The science books recommended on Diary of a CEO’s podcast

#1 · Man's Search for Meaning

The endorsement here comes from Pierre Poilievre, on Joe Rogan Experience #2470 - Pierre Poilievre in 2026. Pierre is Leader of Canada's Conservative Party and Leader of the Official Opposition, a self-described free-market 'prime minister in waiting' who has campaigned since 2022 on making Canada the freest country on earth. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“my favorite psychologist is u Victor Frankle Victor Frankl and he developed this um logos treatment which was basically giving people a sense of meaning” — Pierre Poilievre 00:15:39

#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 · Dopamine Nation

Andrew Huberman brought this up on How to Overcome Addiction to Substances or Behaviors | Dr. Keith Humphreys (2026-01-12). 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.

#4 · Why We Sleep

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on How to Heal From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Dr. Victor Carrión in 2024. 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.

#5 · The Real Anthony Fauci

Recommended by Joe Rogan on Joe Rogan Experience #2472 - Jeff Ross. That episode features Jeff Ross, Stand-up comedian known as the 'Roastmaster General,' famous for Comedy Central and Netflix roasts. Releasing his Netflix special 'Take a Banana for the Ride' the night of this taping. In total it earned 12 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“if you read RFK Jr.'s book, The Real Anthony Fouchy, it'll open your mind. It'll open your eyes.” — Joe Rogan 01:54:34

#6 · Outlive

Terry Real brought this up on The Therapist Who Breaks All The Rules — Terry Real (2025-05-09). Terry is Family therapist, creator of Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and author of 'I Don't Want to Talk About It,' 'Fierce Intimacy,' and 'Us'; specializes in couples on the brink and male depression. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“First of all, for those who haven't, please read Peter's book, Outlive. It's great. And the last chapter is about his work with me.” — Terry Real 00:41:55

#7 · How to Change Your Mind

The endorsement here comes from Tim Ferriss, on Q&A with Tim — The Upcoming AI Tsunami and Building Offline Advantage in 2026. Tim is Author, podcaster, and early-stage investor; solo Q&A host answering pre-submitted and live audience questions about AI, careers, creativity, and life. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“people who have been doing this since before Michael Pollan's exceptional book, How to Change Your Mind” — Tim Ferriss 00:48:18

What it is: When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third.

#8 · Essentialism

Recommended by Charlie Houpert on Building “Charisma on Command” to 10M+ Subscribers — Charlie Houpert. Charlie is Founder of Charisma on Command, a YouTube channel and online education business (Charisma University) teaching social confidence and communication; former management consultant turned solo entrepreneur. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“I'd read Essentialism, and it was like, just do the thing. Great book. Amazing. Greg Mchuan, so good. Read it. Read it four times.” — Charlie Houpert 00:49:44

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.

#9 · Lost Connections

Tim Ferriss brought this up on Chris Sacca — How to Succeed by Living on Your Own Terms (2025-01-23). That episode features Chris Sacca, Billionaire venture capitalist, early backer of Twitter and Uber, founder of climate fund Lower Carbon Capital, and former Shark Tank investor. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“lost connections is the one I read in full which I thought was great that's about isolation loneliness and things to do about it” — Tim Ferriss 02:37:41

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.

#10 · The Psychology of Money

The endorsement here comes from Tim Ferriss, on David Senra — How Extreme Winners Think and Win: Lessons from 400+ of History’s in 2025. That episode features David Senra, Host of the Founders podcast, who reads and breaks down biographies of history's greatest entrepreneurs; launching a new interview show on Patrick O'Shaughnessy's Colossus network. In total it earned 5 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“Psychology of money. Great book. Won't stop selling. I know man. Got lightning in a bottle in that one. Earned it.” — Tim Ferriss 02:25:52

What it is: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness doing well with money isn’t necessarily about what you know. It’s about how you behave. And behavior is hard to teach, even to really smart people. How to manage money, invest it, and make business decisions are typically considered to involve a lot of mathematical calculations, where data and formulae tell us exactly what to do. But in the real world, people don’t make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together.

#11 · Mastery

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose | Robert Greene. 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.

#12 · Fingerprints of the Gods

Raul Bilecky brought this up on Joe Rogan Experience #2449 - Raul Bilecky (2026-02-05). Raul is A former video editor turned independent archaeological explorer who runs the YouTube channel Pillars of the Past. With Peruvian roots, he uses Google Earth to locate and drone-document unrecorded ancient sites across Peru. In total it earned 4 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“Fingerprints of the Gods was one of the first books I picked up as a kid. My dad had it in his library and that set me off on a course” — Raul Bilecky 00:13:30

What it is: This book is about the beginning of the human race. How perhaps normal history has left things out, or maybe just left things unexplained. Graham Hancock explains how certain ancient structures all over the world are much older than originally thought, how civilizations who had no means of travel seemed to have communicated in some way. Hancock tries to answer questions we may have never even thought to ask. Were ancient civilizations visited by a superior race? Were these civilizations taught about technology they wouldn't have had?

