Person
Every book Gary Gulman recommended on podcasts
Across 2 podcasts. Every show Gary Gulman appears on, in one place — not just one.
Gary Lewis Weston Gulman is an American stand-up comedian. He was a finalist on the NBC reality-talent show Last Comic Standing in its second and third seasons. He released his first CD, Conversations with Inanimate Objects in 2005, and his first television special Gary Gulman: Boyish Man the following year. Since then, he has released two other comedy albums and three other comedy specials, including 2019's The Great Depresh on HBO. Discussing literature across various podcast interviews, Gulman shared insights into how certain books intersect with his personal reflections and life choices. On No Stupid Questions and Freakonomics Radio, he mentioned reading Nelson Mandela's autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom," admiring Mandela as a great comic and arguably the most forgiving man in history, which prompted reflections on forgiveness and letting go of grudges. In the same podcast episodes, Gulman discussed Peter Singer's "The Most Good You Can Do," explaining how the text influenced his lifestyle choices and caused him to feel financial guilt when considering whether to move into a larger or more ostentatious apartment. Additionally, Gulman mentioned Michael Pollan's "How to Change Your Mind," noting its influence while discussing ongoing tests and cultural conversations regarding psilocybin mushrooms.
Books recommended by Gary Gulman
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The Most Good You Can Do
The Most Good You Can Do by Peter Singer examines effective altruism, arguing that individuals can make a massive, measurable difference in saving lives globally by living within modest means and donating surplus income to high-impact charities.
Discussed“I want to get a bigger place, but it has to fall within this range of not too ostentatious, where I would feel guilty because I read this book by Peter Singer, "The Most Good You Can Do," where if you live within certain means and give away a certain amount, you can save lives.”
Where to get it
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How to Change Your Mind
How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan is a comprehensive exploration of the history, science, and cultural renaissance surrounding psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Discussed“but they are still in tests of psilocybin mushrooms Michael Pollan wrote that book how to change your mind and it was yeah it's very influential”
Where to get it
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Long Walk to Freedom
Long Walk to Freedom is the inspiring autobiography of Nelson Mandela that chronicles his extraordinary journey from a rural upbringing to becoming South Africa's first black president and a global symbol of resilience.
Discussed“I'm reading the autobiography of Nelson Mandela right now. One reason, because I admire him, but also, this has to be one of the most forgiving... That's a great comic. Funny man. He's got to be the most forgiving man in history.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person | No Stupid Questions | 2026-09-09 | 2 |
| How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person | Freakonomics Radio | 2026-07-29 | 2 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Emerson in self-reliance said that the specific is universal, which seems impossible. But I have found that the more specific an art is, the more it resonates with me.”