The Joe Rogan Experience
Book Recommendations

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Episodes 549
Books 586

Most Recommended

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History Cover

S. C. Gwynne

Empire of the Summer Moon

Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

In the episode with Paul Rosolie, Rogan noted that the book had shifted his perception of the Comanche tribe, highlighting their brutal raids and violent history. The discussion emphasized how the title portrayed the tribe's power and decline, offering a more nuanced view than he previously held. In the following episode with Brigham Buhler, the guest expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming TV series adaptation, underscoring the book's compelling narrative.

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Episode: #2208 - Brigham Buhler

The podcast guest expressed excitement for the upcoming TV series adaptation of this book, which details the history of the Comanche people.

"

I'm so excited for that to come out as a as a series

Episode: #1461 - Owen Smith

They mentioned reading Empire of the Summer Moon, a book about the Comanche people, and said it stood out to them during the discussion.

"

I read that and a lot of it had to do with like Native Americans hunting the Buffalo and then I did read this book Empire of the Summer Moon it was on the Comanches and the holy shit

Episode: #1442 - Shannon O'Loughlin

Shannon said she became fascinated after reading it and later praised how it vividly described the Comanches' special relationship to the land.

"

until I read Empire of the Summer Moon.

the most amazing thing about Empire of the Summer Moon was just how special the relationship that the Comanches had to the land and about how when Jessica and Parker, Cynthia, Cynthia and Parker, she's the photo out there of the woman that's breastfeeding her child. She was kidnapped when she was nine and assimilated with the Comanches and then was rekidnapped by the United States government when she was in her 30s and didn't want to go back. She missed the Comanche life and through her descriptions of the way they lived ... they had an incredible relationship with the land.

Episode: #1424 - Tom Papa

They said the book covered the history of the Comanche and the violent tactics they used, which they referred to as the "command cheese."

"

I mean this book that I read Empire the Summer Moon is all about the command cheese.

Episode: #1422 - Lex Fridman

They listened to the book and called it a great, compelling read about the subject matter.

"

I was listening to the Empire of the Summer Moon. Fucking great book.

Episode: #1397 - S.C. Gwynne

The author praised Empire of the Summer Moon as a sad, gripping, and vivid portrayal of frontier history that changed his perspective on the era.

"

He told me to read your book and Empire of the Summer Moon. It was amazing. I mean he was absolutely right and it was so good and I made an Instagram post about that. I'm going to copy of it. Look at that. It's a fantastic book. There's so much good stuff in there and it was so sad and so gripping and so riveting.

Episode: #1389 - Chris Kresser Debunks "The Gamechangers" D...

Chris praised the book, calling it amazing and saying he would recommend it repeatedly.

"

Summer Moon Empire of the Summer Moon it's amazing. I recommend it too much I'm going to shut the fuck up about it.

Episode: #1387 - Josh Homme

They said they were listening to the audiobook and described it as insane, covering the war between planes, Indians, and settlers, and praised the detailed accounts of battles and atrocities.

"

I'm listening to this audiobook empire the summer moon it is fucking insane it is all about the war with the planes Indians versus the settlers it is insane it is like I all everyone knows that there was European settlers and they had conflict with Indians and there was a lot of things that happened but until you read like the accounts of all the different battles and all the things that happened and all the slaughters and all the chaos and the children and the messages sent by more violent like oh dude you think you're sending one message but you're really giving the wrong one

I couldn't stop listening it felt like a history lesson you couldn't get from any other source and it made the whole period feel real

Episode: #1381 - Donnell Rawlings

They talked about reading the book, describing it as a terrifying and horrific account of the wars between settlers and Native Americans, praising its vivid depiction of the era.

"

holy shit holy shit is it good it's terrifying Empire of the Summer Moon it's about the wars between the settlers and native americans i'm in like it's track four whatever that means i guess it's chapter four holy fuck is it horrific ... it's about the settlers and native americans and i love the detail it gives about the whole era.

the book goes into detail about how they used horses, bows and arrows, hunting buffalo, and how the native tribes lived, it really paints a vivid picture of their lifestyle and the brutal conflicts of the 1800s.

Episode: #2431 - Shane Gillis

The host and guest said they had read the book and found it incredible, mentioning a graphic scene it described.

"

Did you ever read Empire of the Summer Moon? I did. Bro. Incredible.

Episode: #2435 - Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper mentioned the book Empire of the Summer Moon while discussing the Comanche chief Quanna Parker.

"

She wanted to go back. ... It's an incredible book that all talks about the conquering of Texas and the Comanche fighting the Texas Rangers. It's the book Empire of the Summer Moon.

Episode: #2444 - Andrew Wilson

Andrew Wilson highlighted the book as an excellent account of the Comanche and Texas history.

"

There's an amazing book about Texas called Empire of the Summer Moon.

Episode: #2458 - Matt McCusker

It was highlighted as a great book about Texas that discusses settlers encountering the Comanche.

"

There's a great book about Texas called Empire of the Summer Moon.

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles Cover

Steven Pressfield

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

The title was highlighted as a practical guide for creative people, emphasizing daily discipline, treating the muse as a real presence, and pushing through the resistance that blocks work. Sam Tallent noted he often gave copies to guests, while hosts such as Sara Imari Walker, Jack Carr, and Joe Rogan discussed its advice on showing up consistently and not waiting for inspiration. The overall tone was strongly positive, presenting the book as a must‑read for anyone seeking to overcome creative blocks.

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Episode: #2175 - Sam Tallent

Sam Tallent recommends this book by Steven Pressfield. He mentions that he used to give copies to creative people who came on his podcast.

