I was also an idle subscriber: I'd start listening to perhaps one in five episodes, with guests who interest me (think of people like Elon Musk or Jonathan Haid

I was also an idle subscriber: I'd start listening to perhaps one in five episodes, with guests who interest me (think of people like Elon Musk or Jonathan Haidt). When Rogan left Apple podcasts/Stitcher, I stopped listening. Your statement echoes how I feel: "I only ever showed up for the guests. Generally also the case for many other podcasts, Lex Friedman, Tim Ferris, etc.... the value they bring is more the guests they attract and the space they create for the guest."