Podcast

This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von book recommendations

Hosted by Theo Von · 107 episodes covered · 128 books · 40 people · Website

What happened this past weekend. And sometimes what happened on other days.

Latest mentions

  1. 12 Rules for Life

    Jordan B. Peterson · Recommended 5 episodes

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von and guest Jordan Peterson discussed Peterson's bestselling book 12 Rules for Life. Von praised the publication, noting its massive sales figures and describing it as an accessible presentation of timeless wisdom akin to pared-down biblical principles. Peterson referenced the book during conversations about personal responsibility and his foundational rules, such as the directive not to lie.

    Discussed
    “You know what, I'll put it up, actually, you know what, I'll put it in front of 'This Book' for a while, you put it in front of Jordan Peterson.”
    Where to get it
  2. The Bridges of Madison County

    Robert James Waller · Recommended 5 episodes

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von frequently brought up Robert James Waller's The Bridges of Madison County, calling it one of his favorite books and film adaptations. Von discussed the story's emotional depth, choices, and themes of loneliness in conversation with guests like Sebastian Maniscalco and Jim Gaffigan, comparing aspects of the narrative to regular family life and human isolation.

    Discussed
    “you know I like that movie on Bridges of Madison County you know there's just a moment of choice in there”
    Where to get it
  3. How to Read the Bible

    James L. Kugel · Recommended 3 episodes

    How to Read the Bible by James L. Kugel came up on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von across multiple episodes. Andrew Huberman discussed how a former tier-one operator encouraged him to start reading the Bible and how much wisdom he found within it. In separate episodes, Theo Von brought up the Bible to illustrate how society tears down figures at the top and also discussed reading philosophy and stoic books by authors like Ryan Holiday alongside Sean O'Malley.

    Recommended
    “my friend of mine who was a former tier one operator and he's run some of my security stuff like he encouraged me to start reading the Bible and I was like wow there is so much wisdom here”
    Where to get it
  4. Awakenings

    Oliver Sacks · Discussed 2 episodes

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the book Awakenings by Oliver Sacks came up during conversations about neurology and medicine. Guest Andrew Huberman referenced Sacks's work as the true story behind the film adaptation starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, specifically discussing the medical use of L-dopa in patients. Host Theo Von similarly recalled watching the film adaptation and expressed fascination with the medical cases and themes explored in Sacks's writing.

    Discussed
    “Remember that movie Awakenings where people were frozen? Yes. With Robert Dairo. That's right. And Robin Williams. Yes. Robin Williams. Yes. And they gave those patients, it was a true story. It's based on a story by the neurologist writer Oliver Saxs. And they gave those people L-dopa.”
    Andrew Huberman #585 - Andrew Huberman 2025-05-27
    Where to get it
  5. Beyond Order

    Jordan B. Peterson · Discussed 2 episodes

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von discussed Jordan B. Peterson's Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life. Von shared his progress in reading the book chapter by chapter and even used AI to generate a satirical 13th rule. Peterson also appeared as a guest on the show, citing specific chapters and rules from the book regarding beauty and personal responsibility.

    Discussed
    “Okay some of you know I've written these books 12 rules for life and then beyond order 12 more rules Because you know you can't have enough rules and I asked it This is what I asked it to do I said Write me an essay that's a 13th rule for beyond order”
    Where to get it
  6. Eyewitness

    DK Publishing · Discussed 2 episodes

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the book Eyewitness by DK Publishing came up in passing remarks across episodes in 2022 and 2024. Theo Von humorously mentioned finding a book alongside contraband when discussing a mayor's video on searching children's rooms. In another episode, he described reading half of a book in preparation for interviewing an author guest on the podcast.

    Discussed
    “Look through his bag—you might find a grenade, in addition to a book! Something simple as a crack pipe?”
    Where to get it
  7. Free Will

    Sam Harris · Recommended 2 episodes

    Free Will by Sam Harris was brought up on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von in May and July 2021. Guests Nikki Glaser and Kyle Dunnigan discussed the book's premise that humans lack control over their actions, with Glaser noting how the concept shifted her perspective and Dunnigan describing the book as disturbing yet compelling.

    Discussed
    “i actually sam harris has a book about it and he totally right he does not believe there is and i it freaks you out”
    Where to get it
  8. Holy Bible (NIV)

    Various Authors, · Discussed 2 episodes

    The Holy Bible (NIV) was referenced in humorous and conversational contexts across episodes of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von. In an August 2022 episode, Theo Von and Bobby Lee joked about bringing a 'big book' for sobriety meetings on a hypothetical trip to North Korea. In a November 2021 episode, a caller and the host discussed the end times, touching upon biblical references like the Book of Ephesians and the Book of Revelation.

    Discussed
    “But we'd bring a big book with us and do a meeting every now and then. But we're drunk, yeah, but we tried, you know?”
    Where to get it
  9. Lord of Flies

    William Golding · Discussed 2 episodes

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the host referenced William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies multiple times to illustrate chaotic social dynamics, group behaviors among children, and the sudden shifts that occur when authority figures enter a room.

