Comedian Bert Kreischer built his career on a party-hearty persona following a 1997 Rolling Stone profile that dubbed him “Number One Partier in the Nation.” But a recent blood-clot scare and growing questions about his drinking habits are pressuring him to reconcile his onstage identity with his offstage health.
Born: November 3, 1972 · Occupation: Stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor · Nickname: “The Machine” · Rolling Stone Honor: “Number One Partier in the Nation” (1997)
Who Is Bert Kreischer?
- Born November 3, 1972
- Named “Number One Partier in the Nation” by Rolling Stone in 1997 (source)
- Married to LeeAnn Kreischer; two daughters
- Experienced a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) scare in early 2026
- Current sobriety status – no definitive public statement
- Exact net worth – not officially disclosed
- Full extent of health issues beyond the reported DVT
- Whether his friendship with Joe Rogan has recently changed
- Continuing the Permission to Party tour
- Managing health after blood-clot diagnosis
- Potential new comedy specials or podcast episodes
Is Bert Kreischer sober?
Public statements on alcohol consumption
Bert Kreischer has not declared permanent sobriety. Following a blood-clot scare in early 2026, he told Fox News Digital that he had stopped drinking because he was on blood thinners. In a 2024 Instagram post that was widely circulated, he said, I will never quit drinking
(Instagram). That quote predates the DVT diagnosis.
Alcohol as part of his comedic brand
Kreischer’s stage persona is built around drinking and partying. His most famous story, “The Machine,” involves a drunken episode on a Russian train. A 2025 YouTube clip titled Bert Kreischer Says Sobriety Feels Better Than Any High
shows him describing his past touring routine as involving drinking throughout the day (YouTube).
Comparison with other comedians
Kreischer has neither declared sobriety nor returned to full-time drinking. His position differs from peers like Joe Rogan, who openly discusses his alcohol use and participates in an annual Sober October challenge. Rogan’s 2020 Facebook post called out Kreischer and others for complaining about the challenge (Facebook).
What health issues does Bert Kreischer have?
DVT scare in 2026
In early 2026, Kreischer went to the emergency room after waking with severe leg pain. Doctors diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) behind his knee and found blood clots in his lungs (Fox News Digital). He was placed on blood thinners and said he had stopped drinking because of the medication.
Travel-related clot risk
The Center for Vein used Kreischer’s case as an example of travel-related DVT risk, noting that prolonged sitting on tour buses and flights can contribute to blood clots. Kreischer later stated he was taking a GLP-1 medication to lose visceral fat and had dropped from 295 to 235 pounds.
Other reported health concerns
No additional permanent health issues have been publicly confirmed. The blood-clot event appears to have been an isolated, lifestyle-related episode rather than a chronic condition.
How did Bert Kreischer get famous?
The Rolling Stone article (1997)
In 1997, Rolling Stone profiled Kreischer under the headline “The Undergraduate,” naming him the “Number One Partier in the Nation” (Rolling Stone). The article described his partying at Florida State University and became the launching pad for his comedy career. Kreischer has said the piece was supposed to be about the school but became about him.
“The Machine” story and Netflix specials
Kreischer’s signature stand-up story, “The Machine,” recounts a drunken train ride in Russia during which he claims he inadvertently robbed the Russian mafia. The story became a viral comedy bit, later adapted into a 2023 Netflix film also titled The Machine. His other Netflix special, Hey Big Boy (2020), continues his brand of party-centric storytelling.
Podcast network
Kreischer hosts two popular podcasts: “The Bertcast” and “2 Bears, 1 Cave” with comedian Tom Segura. Both feature long-form conversations, drinking stories, and frequent appearances by Joe Rogan and other comedians.
Is Joe Rogan still friends with Bert Kreischer?
History of their friendship
Kreischer and Rogan have been friends for years. Rogan has featured Kreischer multiple times on The Joe Rogan Experience, including at least one episode focused on Kreischer’s sobriety journey in 2017 (Joe Rogan Podcast episode index).
Joint podcast appearances
In June 2024, Kreischer appeared on Rogan’s show and discussed his medical testing, his blood clot scare, and the fact that he had stopped drinking while on blood thinners (YouTube). Rogan has also participated in “Sober October” challenges alongside Kreischer.
