Book · 2019 · Biography & Autobiography
Riding the Elephant
A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations
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Why people recommend it
Riding the Elephant by Craig Ferguson is a memoir by the comedian, actor, and former late-night talk show host detailing his personal journey, career transitions, and reflections on life in America. Jason Calacanis discussed the book on This Week in Startups in February 2026 while conversing on guest panels. Calacanis mentioned Ferguson's autobiography as part of his broader commentary on his deep affinity for biographies and his specific fascination with the mechanics of late-night television and the art of conversation. As someone preparing to host more shows and study the craft of great late-night television hosts, Calacanis praised Ferguson’s book as a stellar piece of writing within the genre of comedic memoirs. By highlighting the autobiography, Calacanis connected his professional aspirations in media production to the insights shared by seasoned veterans of the entertainment industry, recommending the work to anyone interested in the personal lives and creative processes of successful performers.
Every mention
Jason Calacanis I'm going to give my you know, I love biographies. I love talk show hosts. I love talking. I'm going to be… 1
“I'm going to give my you know, I love biographies. I love talk show hosts. I love talking. I'm going to be doing more shows and I've been just studying you know, all the great late night talk shows”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“In fact, I'm reading two biographies right now. Craig Kilbornne's and um Riding the Elephant and then uh that Magnificent Carson.”