    Discussed
    “It's like I'm just like, I don't know, probably like some Lord of The Fly or whatever!”
    Where to get it
  10. The Body Keeps the Score

    Bessel van der Kolk · Discussed 2 episodes

    Bessel A. Van der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score" was discussed on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von in both 2022 and 2024. Guest Dr. Tara Swart and podcast guest Blair Socci both brought up the publication to explore the concept of trauma being stored physically in the body. Dr. Swart noted that the decades-old book had returned to the bestseller list, while Blair shared that she began reading it out of curiosity regarding breathwork.

    Discussed
    “But I find that there's a limit to where talking therapy can go, and that is trauma that's stored in the body, which you're not even consciously aware of. Have you heard of that book, 'The Body Keeps the Score'? Yeah, it was written in the '70s, but it's back on the bestseller list, which gives me hope that more”
    Where to get it
  11. The Scarlet Letter

    Nathaniel Hawthorne · Discussed 2 episodes

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von mentioned Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter across different episodes. In one conversation, he brought up the book while brainstorming potential baby names for a daughter. In another episode, he jokingly suggested reading the first chapter of the novel to talent agents as a way to engage them.

    Discussed
    “probably something from that um Scarlet Letter book what are some names in that book”
    Where to get it
  12. The World According to Garp

    John Irving · Recommended 2 episodes

    John Irving's novel The World According to Garp was discussed across two different episodes of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von. In February 2019, Dane Cook mentioned the book while recalling Robin Williams playing Garp, praising it as one of his favorite books of all time. Years later, in September 2026, Luke Bryan brought up the novel, telling the host that it was one of the very first books he ever read as a child.

    Discussed
    “Yeah. Yeah. It's the only book I read. I mean, I read that as a kid. World According to Garp was like one of the first books.”
    Luke Bryan #679 - Luke Bryan 2026-09-01
    Where to get it
  13. Tribe

    Sebastian Junger · Discussed 2 episodes

    On the podcast This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the book Tribe by Sebastian Junger was referenced in multiple episodes. In episode 474 with guest Kat Von D, the host mentioned the book while discussing the human need for smaller, tight-knit communities and how people used to rely on close support networks. Earlier, in episode 167, the host invoked Junger's tribal concepts to contrast historical emotional support structures with modern, isolated lifestyles.

    Discussed
    “I mean there's even that book by Sebastian younger I think it's called tribe maybe where yeah it was about that it was about when we were in smaller groups and stuff like that people used to yeah you would miss somebody they'd be gone it's like otherwise you get so caught up with so many things and the your”
    Where to get it
  14. 12 Years a Slave

    Solomon Northup · Discussed 1 episode

    Bobby Lee mentioned the cinematic adaptation of Solomon Northup's book on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von in July 2018. He joked that the narrative could have been condensed into a six-year story and suggested that the duration was extended purely to increase the movie's runtime and revenue.

    Discussed
    “12 years of slave could have been six years of slave okay they [ __ ] made it 12 to make the movie longer to make money so let's be honest about what the [ __ ] really”
    Where to get it
  15. 1984

    George Orwell · Discussed 1 episode

    In the August 29, 2023 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von featuring guest Jordan Peterson, the guest referenced George Orwell's classic dystopian novel 1984. Peterson brought up the book to illustrate his concerns regarding the rise of a totalitarian regime in China. He argued that the current situation under the regime is so completely oppressive that it would make the grim conditions described in Orwell's 1984 look like a picnic.

    Discussed
    “It would be— I think it would bring in, and has already in China, I think it'll bring in a totalitarian tyranny so 100% complete that it would make George Orwell's 1984 look like a picnic.”
    Where to get it
  16. A Christmas Carol

    Charles Dickens · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von was joined by guest Trevor Wallace. While discussing the phrase bah-humbug, Von connected the expression to its origin in Charles Dickens's book A Christmas Carol, explaining how people use the phrase to convey annoyance or frustration when something goes wrong.

    Discussed
    “Bah-Humbug is like a famous saying from ‘A Christmas Carol.’ That's like when you stub your toe and you're like, 'Bah-Humbug!' Or if somebody like stole something from you, you'd be like, 'Humbug!'”
    Where to get it
  17. A Fighter's Heart

    Sam Sheridan · Discussed 1 episode

    During the October 23, 2019 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von titled 'Jay Mohr 2 | This Past Weekend #239', guest Jay Mohr mentioned the book 'A Fighter's Heart' by Sam Sheridan. Mohr referenced the work to explain specific details regarding how dog fights are conducted, bringing up the book during their conversation.