"

Have you read Pressfield's War of Art no I have not oh we have a copy of it for you

Then I love he sent us a box of them because I used to give it to comics when they would or any kind of creative person when they came on the podcast but Pressfield wrote this book and he talks about the muse as if it's a real thing

Episode: #2165 - Jack Carr

Jack Carr mentioned Steven Pressfield's book, The War of Art, and said that it's about summoning the muse. He said that part of that is a ritual of showing up at a specific time every day. He said that this is important for creative people, and that it's about discipline, focus, dedication, and summoning the muse.

"

You know, that's a big part of Steven Pressler's book. Steven Pressfield?

Excuse me, Pressfield.

Yeah, with The War of Art.

Amazing.

Yeah. His book, you know, is kind of all about summoning. It's about discipline, focus, dedication, but also summoning the muse.

Episode: #2184 - Sara Imari Walker

The book is a guidebook for creative types to avoid procrastination and resistance, and to develop a structure that allows them to sit down at their desk at a very specific time every day and summon the muse.

"

This is the concept of the muse that the muse you summon the muse you treat the muse with respect you you literally communicate with the muse you put this intention out there and if you do this every day she will reward you and she will consistently bring you ideas and if you are a person who can develop that kind of discipline to sit there and do that you'll you'll become productive through the muse.

Episode: #1317 - Andrew Santino

It was mentioned as a book that Steven Pressfield wrote about the creepy resistance that people face when they have to do something that they don't want to do.

"

It's like you got to push past that creepy resistance that Steven Pressfield wrote about in The War of Art.

Episode: #1287 - Rich Benoit

The War of Art was mentioned as a great book about professional and creative writing, specifically the idea of not waiting for inspiration to strike.

"

The War of Art which is a great book and I'm also got it from reading Stephen King on writing and talking to a lot of different writers about how they handle things if you just waited to be inspired and that's the only time you wrote you wouldn't have half as much shit right not even close written not even close half as much good material as you do if you decide I'm going to write.

Episode: JRE MMA Show #75 with Dan Hardy

The War of Art was discussed in relation to the idea of the muse and how treating the creative process as magical can make it work like magic. It emphasizes the importance of showing up consistently and respecting the creative process.

"

Stephen Pressfield wrote about that in a really unique way in The War of Art because he talked about how just showing up and counting on the muse like thinking about the muse as a real thing

Episode: #1467 - Jack Carr

He mentioned the book among Pressfield's works on creativity, noting it as part of the material that helped him develop his writing discipline.

"

Stephen Pressfield's books on creativity. The War of Art.

Episode: #1188 - Lex Fridman

They called The War of Art a beautiful book that emphasized hard work and grinding out hours rather than focusing on creativity.

"

I think Stephen Pressfield, I hope I'm not saying the wrong thing. The War of Art. The War of Art. Yeah. It's a beautiful book. And I would say, from my recollection, they don't necessarily talk about creativity very much. That it's really hard work putting in the hours of every day of just grinding it out.

Episode: #2468 - Luke Grimes

They called it a tiny, easytoread book and one of the best ever on creativity, stressing the need to treat the muse seriously.

"

I got a box of copies, I bought a bunch of them and I used to hand them out to comedians and artists. It's a really small book, it's easy, but it's one of the best books ever about creativity. He tells you if you treat it like there is a muse, like there is a God, you have to show up every day.

Episode: #2485 - John Fogerty

The book was highlighted as a great resource on the creative process and the concept of the muse, and it was recommended enthusiastically.

"

Have you ever heard of Steven Pressfield? Huh? Steven Pressfield, he's an author. He wrote a great book called The War of Art.

Episode: #2496 - Julia Mossbridge

Julia referenced "The War of Art" as a book that discusses the muse and creative discipline.

"

He wrote The War of Art.

Episode: #2504 - Skylar Grey

Skylar Grey said she had a copy of the small paperback and described it as a concise guide about channeling the muse, noting Pressfield's lateblooming career shift around age 40.

"

I have copies out there. I'll give you a copy if you don't have one. I think I started the book on tape version. I have copies of the book. It's a very small book. It's very easy, but it's all about that. And Pressfield was, you know, kind of like an underachiever until he was like 40.

Have you ever read The War of Art? ... I started it. I started it.

Sapiens [Tenth Anniversary Edition]: A Brief History of Humankind Cover

Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens [Tenth Anniversary Edition]

A Brief History of Humankind

The book was highlighted as a concise overview of human history, illustrating how societies have invented shared ideas of beauty, truth, and fairness that exist only within cultural constructs. Joe Rogan repeatedly praised it as a great read that also detailed harsh practices of early nomadic tribes, such as the killing of elderly members deemed burdensome. The discussion emphasized its usefulness for understanding both the evolution of collective beliefs and the darker aspects of our ancestors' survival strategies.

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Episode: #1292 - Lex Fridman

It was mentioned as an example of a book that discusses how humans have created shared ideas of beauty, truth, and fairness, which exist only within our society.

"

That's like the book Sapiens. Yeah, that basically we've all One of the things we've created here is we've imagined ideas that we all share ideas of beauty ideas of truth Ideas of fairness we've all created together and there's it doesn't exist outside of us as a society and no it only exists to us

Episode: #1287 - Rich Benoit

Sapiens was mentioned as a great book that outlines the history of the human race, including tribes who would kill old ladies who couldn't keep up.

"

There's a great book Sapiens from Noah what is Yuval Harati um it's a great book but it just it outlines the history of the human race and these various tribes that have dealt with like weird shit like that like there's there's certain tribes that like when they see like old ladies that are moving too slow yeah they just kill them.

