Dave Portnoy Talks Barstool, Pizza Reviews, and Internet Fame on JRE

Ever wonder how a pizza review blog turned into a media empire? Joe Rogan sits down with Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, in this incredibly engaging episode. They dive deep into the highs and lows of building a brand, navigating internet fame, and dealing with controversies. Get ready for some unfiltered opinions and hilarious stories from the “President” of Barstool.

TL;DR

Dave Portnoy discusses the origin story of Barstool Sports, starting from a humble newspaper to a multi-million dollar company.
The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of being a controversial figure in the public eye, especially on the internet.
Portnoy shares his perspective on the evolving media landscape and the power of independent content creation.
The guys delve into the One Bite pizza review phenomenon and its impact on local businesses.
Portnoy also touches upon his personal life, including his relationships and experiences with fame.

Key Topics Covered

The Birth and Evolution of Barstool Sports

Dave Portnoy recounts the early days of Barstool Sports, explaining how it began as a small newspaper focused on sports betting and fantasy sports. He emphasizes the importance of creating content that resonated with a specific audience and building a loyal community. What I found particularly interesting was how organically the brand grew, fueled by Portnoy’s unique voice and unapologetic approach.

The conversation traces the evolution of Barstool from print to the internet, highlighting the pivotal moments that led to its massive online following. Portnoy discusses the strategic decisions he made, including embracing social media and creating viral content. He openly admits to making mistakes along the way, but emphasizes the importance of learning from them and adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape.

“We were just relentless. We never stopped. We were always grinding.” – Dave Portnoy

Navigating Controversy and Internet Fame

Joe and Dave delve into the complexities of being a controversial figure in the public eye. Portnoy acknowledges that his outspoken nature has often landed him in hot water, but he remains unapologetic about expressing his opinions. He argues that authenticity is crucial for building a brand, even if it means attracting criticism. He is also a major proponent of “cancel culture” being a very real issue in the country.

The discussion touches upon the challenges of managing a large online following, particularly in an era of heightened sensitivity and social media scrutiny. Portnoy shares his strategies for dealing with criticism and maintaining a sense of humor in the face of adversity. One thing that really stood out was his ability to deflect negative attention and turn it into an opportunity to further engage with his audience.

“You can’t be afraid to be yourself. People respect authenticity, even if they don’t agree with you.” – Dave Portnoy

The One Bite Pizza Review Phenomenon

Joe and Dave discuss the origin and immense popularity of the “One Bite” pizza reviews. Dave explains how it started as a simple way to document his pizza consumption but quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The conversation explores the impact of these reviews on local pizzerias, both positive and negative. They also talk about the intricacies of judging pizza and the surprisingly passionate reactions the reviews generate.

Portnoy elaborates on the ethics of reviewing food and the responsibility that comes with having a large platform. He acknowledges that his reviews can have a significant impact on businesses, but he maintains that his goal is to provide honest and unbiased opinions. One moment that stood out was when Portnoy discussed his genuine love for pizza and how it fuels his dedication to the One Bite series.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Portnoy shares a hilarious anecdote about the early days of Barstool, when he would personally deliver newspapers to commuters in Boston. He recalls one particularly memorable encounter with an angry driver who confronted him for blocking traffic. These early struggles highlight his dedication and hustle in building the Barstool brand.

Dave also recounts the story of Barstool’s acquisition by Penn National Gaming, a major turning point for the company. He describes the negotiations process, the challenges of integrating Barstool into a larger corporate structure, and the unexpected opportunities that have arisen since the acquisition. The acquisition was a dream come true for Dave as he did not envision that level of success when he started.

Controversial Opinions & Debates

Throughout the podcast, Dave and Joe touch upon the topic of “cancel culture” and its impact on free speech. Dave feels very passionately about this topic and is not afraid to speak his mind on it. He often finds himself in hot water for this which is why he thinks the topic is important.

Conclusion

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of Dave Portnoy, the controversial and charismatic founder of Barstool Sports. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a media juggernaut, Barstool’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity and relentless hustle. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the media landscape, entrepreneurship, or simply a good conversation.