Jordi Wild, born Jorge Carrillo de Albornoz Torres, has become a household name for anyone under 40 in Spain. With his 'Wild Project' podcasts amassing tens of millions of views on YouTube and securing over 12 million subscribers, he is undeniably Spain’s podcast king. His content style—featuring ultra-longform, unscripted interviews with prominent figures—bears a striking resemblance to the work of American host Joe Rogan.
The parallels extend beyond format; both men are muscle-bound enthusiasts of Mixed Martial Arts, a commonality that helps them connect with a largely male audience. Crucially, Wild has followed in Rogan’s footsteps by evolving from a general entertainer into a significant cultural gatekeeper capable of attracting high-profile political figures.
Political analysts and even the Trump campaign previously cited Donald Trump’s appearance on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' and the host’s subsequent endorsement as a decisive factor in the 2024 US presidential elections. This has sparked intense speculation in Spain: could the same dynamic occur here?
Having attempted a similar initiative before the 2023 general election, an increasingly influential Wild has once again issued a public callout to the main political candidates to appear on his podcast.
The response was swift. Within two hours, conservative People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accepted the invitation. Wild admitted he was surprised by the quick confirmation, noting he had expected the People's Party—often perceived as wooden and uncharismatic—to be the most difficult to convince.
Shortly thereafter, Vox leader Santiago Abascal also confirmed he would join Wild in the studio for a conversation lasting between 50 and 90 minutes, consistent with the duration offered to other candidates. Abascal publicly signaled his acceptance on X, stating, "Cuenta conmigo @JordiWild."
However, the field remains incomplete. Wild noted on X that he is still waiting to hear from Sumar, Frente Amplio, Podemos, and the broader left-wing coalition. The situation regarding Spanish Prime Minister and Socialist candidate Pedro Sánchez is particularly notable.
Sánchez rejected Wild’s previous invitation in 2023, opting instead for the podcast 'La Pija y la Quinqui.' According to the 42-year-old podcaster from Manresa, the tables have now turned.
Wild revealed that someone very close to the Prime Minister reached out to him to discuss a potential chat. Wild stated he was upfront with the team, warning them that the session would not be a "massage" or a standard interview, and that he would definitely ask about sensitive topics, just as he intends to do with all other candidates. The Prime Minister's team indicated they would need to discuss the possibility internally.
Despite his growing influence, Wild has consistently shrugged off being politically pigeonholed. In a 2022 interview with the Catalan daily La Vanguardia, he described himself as a "non-dogmatic, progressive liberal" and even admitted to having voted in favor of Catalan independence. His views are varied; he has been pro-abortion while remaining critical of inclusive language.
He has asserted that he finds it absurd to force everything into two camps and no longer feels represented by any single political party. Nevertheless, by prioritizing long-form, male-focused content, Wild has captured a vital demographic of disaffected young men. This provides Feijóo and Abascal with a strategic platform to reach new voters.
Regarding the format, the tattooed podcaster confirmed that the sessions will not follow a rigid structure of 10-minute segments on the economy, housing, or immigration. Instead, he plans for individual, free-flowing conversations, though he noted there will be some common questions and segments for all guests.
Wild has committed to an agreement with all candidates: he will not edit the interviews at all, and they cannot request changes.
He intends to release the episodes starting November 9, roughly two to three weeks before the key vote. Wild emphasized that if any candidate backs out, he will not bring in any of the others. As the 2023 election saw Carles Puigdemont emerge as an unlikely kingmaker, there is a real possibility that this time, a YouTuber could tip the balance.
