The meditation & mindfulness books recommended on Diary of a CEO’s podcast

#1 · Man's Search for Meaning

The endorsement here comes from Tony Robbins, on Tony Robbins: No One Is Ready For What's Coming (The truth about AI). in 2026. Tony is The world's best-known life and business strategist, author and philanthropist who has coached presidents, athletes and CEOs, runs a group of 100+ companies, and built a global self-help empire from a poverty-stricken childhood. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“Man's Search for Meaning is one of my favorite books. Have you read it?” — Tony Robbins 01:22:23

#2 · Meditations

Recommended by Ivanka Trump on Ivanka Trump: Most People Can’t Tell Signal From Noise. Ivanka is Businesswoman, former real estate and fashion executive, and ex-White House senior advisor. Daughter of Donald Trump, she built a fashion line doing close to $800M in annual sales before shutting it down to serve in government. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 5 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“I think like Marcus Aurelius's meditations is so informative on so many levels.” — Ivanka Trump 00:26:38

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.

#3 · Why We Sleep

Christian Angermayer brought this up on A Billionaire’s Guide To Healing Your Mind And Extending Your Life: Christian An (2021-03-15). Christian is German entrepreneur and investor; biggest backer of the psychedelics industry, co-founder of Compass Pathways and atai Life Sciences, and founder of investment firm Apeiron, active in longevity, biotech, AI, space and crypto. In total it earned 13 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“I don't know the exact number but read why we sleep from Matthew Walker like I think if you sleep two three hours less than you should” — Christian Angermayer 01:33:57

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 · Essentialism

The endorsement here comes from Chris Williamson, on 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Iman Gadzhi & Body Positivity in 2023. Chris is Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast, former club promoter and Love Island contestant turned long-form interviewer known for evolutionary-psychology and self-development conversations. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“in terms of books to read um essentialism by Greg McEwen way of the superior man by uh David data Atomic Habits by James Clear” — Chris Williamson 01:00:33

What it is: Essentialism isn't about getting more done in less time. It's about getting only the right things done. Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin? Do you simultaneously feel overworked and underutilized? Are you often busy but not productive? Do you feel like your time is constantly being hijacked by other people's agendas? If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is the Way of the Essentialist. Essentialism is more than a time-management strategy or a productivity technique.

#5 · Four Thousand Weeks

Recommended by Matthew Hussey on Matthew Hussey: The Secret To Building A Perfect Relationship | E142. Matthew is New York Times best-selling author and dating coach who runs the world's number one YouTube channel for dating advice. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“oliver burkman his book for anyone who's struggling with being ready for commitment is a really powerful book you could read that book as a dating book” — Matthew Hussey 01:23:23

What it is: The average human lifespan is absurdly, outrageously, insultingly brief: if you live to 80, you have about four thousand weeks on earth. How should we use them best? Of course, nobody needs telling that there isn't enough time. We're obsessed by our lengthening to-do lists, our overfilled inboxes, the struggle against distraction, and the sense that our attention spans are shrivelling. Yet we rarely make the conscious connection that these problems only trouble us in the first place thanks to the ultimate time-management problem: the challenge of how best to use our four thousand weeks.

#6 · Lost Connections

Michael Acton Smith brought this up on Calm App Founder: From $0 To $2 Billion By Making The World Meditate: Michael Ac (2022-01-31). Michael is British entrepreneur, billionaire co-founder of the meditation and sleep app Calm, and earlier founder of Firebox, Mind Candy, Perplex City and Moshi Monsters. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“Johann Hari talks about in his book. Lost Connections is one of my favorite books. We're disconnected from what made us human” — Michael Acton Smith 01:05:24

What it is: "Across the world, Hari found social scientists who were uncovering evidence that depression and anxiety are not caused by a chemical imbalance in our brains. In fact, they [believe they] are largely caused by key problems with the way we live today. Hari's journey took him from a ... series of experiments in Baltimore, to an Amish community in Indiana, to an uprising in Berlin. Once he had uncovered [what he argues are] nine real causes of depression and anxiety, they led him to scientists who are discovering seven very different solutions"--Amazon.com.

#7 · Antifragile

The endorsement here comes from Harley Finkelstein, on Shopify President: How To Become A Millionaire For The Price Of A Starbucks Coff in 2023. Harley is President of Shopify, the e-commerce platform worth over $60 billion; former COO, self-described entrepreneur and chief storyteller. In total it earned 4 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“there's a great book by Nissim tele called anti-fragile are you familiar with that I love that book” — Harley Finkelstein 00:48:40

What it is: "The acclaimed author of the influential bestseller The Black Swan, Nicholas Nassim Taleb takes a next big step with a deceptively simple concept: the "antifragile." Like the Greek hydra that grows two heads for each one it loses, people, systems, and institutions that are antifragile not only withstand shocks, they benefit from them. In a modern world dominated by chaos and uncertainty, Antifragile is a revolutionary vision from one of the most subversive and important thinkers of our time. Praise for Nicholas Nassim Taleb "[This] is the lesson of Taleb. and also the lesson of our volatile times.

