Book Recommendations from Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan is a stand-up comic, UFC commentator, and host of one of the world’s most influential podcasts. But above all, he’s a relentless learner. Rogan’s bookshelf reflects his wide-ranging curiosity—from ancient history and psychology to resilience, art, and altered states. These are the books he’s shouted out, gifted, and recommended on air. Whether you're hunting for meaning, discipline, or just a crazy true story, this list is full of mind-expanding reads.

Books Joe Rogan Recommends

Rogan has called *Sapiens* one of the most fascinating books he’s ever read. Harari takes you through the entire arc of human history, from the dawn of Homo sapiens to the rise of tech and capitalism. It’s about what makes us human—and what stories we tell ourselves to keep the machine running. This book will totally reframe how you think about money, religion, war, and evolution. Wildly readable, endlessly quotable, and deeply thought-provoking.

*The War of Art* is about winning the fight inside your own head. Rogan has recommended it as a must-read for anyone stuck, blocked, or afraid to start. Pressfield introduces “Resistance” as the invisible enemy of creativity—and shows how to beat it through discipline, ritual, and warrior mindset. It’s not about motivation. It’s about showing up. Short, sharp, and packed with truth bombs for artists, entrepreneurs, and fighters alike.

Joe Rogan and David Goggins have had legendary podcast episodes—and this book captures Goggins’s brutal journey in full. From child abuse and obesity to Navy SEAL and endurance machine, *Can’t Hurt Me* is a wake-up call to push past your mental limits. Rogan praises it for being raw, relentless, and life-changing. The 'accountability mirror' and 'cookie jar' mental strategies are iconic. If you're looking to turn pain into power, this is your playbook.

*The Happiness Hypothesis* mixes ancient philosophy with modern psychology to explore what really makes us happy. Haidt writes with scientific precision but also with heart, pulling wisdom from Buddhism, Stoicism, and neuroscience alike. Rogan recommends this book as a clear, balanced look at the human condition. It’s less about “being happy” and more about building meaning. Think of it as a brain and soul tune-up in book form.

Rogan has called this one of the greatest American history books ever written. *Empire of the Summer Moon* tells the story of the Comanche—one of the fiercest Native American tribes—and their decades-long battle against Texas settlers. It’s violent, poetic, tragic, and true. Rogan loves it for its intensity and the unflinching way it looks at frontier justice and cultural clash. A gritty and powerful must-read for history buffs.

This book blew Rogan’s mind—and for good reason. James Nestor explores the forgotten power of breathing properly and how it affects everything from mood to metabolism. The science is legit, the storytelling is engaging, and the practical tips are surprisingly easy to apply. Rogan often brings up breathing techniques, and *Breath* is the go-to source he shares with guests. It’ll change how you breathe—and how you feel—forever.

*Chaos* is part true crime, part conspiracy rabbit hole, and 100% mind-bending. Rogan was obsessed with this book—and had O’Neill on the podcast to dig into its decades of research. It questions the official story of the Manson murders and connects dots between the CIA, MK-Ultra, and cultural manipulation. Whether you believe all of it or not, the ride is unforgettable. If you're into dark history and open questions, buckle up.

Jordan Peterson's *12 Rules for Life* is part philosophy, part self-help, part kick-in-the-ass life guide. Rogan has had multiple deep, philosophical convos with Peterson, and always recommends this book for those looking to clean up their mental and moral game. It’s about taking responsibility, finding purpose, and standing up straight—literally and metaphorically. Some chapters are heavy, others feel like spiritual coaching. Either way, it sticks with you.

*The Immortality Key* is a historical deep dive into psychedelics, ancient religion, and the forgotten roots of spiritual experience. Rogan loved this book—and brought Muraresku on the podcast—because it challenges the official story of Western religious history. From Greek mysteries to early Christianity, it explores how altered states may have shaped divine revelation. It’s bold, heavily researched, and spiritually mind-expanding. Perfect for anyone curious about the overlap between science, spirituality, and consciousness.

In *Tribe*, journalist Sebastian Junger explores why modern people feel so disconnected—and what ancient human bonds we’ve lost. Rogan loves this book for its insight into brotherhood, war, PTSD, and what real community looks like. It’s short but incredibly impactful, especially for veterans or anyone feeling alienated in modern life. Junger argues that struggle can bring unity, and comfort can bring isolation. A deep, meaningful read with big emotional resonance.