    Discussed
    “what happens in a dog fight this is from Sam Sheridan's book a fighter's heart they let the dogs go they fight for a few seconds”
    Where to get it
  18. A Game of Thrones 4-Book Bundle

    George R. R. Martin · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the host referenced A Game of Thrones 4-Book Bundle by George R. R. Martin while describing a bleak situation. Theo compared the hopelessness of the scenario to the events in Game of Thrones, emphasizing the tragic and unpredictable nature of the circumstances they were discussing.

    Discussed
    “Yeah, exactly, that's like some Game of Thrones stuff. Dude, oh, it's heartbreaking, man.”
    Where to get it
  19. A Prayer for Owen Meany

    John Irving · Recommended 1 episode

    On the September 1, 2026, episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Luke Bryan recommended John Irving's novel A Prayer for Owen Meany. Bryan praised the work enthusiastically, declaring it to be the greatest book he had ever read after diving into a few of Irving's books.

    Recommended
    “Dude, that's I read another I got into a couple John Irvin books. But when I read a prayer for Owen Meanie, I was like, that is the greatest book I've ever read.”
    Luke Bryan #679 - Luke Bryan 2026-09-01
    Where to get it
  20. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

    Mark Twain · Discussed 1 episode

    On the January 28, 2025 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Katt Williams discussed the books he read during his youth. He mentioned that he wanted the adventures found in classic works, reading everything he could get his hands on, including the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Nancy Drew Mysteries, and The Hardy Boys.

    Discussed
    “like I wanted the adventures you know what I mean like I was reading everything Nancy Drew Mysteries like every like anything I could get my hands on The Hardy Boys”
    Where to get it
  21. Angela's Ashes

    Frank McCourt · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von discussed Frank McCourt's memoir 'Angela's Ashes' with guest Matt McCusker in November 2024. Von talked about McCourt's early life in Ireland as detailed in the book up until the age of 19, and also mentioned McCourt's sequel, 'Tis'.

    Discussed
    “And I read his—and I read the guy, you know, Frank McCourt? I read he has one called 'Tis' that's his second book! Frank McCourt, so Angela's Ashes was his time in Ireland till he was 19, and then at 19 he moved to New York City in like the 50s!”
    Where to get it
  22. As a Man Thinketh

    James Allen · Highly recommended 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, Maurice Clarett shared how reading James Allen's As a Man Thinketh while in solitary confinement in prison fundamentally transformed his life and perspective, describing it as the most impactful book he had ever read.

    Recommended
    “a guy dropped off a book a small 70 page recalled as a man thinketh by James Allen the most impactful book I've ever read in my life bar non comparison”
    Where to get it
  23. Barack Obama in his own words

    Barack Obama · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Bassem Youssef discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict alongside host Theo Von by referencing Barack Obama's book. Youssef quoted Obama's perspective that the conflict involves one very strong side and one very weak side, noting that nothing compelled the stronger side to cede land.

    Discussed
    “There were many tries for peace treaties, but Obama said it best in his book. He said the problem with Israel and Palestine is that one of them is very strong and one side is very weak, and there's nothing that compels me to give you land.”
    Where to get it
  24. Behold a Pale Horse

    William Cooper · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Eddie Bravo brought up William Cooper's book, Behold a Pale Horse, during a November 2018 episode. Bravo mentioned the 1991 book while discussing his past interest in UFOs and government whistleblowers.

    Discussed
    “he wrote a book called behold the pale horse it came out like in 1991 and this guy had access to all these documents”
    Where to get it
  25. Bible

    Bible · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von in October 2021, host Theo Von discussed the Bible in relation to the end times, expressing his belief that society was living in the last chapters and humorously referencing the book of Ephesians.

    Discussed
    “Oh, look, these days we're in corvette times, we're in the last chapter of the Bible, I feel like. And I don’t know what it is, Ephesians or whatever, you know?”
    Where to get it
  26. Bowling Alone

    Robert D. Putnam · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von and guest Richard Reeves discussed Robert Putnam's book Bowling Alone in the episode titled 'Richard Reeves | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #562.' The pair referenced Putnam's work while engaging in a broader conversation concerning the decline of community engagement and the loss of social capital in modern society.

    Discussed
    “there's a book book it's called bowling alone maybe yeah Robert putam”
    Where to get it
  27. Breaking Bad

    Lara C. Stache · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von and guest Nate Bargatze briefly mentioned Breaking Bad. They discussed the show as a notable pop-cultural association with New Mexico, joking about how viewers easily accepted the premise of a mobile cooking operation in the desert.

    Discussed
    “breaking bad is out of New Mexico there two guys in a trailer cooking basically a food truck that [__] ran off theate that's a madeup show but no one questioned it no one's like that that ain't happening out there everybody's like yeah that's what happens out there”
    Where to get it
  28. Bullshit Jobs

    David Graeber · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Duncan Trussell mentioned that he was reading David Graeber's 'Bullshit Jobs.' Trussell praised the book and discussed its premise regarding unnecessary and meaningless employment.