#13 · Atomic Habits

The endorsement here comes from Chris Williamson, on Chris Williamson: Fix This One Habit And 2026 Will Be Your Best Year! in 2025. Chris is British podcaster and host of Modern Wisdom, one of the world's biggest podcasts and a former nightclub promoter turned personal-development thinker now based in the US. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“James Cle has been on my show. I think he's been on your show too. Uh best habit book of all time, Atomic Habits.” — Chris Williamson 00:44:37

What it is: No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Atomic Habits pdf

#14 · The Anxious Generation

Recommended by Chris Sacca on Chris Sacca — How to Succeed by Living on Your Own Terms. Chris is Billionaire venture capitalist, early backer of Twitter and Uber, founder of climate fund Lower Carbon Capital, and former Shark Tank investor. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“ready book list yeah you didn't ask me well I did for your syllabus but you dodged and gave me poetry anxious generation and coddling of American mind” — Chris Sacca 02:35:05

What it is: After more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on many measures. Why? In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt (pronounced "height") lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. He then investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults.

#15 · The Chimp Paradox

Steven Bartlett brought this up on Romesh Ranganathan: There's A Dark Voice In My Head That I've Learnt To Control (2023-02-09). That episode features Romesh Ranganathan, British stand-up comedian, writer and TV presenter, former teacher; one of the UK's most popular comedians. It has been genuinely recommended 3 times on the show.

“Steve Peters who wrote The Chimp Paradox. And he talks about Have you read it? It's a great book.” — Steven Bartlett 00:29:28

#16 · Built to Move

The endorsement here comes from Tim Ferriss, on How to Learn Better & Create Your Best Future | Tim Ferriss in 2023. Tim is Five-time #1 New York Times bestselling author (The 4-Hour Workweek, Body, Chef), pioneering podcaster of The Tim Ferriss Show, startup investor, and major philanthropic funder of psychedelic mental-health research. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“his new book yeah built to move his great book he's so good yeah he he really not only talks the talk but walks the walk” — Tim Ferriss 00:27:10

#17 · Outliers

Recommended by Joe Rogan on Joe Rogan Experience #2491 - Brian Simpson. That episode features Brian Simpson, Stand-up comedian and Army veteran, a regular at the Comedy Mothership in Austin. Known for his deadpan delivery and a podcast/streaming-adjacent life as a hardcore gamer. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan).

“Outliers. great book. It's a really good book. It talks about like why people are successful.” — Joe Rogan 01:56:53

What it is: In this stunning new book, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"--the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing.

#18 · The Alchemist

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 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.

#19 · 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.

#20 · 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

#21 · How Emotions Are Made

Andrew Huberman brought this up on How Foods and Nutrients Control Our Moods (2021-03-15). Andrew is Professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast, which translates neuroscience into practical health tools. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman).

“I'm a huge fan of Lisa Feldman Barrett ... Her first book is How Emotions Are Made ... bought it, read it, loved it” — Andrew Huberman 00:51:14

#22 · Supernatural

The endorsement here comes from Brian Muraresku, on Joe Rogan Experience #2047 - Brian Muraresku in 2024. Brian is Lawyer-turned-author of 'The Immortality Key,' researching the psychedelic hypothesis behind ancient Greek and early Christian ritual. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“Graham Hancock wrote a lot about this and it's my favorite book of his it's called Supernatural” — Brian Muraresku 02:46:43

#23 · Steve Jobs

Recommended by Andrew Huberman on How to Overcome Inner Resistance | Steven Pressfield. That episode features Steven Pressfield, Bestselling author of "The War of Art," "Gates of Fire," and other historical fiction and nonfiction. A former Marine, advertising copywriter, and screenwriter who published his first book at 52 and is still writing daily at 82. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“I've listened to and read Steve Jobs' biography. I think it's spectacular. It's a phenomenal bio.” — Andrew Huberman 01:09:23

What it is: Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years -- as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues -- Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.

#24 · Stolen Focus

Chris Sacca brought this up on Chris Sacca — How to Succeed by Living on Your Own Terms (2025-01-23). Chris is Billionaire venture capitalist, early backer of Twitter and Uber, founder of climate fund Lower Carbon Capital, and former Shark Tank investor. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“stolen focus by Jonathan Harari you know that one just amazing I think it's like the best like digital detox” — Chris Sacca 02:36:39

What it is: Is your ability to focus and pay attention in free fall? You are not alone. The average office worker now focuses on any one task for just three minutes. But it's not your fault. Your attention didn't collapse. It has been stolen. Internationally bestselling author Johann Hari shows twelve deep factors harming our focus. Once we understand them, together, we can take back our minds.

#25 · Losing My Virginity

The endorsement here comes from Tim Ferriss, on Q&A with Tim — PR and Marketing Lessons, Time Dilation, Selling to the Affluent, in 2022. Tim is Author of The 4-Hour Workweek, 4-Hour Body and 4-Hour Chef, host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast, early-stage startup investor and advisor to companies including Shopify, Uber and TaskRabbit. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“this is chronicled quite a bit in Losing My Virginity, which was one of the books that had a huge impact on me when I was in my early twenties.” — Tim Ferriss 01:10:22