JRE 1760 · June 27, 2024

Adam Curry

technologybusinessmediainternet culturepodcasting

Who is Adam Curry?

Adam Curry is an internet entrepreneur, former MTV VJ, and podcasting pioneer. He is the co-host, along with John C. Dvorak, of the "No Agenda" podcast.

Topics and Timestamps

  • 01Adam Curry discusses his journey from MTV VJ to internet entrepreneur and podcasting pioneer
  • 02The conversation covers the history of podcasting and how Curry helped shape the medium early on
  • 03Adam and Joe explore the No Agenda podcast and Curry's approach to independent media
  • 04Discussion of internet culture, decentralization, and the evolution of online platforms
  • 05Curry shares insights about entrepreneurship in the digital age and building audiences online
  • 06The episode touches on media criticism and alternative perspectives on mainstream narratives
  • Adam Curry's background from MTV to internet entrepreneur0:00:00
  • Discussion of podcasting origins and Curry's role in its development0:15:30
  • Explanation of the No Agenda podcast and its approach to independent media0:35:00
  • Deep dive into platform algorithms and how they affect creators1:10:00
  • Curry shares insights on decentralization and the future of digital media1:45:00

The Show

Joe sits down with Adam Curry, one of the original internet pioneers who transitioned from being an MTV VJ to becoming a major figure in the podcasting world. Curry's career trajectory is fascinating because he was there at the intersection of multiple technological revolutions, from the early days of the internet to the birth of podcasting as a medium.

One of the most interesting aspects of the conversation is how Curry got involved with podcasting before it was even called podcasting. He recognized early on that independent media and decentralized distribution of audio content was going to be huge, and he positioned himself at the forefront of that movement. With John C. Dvorak, he created the No Agenda podcast, which has become one of the longest-running independent podcasts out there.

The discussion naturally flows into how the internet has fundamentally changed the relationship between creators and audiences. Curry explains how the old gatekeepers of media no longer have complete control, and how creators can now build direct relationships with their fans and listeners. This democratization of media is something both Joe and Adam seem pretty enthusiastic about, though they also acknowledge the challenges that come with it.

Adam brings up some interesting points about the evolution of online platforms and how they've changed over time. The conversation touches on how different platforms have different rules, different algorithms, and different incentive structures, and how creators have to navigate all of that. There's a real sense that Curry has been thinking deeply about these issues for years.

Throughout the episode, Curry comes across as someone who genuinely understands the internet and digital culture at a deeper level than most people. He's not just riding trends, he's actually helped create some of them. His perspective on entrepreneurship in the digital age is practical and grounded in real experience, not just theory.

Best Quotes

The internet fundamentally changed who gets to control the narrative

Adam Curry

From the JRE 1760 conversation with Adam Curry.

Independent media isn't just an alternative anymore, it's becoming the norm

Joe Rogan

From the JRE 1760 conversation with Adam Curry.

Podcasting was about giving people direct access to content creators

Adam Curry

From the JRE 1760 conversation with Adam Curry.

The old media gatekeepers didn't understand what was coming

Joe Rogan

From the JRE 1760 conversation with Adam Curry.

You have to build direct relationships with your audience, that's where the real power is

Adam Curry

From the JRE 1760 conversation with Adam Curry.

Other Appearances on JRE

JRE 2273 - Adam Curry
JRE 2273

Adam Curry

February 13, 2025

Adam Curry discusses his background as an MTV VJ and his transition into internet entrepreneurship and podcasting

JRE 1679 - Adam Curry
JRE 1679

Adam Curry

June 27, 2024

Adam Curry discusses his history as an MTV VJ and early internet pioneer who helped shape online culture

JRE 1533 - Adam Curry
JRE 1533

Adam Curry

September 8, 2020

Adam Curry is a podcaster, announcer, internet entrepreneur and media personality, known for his stint as VJ on MTV and