    Recommended
    “so it's it's there's a I'm reading this book called [ __ ] jobs by David Graeber [ __ ] it's great man”
    Where to get it
  29. Can't Hurt Me

    David Goggins · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, David Goggins' influence was mentioned in episode 436. Theo Von shared that he had been watching videos of David Goggins while in the hospital, which influenced his behavior and how he communicated with his guest, Caleb Pressley.

    Discussed
    “Sorry, man, I've been watching some David Goggins videos. I think I was trying to bring you back, dude!”
    Where to get it
  30. Charlotte's Web

    E. B. White · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the host and guest Nick Swardson discussed their childhoods in an August 2022 episode and shared that they often felt smaller than their peers. Nick invoked E. B. White's classic book Charlotte's Web to illustrate a story about being the runt of the litter.

    Discussed
    “Yeah, I was like the runt of the litter, you know what I mean? Like, uh, Charlotte's web trickle. Yeah, it was like Charlotte's web, dude.”
    Where to get it
  31. Coaching Wrestling Successfully

    Gable, Dan · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von featuring Urijah Faber on November 8, 2018, the book Coaching Wrestling Successfully by Dan Gable was brought up. Urijah Faber recommended reading anything by or about Dan Gable to find motivation, highlighting Gable's exceptional level of commitment.

    Recommended
    “Anything you can read on Dan Gable that's another guy who's”
    Where to get it
  32. Count Down

    Shanna H. Swan, Stacey Colino · Discussed 1 episode

    On the August 9, 2022 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von featuring Joe Rogan, Rogan mentioned the book Count Down by Dr. Shanna Swan and Stacey Colino. He discussed how Swan previously appeared on the podcast to explain the dangers of chemicals found in plastics and fertilizers that disrupt the human endocrine system.

    Discussed
    “There's a book called Countdown. By a woman, her name is Dr. Shanna Swan, and she came on the podcast and explained that there's certain chemicals that are in plastics and in some fertilizers that are disrupting the human body's endocrine system.”
    Where to get it
  33. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

    Mark Vroegop · Recommended 1 episode

    On the May 10, 2025 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von titled "#581 - Big Guy," a caller named Tyler recommended Mark Vroegop's book Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy. Tyler described it as a vital resource for individuals dealing with grief and loss, sharing that he frequently buys it for people who have lost a loved one because it helps them find peace.

    Recommended
    “And one of the resources we use is this book called Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy. I highly recommend it to everyone who is dealing with loss and I buy it for anyone close to me that I hear has a loved one who they've lost and they've found some peace from that book.”
    Guest #581 - Big Guy 2025-05-10 Listen at 40:36
    Where to get it
  34. Discontent in the Field of Dreams

    Marvin Lazerson · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von mentioned the famous film and cultural landmark Field of Dreams during a State Wars discussion. While talking about Iowa's unique attributes, Von humorously referenced dead people coming out of the corn and shared a personal anecdote about pulling off the interstate to spend time in the area.

    Discussed
    “one thing Iowa has they've got the Field of Dreams so they can just have dead people coming out of the Corn I think that's a just easing and that's in dville and actually pulled off the interstate one time and spent some time in their beautiful place”
    Where to get it
  35. Dylan goes electric!

    Elijah Wald · Discussed 1 episode

    During the December 16, 2024 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von titled Timothée Chalamet | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #551, guest Timothée Chalamet discussed the book Dylan Goes Electric by Elijah Wald. He noted that the 2015 book serves as the source material for the film A Complete Unknown, in which he portrays Bob Dylan. Chalamet described the work as a fantastic retelling of the events from the early sixties that led up to the famous moment at Newport, and he encouraged listeners to read it after seeing the movie.

    Discussed
    “The film's taken from Elijah Wald's Dylan Goes Electric, a book that came out in 2015! It's a fantastic retelling of events from the early sixties that led up to the fiasco at Newport! After you see the movie, read the book!”
    Where to get it
  36. Earth Not a Globe

    Parallax (Samuel Birley Rowbotham) · Discussed 1 episode

    On an episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Eddie Bravo brought up the book Earth Not a Globe by Samuel Birley Rowbotham. Bravo referenced Rowbotham's work while discussing historical Flat Earth literature and ideas.

    Recommended
    “I'm like Samuel Rowbotham read his but there's a lot of books”
    Where to get it
  37. Elegant Angels Coloring Book

    Rainbow Joy! · Recommended 1 episode

    On an episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Zoey Monroe recommended the studio Elegant Angel when host Theo Von asked for adult film recommendations that properly support the industry. Monroe noted that the company had recently released new showcase projects.

    Recommended
    “I recommend the elegant angel they just released two squirting show cases of mine actually I'm gonna say their first”
    Where to get it
  38. Elon Musk

    Walter Isaacson · Discussed 1 episode

    Walter Isaacson's Elon Musk was mentioned on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von. Host Theo Von shared that he received a book about Elon Musk as a gift from a fan, noting the topic of the gift during a segment about items he had recently received.

