Joe Rogan was left stunned during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience when guest Paul Stamets refused to answer a question, claiming it could put his life in danger.
Rogan, best known as a UFC commentator and host of the world’s most popular podcast, invited Stamets, a renowned mycologist and entrepreneur, to discuss fungi and their potential effects. Stamets runs Fungi Perfecti, a company specializing in mushroom-based research and products.
During the conversation, Rogan asked Stamets, “What are the benefits or the negative effects of this?”—a question that appeared to reference portobello mushrooms. Stamets, however, declined to respond, saying, “This is an explosive area of conversation and puts my life in danger, so I reserve the right not to answer a question.”
Rogan appeared visibly surprised by the statement, responding, “Whoa, didn’t expect that. It puts your life in danger talking about portobello mushrooms? He’s looking at me silently. I will respectfully move on.”
The moment has resurfaced online, with fans debating what Stamets may have been referring to. Some believe his refusal suggests potential industry secrets or health concerns, while others see it as an overreaction.
Rogan, who frequently explores topics ranging from martial arts to science and psychedelics, later discussed his own experiences with mushrooms in a separate episode. He revealed that microdosing helped him during intense workout sessions, describing the practice as a way to push through challenges and “show your true character.”
The exchange with Stamets remains one of the more unusual moments on Rogan’s long-running podcast, which continues to dominate Spotify’s charts and attract global attention.
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