jon Favreau $200 million / Daniel Pfeiffer $5 million / Jon Lovett $12 million / Tommy Vietor $4 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: It is unclear how much the podcast makes, but it is rumored to be around $5 million per annum
Jon Favreau, Daniel Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor are the hosts of the podcast Pod Save America. They are all former Obama administration officials and are known for their progressive political views and standpoints.
The podcast provides a funny yet insightful take on the current political landscape, focusing on American politics and specifically the Democratic Party.
Each host brings their expertise and experience from working in government to provide in-depth analysis and commentary on current events.
They are also known for conducting interviews with high-profile guests from the political and media spheres.
With millions of downloads per episode, Pod Save America has become a must-listen for anyone interested in American politics and the progressive movement.
14. Dateline NBC
- Hosts: Keith Morrison
- Established: 2019
- Average listeners per episode: 580,000
- Total number of episodes: 742
- Top three episodes:
Who is Keith Morrison and What is His Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: $10 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: Information unknown
Keith Morrison is the host of the well-known television show Dateline NBC. He is one of the most recognizable and respected journalists in the field, known for his deep and distinctive voice and his ability to tell enthralling stories that captivate his audience.
The Dateline NBC podcast is a spin-off of the television show and features audio versions of some of the most intriguing stories that have been featured on the program.
The podcast allows listeners to dive even deeper into the stories they love with additional information, interviews, and perspectives.
The podcast has become a destination for fans of true crime and investigative journalism, who appreciate the show’s commitment to quality reporting and its ability to bring real-life stories to life.
15. Planet Money
- Hosts: Amanda Aronczyk, Mary Childs, Karen Duffin, Jacob Goldstein, Sarah Gonzalez, and Kenny Malone
- Established: 2008
- Average listeners per episode: 540,000
- Total number of episodes: 871
- Top three episodes:
Who are Amanda Aronczyk, Mary Childs, Karen Duffin, Jacob Goldstein, Sarah Gonzalez, and Kenny Malone and What is Their Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth: Amanda Aronczyk $1 million / Mary Childs $20 million / Karen Duffin $1 million / Jacob Goldstein $1 million / Sarah Gonzalez $1 million and Kenny Malone $1 million
- Estimated Podcast Wealth: Information Unknown
Planet Money is a podcast produced by National Public Radio (NPR) that explores the economy and personal finance in an accessible and entertaining way.
The show is known for its creative and engaging approach to complex economic concepts, using real-life stories and relatable examples to make the subject matter easy to understand.
The Planet Money team tackles various topics, from the global economy and stock markets to personal finance and consumer spending. They also cover big economic events as they happen, providing timely analysis and insights that help listeners make sense of the world around them.
With thousands of downloads per episode, Planet Money has become a go-to resource for anyone looking to learn more about the economy and how it affects their daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary – Most Famous Podcasters and How Much They Earn in 2024
There’s no doubt that the world’s most popular podcasters are earning a decent wedge for their shows. However, many people on this list were celebrities in their own right before they moved into podcasting.
Podcasting can be a great way to turn a passion for a subject into a money earner, but you have to be prepared to put in the work to get yourself recognized.
All you really need is equipment, recording and editing software, and podcast hosting. Start doing it for fun, enjoy podcasting just for the experience, and see where it takes you.
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