Long time listener of JRE here, I've been having these exact same thoughts about Rogan over the last couple of years. Perhaps with popularity comes new pressures, I realize that this could be a possibility but I also feel that Rogan is out of touch with reality, and woefully uninformed in a number of areas. You presented a really nice collection of examples here to back up your claims.
I've also been putting together some ideas for a post about JRE as a cultural gatekeeper.
One thing I've noticed from time to time is that when topics start to veer into conspiratorial talk or into territory that is a little sensitive, Rogan is quick to light up a spliff with the guest. They end up getting high, with Joe making childish jokes about the subject matter and it works to undermine any points being made and the interviewee.
However, the recent Jimmy Dore episode was quite excellent, I'd like to add.
Thats a trip! Very happy to hear I was not the only one who noticed this. Yes, the Jimmy Dore on JRE clip I included in this blog has a lot to do with how I worded it.
I'm just asking questions, (say that in your head the way Jesse Ventura speaks! LOL).
Not sure if Rogan has sudden awoke to all this or if he is luring Alex Jones in for something bad.
While I do leave it open ended as to the motivation of his actions, the fact is, he did do these things. And it is hard for me to believe someone who has such smart comedy could be so detached from reality that severely.
But, I hope thats all it is.
Yeah, Joe Rogan appears to be a cultural gatekeeper like you say.