Oliver Anthony, the country-folk singer-songwriter who skyrocketed to fame with his 2023 viral hit “Rich Men North of Richmond,” made a second appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast on June 13, 2025, in episode #2337 (Joe Rogan Experience #2337). His first appearance in August 2023 (episode #2027) captivated listeners with his raw authenticity and working-class perspective, making him a natural fit for Joe Rogan’s platform, which thrives on unfiltered, long-form conversations. This article explores why Rogan invited Anthony back and summarizes the key topics likely discussed, based on available context and fan reactions, given the episode’s recent release.
Why Joe Rogan Invited Oliver Anthony Back
Joe Rogan’s decision to have Oliver Anthony return to the Joe Rogan Experience can be attributed to several compelling factors, rooted in Anthony’s unique story and ongoing developments in his life and career since his last visit. Including new music, updates on how the music industry treated him and a now public divorce.
Continued Cultural Relevance
Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” struck a chord with millions, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a historic feat for an artist with no prior chart history (Wikipedia). The song’s raw depiction of working-class struggles and distrust of political elites resonated deeply, earning praise from figures like Joe Rogan, who shared the song on X in August 2023, garnering over 1.7 million views (Newsweek). Rogan’s interest in voices that challenge mainstream narratives likely made Anthony’s continued relevance—especially with his new album, Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind—a reason to bring him back for a deeper dive.
New Album and Musical Evolution
The release of Anthony’s debut album, Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind, on June 13, 2025, provided a timely reason for a second appearance (Joe Rogan Experience #2337). Rogan, a fan of authentic artistry, likely wanted to explore how Anthony’s music has evolved since his viral hit. The album’s lead single, “Scornful Woman,” which topped the iTunes Rock chart and reached #6 on the all-genre chart, reflects personal struggles, including Anthony’s divorce (Whiskey Riff). This new chapter in Anthony’s career offered fresh material for Rogan’s conversational style, which often delves into the personal stories behind creative work.
Performance at Comedy Mothership
Anthony’s announcement of a performance at Joe Rogan’s Austin-based Comedy Mothership, the first musical act at the venue, was a significant milestone (Whiskey Riff). An X post by @WhiskeyRiff on June 6, 2025, highlighted the event, noting its historic nature (X Post). Rogan, who owns the club, likely saw this as an opportunity to discuss Anthony’s transition from viral sensation to live performer and the significance of hosting a country-folk artist in a comedy venue, aligning with his interest in cross-disciplinary talent.
Personal Challenges and Public Interest
Anthony’s personal life, particularly his ongoing divorce from his wife Tiffany, has drawn significant attention. X posts from June 2025, such as one by @MoronDoctor_ stating, “Joe got kinda tight w Oliver Anthony & filled us in on that guy. He became a millionaire pretty quickly, and his wife filed for divorce within months” (X Post), suggest that Rogan has maintained a connection with Anthony. This personal angle, combined with the emotional depth of “Scornful Woman,” likely made Anthony’s story compelling for Rogan’s audience, who appreciate candid discussions about life’s highs and lows.
Shared Values of Authenticity
Rogan’s platform often elevates individuals who reject mainstream pressures, and Anthony’s refusal of multi-million-dollar record deals aligns with this ethos. In his first appearance, Anthony emphasized his desire to stay independent, stating, “People in the music industry give me blank stares when I brush off 8 million dollar offers” (Art for a Change). Rogan, who has praised Anthony’s authenticity, likely wanted to revisit this stance, especially as Anthony navigates fame and personal turmoil while maintaining his commitment to unfiltered expression.
Interesting Topics from the Podcast
Given the recency of the episode (June 13, 2025), detailed transcripts are not yet widely available. However, based on Anthony’s recent activities, fan reactions, and the context of his first appearance, the following topics were likely central to the conversation.
