Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations (Updated for 2026)

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1

Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity

Jamie Metzl

4.3

Passionate, provocative, and highly illuminating, Hacking Darwin is the must read book about the future of our species for fans of Homo Deus and The Gene.

After 3.8 billion years humankind is about to start evolving by new rules...

From leading geopolitical expert and technology futurist Jamie Metzl comes a groundbreaking exploration of the many ways genetic-engineering is shaking the core foundati

Recommended by Joe Rogan.

Joe Rogan

Podcaster/Host

I had a great time talking to the brilliant Jamie Metzl, author of “Hacking Darwin”. The future is going to be VERY weird. Check his book out, it’s excellent. https://t.co/JoADTowsux [source]

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2

Son of the Morning Star: Custer and The Little Bighorn

Evan S. Connell

4.3

On a scorching June Sunday in 1876, thousands of Indian warriors - Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho - converged on a grassy ridge above the valley of Montana's Little Bighorn River. On the ridge five companies of United States cavalry - 262 soldiers, comprising officers and troopers - fought desperately but hopelessly. When the guns fell silent, no soldier - including their commanding officer, L

Recommended by Joe Rogan and Peter Hessler.

Joe Rogan

Podcaster/Host

I’m on my second Wild West book in the past month, and this one is awesome. @stevenrinella recommended it to me, and good lord is it intense. “Son Of The Morning Star” by Evan S. Connell. I can’t recommend it enough. https://t.co/05cCDtGzX2 [source]

Peter Hessler

This is a historical book, and I chose it for the way Evan Connell handles historical material. It’s unique, and a masterful book. [source]

3

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

David Goggins

4.6

Preview Summary

For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare — poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training a

Recommended by Joe Rogan, Barbara Oakley, and Wes Gray.

Joe Rogan

Podcaster/Host

David Goggins is a being of pure will and inspiration. Just listening to this guy talk makes you want to run up a mountain. I firmly believe people like him can change the course of the world just by inspiring us to push harder and dig deeper in everything we do. His goal to be 'uncommon amongst uncommon people' is something we can all use to propel ourselves to fulfill our true potential. I'm a better man having met him. [source]

Barbara Oakley

This week’s astonishing book is Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, by David Goggins. David grew up in an unbelievably tough environment with a deeply abusive father. He experienced prejudice and poverty, and suffered learning difficulties that left him graduating from high school barely able to read or do math. He became a depressed, overweight young man with an attitude. But shockingly, he turned himself into one of the world’s greatest endurance athletes, and became the only man in history to complete training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller. To find a self-published book as #2 on Amazon, with a five star rating and over 400 reviews, speaks volumes about how good it is. If you’re trying to do more in your life, or change your life, you’ll find Goggin’s book to be a terrific inspiration. [source]

Wes Gray

@davidgoggins , excited to hear you will be at @LTRaceSeries alongside the CAF team. Myself, @patrickcleary01 and @RyanPKirlin look forward to the challenge and we'll see you there. We all love your book and thanks for signing our copies! [source]