As an educator, it would be irresponsible if I didn’t address the fact that “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which I recommended for educational use last week, contains some activities that aren’t what most people would dub classroom appropriate. Sometimes the host smokes and drinks on air, or talks conspiracy theories with guests like Alex Jones. Let me be abundantly clear: These were not the episodes I had in mind when I recommended the podcast as an educational tool. It seemed so obvious to me, and if anyone reading my words thought I planned to endorse illegal behavior in front of my students this year, faith in educators has reached frighteningly low levels. Hopefully we’re not there just yet, but if you’re curious as to why I selected Rogan’s show specifically, allow me to explain.

Since I began listening to his podcast three years ago, I’ve always thought Joe Rogan would make an excellent student. Is it a little creepy to think that a veteran stand-up comic, martial arts enthusiast, archer, and self made multimillionaire would make for an interesting member of my freshman English class? Probably, considering he’s fifty years old. But hear me out.