Joe Rogan is a comedian and podcaster, known for his ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast, on which he has interesting and hilarious conversations with a variety of guests.
As well as fulfilling 20 years of standup comedy, Rogan has released some comedy specials, starting with the CD I’m Gonna Be Dead Someday in 2000. Since then he has released 7 comedy specials on DVD, CD, and streaming services respectively.
Rogan has a long-term love of sports, especially UFC and martial arts. He began practicing at the age of 13 and within 2 years earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. At 19, he won the US Open TaeKwonDo Championship and went on to win the Grand Championship. Beginning in 2002, Rogan provided commentary for the UFC and maintains his love of martial arts, having numerous MMA-related guests featured on his podcast.
‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast is arguably what Rogan is now best known for. It is exclusively released on Spotify and has entertained millions of listeners since it first aired in 2009.
The podcast hosts celebrities, government officials, public personalities, and controversial figures, airing interesting and often hilarious discussions about a wide range of topics. The podcast is free to listen to with a Spotify subscription and is well worth a watch if you haven’t yet already.
One of the things Joe Rogan either hints at or discusses on his podcast is books. At times, he welcomes famous authors onto his show and encourages his listeners to read the books that have helped him over the years. This vast selection predominantly includes non-fiction and self-help books, however, fictional thrillers, historical fiction, and some of the classics are also included.
Without further ado, here are the top 30 books recommended on Joe Rogan’s influential podcast.
1984 by George Orwell
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This dystopian modern classic has been recommended by Joe Rogan many times. 1984follows a man called Winston Smith as he becomes increasingly aware of the totalitarian system that rules the country. Citizens cannot escape Big Brother, the watchful eye that ensures everyone is behaving correctly and according to strict regulations.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Outliersgives you a very good idea of how successful people make their millions and how high achievers actually differ from the average Joe. He tackles some of the stereotypes that center around achievement and success and uses some of the most famous people and groups as examples across the board.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
Breathis a brilliant science-based book that talks you through the benefits and importance of breathing correctly. Nestor dives back in time to understand where we went wrong and how we can fix it. The journey to finding these answers is not a simple lab or library visit but instead, Nestor is forced to travel to secluded corners of the planet to uncover the truth.
The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes
Taubes writes a brilliant account of the sugar industry and its impacts. The Case Against Sugarillustrates how sugar has a large portion of the American population in a chokehold and gives some insight into its destructive powers. Addiction, diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain are all issues tackled in this book and it’s guaranteed to change your perspective on the addictive substance.
Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter
Another book concerning addictive habits is Adam Alter’s Irresistible. It details how modern society is psychologically attached to screens, likes, shares, videos, TV shows, and constant communication. This is a revolutionary book that dives into behavioral addiction and may help you think twice about your own screen time.
The Art of Living and Dying by Osho
This is a deep, philosophical book that aims to answer some of life’s most complicated questions. The Art of Living and Dyingreveals why so many are afraid of dying and sheds light on how you can see death in a different way.
Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
Going Cleartakes an insightful peek into the inner workings of the Church of Scientology. It delves into the beliefs surrounding the religion, its origins, and its future aspirations.
Coyote America by Dan Flores
The coyote is one of the most infamous creatures within Indian folklore. But the legends don’t begin to explain the real history and danger of these animals. Coyote Americais a natural account of the 5-million-year history of the coyote in America.
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
Taking an evolutionary standpoint, Diamond closely analyzes the development of civilization and presents some of the most pressing geographical and ecological concerns that threaten our modern life. Guns, Germs, and Steeltravels back to the Ice Age and covers the origins of religion, democracy, technology, and writing.
The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
The Talent Codefollows a step-by-step guide illustrating how to identify and nurture talent, regardless of the field. This book will help you utilize your natural abilities and provides inspiring examples of people who have done the same.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Sapiensis a groundbreaking account of humanity’s development beginning 70,000 years ago and moving through time until the technological age. It covers psychological, societal, anatomical, and humanitarian advancements, using both history and science to give you the most informative account of human history.
The Terminal List by Jack Carr
This political thriller follows a Navy SEAL who recognizes the corruption of the American government. He realizes that those in power are responsible for the deaths of his loved ones and now has nothing to lose when exacting revenge. The Terminal Listis gripping and unpredictable – the perfect fictional addition to your reading list!
Race Matters by Cornel West
In Race Matters, Dr. West gives his important account of racial issues and rights in the United States. It covers issues of black identity, sexuality, stereotypes, historical figures, and conservatism, and even delves into the relationship between black communities and other races.
Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan
Sex at Dawnlooks at the social construction of sex, relationships, marriage, and families as it uncovers why sexual monogamy and fidelity have been so widely accepted historically. Debunking everything there is to know about how our society perceives sex, Ryan delves into the ins and outs of relationships and stigmas across the globe.
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
This classic Japanese text written centuries ago by a Samurai warrior provides insightful information about success. The Book of Five Rings, despite its ancient nature, is a guide for strategy and decision-making processes.
Food of the Gods by Terence McKenna
In Food of the GodsMcKenna dives into the interesting lifestyles and dietary experiments of North African communities following the most recent Ice Age. Not only is it an educational and interesting history of African life but it also provokes some discussion about our modern eating habits and their destructive qualities.
Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O’Neill
Chaosrevisits one of the most famous cases in American history – the Manson murders. From a journalistic perspective, O’Neill uncovers previously undisclosed information and touches on how the FBI’s suspicious behavior may have disrupted the case and convicted the wrong people.
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
Can’t Hurt Meis the powerful and inspiring story of Goggins’ journey from an overweight man struggling with mental health, to a leading US military figure and athlete. This book shares all his secrets about how to flip your mindset, habits, and lifestyle for the better.
Black Elk: The Life of an American Visionary by Joe Jackson
This is the biographical account of one of the most revolutionary figures in American history. Black Elktells the unbelievable story of a Native American warrior, holy man, and healer who saw the light in a terribly dark era.
Tribe by Sebastian Junger
In Tribe, Junger illuminates everything we can learn from tribal lifestyles, cultures, and priorities. This book will help you realize how twisted and unhealthy our society really is and will encourage readers to adopt a more natural and less divided way of living.
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
This poetic, excellently written book is not only a treat to read but can provide you with enormous amounts of inspiration to help you build the happy lifestyle you’ve been craving. The Happiness Hypothesiscombines science and philosophy to answer some of the most complex psychological questions and help readers understand why their goals seem unattainable.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The War of Artis perfect for businessmen and women, entrepreneurs, and writers but can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of profession. It hones in on how to be successful and how each reader can face their obstacles head-on.
Something Deeply Hidden by Sean Carroll
Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist and leading scientist in his field. Something Deeply Hiddenis an accessible revision of 20th-century physics and can help normal people understand complex concepts and understand how our intricate world works.
Best Evidence by David Lifton
Best Evidencedetails the author’s investigative process as he delved deep into the truth behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
The Madness of Crowds by Douglas Murray
Having been showered with awards, The Madness of Crowdsis certainly not one to skip. It identifies the dangers of ‘woke’ culture and tackles some of the world’s most pressing and influential topics of conversation: gender politics, identity issues, sexuality, race, and technology.
The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross by John Allegro
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The Sacred Mushroom and the Crossis a religious historical and philosophical book that details the controversial questions surrounding the Christian faith. It delves into biblical hidden meanings, dives into the personal history of Jesus Christ, and helps us understand how our ancestors perceived religion.
Son of the Morning Star by Evan S. Connell
This bestseller reimagines General Custer’s Last Stand in 1876. This event became one of the most controversial in American history, tainted by endless accounts of heroism. Son of the Morning Starwades through the lies to help shed light on the truth of the murderous event.
12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson
12 Rules for Lifecondenses historical, political, philosophical, and psychological questions into one ultimate guide for living a wise life. Perfect for anyone who feels a little out of control.
DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman
One professional psychiatrist dives into the real impacts of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic and hallucinogenic drug commonly used across the globe. DMT is detailed yet accessible and will open your eyes to psychedelic research.
Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides
Blood and Thunderis a fantastic historical account of the American conquest of the West. It details the events from 1846 when armies invaded Mexican-occupied territories resulting in years worth of conflict and bloodshed. A must-read for any history fan.
Final Thoughts
Joe Rogan is not only a brilliant entrepreneur and podcaster but he also has fantastic taste in books. His recommendations aim to help and inspire his listeners to create their dream life, so many of his top recommendations are informative, philosophical, and insightful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Joe Rogan share his book recommendations anywhere else?
He often uses social media (especially Instagram) to tell his fans what books he’s currently reading and which ones he recommends.
What is Joe Rogan’s net worth?
Joe Rogan is worth an estimated $120 million.
Is Joe Rogan married?
Since 2009, Rogan has been married to Jessica Ditzel.
How does Joe Rogan describe himself?
On his Instagram bio and website, Rogan describes himself as “stand up comic/mixed martial arts fanatic/psychedelic adventurer”.
Based in Ontario, Canada, Colton is an avid writer who enjoys learning while he writes. With years of writing experience, Colton has covered topics varying from books to business, travel, tourism, and video games. When he is not writing, you may find him hiking, reading, or on some road trip!