Episode: #1240 - Forrest Galante

It was mentioned in the context of how nomadic tribes would kill the elderly who were considered burdens, and that this was a normal practice. The speaker found it strange, but also found it somewhat understandable, given the circumstances.

"

Did you read Sapiens?

It's a evolutionary book about human history.

What is Noah Yuvall-Harradi?

I think that's his amazing writing down.

Yeah, it's a great book.

They would talk about these nomadic tribes that would

Yeah, that's it. Yuvall Noah-Harradi, I fucked up his name.

They would talk about these nomadic tribes that would kill the old ladies.

Episode: #1436 - Adam Curry

They noted that the author of Sapiens had also written another book that might be relevant for the show.

"

He delves into- It's the same guy who wrote sapiens. I maybe I don't know. What's his name? No?

Episode: #1413 - Bill Maher

Joe Rogan praised the book as a great read.

"

You have read that book Sapiens, yes, such a great book.

Episode: #1410 - Ash Dykes

Ash mentioned he was reading Sapiens at that moment during the conversation.

"

I was reading Sapien at the minute.

Episode: #1402 - Boyan Slat

The host praised the book, noting that it highlights how the agricultural revolution enslaved humanity and made life worse than huntergatherer societies.

"

the book Sapiens by Harari yeah great book he makes a point about grain and slaving us because the agriculture revolution 10,000 years ago they we didn't really become better according to him it was less nutritious it was um it was just a worse way of living than the hunter gatherers did

Episode: #1345 - Steve Aoki

The guests praised 'Sapiens' as an amazing and favorite book, noting they were currently on its second part.

"

Sapiens is amazing. Yeah, Sapiens my favorite book I'm on the second one right now.

Episode: #2454 - Robert Malone, MD

Joe referred to the book Sapiens, noting it as a wellknown work about human history.

"

I don't know if he's reading the book Sapiens.

Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties Cover

Tom O'Neill

Chaos

Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties

The book was first cited by John Lisle, who said it ignited his obsession with the MKUltra program after learning its scope. Later, Joe Rogan and Brendan Schaub praised it as an amazing, best‑selling work that saw sales explode after the show, and they noted they were reading it and would discuss it further with the author. The hosts consistently highlighted its detailed investigation of Charles Manson and alleged CIA involvement, expressing strong enthusiasm.

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Episode: JRE MMA Show #94 with Brendan Schaub

Joe and Brendan mentioned that they had been reading the bookChaos, a detailed account of CharlesManson and alleged CIA involvement, and noted that Tom O'Neill would be joining the discussion soon.

"

You've read that Chaos book. The Charles Manson book. Who, Tom O'Neill's coming in next week.

Episode: #2419 - John Lisle

Lisle mentioned that Tom O'Neill's book "Chaos" had sparked his obsession with MKUltra after he learned how extensive the program was.

"

I really got... I mean, I knew about it but I really didn't get completely obsessed with it until Chaos, Tom O'Neill's book.

Episode: JRE MMA Show #95 with Brendan Schaub

Joe and Brendan said the book was amazing, became a New York Times bestseller after being featured on the podcast, and saw huge sales.

"

That book's amazing.

That book became a New York Times bestseller after it came on the podcast.

It's blown through the fucking roof.

It's huge sales now.

It deserves it.

Episode: #2446 - Greg Fitzsimmons

The book was praised as an amazing, thoroughly researched account of Charles Manson, the CIA, and 1960s conspiracies, with verifiable factual evidence that impressed the speakers.

"

Tom O'Neill's the guy who wrote Chaos. He wrote a book about Charles Manson, the CIA, and the secret history of the sixties.

He said the book was amazing, it's bananas, it's all true, with verifiable factual evidence that made us go what the fuck else did they do that we don't know about.

Episode: #2448 - Andrew Doyle

He cited the book as a welldocumented account of CIA involvement with the Manson family and the counterculture of the 1960s.

"

That's the book Chaos by Tom O'Neill, which is a brilliant book, very well documented and details Jolly West and his influence on the Manson family and how they were influencing these people to try to sabotage the hippie movement.

Episode: #2466 - Francis Foster & Konstantin Kisin

During a discussion about CIA involvement with the Manson family, the speakers referenced Tom O'Neill's book "Chaos" as a source that details that connection.

"

Tom O'Neill's book, Chaos, that they were absolutely involved...

Episode: #2495 - Tim Burchett

The host praised the book as phenomenal and mindblowing, noting it documents the Manson family and MKUltra connections.

"

There's a fantastic book called Chaos by Tom O'Neill. It's all about the Manson family. I've seen it. It's phenomenal and mindblowing; it documents Jolly West and the MKUltra program.

The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure Cover

Greg Lukianoff

The Coddling of the American Mind

How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure

The book was highlighted for its analysis of how social media influences teenage mental health and rising suicide rates, and for its critique of universities prioritizing social justice over truth. Joe Rogan and his guests referenced the author's work and the Heterodox Academy, noting the book’s relevance and expressing enthusiasm for its insights.

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Episode: #1304 - Brendan Schaub

The book discussed the influence of social media and how it is impacting children, specifically teenage girls. It was mentioned as a contributing factor to the increase in suicide rates among teenagers.

"

Jonathan hates books on that

He wrote a book called The Coddling of the American Mind and part of the book was about the influence of social media

Episode: #1248 - Bill Ottman

It was mentioned as a book about the impact of social media on young people, specifically about its impact on their mental health.

"

Well his book, The Coddling of the American Mind. I'm in that right now. I just finished his other one and I'm working on that one and a lot of it has to do with social media and a lot of it has to do with the impact that it has on young people.

