The fitness & strength books recommended on Andrew Huberman’s podcast

#1 · Meditations

The endorsement here comes from Christof Koch, on How to Expand Your Consciousness | Dr. Christof Koch in 2025. That episode features Dr. Christof Koch, A pioneering neuroscientist, investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and chief scientist at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, considered one of the great luminaries of modern consciousness research. He worked for decades with Francis Crick on the 'neural correlates of consciousness.'. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 5 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“Marcus Aurelius's "Confessions." ... Really wonderful book that I've given to my kids, and I give them to friends and to other people.” — Christof Koch 02:03:37

What it is: Meditations is a collection of personal reflections and notes by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161 to 180 AD), offering a profound look into the philosophy of Stoicism. It was never intended for publication, making it a raw and intimate self-help manual for the emperor during his campaigns and rule. The central theme revolves around living a good, rational, and virtuous life in harmony with nature and the cosmos. Aurelius continually reminds himself that everything in the universe is constantly changing and fleeting, urging the reader to accept the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.

#2 · Dopamine Nation

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on How to Overcome Addiction to Substances or Behaviors | Dr. Keith Humphreys. That episode features Dr. Keith Humphreys, Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine and one of the world's foremost experts on addictive substances and behaviors. He has advised addiction policy under both Republican and Democratic administrations and worked a decade as a hospice counselor. In total it earned 14 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan).

“giving them Anna's book, Dopamine Nation, and obviously really hard work on their part is really what did it.” — Andrew Huberman 02:59:09

What it is: "Resettling Your Brain in the Age of Cheap Pleasures"-- We are living in a time of unprecedented access to high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli: drugs, food, news, gambling, shopping, gaming, texting, sexting. The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation. Lembke explores new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain-- and what to do about it. She illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check. The secret to finding balance is combining the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery.

#3 · Why We Sleep

Andrew Huberman brought this up on How to Heal From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Dr. Victor Carrión (2024-09-23). That episode features Dr. Victor Carrion, Professor and vice chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford and director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Resilience Program. A leading expert on childhood PTSD and the developer of Cue-Centered Therapy. In total it earned 13 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“I really have to tip my hat to Dr Matthew Walker from UC Berkeley for writing the book why we sleep ... he deserves such a token of praise” — Andrew Huberman 00:51:52

What it is: "The first sleep book by a leading scientific expert--Professor Matthew Walker, Director of UC Berkeley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab--reveals his groundbreaking exploration of sleep, explaining how we can harness its transformative power to change our lives for the better. Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when we don't sleep.

#4 · The Molecule of More

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on How to Increase Motivation & Drive | Huberman Lab Essentials in 2025. That episode features Andrew Huberman (solo episode), Professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast. This is a solo Huberman Lab Essentials episode revisiting his science of motivation. In total it earned 9 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Tim Ferriss).

“we're going to talk about all all of those in the book The Molecule of More, wonderful book. Uh those were described as the here and now molecules” — Andrew Huberman 00:13:51

#5 · Outlive

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on Protocols to Strengthen & Pain Proof Your Back. That episode features Solo episode (Andrew Huberman), Andrew Huberman is a Stanford professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology and host of the Huberman Lab podcast. This is a solo episode synthesizing the work of Dr. Stuart McGill, Dr. Sean Wheeler, and Dr. Kelly Starrett. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“Dr Peter AA ... wrote The Incredible Book outlive and he talks about how having a strong spine ... is essential to offset the aging process” — Andrew Huberman 00:45:11

#6 · The Comfort Crisis

Andrew Huberman brought this up on How A Doctor Cured His Own Terminal Disease | Dr. David Fajgenbaum (2025-11-03). That episode features Dr. David Fajgenbaum, Professor of translational medicine and human genetics at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of the nonprofit Every Cure. A former Georgetown quarterback and MD who nearly died five times from Castleman disease before curing himself with the repurposed drug sirolimus (rapamycin). In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“We had a guest on this podcast, Michael Easter. He wrote the book "The Comfort Crisis." It was an incredible book... an important book” — Andrew Huberman 01:21:41

#7 · Mastery

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose | Robert Greene in 2023. That episode features Robert Greene, Bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power, The Laws of Human Nature, The Art of Seduction, and Mastery. Trained at UC Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin-Madison; writes about psychology, strategy, and human nature rooted in history. In total it earned 5 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“I first learned about Robert's work from reading the book Mastery which to my mind is a brilliant exploration and a practical tool for how to think about and pursue one's purpose” — Andrew Huberman 00:00:30

What it is: Robert Greene, the "modern Machiavelli" debunks the prevailing mythology of success and presents a radical new way to greatness.

