Anti-Trump Podcast MeidasTouch Is Rivaling Joe Rogan – But Can It Last?

In the ever-shifting world of political media, few stories capture the cultural moment like the rise of MeidasTouch, a progressive podcast born from the Trump presidency. On Sunday, August 18, 2025, industry analysts pointed out that the show—founded by brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas—has not only secured a loyal audience but is also making waves as a potential rival to Joe Rogan’s powerhouse podcast. The question that now lingers: does MeidasTouch have the staying power to thrive in an environment dominated by media giants and shifting political winds?

From Resistance Meme to Media Empire

What started in 2020 as a social media campaign aimed at countering Donald Trump’s re-election has since evolved into a full-fledged media brand. MeidasTouch began with short viral videos attacking Trump’s policies, often shared widely across Twitter and YouTube. The trio quickly recognized that there was an appetite for raw, unapologetically progressive content.

By 2021, their pivot to long-form podcasting opened a new lane. Featuring progressive voices, political insiders, and legal experts, the podcast soon carved out space in a crowded landscape. Unlike traditional shows that mix entertainment with politics, MeidasTouch leaned entirely into anti-Trump advocacy, creating a distinct identity.

Audience Growth and the Rogan Comparison

According to recent analytics, MeidasTouch episodes routinely reach millions of listeners weekly, with its YouTube channel adding hundreds of thousands of subscribers in a matter of months. While Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” remains unmatched in scale—averaging nearly 11 million listeners per episode—the gap has begun to narrow in certain demographic slices.

Younger, politically engaged audiences dissatisfied with mainstream coverage have gravitated toward MeidasTouch. Its on-demand digital-first model has helped it bypass traditional gatekeepers and secure prominence on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Why the Podcast Resonates

Several factors explain why MeidasTouch resonates at this moment:

1. Partisan Passion: With Donald Trump in the White House again, liberal audiences are seeking counterprogramming that doesn’t pull punches.

2. Media Distrust: A sizable group of listeners distrust mainstream outlets like CNN and MSNBC, seeing MeidasTouch as more authentic.

3. Interactive Content: Unlike Rogan’s wide-ranging guest roster, MeidasTouch focuses on listener-driven activism, mobilizing audiences through petitions, fundraisers, and live events.

This combination of advocacy and entertainment has made it more than just a podcast—it’s a movement with a media arm.

Skepticism About Staying Power

Still, experts caution against assuming the show will rival Rogan indefinitely. “The podcast’s growth is impressive, but it is heavily tied to Trump’s presence on the political stage,” says media strategist Laura Jennings. “If Trump were no longer in the spotlight, the urgency fueling MeidasTouch could diminish.”

Another challenge is competition within the progressive podcast space. Programs like Pod Save America and The Majority Report have already built strong networks with established advertisers. MeidasTouch’s overt anti-Trump framing, while powerful, could limit its ability to broaden appeal beyond hardcore progressives.

The Business Side of the Story

Monetization has become a key focus. With merchandise sales, Patreon subscriptions, and sponsored live events, MeidasTouch has diversified revenue beyond advertising. This is crucial if they hope to maintain independence.

Meanwhile, Rogan’s reported $200 million Spotify deal remains the gold standard in podcasting contracts. MeidasTouch has yet to secure a comparable exclusive partnership, raising questions about how it can compete with industry juggernauts.

(For readers interested in exploring how political podcasts are reshaping digital discourse, the Pew Research Center offers comprehensive studies on changing audience behaviors.)

Cultural and Political Influence

Beyond metrics, MeidasTouch has succeeded in shaping the national conversation. During the 2024 election cycle, its viral videos and podcast commentary frequently circulated among Democrats and independents. The show’s relentless focus on accountability, particularly in exposing Trump-aligned lawmakers, has made it both influential and controversial.

At the same time, conservative commentators accuse the show of spreading partisan spin. Critics claim the brothers are activists first, journalists second. That tension—between advocacy and analysis—may define the podcast’s long-term credibility.

What’s Next for MeidasTouch?

With the 2026 midterms approaching, MeidasTouch is expanding its footprint into documentaries and live political coverage. Their goal is to become not just a podcast but a full-fledged digital news brand, capable of standing alongside MSNBC or Fox News in influence.

Whether that expansion succeeds will depend on how they adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape—and whether audiences remain energized.

(For additional insights on the evolving podcast market, Variety frequently covers industry shifts and audience trends.)

Conclusion

MeidasTouch’s rise is emblematic of a new era in political media, where niche voices can challenge mainstream dominance with passion, technology, and savvy branding. While it is unlikely to dethrone Joe Rogan in terms of scale anytime soon, the podcast’s role as a leading progressive counterweight is undeniable.

The staying power of MeidasTouch may ultimately depend less on Donald Trump and more on whether its creators can evolve from resistance media into a durable, trusted source of progressive commentary.