Episode: #1222 - Michael Shermer

The book was discussed in relation to the idea that universities are becoming increasingly focused on social justice rather than truth. The author's Heterodox Academy was also referenced as a group of academics working against censorship on college campuses.

"

I'm into that now.

It's fantastic and he covers us quite a bit.

Jonathan's onto something good there with the Heterodox Academy which I'm a member.

Jonathan's point is that it's more of a sort of East Coast, West Coast public university thing or maybe Harvard that kind of thing.

Universities are now at this divide between are we here for social justice or are we here for truth?

Episode: #1413 - Bill Maher

Bill Maher described the book as being about letting kids roam around and find their own way.

"

His book The Coddling of the American Mind is exactly about that, and he believes that you should let your kids roam around and find their own way.

Episode: #1387 - Josh Homme

They mentioned the book as discussing the issues children face today with smartphones, social media, depression, and selfharm, highlighting its relevance to modern mentalhealth concerns.

"

the book Jonathan Hate wrote called The Coddling of the American Mind that discusses the issue that kids are having today with cell phones and depression and that especially girls so many girls are cutting themselves and selfharm suicides way up dude and there's a direct correlation between the invention of the smartphone and social media

they said it was a really important look at how our generation is being shaped by technology and how it might be harming their mental health

Episode: #1346 - Zuby

The book was described as a great and important work, praised for its insight.

"

Jonathan Haidt wrote a great book called The Coddling of the American Mind, great book; it's really good, great book.

Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History Cover

Dan Flores

Coyote America

A Natural and Supernatural History

The book was highlighted across three episodes as an insightful look at the natural and supernatural history of coyotes. Joe Rogan and his guests praised it as a great, interesting work that explains how coyote populations respond to killing and traces their evolutionary background, noting the author's expertise as a wildlife biologist and historian. The overall tone was enthusiastic, indicating a strong recommendation.

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Episode: #1324 - Ian Edwards

It was mentioned as a great book about coyotes. The book delves into the history and science of coyotes. The speaker learned about the book through his friend Steve Rinella, and it was mentioned that the book reveals that killing coyotes only leads to more coyotes.

"

Here's a great book called Coyote America by Dan Flores.

Really interesting book.

But one of the things they found out is that when you kill a coyote, they just make more coyotes.

Episode: #1279 - Jessimae Peluso

The author Dan Flores was mentioned as a wildlife biologist and historian, and his book Coyote America was discussed. He discussed the history of coyotes and wolves in North America, which apparently all wild dog species came from North America.

"

What was the gentleman Dan? Coyote America the the author Goddamnit.

Was he like a dude who lived amongst the wolves?

Yes, Dan Flores. No, he's a wildlife biologist and a historian

Yeah, he was talking about the history of coyotes and wolves in North America apparently all wild dog species came from North America Even like jackals yeah shit like that like they made it across over there somehow like during the Pangea's Period or something.

Episode: #1439 - Michael Osterholm

He mentioned Dan Flores's book Coyote America as a reference for how coyotes have colonized urban areas.

"

Dan Flores who has been a guest on the podcast before has a great book called Coyote America

Episode: #1397 - S.C. Gwynne

He referenced Dan Flores's Coyote America among the nature books he admires.

"

There's a guy named Dan Flores he's got a bunch of great books and one of them is called Coyote America.

Episode: #2507 - Harland Williams

The hosts referred to Coyote America as a book by Dan Flores that explores the behavior and distribution of coyotes across North America.

"

Coyote America, that book by Dan Flores, the same guy who wrote Bison Ecology and Bison Diplomacy.

The Book of Five Rings Cover

Miyamoto Musashi

The Book of Five Rings

The book was referenced by Roy Wood Jr. as part of his self‑help and strategic reading list and by Nicholas Christakis as an illustration of Musashi’s notion that mastering a discipline lets you see the way in all things. Both hosts highlighted its strategic insights and its relevance to personal growth, noting that excellence in one area can be applied elsewhere. The overall view was positive but not a strong endorsement.

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Episode: #1274 - Nicholas Christakis

This book, written by the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, was mentioned in relation to the idea that once you know the way broadly, you see it in all things. It was used as an example of how acquiring excellence in one area can be applied to other areas.

"

That's the Miyamoto Masashi quote The book from The Book of Five Rings Once you know the way broadly You see it in all things

Episode: #1449 - Bryan Callen

They referred to it as a classic guide on sword fighting that emphasizes focusing on a single decisive strike.

"

Well, it's like The Book of Five Rings. Miyamoto Musashi talks about, like, the practicing, real sword fighting literally is reaching and you have time for one strike.

Episode: #1372 - Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith said he had read the book when he was 17 and it helped him understand strategy and discipline in life.

"

it's a tattoo this is Miyamoto Musashi from The Book of Five Rings and in that book he said ...

Episode: #1356 - Sturgill Simpson & His Band

They praised it as a great book for life, emphasizing excellence and samurai principles.

"

Miyamoto Masashi's The Book of Five Rings ... It's a great book for your life just to think about excellence in your life and pursuit in your life and how all things bounce out.

That book of five rings ... it's an amazing book.

Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich Cover

Norman Ohler

Blitzed

Drugs in the Third Reich

The book was brought up by both Tom Segura and Joe Rogan, who noted that it details how Nazi soldiers were supplied with methamphetamine during the Blitzkrieg campaign. Their comments highlighted the surprising role of drugs in the German war effort without offering a strong endorsement.

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Episode: #2202 - Tom Segura

It was mentioned that Tom Segura has a book called "Blitzed" by Norman Ohler about the Nazis during the Blitzkrieg campaign, specifically that they were on meth.