    Discussed
    “I got a couple of nice gifts too; someone brought me 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer, which I really appreciate. Another person gave me a book on Elon Musk.”
    Where to get it
  39. Fear of Intimacy

    Robert Firestone, Joyce Catlett · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the host mentioned Robert Firestone and Joyce Catlett's book Fear of Intimacy during an episode on August 8, 2017. While discussing intimacy struggles, the host stated that he had heard the book was very good and shared his plans to read it.

    Recommended
    “I know there's a book out there called the fear of intimacy which I heard is really good that I'm about to read”
    Where to get it
  40. Fear of Intimacy and the Tango Cure

    perri iezzoni · Recommended 1 episode

    During the August 8, 2017 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, host Theo Von mentioned the book Fear of Intimacy and the Tango Cure by perri iezzoni. While reflecting on his personal struggles with relationships and intimacy, Von stated that he had heard the book was really good and shared that he was about to read it.

    Recommended
    “I know there's a book out there called the fear of intimacy which I heard is really good that I'm about to read”
    Where to get it
  41. Flowers for Algernon

    David Rogers, Daniel Keyes · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Tom Segura brought up the book Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes and David Rogers. Segura referenced the story to describe the extreme disorientation and confusion he felt upon waking up from a blackout.

    Recommended
    “I was looking out a window just looking into a backyard and I was like I have like you know when you ever wake up from a black guy oh yeah I don't know what I'm looking at right now I was like it's like flowers for algernon and get read that book”
    Where to get it
  42. Forrest Gump

    Winston Groom · Discussed 1 episode

    In the February 15, 2019 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von titled Valentine's Day Special: Bobby Lee & Khalyla | This Past Weekend #174, host Theo Von and guest Bobby Lee discussed Winston Groom's novel Forrest Gump. The speakers talked about the film adaptation, Gary Sinise's performance, and specific memorable scenes, such as the character sitting on a bench while a feather floats by, while reminiscing about movie references and Vietnam War bonding themes.

    Discussed
    “what was a great movie Gary Sinise is the best huh see this is great but it's just a um even watching it now and he's sitting on that the [__] guy is sitting on the couch or the bench and you see that feather floating it's really nice I'd say I can't see [__] right oh you could say”
    Where to get it
  43. Frankenstein

    Mary W. Shelley · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Bryan Callen brought up Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein. Callen discussed the central thesis of the book, using it to symbolize fears of machines taking over humanity and to highlight the historical cyclicality of society's anxieties regarding technological advancements.

    Discussed
    “frankenstein is a good the man tried it on his brother look at louis van gaal look at uh do you know you know what frankenstein symbolized the idea that machines were taking over machines were now taking over humanity wow we're having the same talk 100 years later about how machines are going to take over and and make”
    Where to get it
  44. Grain Brain

    David Perlmutter · Discussed 1 episode

    David Perlmutter's book Grain Brain was featured when the author appeared as a guest on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von in April 2019. Host Theo Von introduced Perlmutter and discussed reading the first sixty pages of the book, expressing fascination with its contents. Von highlighted specific facts from the text, including the correlation between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, and noted that a caller named Ben also mentioned reading the book.

    Discussed
    “so here today we have a beautiful man and he's the author of the book grain brain”
    Where to get it
  45. Greed

    Chris Ryan · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the host mentioned that he had just started reading Sex at Dawn by Chris Ryan. Theo Von shared his initial reactions to reading through the introduction and first chapter, noting that he found some of the ideas challenging but intended to finish the book.

    Discussed
    “What's your opinion? you know I just started reading this book called sex at dawn and it's by a man named Chris Ryan and I just started and uh and I've literally read through the introduction and I mean just in the first chapter I'm it just started yesterday Anna read slow and I don't wanna [ __ ] I”
    Where to get it
  46. Hamlet

    William Shakespeare · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, the host discussed a book about World War II soldiers in a 2022 episode. Theo Von recounted reading about soldiers who faced the certain reality of their mortality, using the anecdote to emphasize themes of bravery and the harsh truths faced by individuals in extreme situations.

    Discussed
    “I was reading this book about soldiers in World War II, and they were at the point where they knew they were in a situation where they were going to die. There were no ifs, ands, or buts—they knew they were gonna die.”
    Where to get it
  47. Healing Back Pain

    Dr. John E. Sarno · Discussed 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von in an episode from May 2021 featuring guest Nikki Glaser, the conversation turned toward Dr. John E. Sarno's book Healing Back Pain. Glaser discussed how the book posits back pain is caused by stress and noted that reading it helped resolve her own back pain.