#8 · Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Recommended by Dr. Staci Whitman on How to Improve Your Teeth & Oral Microbiome for Brain & Body Health | Dr. Staci . Dr. is A functional and pediatric dentist who treats oral health as a pillar of whole-body health, focusing on the oral microbiome, airway and breathing, and the links between gum disease and systemic conditions. She runs salivary and oral microbiome testing in her practice and is an outspoken critic of water fluoridation. In total it earned 5 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“there's two books three I'd recommend if you're very interested in this since it impacts so many people certainly Breath by James Nester” — Dr. Staci Whitman 01:05:05

What it is: There is nothing more essential to our health and wellbeing than breathing: take air in, let it out, repeat 25,000 times a day. Yet, as a species, humans have lost the ability to breathe correctly, with grave consequences. In Breath, journalist James Nestor travels the world to discover the hidden science behind ancient breathing practices to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it.

#9 · The Obstacle Is the Way

Brian Keating brought this up on Charting the Architecture of the Universe & Human Life | Dr. Brian Keating (2025-01-20). That episode features Dr. Brian Keating, Professor of cosmology at UC San Diego who built telescopes at the South Pole to study the cosmic microwave background. He led the BICEP experiment, made a headline 2014 'discovery' of the universe's origin that was later retracted, and wrote 'Losing the Nobel Prize.'. In total it earned 5 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Tim Ferriss).

“the barrier becomes the portal... shout out Ryan holid never yeah never met him but I like that book very much” — Brian Keating 02:38:05

What it is: 1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller The Obstacle is the Way has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women around the world who apply its wisdom to become more successful at whatever they do. Its many fans include a former governor and movie star (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a hip hop icon (LL Cool J), an Irish tennis pro (James McGee), an NBC sportscaster (Michele Tafoya), and the coaches and players of winning teams like the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Cubs, and University of Texas men’s basketball team.

#10 · Open

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on How to Set & Achieve Massive Goals | Alex Honnold in 2025. That episode features Alex Honnold, Professional rock climber best known for free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite (no ropes), the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary 'Free Solo'. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and innovative athletes in history. In total it earned 5 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“I read Andre Agassi's book, "Open," which is basically a story of his dad pushing him to play a game he did not want to play.” — Andrew Huberman 01:05:50

What it is: From Andre Agassi, one of the most beloved athletes in history and one of the most gifted men ever to step onto a tennis court, a beautiful, haunting autobiography. Agassi's incredibly rigorous training begins when he is just a child. By the age of thirteen, he is banished to a Florida tennis camp that feels like a prison camp. Lonely, scared, a ninth-grade dropout, he rebels in ways that will soon make him a 1980s icon. He dyes his hair, pierces his ears, dresses like a punk rocker. By the time he turns pro at sixteen, his new look promises to change tennis forever, as does his lightning-fast return.

#11 · Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on How to Control Your Metabolism by Thyroid & Growth Hormone | Huberman Lab Essent. That episode features Andrew Huberman (solo), Professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast. This is a solo Essentials episode revisiting his thyroid and growth hormone material. It has been genuinely recommended 4 times on the show.

“the book is called altered traits ... it's an excellent book ... very interesting book for those of you that are interested in meditation” — Andrew Huberman 00:15:04

#12 · A Fighter's Heart

Andrew Huberman brought this up on Overcoming Physical & Emotional Challenges | Coleman Ruiz (2024-04-08). That episode features Coleman Ruiz, A former tier-one Navy SEAL special operator (1998-2011) and Naval Academy graduate who served as a platoon commander in Iraq and a BUD/S instructor. Now a civilian, he is COO of Lids Sports Group and speaks openly about PTSD, loss, and recovery. In total it earned 4 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“Sam Sheridan who wrote A Fighter's heart an excellent book and for anyone male or female age who's interested in the human Spirit I recommend a Fighter's heart” — Andrew Huberman 00:16:37

#13 · On the Move

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on How to Achieve Inner Peace & Healing | Dr. Richard Schwartz in 2025. That episode features Dr. Richard Schwartz, Founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a peer-reviewed model that treats the mind as a system of distinct 'parts' (managers, firefighters, exiles) led by a core Self. He developed it 40+ years ago after his family-therapy work with bulimic patients. In total it earned 4 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Lex Fridman).