Current status of the friendship
No public falling-out has occurred. Both continue to appear on each other’s platforms and social media. Rogan’s “Sober October” tradition remains a shared touchpoint between them, even if Kreischer’s participation has been inconsistent.
How did Bert Kreischer get famous?
Kreischer’s fame traces directly to the 1997 Rolling Stone piece that labeled him the top partier at Florida State University (Rolling Stone). That exposure helped launch his stand-up career, and his storytelling style—especially the “Machine” story about a drunken train robbery in Russia—became his signature bit. The story went viral in the 2010s and led to a Netflix film deal.
Kreischer made his name as a hard-partying character. Now, at 52, his body is sending signals that the bit may no longer be sustainable.
Timeline of key events
- 1997: Rolling Stone names Kreischer “Number One Partier in the Nation” (Rolling Stone)
- 2000s: Develops and performs “The Machine” story on stage and on podcasts
- 2010s: Launches “Bertcast” and co-hosts “2 Bears, 1 Cave” with Tom Segura
- 2020: Netflix special Bert Kreischer: Hey Big Boy released
- 2022: Netflix film The Machine premieres
- 2023: DVT scare reported by Fox News, highlighting travel clot risk
Who was the heaviest drinker?
There is no universally recognized record for heaviest drinker. Historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, and Dean Martin are often cited anecdotally. In Kreischer’s case, his “Number One Partier” title is a magazine headline, not a measured quantity. The question persists largely because his persona leans so heavily into the trope.
Clarity section
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Albert Charles Kreischer Jr. |
| Born | November 3, 1972 |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor |
| Notable title | “Number One Partier in the Nation” (Rolling Stone, 1997) |
| Spouse | LeeAnn Kreischer |
| Children | Two daughters |
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For a deeper look at Bert Kreischer’s sobriety and health journey, Bert Kreischers sobriety and health journey offers additional context on his career and personal challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bert Kreischer sober?
He has not declared permanent sobriety. After his 2026 DVT diagnosis, he said he stopped drinking because of blood-thinner medication.
How did Bert Kreischer get famous?
He gained national attention after a 1997 Rolling Stone article named him the top partier in the nation while he was at Florida State University.
What is Bert Kreischer’s net worth?
No verified public figure exists. Various celebrity net worth sites offer estimates between $4 million and $8 million, but none are confirmed.
Is Bert Kreischer still touring?
Yes, he continues to tour regularly, including his “Permission to Party” tour.
What is “The Machine” story?
A comedic story about a drunken train ride in Russia where Kreischer says he accidentally robbed the Russian mafia. It became his signature bit and later a film.
What health issues does Bert Kreischer have?
In early 2026, he was treated for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in his lungs, attributed to prolonged travel and sitting.
Who is Bert Kreischer’s wife?
He has been married to LeeAnn Kreischer since 2005. They have two daughters.
Does Bert Kreischer still drink?
He has not declared sobriety. After his DVT diagnosis, he stated he had stopped drinking while on blood thinners.
Clarity section
- Confirmed: Born 1972, Rolling Stone “Number One Partier” 1997, married to LeeAnn, two daughters, DVT scare 2026, Netflix specials and film exist.
- Unclear: Current drinking status, exact net worth, long-term health prognosis, any strain in the Rogan friendship.
“The Machine” is the story I’ve told a million times. It’s my best bit, and it’s all true until the parts I made up.
– Bert Kreischer, in multiple podcast appearances
“My friends Segura, Tom, and Bert have all bitched about Sober October.”
– Joe Rogan, Facebook post, October 2020
Editor’s note: This article was compiled from publicly available sources and interviews. Health and sobriety claims are based on statements from Kreischer and his representatives as of mid-2025. No medical or financial advice is implied.
Key facts summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Albert Charles Kreischer Jr. |
| Born | November 3, 1972 |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor |
| Notable Title | “Number One Partier in the Nation” (Rolling Stone, 1997) |
| Spouse | LeeAnn Kreischer |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Nickname Origin | “The Machine” – mafia story from Russia |
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Briefly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.