Bryan Callen (born January 26, 1967) is an American actor, comedian, and podcaster. He has appeared in various television shows, films, and stand-up comedy specials. He is also one of the hosts of The Fighter and The Kid podcast.
Here are some recommended books by Bryan Callen.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged is one of the most influential novels of the 20th century. The book tells the story of a society in which the most productive members go on strike, leading to the collapse of the government and the rise of a new order.
The novel has been praised for its defense of individual rights and capitalism, as well as its critique of socialism.
Bad Pharma by Ben Goldacre
In his book, Bad Pharma, Ben Goldacre takes a critical look at the pharmaceutical industry. He argues that the way drugs are developed, tested, and marketed is often flawed and puts patients at risk.
Goldacre shines a light on the many ways that drug companies can manipulate data to make their products look better than they actually are. He also exposes the cozy relationships between drug companies and regulators that allow dangerous drugs to stay on the market.
Bad Pharma is a must-read for anyone who takes prescription drugs or cares about someone who does. It’s a sobering look at an industry that is too often putting profits before patients.
Bad Science by Ben Goldacre
In his book, Bad Science, Ben Goldacre makes a compelling case against the misuse and abuse of science by those in positions of power. He argues that bad science is not only responsible for a great deal of human suffering, but also undermines our democracy.
Goldacre begins by discussing the origins of bad science, tracing it back to the medieval era when Church leaders used false scientific claims to support their own interests.
He then goes on to describe how badly science is used today to sell products, promote political agendas, and justify discrimination.
Goldacre provides numerous examples of how badly science has hurt people and society as a whole. He also offers solutions for how we can improve the quality of science and make sure it is used for the benefit of all.
Bad Science is an important book that everyone should read.
Excellent Sheep by William Deresiewicz
In his book, “Excellent Sheep” William Deresiewicz offers a scathing critique of the Ivy League education system. He argues that colleges are not preparing students for the real world, but instead are creating a “coddled generation” of entitled, self-absorbed young people.
Deresiewicz is particularly critical of the pressure placed on students to get into top schools. He argues that the focus on prestige is causing them to miss out on opportunities to explore their true interests and find their own path in life.
Although he is highly critical of the Ivy League education system, Deresiewicz ultimately believes that it can be reformed. He provides some suggestions for how colleges can better prepare students for the real world.
Fiasco by Thomas E. Ricks
In his book, “Fiasco” Thomas E. Ricks, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security and a contributing editor to The Washington Post, chronicles the history of the Iraq War from its earliest planning stages through its execution and aftermath.
Ricks argues that the war was avoidable and that it was mismanaged from the outset. He describes in detail how bureaucratic infighting, political interference, and poor decision-making led to a costly and ultimately futile conflict.
Ricks offers readers a sobering look at the inner workings of the American military machine, and his account is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand what went wrong in Iraq.
Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
In his book “Going Clear” Lawrence Wright tells the inside story of the controversial religion that has gained a prominent following in Hollywood. He chronicles the life of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and the rise of its current leader, David Miscavige.
The book also details some of the shocking allegations made against the church, including abuse and torture.
Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
In his book, Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari explores what might happen if humans were to become gods. He argues that we are already on the path to becoming deities, thanks to our ever-growing power over nature. While some may see this as a good thing, Harari warns of the dangers that come with such power.
He believes that we need to be careful not to become like the gods of old cruel and capricious beings who cared little for humans. Instead, he urges us to use our new powers wisely, so that we can create a better future for all.
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov is a controversial novel about a middle-aged man’s obsession with a 12-year-old girl. The novel was first published in 1955 and caused an uproar among critics and readers alike.
Many people found the subject matter to be offensive and morally reprehensible, while others praised Nabokov’s writing style and defended the book as a work of fiction.
Lolita remains one of the most debated and divisive novels of all time, and its legacy continues to provoke strong reactions from readers nearly 60 years after its publication.
On the Genealogy of Morals and Ecce Homo by Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche’s On the Genealogy of Morals and Ecce Homo are two of his most well-known and influential works. In these books, Nietzsche examines the origins of morality and its effects on society.
He contends that morality is a human invention that has been used to control and oppress people. Nietzsche’s ideas were controversial in his time, but they continue to be influential today.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Sapiens is a book by Yuval Noah Harari that was first published in 2011. The book looks at the history of the human species from a very different perspective than most history books. Harari challenges some of the traditional ideas about human evolution and progress.