#8 · The Lessons of History

Recommended by Ray Dalio on Ray Dalio: We’re Heading Into Very, Very Dark Times! America & The UK’s Decline . Ray is Billionaire investor who founded Bridgewater Associates, which he built into the world's largest hedge fund managing about $150 billion. He is known for studying 500 years of history to predict economic and geopolitical cycles, and for his books on principles. In total it earned 4 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“a book by Will and Ariel Durant, which are the maybe the greatest historians in time, and it's called Lessons from History” — Ray Dalio 01:29:05

What it is: Written by the authors of the 10 volume The Story of Civilization, this short (fewer than 120 pages) work notes "events and comments that might illuminate present affairs, future probabilities, the nature of man, and the conduct of states." Its 13 chapters discuss historiography (what is history), history and the earth, history and biology, race, character, morals, religion, economics, socialism, government, war, growth and decay. The final chapter asks, "Is progress real?"

#9 · Built to Move

Chris Williamson brought this up on 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Iman Gadzhi & Body Positivity (2023-04-17). Chris is Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast, former club promoter and Love Island contestant turned long-form interviewer known for evolutionary-psychology and self-development conversations. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“the Align method by Aaron Alexander Kelly starrett's new built to move Peter attia's new outlive” — Chris Williamson 01:01:04

#10 · The Status Game

The endorsement here comes from Steven Bartlett, on The More Successful You Are The Longer You'll Live! Will Storr in 2022. That episode features Will Storr, Award-winning British author of six books including Selfie, The Science of Storytelling, and The Status Game; former journalist exploring psychology, status, and the self. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan).

“of all these books, I love them all, but this one in particular is my favorite... So, I highly recommend everybody checks it out.” — Steven Bartlett 01:42:18

#11 · The Alchemist

Recommended by Chris Williamson on 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Iman Gadzhi & Body Positivity. Chris is Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast, former club promoter and Love Island contestant turned long-form interviewer known for evolutionary-psychology and self-development conversations. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“The Alchemist by Paulo coella got like one and a half right Alchemist would probably be in there” — Chris Williamson 01:14:36

What it is: Offers an adaptation in graphic novel format of a modern classic about the globe-trotting spiritual journey of a humble shepherd boy.

#12 · The Artist's Way

Fearne Cotton brought this up on Fearne Cotton: THIS Is How To Build Confidence & Set Yourself Free | E116 (2022-01-24). Fearne is British TV and radio presenter who started on Disney/ITV at 15 and spent years at BBC Radio 1; now an author and founder of the Happy Place podcast, festival and publishing brand. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“i've just re-read the artist's way you do your pages every morning you just write what comes to mind you're getting to know yourself” — Fearne Cotton 01:01:11

What it is: The Artist's Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist's life. Still as vital today-or perhaps even more so-than it was when it was first published one decade ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In a new introduction to the book, Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist's Way and describes the work she has done during the last decade and the new insights into the creative process that she has gained. Updated and expanded, this anniversary edition reframes The Artist's Way for a new century.

#13 · The 4-Hour Workweek

The endorsement here comes from James Smith, on James Smith: Become Confident In 100 Minutes | E174 in 2022. James is British personal trainer turned online fitness entrepreneur and author of Not a Diet Book, Not a Life Coach, and a new book on confidence; returning Diary of a CEO guest. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“he recommended the book four hour by week and i got home and i read through it and there were some things that just didn't apply” — James Smith 01:25:42

What it is: The New York Times bestselling how-to and why-to guide to throwing out the old tools and methods for success and replacing them with a whole new way of living Tim Ferriss has trouble defining what he does for a living.

#14 · Happy Sexy Millionaire

Recommended by Ali Abdaal on Productivity Expert: How To Finally Stay Productive: Ali Abdaal | E93. Ali is Doctor-turned-YouTuber, entrepreneur, and productivity expert; a Cambridge medicine graduate with millions of subscribers who teaches productivity and self-improvement. It has been genuinely recommended 2 times on the show.

“And if anyone's listening to this who hasn't read the book, would recommend. Or the audiobook in particular, which is narrated by you.” — Ali Abdaal 01:35:27

#15 · Leaders Eat Last

Reggie Yates brought this up on Reggie Yates Reveals The Secret To Staying Driven & Reaching Your Potential | E9 (2021-07-26). Reggie is Critically acclaimed British filmmaker, writer, director and entrepreneur; former BBC/Radio 1 presenter turned documentary maker, with his first feature film Pirates and a Ghana-based dairy-free ice cream business, Blue Skies. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“leaders leaders eat last yeah the simon says um that's a great one for ego um i i sort of learned a lot from that about how to lead” — Reggie Yates 00:40:29

What it is: Why do only a few people get to say “I love my job?” It seems unfair that finding fulfillment at work is like winning a lottery; that only a few lucky ones get to feel valued by their organizations, to feel like they belong. Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders are creating environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things.