    Discussed
    “You read the back pain book Sarno It's all about that like i will read it sometime but but i'm just saying i probably won't read it no you won't but let me just say it's a book that has healed so many my back pain included You read it and you learn that i don't have any back pain”
    Where to get it
  48. Hillbilly Elegy

    J D Vance · Highly recommended 1 episode

    On This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von in July 2017, Theo Von recommended J.D. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy to a young caller from Kentucky who had spoken about growing up in poverty. Von mentioned that he was reading the book at the time and praised it as an amazing read that reflected the caller's specific culture and background.

    Recommended
    “and there's a book you should read as well I'm going to recommend to you called hillbilly elegy um I'm reading it right now and it's uh it's it's amazing man it's just it's about your culture and the things that happen in your area in Kentucky”
    Where to get it
  49. Hysterical!

    Linda Mizejewski; Victoria Sturtevant; Kathleen Rowe Karlyn · Recommended 1 episode

    During an appearance on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, guest Nikki Glaser mentioned the documentary Hysterical, which explores the experiences and challenges faced by female comedians. Glaser brought up her involvement in the project while discussing the landscape of women in comedy.

    Recommended
    “because i mean there's this documentary called hysterical about female comics”
    Where to get it
  50. J. Robert Oppenheimer and the American Century

    David C. Cassidy · Discussed 1 episode

    On the January 11, 2025 episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, Joe Rogan and Theo Von discussed J. Robert Oppenheimer and the American Century by David C. Cassidy. During the conversation, Rogan and Von talked about the movie Oppenheimer and how the decision to drop the atomic bomb was made, referencing the famous boom scene from the film.

    Discussed
    “boom boom scene in the Oppenheimer when they're deciding where to do it if that's how it went down”
    Where to get it

Host picks

Guest picks

Guests who recommended books

Latest mentions

Recommended Lost in Space
“Lost in Space: 5,000 Facts for Navigating the Universe.”
Discussed Pale Blue Dot
“So in that vein there's a there's a paragraph I want to read from Carl Sean's Pale Blue Dot.”
Discussed The Seven Storey Mountain
“I discovered a book in that job called The Seven Story Mountain by a guy named Thomas Merton.”
Discussed Story of a Soul
“she wrote a little book called the story of a soul, which has been massively popular all over the world.”
Recommended Three to Get Married
“He wrote a book back in the 50s. I still recommend it to couples, engage couples called three to get married.”
Discussed The Art of Making Money
“what happened is they wrote a book about me called the art of making money. Like way back. It was like 2005. And so, and then they put me in Rolling Stone magazine, call me the best counterfeiter ever.”
Recommended The World According to Garp
“I remember Rob you know seeing guys like Robin Williams playing like GARP and like a Warlick arena guard yeah that's one of my favorite books of all time love it book amazing”
Recommended A Prayer for Owen Meany
“Dude, that's I read another I got into a couple John Irvin books. But when I read a prayer for Owen Meanie, I was like, that is the greatest book I've ever read.”
Luke Bryan #679 - Luke Bryan 2026-09-01
Discussed Awakenings
“If you’ve seen the movie 'Awakenings' with Robert De Niro, I just watched that movie a couple of months ago. Can we bring some of that up? That’s fascinating!”
Discussed How to Read the Bible
“and then we listen to guys like Eckhart Tolle and in [ __ ] holiday right Ryan holiday the the stoic books and who's the awareness guy oh I think de Melo Anthony de Mello”
Recommended Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy
“And one of the resources we use is this book called Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy. I highly recommend it to everyone who is dealing with loss and I buy it for anyone close to me that I hear has a loved one who they've lost and they've found some peace from that book.”
Guest #581 - Big Guy 2025-05-10 Listen at 40:36
Recommended Men Without Work
“If they're if they're serious about what you just framed, the book to read is called Men Without Work. It's by a guy called Nick Everest. He is a real economist and I know him.”
Mike Rowe #577 - Mike Rowe 2025-04-22
Discussed Bowling Alone
“there's a book book it's called bowling alone maybe yeah Robert putam”
Discussed Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
“like I wanted the adventures you know what I mean like I was reading everything Nancy Drew Mysteries like every like anything I could get my hands on The Hardy Boys”
Discussed Three Great Nancy Drew Mysteries
“Nancy Drew Mysteries like every like anything I could get my hands on The Hardy Boys like I'm reading that”
Discussed The Hardy Boys' Guide to Life
“like anything I could get my hands on The Hardy Boys like I'm reading that and yeah so so many different stories”
Discussed The Care and Feeding of Children
“baby cages came into Vogue after they were invented in 1922 but their Origins really began with the 1884 book The care of feeding of children um by EMT Hol”
Discussed The Better Angels of Our Nature
“that's like Stephen pinker's work if you follow his work on violence and crime people always want to think that violence and crime is more now than ever before”
Discussed J. Robert Oppenheimer and the American Century
“boom boom scene in the Oppenheimer when they're deciding where to do it if that's how it went down”
Discussed The Scarlet Letter
“Even if you call them like, 'Hey, listen to me read a little bit of this stuff that I wrote,' and you just read like the first chapter of, like, The Scarlet Letter to them. Yeah, they would love that.”