“I highly recommend reading uh Oliver Sax's book on the Move um he was an obviously neurologist and writer” — Andrew Huberman 02:01:04

What it is: When Oliver Sacks was twelve, a perceptive schoolmaster wrote: "Sacks will go far, if he does not go too far." With unbridled honesty and humor, he now shows us the restless energy that drives both his physical and his cerebral passions.

#14 · The 4-Hour Body

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on Journal Club with Dr. Peter Attia | Metformin for Longevity & The Power of Belie. That episode features Peter Attia, Physician and longevity expert, author of the bestselling book Outlive and host of The Drive podcast. He focuses on healthspan, lifespan, and metabolic health. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Tim Ferriss).

“I still am a big fan of Tim ferriss's uh slow carbohydrate diet because I like to eat meat and vegetables and starches” — Andrew Huberman 01:18:03

What it is: The 4-Hour Body is the result of an obsessive quest, spanning more than a decade, to hack the human body. It contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of jaw-dropping personal experimentation. From Olympic training centers to black-market laboratories, from Silicon Valley to South Africa, Tim Ferriss, the 1 New York Times bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, fixated on one life-changing question: For all things physical, what are the tiniest changes that produce the biggest results? Thousands of tests later, this book contains the answers for both men and women.

#15 · The 4-Hour Chef

Andrew Huberman brought this up on Therapy, Treating Trauma & Other Life Challenges | Dr. Paul Conti (2022-06-06). That episode features Dr. Paul Conti, A psychiatrist trained at Stanford and chief resident at Harvard who runs the Pacific Premier Group treating complex trauma, addiction, and psychiatric disorders. He is the author of 'Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic.'. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Tim Ferriss).

“Tim Ferris's "The 4-Hour Body" or Tim Ferris's The 4-Hour Chef book, both of which are excellent” — Andrew Huberman 00:06:14

What it is: Building upon Timothy Ferriss's internationally successful "4-hour" franchise, "The 4-Hour Chef" transforms the way we cook, eat, and learn. Featuring recipes and cooking tricks from world-renowned chefs, and interspersed with the radically counterintuitive advice Ferriss's fans have come to expect, "The 4-Hour Chef" is a practical but unusual guide to mastering food and cooking, whether you are a seasoned pro or a blank-slate novice.

#16 · The Circadian Code

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on Timing Light, Food, & Exercise for Better Sleep, Energy & Mood | Dr. Samer Hatta in 2021. That episode features Dr. Samer Hattar, Chief of the Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms at the National Institute of Mental Health. He was among the scientists who discovered the light-sensing retinal cells (ipRGCs) that set the body's circadian clock. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Lex Fridman).

“we're referring to Satchin Panda's work, he wrote a beautiful book called "The Circadian Code."” — Andrew Huberman 01:17:23

What it is: A comprehensive health book and lifestyle plan to help manage the body's natural rhythms offers advice to overcome difficulty sleeping, hunger at odd times, and sudden fatigue.

#17 · Attached

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment. Andrew is Professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab Podcast. This is a solo episode with no outside guest. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman).

“the title of the book is "Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love."” — Andrew Huberman 00:37:34

What it is: Introduces the theory of adult attachment as an advanced relationship science that can enable individuals to find and sustain love, offering insight into the roles of genetics and early family life in how people approach relationships.

#18 · Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Robert Greene brought this up on A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose | Robert Greene (2023-12-04). Robert is Bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power, The Laws of Human Nature, The Art of Seduction, and Mastery. Trained at UC Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin-Madison; writes about psychology, strategy, and human nature rooted in history. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO).

“there's a book I recommend for everybody uh it's Howard Gardner's five frames of mind it's helped me immensely” — Robert Greene 00:11:26

What it is: Explores the development of the theory of multiple intelligences over the last decade.

#19 · Longitude

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on Charting the Architecture of the Universe & Human Life | Dr. Brian Keating in 2025. That episode features Dr. Brian Keating, Professor of cosmology at UC San Diego who built telescopes at the South Pole to study the cosmic microwave background. He led the BICEP experiment, made a headline 2014 'discovery' of the universe's origin that was later retracted, and wrote 'Losing the Nobel Prize.'. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Tim Ferriss).

“an important book for anyone to read who's interested in basically why we're still here um in my opinion is the book longitude” — Andrew Huberman 02:34:57

What it is: The dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest and of one man's forty-year obsession to find a solution to the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day--"the longitude problem." Anyone alive in the eighteenth century would have known that "the longitude problem" was the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day-and had been for centuries. Lacking the ability to measure their longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been literally lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Thousands of lives and the increasing fortunes of nations hung on a resolution.

