30 May 2025
8 MIN READ
Joe Rogan Recommended Books: The Ultimate Reading List
Summary
Joe Rogan isn’t just a podcaster and UFC commentator. He’s also a voracious reader. Over the years, he has built a reputation for spotlighting thought-provoking titles on a wide range of topics, including psychedelics and science, survival, philosophy, and conspiracy theories. Here are the most influential titles from the Joe Rogan book list, a collection that’s as eclectic and surprising as the man himself.
Books by Joe Rogan: How reading shaped the man behind the mic
Joe Rogan, born in Newark and renowned for his UFC commentary and podcasting empire, often credits books as a significant influence on his worldview. From martial arts philosophy to neuroscience and political history, his podcast episodes are peppered with references to books that have shaped his thinking.
Joe Rogan’s Book List: Science, philosophy, and mindset
1. 12 Rules for Life (Jordan B Peterson)
This book offers practical advice wrapped in philosophical depth, from cleaning your room to finding meaning in suffering. Rogan often recommends it for its no-nonsense structure and psychological grounding, especially for people feeling lost or directionless.
2. DMT: The Spirit Molecule (Dr. Rick Strassman)
The book's author, Dr. Rick Strassman, is a clinical psychiatrist who digs deep into the side effects of DMT, aka Dimethyltryptamine. He breaks down DMT, a powerful plant-derived psychedelic chemical that is endogenously produced in the human brain. The book is a detailed account of his clinical research at the University of New Mexico. The study provides a scientific explanation of the phenomenon of alien abduction experiences. Throughout the book, Strassman shares his feelings about his research and the personal and ethical dilemmas he encountered.
3. The Case Against Sugar (Gary Taubes)
The book makes an interesting case for American society's consumption of sugar. The “Case Against Sugar” reveals a list of diseases caused by sugar consumption, ranging from diabetes to obesity epidemics. Rogan recommends it as a wake-up call for anyone blindly trusting the food industry. It’s research-heavy but highly readable and could change how you eat forever.
Joe Rogan books to read on history and nature
4. Guns, Germs, and Steel (Jared Diamond)
Jared Diamond's book “Guns, Germs, and Steel” won the Pulitzer Prize and is a New York Times Bestseller. The book is framed as a response to a question that Diamond heard from Yali, a charismatic politician from New Guinea. He asked, “Why is it that you white people developed so much cargo, but we black people had little cargo of our own?” Rogan praises it for its ability to reframe history through science. It’s a must-read if you want to understand how the modern world was shaped.
5. Empire of the Summer Moon(S.C. Gwynne)
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne won the Texas Book Award and the Oklahoma Book Award and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. This book is a historical account of the forty-year battle between the Comanche Indians and white settlers, depicting the struggle for control of the American West. It’s a captivating text on the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches.
6. Coyote America (Dan Flores)
Written by Dan Flores and published in 2016, “Coyote America” is a New York Times bestseller. It offers a historical account of how the animal has been a target of an extermination policy. It is an interesting read on the coyote and its affiliation with the environment and history. It presents a five-million-year-long story of an animal once considered a "wolf" in every American backyard.
Best books that Joe Rogan recommends for success and self-growth
7. The Talent Code (Daniel Coyle)
The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle digs into the nuances of talent development. It guides the steps and fruits of unlocking one's optimal performance. It is a New York Times bestseller and teaches us how to develop any skill by developing myelin, how to grow through deep practice, and how to break tasks into smaller units. Rogan recommends it to anyone trying to master a skill, whether it’s jiu-jitsu or podcasting. It’s incredibly actionable, showing how to improve faster with smarter repetition.
8. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century (Yuval Noah Harari)
A wide-ranging book that tackles significant issues of today, AI, fake news, nationalism, and mental health, in short, digestible chapters. Rogan praises Harari’s ability to zoom out and explain the chaos of modern life. It’s a great read if you’re overwhelmed by the world and want clarity, not more noise.
9. American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon (Steven Rinella)
American Buffalo is a book that recounts the adventurous tales of hunting the American buffalo, also known as the bison. Written by Steven Rinella, it documents the untold story of the animal, its cultural significance, its influence on American society, and the complex relationship between humans and nature. The book is a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. Rinella was also a host of Netflix’s MeatEater, where he narrates his journey in search of the buffalo. In the show, he provides environmental and historical significance.
10. Best Evidence (David Lifton)
Lifton’s book dives into the alleged tampering of JFK’s body after his assassination, fueling theories of a deeper cover-up. Rogan brings this up when discussing how mainstream narratives can miss the truth. If you're into forensic mysteries or government distrust, this is one of the more compelling reads in that zone.
Joe Rogan favorite books you should know
11. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (Yuval Noah Harari)
The book is a New York Times bestseller and a No. 1 International bestseller. Written by Israeli historian and professor Yuval Noah Harari. In the book, he defines the evolution of humans through the ages. Unlike any other book, it is an ideal read on human civilization through the lenses of biology and history. A book exploring how pre-historic humans have evolved to the homo sapiens or “wise men.”
12. Chaos (Tom O'Neill)
An investigative journalist’s 20-year obsession with the Manson murders turns up links to the CIA, MKUltra, and shady government behavior. Rogan loves this book because it questions everything we think we know about one of America’s most infamous crimes.
13. Musashi's Book of Five Rings (Stephen F. Kaufman)
This is a life strategy guide, based on the philosophy of legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Rogan recommends it to fighters and entrepreneurs alike for its lessons in discipline, focus, and calm under pressure. Kaufman’s version makes it accessible without losing its depth.
14. Fingerprints of the Gods (Graham Hancock)
This book delves beyond scientific tools to examine the etymology of humankind. Graham Hancock leverages archaeoastronomy, geology, and computer analysis to unravel ancient myths. Fingerprints of the Gods argues that an advanced civilization existed during the last stages of the ice age and challenges established theories.
15. Breath (James Nestor)
This book explores how modern humans have forgotten how to breathe correctly, and what it’s doing to our health. Rogan frequently discusses this topic, particularly in relation to performance and stress. It offers real, science-backed techniques that can improve sleep, focus, and endurance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re into brain science, wild history, conspiracy theory, or raw human resilience, the books that Joe Rogan recommends are anything but boring. These aren’t your typical “top 10” reading lists. They’re deep, strange, personal, and often life-altering. If you’ve ever wanted to read what someone genuinely curious about the world picks up, this list is a great place to start.
People also ask
What are Joe Rogan's favorite books?
Some of Joe Rogan's favorite books include Sapiens, Musashi’s Book of Five Rings, and Chaos, each touching on history, philosophy, or personal mastery.
What books does Joe Rogan recommend?
Among the many books that Joe Rogan recommends are 12 Rules for Life, DMT: The Spirit Molecule, Coyote America, and Fingerprints of the Gods.
Does Joe Rogan read a lot?
Yes. Rogan often shares titles on his podcast and regularly invites authors on to dive deep into their ideas. Reading plays a huge role in how he shapes his worldview.
What is Joe Rogan's IQ score?
While not officially confirmed, it's widely cited that Joe Rogan's IQ is around 127, well above the average.