Episode · This Week in Startups · 2026-10-07
Books mentioned on Jason Mentors The Next Generation + Why AI Is Bad at Teaching (Aristotle Interview) | E2346
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Jason Calacanis recommended Something Like An Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and others, Born Standing Up by Steve Martin, Easy Riders Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind, and On Writing by Stephen King. Also mentioned: Einstein by Walter Isaacson.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Something Like An Autobiography
Akira Kurosawa's Something Like An Autobiography offers a deeply reflective look at the legendary filmmaker's early life and the development of his cinematic artistry.
Recommended“Then you could go even further back and read Akira Kurasawa's something like an autobiography.”
Where to get it
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Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a compelling memoir by the co-founder of Nike that chronicles the grueling journey and tenacity required to build a global athletic brand.
Recommended“Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.”
Where to get it
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Born Standing Up
Born Standing Up by Steve Martin is a celebrated memoir that chronicles the comedian's decade-long climb to stand-up stardom and the meticulous discipline behind his craft.
Recommended“So, go read uh Born Standing Up by um Steve Martin.”
Where to get it
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Easy Riders Raging Bulls
Easy Riders Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind is a deeply reported and gossipy chronicle of the New Hollywood era, detailing the explosive, drug-fueled rise of the movie brats in the late 1960s through the early 1980s.
Recommended“Did you ever read that Peter Biscin book, Easy Riders, Raging Bulls?”
Where to get it
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Einstein
Einstein by Walter Isaacson is a comprehensive biography that chronicles the life, mind, and scientific breakthroughs of Albert Einstein.
Discussed“I'm in the middle of Einstein by Walter Isacson right now.”
Where to get it
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On Writing
On Writing by Stephen King is a celebrated half-memoir and half-practical guide that explores the craft of writing and the author's personal experiences.
Recommended“Stephen King has a great one on writing. Stephen King's on writing. Really interesting.”
Where to get it