"

But that book over there Blitzed is a Norman Oler book about the Nazis during the Blitzky campaign. They were all on meth. All of them.

Episode: JRE MMA Show #163 - Protect Ya Neck

Joe Rogan discussed a book he recently read called Blitzed by Norman O'Hur. It was all about the Nazis and how they gave their soldiers meth to help them fight in World War II.

"

there's a book that we just read it's called Blitzed. This dude Norman O'Hur.

It's all about the Nazis they gave them Nazis meth.

Episode: #1394 - Matt Farah

Matt mentioned a book he had read that covered the extensive use of drugs by the Nazis, referring to it as Blitzed Drugs in the Third Rike.

"

There's a book that I read a book in love called Blitzed drugs in the third rike.

Episode: #2439 - Johnny Knoxville

The hosts mentioned the book while discussing Hitler's use of methamphetamine and other drugs, noting it covered the Nazi leader's drugfueled campaigns. They said they had not read it themselves but described its content as fascinating.

"

Did you ever read Blitzed? No. It's Norman Ohler wrote about Hitler marching through Poland and about all the drugs that they were giving people--like they would get jacked up on Pervitin. They had capsules, meth capsules. And the people at the front of the line got the most meth. They dosed people up according to where you were. But they realized that had diminishing returns because they're just jacked up all the time and they're not sleeping and then it starts falling off.

They would get jacked up on Pervitin. It's a meth. They had capsules, meth capsules. And the people at the front of the line got the most meth. They dosed people up according to where you were. It's all in the book. The book is fantastic. It's really good because it's just like-- and he said that most of what Hitler was on was actually opiates. Yukonol, Pervitin.

Episode: #2519 - Scott Eastwood

He mentioned that Norman Ohler had written Blitzed, a book describing the use of methamphetamine by German troops in World WarII.

"

They gave them meth... He wrote a book called Blitzed.

Fingerprints of the Gods: The Evidence of Earth's Lost Civilization Cover

Graham Hancock

Fingerprints of the Gods

The Evidence of Earth's Lost Civilization

The book was highlighted by Raul Bilecky as one of the first titles that sparked his interest in ancient history and guided his subsequent pursuits, and Bert Kreischer recalled it while correcting his initial misstatement of the title, noting its focus on ancient civilizations and potential cataclysmic events. Both guests spoke of it positively, indicating it had a strong influence on their perspectives.

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Episode: #1446 - Bert Kreischer

Bert recalled a Graham Hancock book, initially misnaming it as *Footprints of the Gods* but corrected the title to *Fingerprints of the Gods*, noting it covered ancient civilizations and possible cataclysmic events.

"

I believe it's, I always say footprints of the gods, but it's really Fingerprints of the Gods.

Episode: #2430 - Jay Anderson

Jay Anderson said he discovered Graham Hancock's work in the 1990s and loved the book, describing it as a major influence on his interest in ancient history.

"

Well, I was always into books about ancient history and whether it's, you know, like modernly, you know, commonly accepted narrative or Graham Hancock stuff. But I got into Graham Hancock stuff, I think in the 90s, Fingerprints of the Gods came out. Right. And I fucking loved it.

Episode: #2443 - Filippo Biondi

The book was mentioned as suggesting that the Khufu pyramid might be one of three subsidiary structures, challenging the view that the pyramids were solely tombs.

"

I sent this to Graham and his reaction was pretty interesting. What he said to me was that there's a strong suggestion that the Khufu pyramid might have been one of the three subsidiary structures alongside the Great Pyramid's eastern flank and that it looked like damaging evidence against the orthodox chronology of ancient Egypt.

It also challenged the consensus view that the Giza pyramids had been built as tombs and only as tombs.

Episode: #2521 - Aravind Srinivas

Joe Rogan recalled reading the book and noted that it sparked his curiosity about ancient history and alternative timelines.

"

And when he first wrote Fingerprints of the Gods, I think that came out in like 97 or 98 or something like that. I remember reading it.

Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health Cover

L. Ron Hubbard

Dianetics

The Modern Science of Mental Health

The book was brought up in several episodes, with Joe Rogan recalling the quirky Dianetics commercials and an e‑meter demonstration, Duncan Trussell mentioning its link to the Sea Org, and Roy Wood Jr. describing how he bought it as a self‑help promise but found it disappointing and received unsolicited mail. The hosts discussed it in a light‑hearted, somewhat critical manner without endorsing it.

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Episode: #2157 - Duncan Trussell

It was mentioned as being a book about a process that involves being on a boat and being part of a Sea Org.

"

Dianetics.

Have you heard of this book?

Yes, I heard if you're really good at it they put you on a boat, an org.

It's an org.

You get to be a part of an org, a sea org.

Episode: #2205 - Legion of Skanks

The book was discussed in the context of L. Ron Hubbard's prolific writing and the humorous nature of its content; the speaker recalled past experiences related to Dianetics stress level testing.

"

Do you remember the Dianetics commercials? Do you remember the commercials with the volcano, like the lava was going on and it just gave you like the most generalized things anyone feels. He goes, are you sometimes tired and sometimes awake?

I did that too and I did that in San Diego. I was down there filming something and we were in the park and it was like at a time where a lot of people didn't know who I am and I could sneak in and I sat down at this guy's table and he gave me the e-meter and I put my hands on things and he told me what it was reading. I'm like, how does this thing function, like what is it, what is it reading off? And the dude was like, oh I don't want to explain. He didn't want to really be there. He's just a member who got roped into doing this thing. He had zero enthusiasm about the sale.

