Joe Budden Podcast Generates Over $1M Monthly from 70,000 Subscribers

Joe Budden's podcast network, the Joe Budden Network, is generating over $1 million per month in revenue through Patreon, with approximately 70,000 subscribers paying between $5 and $50 monthly, positioning Budden as the top earner on the platform. The network is projected to bring in around $20 million in total revenue for 2025, including income from direct ad sales, merchandise, and licensing, with the company opting to sell ads independently rather than partnering with major distributors to maintain control and limit ad overload. Budden and his team, including co-hosts, are compensated from this revenue, with about $1.5 million allocated to them, reflecting Budden’s commitment to equity and creator independence in podcasting. Budden's journey from a modest start in hip-hop media to a self-owned podcast empire exemplifies his refusal to accept deals that compromise ownership, such as turning down a $44 million offer early in the 2020s. The network’s success and transparency about earnings aim to inspire creators to pursue independent paths without relinquishing control. Industry comparisons highlight Budden alongside other high-earning podcasters like Alex Cooper and the Kelce brothers, who have secured major distribution deals, contrasting Budden's independent business model.