Episodes

EpisodeDateBooks
#683 - Neil deGrasse Tyson2026-09-163
#682 - Bishop Robert Barron2026-09-103
#681 - Ex-Counterfeiter Arthur Williams Jr.2026-09-081
#679 - Luke Bryan2026-09-012
#585 - Andrew Huberman2025-05-272
#581 - Big Guy2025-05-101
#577 - Mike Rowe2025-04-221
#573 - Morgan Wallen2025-04-020
#571 - Adam Devine2025-03-270
Candace Owens | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5662025-03-050
AI CEO Alexandr Wang | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5632025-02-180
Richard Reeves | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5622025-02-141
Katt Williams | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5582025-01-283
Caleb Hammer | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5562025-01-222
Joe Rogan | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5542025-01-112
Grace O'Malley | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5532025-01-071
Timothée Chalamet | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5512024-12-161
Matt McCusker | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5442024-11-121
Anger Professor Dr. Ryan Martin | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5432024-11-081
Dr. Gabor Maté | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5382024-10-151
Dr. Tara Swart | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5322024-09-191
Dermot Kennedy | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5282024-08-291
Tommy Lee | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5222024-08-062
Bassem Youssef | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #5212024-07-311
Shane Gillis | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4782024-01-172
Kat Von D | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4742023-12-121
NYC Garbage Man | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4672023-10-241
Jordan Peterson | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4602023-08-291
Mark Normand | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4542023-07-211
Adam Devine | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4512023-07-071
Duncan Trussell | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4492023-06-201
Malcolm Gladwell | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4462023-05-301
Rainn Wilson | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4422023-05-028
John Mulaney | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4402023-04-182
Man In Here | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4382023-04-051
Caleb Pressley | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4362023-03-211
HARDY | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4332023-03-071
Kyle Forgeard | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4262023-01-172
Louis C.K. | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4252023-01-112
James Blake | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4242023-01-031
Merry Lloyd Christmas | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4232022-12-201
Mike Rowe | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4162022-11-081
Scott Stapp | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4122022-10-111
Tony Hinchcliffe | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4112022-10-041
Caleb Pressley | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4102022-09-271
Rail Baby | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4092022-09-201
Nick Swardson | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4062022-08-301
Bobby Lee | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4052022-08-231
Dr. Max More | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4042022-08-161
Joe Rogan | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #4032022-08-091
Albuquerque | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3962022-06-081
Teenage Easter | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3822022-03-011
Return Vibes | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3792022-02-101
Trevor Wallace | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3762022-01-192
Blair Socci | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3752022-01-131
Robbie Williams & Mark Hayes | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3742022-01-061
Tony Hawk & Jason Ellis | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3732021-12-291
Rise Up Lights | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3652021-11-031
Swipe Society | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3632021-10-211
Shane Gillis | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3532021-08-140
Limited Alphabet | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3512021-07-280
Last Words | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3492021-07-140
Kyle Dunnigan | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3482021-07-102
Biggie Smallsberg | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3472021-06-300
Nikki Glaser | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3392021-05-123
Wolfed Out | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3372021-04-291
Khalyla | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3362021-04-230
US Border Patrol Agent Roy Villareal | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3352021-04-130
Christmas Friends | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3322021-03-300
Easter Oyster | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3292021-03-171
Dr. Jordan Peterson | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3282021-03-1110
Travis Tritt | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3272021-03-050
Kilo & Stitch | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3262021-03-020
Bryan Callen | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3252021-02-265
Cory Sandhagen | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3242021-02-260
Jim Breuer | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3202021-02-070
Jimmy John Liautaud | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3142020-12-232
Booty Hawk | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3042020-11-030
