Person
Every book Ben Wilson recommended on podcasts
Across 2 podcasts. Every show Ben Wilson appears on, in one place — not just one.
Ben Wilson appeared on David Senra's podcast and My First Million to discuss leadership, history, and notable historical figures. Wilson recommended several definitive biographies and books that he regularly revisits. He recommended Andrew Roberts's biography of Napoleon, praising it as a great work of historical non-fiction. He also strongly recommended Paul Johnson's biography of Jesus, calling it the best book to read if one wants to explore that narrative. For fiction, Wilson mentioned that he rereads Orson Scott Card's novel Ender's Game every year for fun. Similarly, he noted that he annually rereads The Mind of Napoleon, a collection of Napoleon's own thoughts and reflections that he discovered and frequently analyzes on his own episodes. In addition to these annual reads, Wilson discussed Nick Bilton's book American Kingpin during a conversation about the dark web, citing details from the text regarding how the site's creator initially grew mushrooms to generate early sales on the platform.
Books recommended by Ben Wilson
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Jesus
Jesus by Paul Johnson is a biographical exploration of the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth, written by the renowned British historian and journalist.
Recommended“The Paul Johnson biography, I think, does a really good job. That's the one I read.”
Where to get it
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Ender's Game
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is a classic science fiction novel about a gifted young boy recruited into an elite military academy to prepare for an impending alien invasion through intense tactical simulations.
Recommended“Well, one I read for fun every year is Ender's Game. I do reread it. Have you read Ender's Game?”
Where to get it
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Napoleon
Andrew Roberts's acclaimed historical biography provides a comprehensive examination of the life, military campaigns, and political career of the French emperor.
Recommended“Which biography? Andrew Roberts. Of course. Yeah. Great biography.”
Where to get it
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The Mind of Napoleon
The Mind of Napoleon by Napoleon I is a historical compilation that collects the profound thoughts, military philosophies, and administrative insights of the French emperor.
Recommended“And Mind of Napoleon, since I discovered it, I have reread that every year. I just did another episode on it.”
Where to get it
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American Kingpin
American Kingpin by Nick Bilton is a true-crime non-fiction book that details the rise and fall of Ross Ulbricht and his dark web marketplace, the Silk Road.
Discussed“and right when it launched he basically grew some in the book the american kingpin he they said that he grew mushrooms and put it on the website in order to get the initial sales”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lessons from Napoleon, Steve Jobs, Joan of Arc & Other Leaders | Ben Wilson | David Senra | 2026-10-14 | 5 |
| The Story of Dark Web Kingpin Ross Ulbricht | My First Million | 2021-12-29 | 1 |