Episode: #2471 - Mark Normand

It was noted as a book created by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, that he wrote as an attempt to selfdiagnose and fix his own brain.

"

He was a weird-looking dude... He came up with Dianetics. He was trying to selfdiagnose, trying to fix his own brain.

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds Cover

David Goggins

Can't Hurt Me

Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

In two episodes, the book was highlighted as an inspiring memoir and a great audiobook that chronicles Goggins' difficult upbringing and his triumph over adversity. Greg Fitzsimmons recommended it for its motivational power, suggesting it could give listeners hope, while Sebastian Maniscalco praised it as a powerful driver for his own reading and workout routine. Both hosts conveyed strong enthusiasm for the title, presenting it as a highly recommended source of motivation.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #1307 - Greg Fitzsimmons

The book was mentioned as a good audiobook, and it was described as being fantastic. It talks about how David Goggins was born into a terrible situation but made it through. The speaker recommended the book, suggesting it could give people hope and motivation.

"

or someone who was also born into this terrible situation like that and you can listen to his story and read his, or listen to his audio book which is fantastic.

Read his book and understand there's people like him that used to be like me.

Episode: #1237 - Sebastian Maniscalco

Sebastian Maniscalco mentioned that he read Goggins' book recently and thought it was a great book. He felt it was inspiring, especially as he is trying to get into reading more books and getting into a more consistent workout routine.

"

Like I read the Goggins book and great fucking book. Yeah. And life that dude had huh?

It's sad life. But then on the flip side, inspiring to a guy like myself where I'm running, I'm running, say I'm working out.

So yeah, I mean, I'm just now starting to get into a little bit more books than I have in the past.

I mean, just think about that kind.

There's a part in a book, I think he went to support his mother, sister and a race and then in Las Vegas and then I think he just took off and left, like he was there for them.

Episode: #1444 - Duncan Trussell

Goggins' memoir about his extreme endurance feats, mental toughness, and how he transformed his life.

"

That stepbook is really good. It's called Can't Hurt Me.

Episode: #1212 - David Goggins

David Goggins praised his new memoir as a fantastic, brutally honest account that served as his running companion and highlighted his vulnerabilities and relentless mindset.

"

Your book is fucking fantastic, man. This has been my running partner. The audio version of it has been my running partner for the last week.

But the audiobook is really interesting, right? Because you and the gentleman you wrote it with... Adam Skolnick reads it.

The book is outstanding and you know, it's more than just sitting across you and you telling your story--it's a detailed history of how you became the person you are.

One of the reasons why this book is so good is because you're so honest about your vulnerabilities and how you overcome them.

What people read in this book Can't Hurt Me--it's a sad, horrible story. It made me who I am today.

Best Evidence: Disguise and Deception in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy Cover

David S. Lifton

Best Evidence

Disguise and Deception in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy

Joe Rogan repeatedly highlighted the book as a thorough critique of the Warren Commission, noting its claims that the autopsy was altered, Kennedy's brain was missing, and numerous contradictions pointed to a conspiracy. He described it as the best book he had read on the subject and referenced it across episodes with guests such as Peter Thiel, Jack Carr, Tim Dillon, and Michael Shermer. The overall tone was strongly positive, presenting it as essential reading for anyone interested in the JFK assassination.

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Episode: #2165 - Jack Carr

Joe Rogan mentioned David Lifton's book Best Evidence, which is about the JFK assassination. Lifton was an accountant who was hired to go over the Warren Report, and he found many inconsistencies that don't make sense.

"

And the best book that I ever read about it was David Lifton's book, Best Evidence.

And David Lifton was an accountant and they hired him to go over the Warren Report and so he goes over the Warren Commission report and he finds all, he read the entire thing which is like insanely long and he finds all these inconsistencies and all these things don't make any sense.

Episode: #2190 - Peter Thiel

This book, written by David Lifton, presents an alternative perspective on the Kennedy assassination, challenging the Warren Commission's conclusions and suggesting that the autopsy was altered and Kennedy's brain was missing.

"

This is a part of David Lifton's book, "Best Evidence". Kennedy's brain wasn't even in his body when they buried him.

Episode: #1251 - Tim Dillon

It was described as a book about the Kennedy assassination and was said to have gotten the speaker into conspiracy theories. It was published in 1992 and was described as a good book, even though many people in the conspiracy theory world are full of shit.

"

A buddy of mine gave me David Lifton's Best Evidence on the Kennedy assassination.

Episode: #1222 - Michael Shermer

The book was mentioned as a detailed analysis of the Warren Commission Report on the assassination of JFK. The author found inconsistencies in the report and believed there was a conspiracy involved.

"

Did you ever read David Lifton's novel or a book about it rather? Yeah. Best Evidence.

I didn't read the whole book when I was researching this back in the 90s after the Oliver Stone film came out.

And he was hired to do something with the Warren Commission Report.

And because he found some contradictions and he went over the entire Warren Commission Report which is an enormous, enormous publication. And he found all of these problems, all of these problems in the Warren Commission Report and all these contradictions.

And his take was there was a conspiracy.

The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross: A study of the nature and origins of Christianity within the fertility cults of the ancient Near East Cover

John M. Allegro

The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross

A study of the nature and origins of Christianity within the fertility cults of the ancient Near East

The book was brought up by several guests who highlighted its controversial claim that Christianity originated from fertility rituals and psychedelic mushroom use, noting its notoriety as a hidden or taboo text. While none of the hosts explicitly endorsed it, they discussed its provocative thesis as an interesting, if fringe, perspective on early Christianity.

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Episode: #2157 - Duncan Trussell

It was mentioned as a book about the roots of Christianity being in psilocybin.