Fence Rabbits | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #3002020-10-130
When Flavor Hits | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #2912020-08-100
Andrew Santino 3 | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #2902020-08-031
Suga Sean O'Malley | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #2822020-06-162
Neal Brennan 2 | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #2792020-05-252
Up to Nothing | This Past Weekend #2742020-04-200
Searching for Abuelito | This Past Weekend #2692020-03-240
Bert Kreischer 2 | This Past Weekend #2682020-03-190
TJ MIller | This Past Weekend #2662020-03-120
Creativity Guru Dr. James Kaufman | This Past Weekend #2602020-02-070
A Plumber | This Past Weekend #2492019-12-122
Neal Brennan | This Past Weekend #2462019-11-251
H3's Ethan Klein | This Past Weekend #2442019-11-140
Jay Mohr 2 | This Past Weekend #2392019-10-231
Cleveland | This Past Weekend #2352019-10-070
Erik Griffin | This Past Weekend #2172019-07-251
Never-ending Walmart | This Past Weekend #2162019-07-220
Tom Segura | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #2132019-07-111
First Time for Everything | This Past Weekend #2052019-06-101
Chris D'Elia 2 | This Past Weekend #2042019-06-060
Comfort Cat | This Past Weekend #1962019-05-062
State Wars March Madness Pt 5 w/ Barstool's Caleb Pressley | This Past Weekend #1932019-04-250
State Wars March Madness Pt. 4 w/ Jim Gaffigan | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1912019-04-171
State Wars March Madness Pt 3 w/ Nate Bargatze | This Past Weekend #1892019-04-112
Dr. David Perlmutter | This Past Weekend #1872019-04-048
No Dirty Carrots | This Past Weekend2019-03-260
Dane Cook | This Past Weekend #1782019-02-282
Valentine's Day Special: Bobby Lee & Khalyla | This Past Weekend #1742019-02-151
Howie Mandel | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1722019-02-071
Soulpository | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1692019-01-280
Shane Mauss | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1682019-01-240
Makin' It | This Past Weekend #1672019-01-211
Jimmy Tatro | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1642019-01-100
We Need New Maps | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1632019-01-070
Don't Move to Portland | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1612018-12-310
The Man Who Overcame Tourette's: Marc Elliot | This Past Weekend2018-12-271
That Christmas Tickle | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1592018-12-240
Chris Hansen | This Past Weekend #1562018-12-131
Washington DC | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1532018-12-030
Eddie Bravo 2 | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1482018-11-151
Cinnamon Wilson | This Past Weekend #1472018-11-122
Urijah Faber | This Past Weekend #1462018-11-089
Maurice Clarett, Cory Gregory, and John Fosco | This Past Weekend #1402018-10-182
New Digs | This Past Weekend #1392018-10-150
Sebastian Maniscalco | This Past Weekend #1382018-10-111
Michael Bisping | This Past Weekend #1362018-10-041
Brendan Schaub | This Past Weekend #1342018-09-270
You're Not Alone | This Past Weekend #1332018-09-242
David So | This Past Weekend #1302018-09-130
One Degree | This Past Weekend #1232018-08-200
Honest with Myself | This Past Weekend #1192018-08-060
Huffing Cups | This Past Weekend #1172018-07-300
Bobby Lee | This Past Weekend #1162018-07-261
China in a Nutshell | This Past Weekend #1132018-07-160
Duncan Trussell | This Past Weekend #1122018-07-121
29 Year Old Virgin | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #1112018-07-091
Jordan Peterson | This Past Weekend #1102018-07-050
All Over the Place | This Past Weekend #1092018-07-021
Whitney Cummings | This Past Weekend #1082018-06-281
Dee Snider | This Past Weekend #1062018-06-211
San Fran Sleepwalkers | This Past Weekend #1012018-06-042
Sex at Dawn Author Chris Ryan | This Past Weekend #1002018-05-311
Jamie Kennedy | This Past Weekend #982018-05-242
64 Colors | This Past Weekend #972018-05-212
Eddie Bravo | This Past Weekend #942018-05-101
Think Differently | This Past Weekend #932018-05-073
Greyhound Breakdown #1 w/ Angel | This Past Weekend #912018-04-260
Never Too Late | This Past Weekend #902018-04-231
Robin Tran | This Past Weekend #892018-04-200
Tait Fletcher | This Past Weekend #862018-04-052
Easter Feaster: This Past Weekend #852018-04-020
3-26-18 Spring Romantic | This Past Weekend #832018-03-260
Daylight Savings | This Past Weekend #802018-03-120
New Studio | This Past Weekend #782018-03-050
2-19-18 War of the States | This Past Weekend #752018-02-190
1-29-18 | This Past Weekend #702018-01-290
1-15-18 | This Past Weekend #672018-01-151
1-8-18 Logan Paul. Gravy. Callers. | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #652018-01-080
12-11-17 A Partridge and the Pression | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #112017-12-110
This Past Thursday: 11-30-17 | This Past Weekend #562017-11-300
11-20-17 Dark Arts Spectacular | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #532017-11-211
Halloween, Bingewatching, Foursomes, People Eatin Snacks | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #472017-10-240
9-4-17: Labor Day, What's in the Bag, Takes Callers | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #402017-09-050
8-7-17: Snow Storms, Pop Up Shows, Takes Callers | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #362017-08-082
7-24-17: Dating, One Love, Greyhound Bus Pipes | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #342017-07-250
7-17-17: Disneyworld, Nationalism, Infidelity, & Cat recipes | This Past Weekend #332017-07-170
7-10-17: Back to Basics, Nashville, Youth Caller, Underdog Hair | This Past Weekend #322017-07-102
Pittsburgh, Americans, Takes Callers | This Past Weekend #252017-06-050
5-15-17 This Past Weekend #222017-05-150
5-8-17 | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #212017-05-090
5-01-17 | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #202017-05-021
3-13-17 | This Past Weekend #132017-03-140