18 Joe Rogan Book Recommendations That You Need to Read

Posted on 9/5/2025, 11:24:39 AM

Joe Rogan isn’t just a comedian and UFC commentator—he’s also one of the most influential podcasters in the world. Through The Joe Rogan Experience, he’s introduced millions of listeners to fascinating conversations about science, philosophy, fitness, history, and personal growth. And along the way, he’s recommended dozens of books that have inspired him and his audience.

If you want to know what Joe Rogan reads, this list of 18 Joe Rogan book recommendations is the perfect place to start. These books cover everything from ancient wisdom to modern science, from survival stories to creativity hacks.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need to spend months working through them. With book summary websites like Sumizeit.com, you can absorb the main ideas from these books in just 5–10 minutes a day. That way, you get smarter faster—and you can decide which books are worth diving into in full.

1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Rogan calls Sapiens “mind-blowing.” It takes you through the entire history of humanity—from the rise of Homo sapiens to the agricultural revolution, industrialization, and the digital era. If you’ve ever wondered why humans dominate the planet, this book explains it.

👉 Get the key ideas instantly with a Sapiens summary on Sumizeit.com.

2. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Joe Rogan often talks about “resistance”—that inner voice that stops you from chasing your dreams. The War of Art is all about breaking through procrastination, fear, and self-doubt to unleash your creative potential.

3. Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

Rogan frequently highlights sleep science, and Why We Sleep explains why eight hours a night isn’t optional—it’s essential for memory, focus, athletic performance, and long-term health.

4. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

This Stoic classic is a manual for life written by a Roman Emperor. Rogan admires its timeless lessons on discipline, humility, and dealing with adversity.

5. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Inspired by Marcus Aurelius, this book teaches how to transform setbacks into opportunities. Rogan recommends it to anyone struggling with challenges.

6. Food of the Gods by Terence McKenna

Rogan’s fascination with psychedelics often comes back to McKenna’s ideas. This book explores the cultural and evolutionary role of psychoactive plants in human history.

7. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

A true story of Antarctic survival, Endurance shows how Ernest Shackleton led his crew through impossible conditions. Rogan admires it as a lesson in leadership and perseverance.

8. Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza

Blending neuroscience, epigenetics, and spirituality, this book explores how meditation and mental focus can unlock extraordinary health and performance.

9. Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Rogan loves Taleb’s works because they show how to thrive in chaos. Antifragile argues that stress, uncertainty, and struggle can actually make you stronger.

10. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

This controversial bestseller lays out how power works in relationships, politics, and business. Rogan has discussed its lessons on strategy and influence many times on his show.

11. Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human by Richard Wrangham

Food and evolution are favorite Rogan topics, and this book explains how fire and cooking shaped human biology, society, and culture.

12. Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger

Rogan often recommends Tribe for its insights into why humans need community. Junger explores how modern society often isolates us, while tribal living creates resilience.

13. Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

Breathing is more powerful than most people realize. Rogan praises this book for showing how proper breathwork can improve health, performance, and even mental clarity.

14. Cosmos by Carl Sagan

Joe Rogan admires Carl Sagan’s ability to make the mysteries of the universe accessible and inspiring. Cosmos is a poetic exploration of science, space, and our place in the cosmos.

15. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Rogan has often praised Bourdain’s raw honesty. This memoir exposes the behind-the-scenes reality of professional kitchens and celebrates the passion of food and adventure.

16. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss

Packed with habits and insights from world-class performers, Tools of Titans is a book Rogan recommends for anyone wanting practical tips on success, health, and productivity.

17. Mastery by Robert Greene

Another Greene favorite, Mastery explores how the greatest minds and creators achieved excellence—and how you can too.

18. Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá

This provocative book challenges conventional views of relationships, love, and evolution. Rogan often refers to it in discussions on human sexuality.

Why You Should Use Book Summary Websites Like Sumizeit.com

Joe Rogan’s recommendations are inspiring—but let’s be honest, not everyone has the time to read 18 full books. That’s where book summary websites come in.

With Sumizeit.com, you can:

• Get 5–10 minute summaries of bestselling books.

• Access audio and text versions so you can learn on the go.

• Explore a library covering philosophy, science, psychology, business, and personal growth.

• Read smarter, not harder—saving time while still expanding your knowledge.

So if you want to follow Joe Rogan’s reading list but can’t dedicate hours every night, Sumizeit is the perfect solution.

Final Thoughts

Joe Rogan’s book recommendations are a treasure chest of wisdom, knowledge, and perspective. From the ancient philosophy of Meditations to the modern science of Why We Sleep and Breath, his reading list will challenge and inspire you.

But don’t let a busy schedule stop you from learning. With book summary websites like Sumizeit.com, you can keep up with Rogan’s reading recommendations in minutes a day—and decide which books deserve a deeper read.