"

The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross,

or even give me when I was living with you, you actually, I was a dick.

I left down the fucking floor.

Like one of the reading materials you gave me during that wonderful time was this insane book about how Jesus and Christianity has its roots in psilocybin.

But like if you just for the sake of this rant, if you look at Jesus as psychedelics, it makes a lot of sense because what Jesus is saying is you don't need a priest class to communicate with the divine.

Episode: #2193 - Jack Symes

John Allegro's book about the Dead Sea Scrolls suggests that the Christian religion has origins in fertility rituals and psychedelic mushroom therapy. This includes consuming mushrooms in ceremonies.

"

there's the sacred mushroom in the bible John Marco Allegro's book about the Dead Sea Scrolls where he thought that the entire Christian religion had its origins in fertility rituals and psychedelic mushroom therapy that they were all having these rituals and consuming these mushrooms that's the Elysianian mysteries that they all got together and drank some sort of a potion the kookion that was a psychedelic potion and they devised democracy and they figured out all sorts of very unusual philosophies from these psychedelic experiences

Episode: #1329 - Brian Moses

Brian Moses mentioned this book when describing an experience from the late 90s where people would go to great lengths to hide the fact they were buying this book, and even use cash and hide their faces.

"

what was the book I think it was the the crossbook that you've talked about the sacred cross or oh the sacred mushroom in the cross wasn't really that's the one I would heard of it could it I'm that my rumor might get passed around a lot yeah nine years or something

Episode: #1318 - Hotep Jesus

Hotep Jesus talked about a book called "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross" by John Marco Allegro, a biblical scholar, who studied the Dead Sea Scrolls and concluded that the Christian religion was based around the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms and fertility rituals.

"

Well, there's a book called The Sacred Mushroom in the Cross. It's by John Marco Allegro and he was a biblical scholar that was one of the guys that was assigned to decipher the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Chariots of the Gods: 50th Anniversary Edition Cover

Erich Von Daniken

Chariots of the Gods

50th Anniversary Edition

The book was brought up in three episodes, where it was referenced as a classic example of ancient‑alien speculation. Peter Thiel mentioned it while discussing its claim that extraterrestrials built the pyramids, and the hosts noted it as a staple in their household and discussed its controversial interpretations of Mayan and Aztec imagery. Overall, the podcast treated it as an interesting but not strongly endorsed work.

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Episode: #2190 - Peter Thiel

This book, published in 1968, argued that ancient structures like the pyramids were built by extraterrestrial visitors.

"

The uh, the guy who did "Chariots of the Gods?"

Episode: #1252 - Dave Foley & Paul Greenberg

The book was mentioned as a staple in the speaker's house and was discussed with the author, Erich von Dniken, who was showing slides of what the book is about.

"

He's the guy who wrote "Chariots of the Gods?"

Oh God, yeah, yeah. In his 80s now.

Staple book in our house.

And he was showing us slides.

What's the real story there, I was wondering.

Episode: #1251 - Tim Dillon

It was described as a book about ancient aliens, and the most compelling evidence was said to be a tablet in Palenque, which showed an Aztec or Mayan guy manipulating some knobs, representing technology from aliens.

"

He's the author of Charity of the Gods.

The one of the Aztec guy, I guess Aztec or mine. I guess the mine guy. It's mine.

He's laying back. It looks like in some sort of a throne with fire below him and he's manipulating these knobs and that means that aliens landed and seated them with technology.

Episode: #2464 - Priyanka Chopra Jonas

They referenced the book while discussing ancient astronaut theories, noting its influence on popular speculation about extraterrestrials shaping early human civilization.

"

I think you should check out Chariots of the Gods--it sparked a lot of the ideas about ancient astronauts and how they might have influenced early human technology.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (Scribner Classics) Cover

Stephen King

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft (Scribner Classics)

The book was highlighted in two episodes, where Mark Normand praised it as a fantastic look at the author's craft, and Joe Rogan noted how the author detailed his car‑accident experience within it. Both hosts presented it as an insightful and valuable resource for writers. The overall sentiment was highly recommended.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #1317 - Andrew Santino

It was mentioned that Stephen King wrote about his experience getting hit by a car and breaking several bones in his book 'On Writing'.

"

And he details it in great detail.

And he talks about it in his book On Writing as well.

Episode: #1420 - Mark Normand

Mark praised Stephen King's memoir *On Writing* as a fantastic book about the author's craft.

"

I don't know... Stephen King grew up poor in Maine and his dad did the old cigarette move and never came back... He read Stephen King On Writing, a fantastic book.

Episode: #1188 - Lex Fridman

They mentioned that Stephen King had a great book on writing titled On Writing.

"

He's got a great book On Writing. And then it's actually called On Writing. On Writing.

Episode: #2468 - Luke Grimes

They praised it as a great book on the craft of writing, saying it was fantastic and useful for anyone wanting to improve their writing.

"

He was a great book. It's called On Writing. Stephen King On Writing. I read that one. It's great.

The Legend of Bagger Vance: A Novel of Golf and the Game of Life Cover

Steven Pressfield

The Legend of Bagger Vance

A Novel of Golf and the Game of Life

The book was referenced while discussing Steven Pressfield's career, with one guest mentioning it in passing as part of his body of work and another highlighting it as an example of Pressfield's successful output after he began treating his creative process seriously. Both mentions were positive but not presented as a strong endorsement.

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Episode: #2175 - Sam Tallent

Sam Tallent talks about Steven Pressfield's writing and mentions this book specifically as an example of Pressfield's successful work after he started taking his creative process more seriously.