#20 · Your Brain Is a Time Machine: The Neuroscience and Physics of Time

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on Time Perception, Memory & Focus | Huberman Lab Essentials. That episode features Andrew Huberman (solo), Stanford professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology and host of the Huberman Lab podcast. This is a solo Huberman Lab Essentials episode revisiting his science of time perception. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Lex Fridman).

“I'd like to point you to a really excellent book called Your Brain is a Time Machine, the neuroscience and physics of time.” — Andrew Huberman 00:30:00

What it is: A leading neuroscientist presents a groundbreaking exploration of how time works inside the mind, arguing that the human brain's complex system constructs our sense of chronological flow in ways that are essential to evolution and everyday survival.

#21 · Season of the Witch

Rick Rubin brought this up on How to Access Your Creativity | Rick Rubin (2023-01-16). Rick is One of the most prolific music producers of all time, having worked with artists from LL Cool J and Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash, Adele, and Metallica. Author of the book on creativity, The Creative Act: A Way of Being. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Lex Fridman).

“Did you read Season of the Witch. It's about San Francisco in the '60s. It's great. You'll love it. Great book.” — Rick Rubin 02:24:50

What it is: Salon founder David Talbot chronicles the cultural history of San Francisco and from the late 1960s to the early 1980s when figures such as Harvey Milk, Janis Joplin, Jim Jones, and Bill Walsh helped usher from backwater city to thriving metropolis.

#22 · The Hero with a Thousand Faces

The endorsement here comes from Coleman Ruiz, on Overcoming Physical & Emotional Challenges | Coleman Ruiz in 2024. Coleman is A former tier-one Navy SEAL special operator (1998-2011) and Naval Academy graduate who served as a platoon commander in Iraq and a BUD/S instructor. Now a civilian, he is COO of Lids Sports Group and speaks openly about PTSD, loss, and recovery. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO).

“one of the most important books in my life in the last 12 years has been Joseph Campbell's the hero with a thousand faces” — Coleman Ruiz 01:57:13

What it is: Originally written by Campbell in the '40s-- in his pre-Bill Moyers days -- and famous as George Lucas' inspiration for "Star Wars," this book will likewise inspire any writer or reader in its well considered assertion that while all stories have already been told, this is not a bad thing, since the retelling is still necessary. And while our own life's journey must always be ended alone, the travel is undertaken in the company not only of immediate loved ones and primal passion, but of the heroes and heroines -- and myth-cycles -- that have preceded us. ([Amazon.com review][1].) [1]:

#23 · The Secret Pulse of Time

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on Science & Health Benefits of Belief in God & Religion | Dr. David DeSteno. That episode features Dr. David DeSteno, Professor of psychology at Northeastern University and host of the podcast 'How God Works.' He studies the science of morality, emotion, and the health benefits of religious practice, and is the author of 'How God Works: The Science Behind the Benefits of Religion.'. It has been genuinely recommended 2 times on the show.

“there's a wonderful book um that's not available in audio form called the secret pulse of time that that gets into how this uh expansion contraction works” — Andrew Huberman 01:37:49

What it is: "Have you ever fantasized about having more time - now, this minute, to accomplish everything you need and want to get done today? Or wondered why time flies when you are thoroughly engrossed in something? Or why minutes pass so slowly when you're standing in line at the store or airport, or on hold waiting for a customer service rep to answer your call? Or how, simply, to find more time to relax and unwind?" From the bookjacket.

#24 · Finding Ultra

Andrew Huberman brought this up on LIVE EVENT Q&A: Dr. Andrew Huberman Question & Answer in Portland, OR (2022-08-31). Andrew is Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab Podcast, known for translating neuroscience into practical health and performance tools.

“I'm not sharing anything that he hasn't already shared in his amazing book, "Finding Ultra."” — Andrew Huberman 00:41:38

#25 · Affect Regulation and the Origin of the Self (Allan Schore)

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on AMA #14: 2023 Philanthropy, Evening Routine, Light Therapy, Health Metrics & Mor in 2023. Andrew is Professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast. This is a solo year-end AMA for premium channel members.

“yeah I like Alan Shore's book it's a little little detailed little technical Allen Shore I think it's how you spell it a psychologist in research” — Andrew Huberman 01:00:57