He argues that many of the things that we take for granted, such as money, are actually quite recent inventions. Sapiens is an interesting and thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about human history.
The Symposium by Plato
Plato’s “The Symposium” is a book about the nature of love. In the book, Socrates and his friends discuss the nature of love and its role in our lives. Socrates argues that love is not just a physical desire, but a spiritual connection between two people.
The friends also discuss the different types of love, such as between a man and a woman, or between friends. They also debate whether love is something that can be learned or if it is something that we are born with. Overall, the Symposium is an insightful book about love and its place in our lives.
The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss
A lot of people might think that the title of Tim Ferriss’s book, The 4-Hour Body, is some sort of gimmicky promise. But in reality, the book is full of interesting and actionable information on how to improve your health and fitness.
Ferriss starts off by talking about the importance of setting goals, and then he goes into detail on how to actually achieve those goals. He covers everything from diet and exercise to sleep and stress management. And he provides plenty of useful tips and tricks along the way.
The 4-Hour Body is a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about how to live a healthier life. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, get in shape, or just feel better overall, this book is worth checking out.
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
In The 4-Hour Workweek, Tim Ferriss shows readers how to escape the 9-5 grind and live a life of freedom and flexibility.
Ferriss argues that the traditional workweek is outdated and that with the right mindset and approach, it’s possible to drastically reduce the amount of time spent working.
He provides readers with actionable steps for achieving this goal, including how to outsource work, how to automate tasks, and how to make better use of time.
The 4-Hour Workweek is an essential read for anyone looking to break free from the traditional work model and achieve a greater level of freedom and flexibility in their life.
The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
Josh Waitzkin knows a thing or two about learning. In his book, The Art of Learning, he draws on his own experience as a world-class chess player and martial artist to explore what it takes to be a successful learner.
Waitzkin argues that the key to learning is not just acquiring knowledge, but also developing the ability to apply that knowledge in new and creative ways. He advocates for a “multidisciplinary” approach to learning, which involves drawing on multiple sources of information and perspectives.
The Art of Learning is an accessible and inspiring read for anyone interested in becoming a more effective learner. Waitzkin’s insights will help you gain a deeper understanding of the learning process, and give you the tools you need to reach your full potential.
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle is a book about what makes a team successful. The book looks at the culture of successful organizations and breaks it down into three key elements: trust, connection, and shared purpose.
Coyle interviewed a wide variety of people from successful organizations to find out what made their teamwork. He found that the key to success was not individual intelligence or talent, but rather the ability to build trust and connection within the team.
This allowed for a sense of shared purpose that helped everyone work together towards a common goal.
The Culture Code provides readers with an inside look at how some of the world’s most successful teams operate. It is an essential read for anyone looking to build a high-performing team of their own.
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Few novels have been as controversial and polarizing as Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. Since its publication in 1943, the book has been both loved and loathed by readers for its uncompromising look at individualism.
The story follows Howard Roark, an architect who refuses to compromise his vision, even when it means sacrificing everything else in his life.
For some, The Fountainhead is a call to arms for individualism and a rejection of conformity. They see Roark as a heroic figure who stands up for what he believes in, no matter the cost. Others view the book as a dangerous work that glorifies selfishness and rejects cooperation.
They believe that Rand’s philosophy of “objectivism” leads only to misery and suffering.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell argues that there is a common structure to all myths and stories across cultures. This structure, which he calls the “monomyth,” always features a hero who goes on a journey and faces challenges before returning home transformed.
Although the specific details of the monomyth vary from story to story, Campbell believes that all heroes must undergo three main stages: separation, initiation, and return.
In the separation stage, the hero leaves his or her comfortable home and embarks on an adventure. This is often in response to a call to action, such as receiving a quest or rescuing a damsel in distress.
The initiation stage is where the hero faces challenges and overcomes obstacles. These challenges help the hero to grow and mature and often involve facing death or encountering supernatural forces.
The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright
The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 is a 2006 non-fiction book by Lawrence Wright. The book is based on extensive interviews with current and former members of al-Qaeda as well as others who were involved in U.S. counter-terrorism efforts both before and after the September 11 attacks.
Wright’s book was generally well-received by critics. In a review for The New York Times, Michiko Kakutani wrote that The Looming Tower was “a tautly written, exhaustively researched and often chilling account of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in recent decades.
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
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