#16 · Factfulness

The endorsement here comes from Michael Acton Smith, on Calm App Founder: From $0 To $2 Billion By Making The World Meditate: Michael Ac in 2022. Michael is British entrepreneur, billionaire co-founder of the meditation and sleep app Calm, and earlier founder of Firebox, Mind Candy, Perplex City and Moshi Monsters. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“there's a wonderful book factfulness which talks about the data of how the world is getting better.” — Michael Acton Smith 00:56:37

What it is: Factfulness: The stress-reducing habit of only carrying opinions for which you have strong supporting facts. When asked simple questions about global trends―what percentage of the world’s population live in poverty; why the world’s population is increasing; how many girls finish school―we systematically get the answers wrong. So wrong that a chimpanzee choosing answers at random will consistently outguess teachers, journalists, Nobel laureates, and investment bankers.

#17 · I Am That

Recommended by Gavin de Becker on Top Intelligence Advisor: “Epstein Was A Front.” They Can See Everything, Even Y. Gavin is One of the world's foremost security and threat-assessment experts whose firm protects heads of state, royalty and celebrities and designed systems used to protect the U.S. Supreme Court. Best-selling author of The Gift of Fear. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“a teacher of mine in India, my best teacher in life, Nisargadatta, wrote a book called I Am That, recommended to everybody” — Gavin de Becker 01:41:36

What it is: Conversations with Nisargadatta Maharaj. English translation of question-answer sessions with Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) guru in Mumbai. He does not tell people what to believe, but says do this--namely concentrate on "I am"-- and you'll never be the same again. No problem is so bad that dis-engagement can't fix it. Give up clinging to the past and fearing the future. You are not your body, you are not your mind. What you are, your true self, can only be approached by realizing what it is not. Just be. And follow your inner guru. He says many things off the cuff that seem fit to be framed.

#18 · Tao Te Ching

Ivanka Trump brought this up on Ivanka Trump: Most People Can’t Tell Signal From Noise (2026-04-09). Ivanka is Businesswoman, former real estate and fashion executive, and ex-White House senior advisor. Daughter of Donald Trump, she built a fashion line doing close to $800M in annual sales before shutting it down to serve in government. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“I love lu and the taq ching is an amazing it kind of reminds me of like the philosophy of of jiujitsu” — Ivanka Trump 01:27:14

#19 · The Ape That Understood the Universe

The endorsement here comes from Chris Williamson, on 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Iman Gadzhi & Body Positivity in 2023. Chris is Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast, former club promoter and Love Island contestant turned long-form interviewer known for evolutionary-psychology and self-development conversations. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman).

“the April understood the universe by Steve Stuart Williams and hmm let's say the way of the superior man by David data” — Chris Williamson 01:14:36

#20 · The Hero with a Thousand Faces

Recommended by Ray Dalio on Ray Dalio: We’re Heading Into Very, Very Dark Times! America & The UK’s Decline . Ray is Billionaire investor who founded Bridgewater Associates, which he built into the world's largest hedge fund managing about $150 billion. He is known for studying 500 years of history to predict economic and geopolitical cycles, and for his books on principles. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO).

“Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey. Is it the the hero with a thousand faces? Yes, that's it. Hero with a thousand faces.” — Ray Dalio 01:29:37

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]:

#21 · The Science of Storytelling

Michael Acton Smith brought this up on Calm App Founder: From $0 To $2 Billion By Making The World Meditate: Michael Ac (2022-01-31). Michael is British entrepreneur, billionaire co-founder of the meditation and sleep app Calm, and earlier founder of Firebox, Mind Candy, Perplex City and Moshi Monsters.

“There's an amazing book by Will Storr called The Science of Storytelling which kind of talks about this in great great detail” — Michael Acton Smith 00:17:05

#22 · River Out of Eden

The endorsement here comes from Ray Dalio, on Ray Dalio: We’re Heading Into Very, Very Dark Times! America & The UK’s Decline in 2025. Ray is Billionaire investor who founded Bridgewater Associates, which he built into the world's largest hedge fund managing about $150 billion. He is known for studying 500 years of history to predict economic and geopolitical cycles, and for his books on principles.

“There's a book on evolution but written by Richard Dawkins. River from Eden, I think it's called.” — Ray Dalio 01:28:34

What it is: How did the replication bomb we call "life" begin and where in the world, or rather, in the universe, is it heading? Writing with characteristic wit and an ability to clarify complex phenomena (the New York Times described his style as "the sort of science writing that makes the reader feel like a genius"), Richard Dawkins confronts this ancient mystery.

#23 · The Wisdom of Insecurity

Recommended by Deepak Chopra on Deepak Chopra: The 5 Simple Steps That Will Make Your Mind Limitless! | E241. Deepak is Physician, author of 93+ books, founder of the Chopra Foundation, and one of the world's best-known voices on consciousness, health, and spirituality.

“I would suggest a book for you yeah at your stage you're trying to be useful it's called the wisdom of insecurity interesting by Alan Watts” — Deepak Chopra 01:25:33

What it is: amazing insight. helps westerners step back and look at their actions and how they relate to the world around them. the mere desire to "be secure" is what actually makes you insecure. all about time and pain. most influential book i've ever read, and i've read a lot, high iq, etc. from my point of view, a must read.