I’m not a troll. I’m actually a fan, or at least I was. Like a lot of people, the albums he produced and the artists he worked with have basically been the soundtrack to my Gen-X life. I also really enjoyed his recent book on the creative process and even gave out several copies as gifts - which is why I am so profoundly shocked by some of the choices he has made with this podcast. The biggest being: His choice of sponsors. With his highly recognizable name and big platform it is obvious he must have had a HUGE selection of potential sponsors to pick and choose from and given all those choices he decided to sponsor/sell/support: highly-addictive nicotine. Seriously? Not only that, it is being pitched as a HEALTH SUPPLEMENT. Are you kidding me? The science has long been ‘in’ on nicotine and it is terrible for people’s health and, I’ll repeat: highly addictive. ..and this is what mister zen/peace/tranquility has decided to push on his listeners? An addictive drug pretending to be a ‘nootropic’ health supplement ?? - That is just absolutely insane, and disgusting. …and I just can not reconcile it with what I THOUGHT I knew about RR and what he allegedly stood for. I won’t be listening to any more episodes. Absolutely disgusted.

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Rick does not like interviewing women. Aside from Gwyneth Paltrow, this podcast is a total sausage party.

I normally don't listen to podcasts but Rick interviews such a wide variety of guests that I normally would not listen too. I learn a lot from the discussions while other interviews shatter my preconceived ideas about the guests. I am amazed at the ability of Rick to ask salient questions and illicit thoughtful comments from the guests. Rick's presence is there but he doesn't overpower the guests. I'm loving it and I want to thank Rick..

I listen to a lot of podcasts (and I've made some too) but I don't write a lot of reviews, so I know this review might be dismissed as trolling or something, but it isn't. I've been a fan of Rick Rubin and nearly all the artists he has worked with for most of my adult life (Rick and I are actually roughly the same age.) I bought, read and enjoyed his recent book and have given a few copies out as gifts. I'm saying I'm not a 'Hater' but yeah, for me this is now a 1-star podcast, because of the advertisers that RR himself has obviously personally approved - since the ads I'm talking about are delivered 'in show' using the same format and the same person/voice who does the program's VO intros etc. ...so it is definitely NOT a case of the 'hosting service' tacking ads onto a program and the creator not knowing about them. The ad is for an ADDICTIVE nicotine product that I can not believe they are seriously marketing as a "health supplement" for "increased focus" ...seriously? Mr. Do-no-harm-Zen-Master is actively trying to get his listeners to buy/use an ADDICTIVE substance, that decades of research has proven - beyond any doubt - is a bad for humans? It really makes me question pretty much EVERYthing this guy has claimed to stand for, for decades.

Don’t understand why people think this podcast isn’t good. It’s amazing. I’m fourteen years old, and I’m an aspiring screenwriter/ actress/ director. I hope I’ll have the honor of being interviewed by Rick someday.

I love Rick’s book but can no longer support this podcast where he platforms conspiracy theorists. I unfollowed & am willing to miss the occasionally interesting & enlightening content in order to “vote” with my ears. I won’t support this kind of unbalanced nonsensical drivel.

I think the world of Rick Rubin as an artist. So I’m so disappointed that among the great artist interviews he’s chosen to give a platform to misinformation and conspiracy theorists like David Wolfe. C’mon Rick, you can be an unconventional artist and take your social responsibility seriously too!

Love this show, great guests and insightful dialogue. I am a huge fan of Rick and his philosophy. So why not 5 stars? Because I find that Rick often forgets to take the audience with him. He may know someone well or know the back story but we don’t. He doesn’t ask or state things that are necessary for the listener to follow the narrative. The Pharrell episode is a good example of where that happens a few times.

Rick should listen to and interview Cameron Winter

I really enjoyed your conversation with David Mamet, Rick. The way you ask questions and the way David responds complement each other well. Thank you for having him on.

Rick Rubin asks insightful non-expert questions that prompt an incredible response from the interviewee. I enjoy the anachronisms of old-timey advertisements for modern products that sound like radio adverts. I appreciate the aesthetic, the tone, and the conversations themselves are great. Particularly love AI podcasts. Great complement to Dwarkesh and others in this category.

Bravo!! My favorite podcast!! 🤙

This is the real stuff of life—the impactful, the inspiring, the deep. Thank you, Rick. Truly.

IMO this is a fabulous podcast primarily bc Rick meditates, which gives him great capacity to be present, as he is with all the guests I’ve heard him converse. That’s how he can spontaneously form truly interesting & insightful questions re subjects on which he is not an expert, eg the Palmer Luckey chat. Keep up the great work, Rick. And the meditation 🤙

thought you were with the times Rick. smh.

Sad to see what happens to some people when they reach a certain level of success and esteem.

Great podcast. Rick interviews people who interest him and is not checking DEI boxes. Reviewers complaining about the number of women should stick to Call Her Daddy.

ding a ling show

If you love celebrating successful white men and the occasional woman, then this is the podcast for you!

hey Rick, how you been? hope all is well, Brando passed away in 2004. Confused on this march 8, interview? is this fake?