"

Yeah Pressfield was kind of like a near do well until he was like 40 kind of like was like half-assing it till he was 40 and then somewhere along the line he realized that it's just about being a professional and like showing up and so he started addressing the muse

And then he wrote The Legend of Bagger Vance and he wrote like some great screenplays and books and yeah and just became like very prolific

Episode: #2184 - Sara Imari Walker

The book, which was later adapted into a movie, is mentioned in passing as another work by the author.

"

This gentleman named Steven Pressfield is a great author he wrote a legend of bag or vance a bunch of other great movies and he um wrote this book called The War of Art.

Episode: #2496 - Julia Mossbridge

Julia mentioned "The Legend of Bagger Vance" while talking about books she's read.

"

He wrote The Legend of Bagger Vance.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) Cover

Joseph Campbell

The Hero with a Thousand Faces (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell)

The book was mentioned by Jack Carr, who recalled reading it as a child and using its hero‑journey concepts to shape his own storytelling, and by Brian Greene, who cited it as a seminal work for understanding mythic narratives. Both guests highlighted its influence on their views of heroic storytelling, indicating it was regarded as an important resource.

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Episode: #1467 - Jack Carr

He recalled reading the book as a child and using its herojourney concepts to shape his own storytelling.

"

He wrote a book called Hero with a Thousand Faces. So back in 1988... I read that book... The Power of Myth and The Hero with a Thousand Faces were the books that taught me about the hero's journey.

Episode: #1428 - Brian Greene

Brian Greene referenced Campbell's seminal work while discussing mythic narratives, indicating its importance in understanding heroic storytelling.

"

I mean, there's, you know, Joseph Campbell. Yeah, I was just gonna bring it up. You know, so, you know, in the power of myth, but is more technical version, the hero with a thousand faces.

Episode: #1370 - Brian Grazer

Grazer mentioned Campbell's seminal work while discussing how mythic structures inform storytelling in his films.

"

I have read of course all Joseph Campbell stuff so I kind of understand formats of myths and the ... thousand faces.

The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics) Cover

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby

The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics)

The book was brought up as a prime example of a classic that could be transformed into a high‑quality AI‑generated video, and also as a work that Hunter S. Thompson reportedly typed out repeatedly to study its rhythm. Both hosts mentioned it in passing without a strong endorsement.

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Episode: #2167 - Noland Arbaugh

The Great Gatsby was mentioned as an example of a novel that could be easily turned into a high-quality video by AI.

"

You could probably like take a really great novel like The Great Gatsby, run it through an AI video creator, and it would just make you the most amazing version of The Great Gatsby.

Episode: #1264 - Timothy Denevi

It was mentioned as a book that Hunter S. Thompson may have typed out by hand several times, to understand the rhythm of the words.

"

I'm really the most again. Didn't he do that with The Great Gatsby? He did like a few times.

Episode: #1192 - Tony Hinchcliffe

The hosts asked if the guest had ever read the novel, and he responded that he had not read it but had only watched the movie version.

"

Did you ever read The Great Gatsby?

I haven't read The Great Gatsby; I just watched the movie.

Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century (Think and Grow Rich Series) Cover

Napoleon Hill

Think and Grow Rich

The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century (Think and Grow Rich Series)

In two episodes, the guests praised the book for its powerful mindset lessons, noting it had profoundly influenced them while in prison and served as a strong motivator for personal success. Both Freeway Rick Ross and Joey Diaz highlighted how it taught them to harness belief in themselves and pursue wealth, describing it as inspiring and great. The overall tone was enthusiastic endorsement of its impact.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #2163 - Freeway Rick Ross

It was a book he read in prison that blew his mind because it taught him how to use his mind to create and believe in himself.

"

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill like just blew my mind, you know, like, fuck, people who actually think like this here, you know, like you can Think and Grow Rich.

Episode: #1448 - Joey Diaz

They said the book was inspiring and a powerful motivator for personal success.

"

Napoleon Hill's book.

I think it's a great book.

Episode: JRE MMA Show #89 with Rafael Lovato Jr.

Rafael said he always carries the paperback of "Think and Grow Rich" backstage, discovered it in 2007 and calls it a powerful, inspirational selfhelp bible that fuels his mindset before fights.

"

my favorite book thinking grow rich from napoleon hill i always take that was it

it's just a powerful book for my life i discovered it in 2000 the end of 2007

it was just such an inspirational book um and really kind of like the bible for selfhelp books

highlighted portion that says every adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent advantage

another one of my favorites from napoleon hill that i've used on shirts and inside a key before

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Cover

Hunter S. Thompson

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Across three episodes, the host and his guests praised the book for capturing the decadent, chaotic spirit of Vegas, describing it as brilliant, mind‑blowing and even life‑changing, and ranking it among the best writing they’d encountered. Their enthusiastic remarks highlighted its immersive, insane portrayal of madness, leading them to strongly recommend it to listeners.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #2440 - Matt Damon & Ben Affleck

He said Fear and Loathing changed his life, describing the reading experience as mindblowing and immersive.

"

those books, fucking Hell's Angels and, you know, Fear and Loathing is some of the best writing.

Fear and Loathing changed my life. Like, reading that book was like, what the fuck? Like, what is this guy doing? There's grown men out there.

Episode: #2468 - Luke Grimes

They mentioned reading it and described it as a completely insane book about chaos in Vegas, calling it brilliant.

"

Just read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. It's a completely insane book about the chaos of being out of your fucking mind in Vegas. It's brilliant.

Episode: #2508 - Joe Eszterhas

He said that reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas captures the decadent and depraved spirit of the time.

"

if you read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.