Comedian and podcaster and Sen. (I-VT) spoke openly in their latest conversation on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” diving deep into the realities of low wages, automation, corporate greed, and the future of human purpose in a tech-driven world.

“When it comes to labor, when it comes to minimum wage, I think you and I are in agreement,” Rogan told Sanders. "The minimum wage in this country is ridiculous," Rogan continued, echoing a frustration felt by millions of Americans about the low federal minimum wage. "It's insane," he said. "How do you live off $7?"

He referenced a viral video of someone buying a $25 sub and added, "Imagine you have to work three and a half hours just to pay for a sandwich. That's insane. How do you eat dinner, how do you eat lunch, how do you eat breakfast?"

Sanders, a longtime advocate for wage reform, agreed. “We are trying to raise the minimum wage to $17 an hour,” he said. “It’s going to be real difficult to live off of 17 bucks an hour, but at least you could get a sandwich in under two hours of work,” Rogan quipped.

In a January Senate hearing, Sanders called the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 “shameful,” stating that millions of Americans are struggling to survive on what he called “starvation wages.”

Despite repeated attempts, Congress has failed to pass legislation to raise the federal minimum wage. Sanders continues to push for a federal standard, arguing that it's essential to protect all American workers.

. 

The pair also discussed how technology has not resulted in better lives for workers. Sanders noted that real wages are actually lower now than they were 52 years ago, despite massive gains in productivity.

Rogan agreed, saying it's now virtually impossible for one income to support a family. “That’s a giant issue,” he said.

Both also warned about artificial intelligence and automation. “There are signs advertising from AI companies saying ‘Don't hire humans,'” Sanders said with Rogan adding, “That’s demonic.”