Love this pod cast! It is one of the best and most interesting. Like the original music intro better

I like the idea of rehashing old interviews and pretending to be in the interviewer. It’s honestly a nice idea and these are my favorite episodes on the show. That said, what about giving some credit to the *actual interviewer*? For example in the Brando conversation the interviewer is the American historian Studs Terkel. But the show notes simply say “Rick connects with Marlon Brando.” Studs Terkel, not Rick Rubin, is the individual to whom Marlon Brando expresses gratitude at the end of the interview. Rick Rubin is quite happy to slide in and feign credit for where no credit is due. It’s hopelessly obnoxious behavior from a man who simply cannot have enough attention. Once a grifter, always a grifter.

Too few women included to even consider. What a shame.

I really like Rick’s interview style and the great conversations. But I’d love more women guests.

When did the conversation with Orson Welles take place ?

Ads feel disruptive and corny- which makes the interviews feel cheap and I usually channel-flip when a commercial hits

I absolutely loved this conversation. It’s such a pleasure to listen to two thoughtful men in dialogue. Questions were thought provoking and responsive to the guest. And I loved Vikingur’s thought process. Bravo!

The 2 hour softball interview with Peter Thiel a bank roller of DonorsTrust and Project 2025. If you want to know the real story of this “anti~ elite” billionaire please go research his ties to right wing propaganda and white nationalist hate groups. What a bummer Mr Rubin…..

I’m a long time fan of Rick Rubin’s work but I draw the line at a 2+ hour episode with Peter Thiel, a billionaire who calls r@pe belated regret. Do better, both of you.

I like listening to Rick but I can’t anymore. Raw milk? Really? I don’t want tuberculosis in my bones, lol. Pass.

90% of the guests are men. That makes a statement. My statement is no thanks.

Too many ducks on the dance floor

More women, please.

Every week I learn and relax at the same time

Of 83 episodes so far, there are only 10 women interviewees. It feels irresponsible to only listen to men, and this imbalance seems to belie everything that Rick Rubin wants to represent. How has this gone unnoticed by the producers/engineers/Rubin himself? It is difficult to take this podcast seriously.

I enjoy this podcast for many reasons, one being that Rick is not afraid to interview anyone about anything. Topics that are otherwise controversial, Rick has a disarming way of asking questions and allows me to listen without judgment, even when I don’t necessarily subscribe to that the interviewee is promoting. It’s simply fun to listen to different perspectives than my own. Our current society is so quick to pick sides. Not here. I can just listen and think.

I learned about Rick Rubin via his book on creativity (which was amazing) and was happy to see he has a podcast. The podcast is fantastic, but what is blowing my mind are the great ads with music from some of my favorite commercials and soundtracks from the 60s.

More womennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Crazy to hear Jim again. And wow Rick sure has improved his interviewing skills over the years

While listening to the episode with Joe Sabia, he asks Sabia what his favorite piece of classical music is and then proceeds to play Liszt for us, the audience, bringing us into the moment with them. Thank you.

The best of the best. A true and pure delight. Thank you 🙏🏼

💗

I’ve been a fan of Rick Rubin’s record production expertise for years, and a few years back Rick went on Joe Rogan. It appears that Rick caught the podcast bug, and has created a fabulous one of his own. His guests are diverse, the questions seem like Rick is asking questions that his listeners want the answers to, and his legendary listening skills allow his guests the chance to answer the questions fully. An essential podcast in my rotation!

Some of the best episodes in all of podcasts are here- Uncle Jack and Huberman, Uncle Jack and RFK Jr, Uncle Jack and Bill Gifford, solo Huberman- great section of explaining the Silo and behind the scenes of Science. Rick is on it Ryan From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

Amazing skills as an interviewer and a deep respect for and connection to his guests.

I like how Rick hangs back and gives the floor to the interviewee. No long intro, just straight to point.

Love your relaxed approach to your show, but Downey comes across as playing a character. He is obviously a great talent, but he never expresses how he really feels ie joy , fear or happiness, also I am sure he doesn’t care about my opinion. Keep up the great show. Please interview Donald Fagan. Thanks

Rick is the best interviewer out there. His voice is so calm. He asks very thought-provoking questions and never interjects. It’s rare these days to hear a podcast interview where the interviewer allows the interviewee to completely flesh out their responses to every question without an interruption. His interviews are always very curious, open, and transparent. Appreciate you, Rick.

I had never heard of Ian and this was by far one of the most insightful interviews. It was like bringing the future into the present which was also somewhat terrifying. Rick you were masterful in breaking down complex ideas and not allowing Ian to move on until you understood them which was great for your audience. Unintentionally I think without saying it exemplified that passion+hard work + curiosity + no fear of following your gut = incredible success but more importantly given the world many gifts that otherwise would not exist. Art, music, books, technology….I am so glad that being pioneering in so many ways have given both of you the rewards and recognition for your contributions to society.