Inspiration Behind Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind
Anthony’s debut album, Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind, is a deeply personal project, reflecting his struggles with mental health and societal issues. In his 2023 appearance, he discussed writing music to cope with depression, saying, “I wrote the music I wrote because I was suffering with mental health and depression” (The Collision). It’s likely he elaborated on how these themes continue in his new work, particularly in “Scornful Woman,” which addresses his divorce with raw emotion. Fans on X, like @ProblemGirl_13, noted the song’s intensity, stating, “You can hear the pain come out through the song” (X Post).
Navigating Fame and Personal Struggles
Anthony’s rapid rise to fame brought both opportunities and challenges. His divorce, detailed in X posts and media, was a focal point, with @Bondgirl61 commenting, “Oh my God, his wife divorced him that’s why he wrote this song and they have two or three kids” (X Post). On the podcast, Anthony likely shared how fame strained his personal life, including his marriage, and how he’s coping as a father of two (with a third child born in 2023) (Taste of Country). His rejection of fame’s trappings, like stadium tours and record deals, probably resurfaced, echoing his 2023 statement: “I don’t want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers and a jet” (Art for a Change).
Performance at Comedy Mothership
The announcement of Anthony’s show at the Comedy Mothership, as highlighted by @GrannySnakebite on X (X Post), likely sparked discussion about blending music with comedy venues. Rogan, who has hosted Anthony at the club before (American Songwriter), probably explored why Anthony chose this unconventional stage and what it means for his career trajectory.
Views on the Music Industry and Society
In his first appearance, Anthony discussed societal issues like government corruption and the impact of technology, including AI versions of his songs (Variety). He likely revisited these themes, offering updated perspectives on the music industry’s pressures and broader cultural shifts. His disdain for being politicized, as seen in his 2023 rejection of being a “flag-bearer for the right” (Variety), probably led to a nuanced conversation about staying true to his roots.
Faith and Personal Growth
Anthony’s faith has been a cornerstone of his music and public persona. In 2023, he shared his spiritual journey, including reading Psalm 37 at performances (Wikipedia). This likely came up again, especially given his October 2024 announcement of leaving the music industry for a “travelling ministry” (People). While he returned with new music in 2025, his faith-driven perspective probably shaped discussions about his purpose and future plans.
Topic | Likely Discussion Points | Source |
---|---|---|
New Album | Inspiration behind Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind, focus on “Scornful Woman” | Joe Rogan Experience #2337 |
Divorce | Personal impact of fame, details of divorce from Tiffany | Whiskey Riff |
Comedy Mothership | Significance of performing at Rogan’s club | X Post |
Fame and Industry | Rejection of record deals, staying independent | Art for a Change |
Faith | Influence of spirituality, potential ministry plans | The Collision |
Fan and Public Reactions
The announcement of Anthony’s second appearance and his Comedy Mothership performance generated buzz on X. @RealMiamiEstate praised the new single, saying, “Listen to this through as Joe Rogan intros the new Oliver Anthony masterpiece” (X Post). However, some controversy persists, with critics accusing Anthony of promoting divisive tropes in his lyrics (Newsweek). Rogan’s platform, known for hosting polarizing figures, likely amplified interest in Anthony’s return, appealing to fans who see him as a voice for the “forgotten Americans” (JRE Podcast).
Why It Matters
Anthony’s second appearance underscores Rogan’s commitment to showcasing authentic, non-mainstream voices. Their shared disdain for corporate control and political posturing makes their conversations resonate with listeners who feel disillusioned with modern institutions. Anthony’s story—rising from a factory worker to a chart-topping artist, only to face personal and professional challenges—offers a relatable narrative for Rogan’s audience. The episode likely provided a raw, unfiltered look at navigating fame, faith, and artistry in a turbulent world.
Oliver Anthony’s return to the Joe Rogan Experience on June 13, 2025, was a natural extension of his ongoing journey as an artist and individual. Joe Rogan likely invited him back to explore his new album, personal struggles, and unique performance at the Comedy Mothership, capitalizing on their shared appreciation for authenticity. While specific details from the episode are still emerging, the conversation probably covered Anthony’s music, divorce, faith, and views on fame, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the man behind the viral sensation. As Anthony continues to carve his path, his dialogue with Rogan reinforces his role as a voice for those seeking truth and connection in a complex world.