New Releases

A look at the past, present, and future of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation and how we intend to fulfill our mission to help 51% of humanity flourish by 2051.

An overview of how to forge a heroically confident mind, so you can forge excellence, activate your potential, and change the world with us.

In Greatest Year Ever 101, we’ll help you activate your Heroic potential so you can fundamentally and PERMANENTLY change your life as we make this year the greatest of your life!

In Part 2 of Greatest Year Ever, Brian shows us how we can use the Heroic app to activate our Heroic Potential and make this TRULY the greatest year of our lives.

Michael Easter is a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He’s also a GREAT writer. As per the inside flap of the book: “Our world is overloaded with everything we’re built to crave. The fix for scarcity brain isn’t to blindly aim for less. It’s to understand why we crave more in the first place, shake our worst habits, and use what we already have better. Then we can experience life in a new way—a more satisfying way.”

How’s YOUR focus? If you’re like most human beings on the planet these days, my hunch is you feel like you’ve lost your ability to pay attention. This book is a sobering look at what Johann Hari believes to be the twelve causes of our inability to focus and a guide on “How to Think Deeply Again.” I highly recommend it.

Caroline is tied for first as my all-time favorite PRACTICAL Positive Psychologist. She has a gift for bringing the empirical wisdom from academia alive in the pages of her books. I’m inspired not just by the wisdom she shares in her books, but how she's committed to embodying that wisdom in her life. So I was honored when Caroline invited me to write the foreword to this book. As I said in the foreword, there are a LOT of books on goal setting out there but if you’re looking for a SCIENCE-BACKED approach to setting goals, this is the one to get.

I got this book after making a new friend (who happens to be an officer in the U.S. Navy) on our Heroic trip to Athens. As per the sub-title, this book tells “The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy.” More specifically, it tells us how we have the Athenian navy to thank for not only the birth of democracy but for the Golden Age of Athens that produced those ancient ruins of the Acropolis AND the cultural contributions in architecture, the arts AND philosophy. The book is packed with fascinating historical stories and Big Ideas.

Donald Robertson is a writer, trainer, and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist. He’s also one of the world’s leading scholars and practitioners of Stoic philosophy. He has been one of my absolute favorite writers and Stoic thinkers/practitioners since I read some of his earlier books. This book is a remarkably creative, thoughtful, and practical exploration of the life and wisdom of the founder of Western philosophy.

Attia is one of the most credible, grounded, practical, and inspiring authorities on the art and science of longevity. I got this book as part of my recent micro-sabbatical in which I unplugged for a month and enjoyed GOING DEEP reading 15+ books on a couple of subjects: Peak Performance and Energy. This book is FANTASTIC. It’s been life changing for me. I’m recommending it to all my friends.

Owen Eastwood is one of the world’s top performance coaches. He’s worked with some of the most elite teams and groups in the world, including the British Olympic team, the Command Group of NATO and the Royal Ballet School. He’s also one of the world’s leading experts onthe power of, as per the sub-title of the book, how to “Unlock Your Potential with the Ancient Code of Togetherness.”

Max Fisher is a former international reporter for the New York Times, where he contributed to a series about social media that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2019. I got this book after Yuval Noah Harari referenced it in his latest book, Nexus. It’s hard to put into words just how powerful the book is. I don’t think I’ve EVER read a book that made me more nervous about the future of our society than this one. If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by a sense of moral outrage after spending time on social media platforms, I think you will find this book as powerful as I did.

Yuval Noah Harari is one of my all-time favorite thinkers. We have featured each of his previous three great books: Sapiens, Homo Deus, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. As per the sub-title, this book is “A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI.” It’s a compelling, sobering look at the challenges we face as AI becomes more and more integrated into our lives. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Jonathan Haidt is one of the world’s leading scholars on the psychology of morality and politics. He’s also one of my favorite thinkers on the planet. His blend of practical, scientifically-grounded wisdom combined with his intellectual rigor (and intellectual humility) is deeply inspiring. This book explores the question of “How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.”

Jonathan Haidt is one of the world’s leading researchers/thinkers on the science of moral and political psychology. Greg Lukianoff is the president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and one of the country’s most passionate defenders of free expression. One of the things I most appreciated about the book was the way in which Jonathan and Greg embodied the virtue of “intellectual humility.” They are incredibly rigorous in both the precision of their thinking and the respectful, humble tone with which they communicate their views. Reading this book was an education in not just the *theory* of how to engage in thoughtful discussions about challenging subjects, but a wonderful demonstration of that theory in practice.

I’m a big fan of Jonathan Haidt. He’s one of the world’s leading researchers/thinkers on the science of moral and political psychology. I read his first book The Happiness Hypothesis over a decade ago. At this point, I’ve created over 700 Philosopher’s Notes, and... I’m pretty sure this is at least tied for first as THE most difficult book to distill into a six-page Note as the themes Jonathan explores are too nuanced to neatly pack into a quick Note. I hope to inspire you to explore these ideas further by getting the book and striving to help create more civility in our discussions about politics and religion. Let’s get to work!

This is a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone striving to raise the next generation of heroes. David Yeager, PhD, is one of the most respected developmental and social psychologists in the world, and his research has revolutionized how we understand and support young people. Carol Dweck herself praises it, saying, “This book will change millions of lives.” Yeager’s science-backed insights, validated by both research and real-world applications, provide invaluable guidance for anyone who works with or raises children. This book is PACKED with Big Ideas on what young people need to flourish, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites. Let’s jump straight in!

Tanitoluwa Adewumi, known as Tani, is one of the greatest young chess players in the country, and his story is nothing short of miraculous. Born in Nigeria, Tani and his family fled religious persecution, arriving in the U.S. as refugees. While living in a homeless shelter, Tani defied all odds to win the New York State K-3 Chess Championship. This book, written by Tani and his parents, captures the family’s journey of resilience, hope, and faith. From finding shelter in America to winning his first chess trophy, Tani’s story is one of Heroic determination and belief in miracles. I couldn’t put the book down, and it’s packed with Big Ideas about overcoming adversity, staying committed to your dreams, and how the impossible can become reality with the right mindset. I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas from the book—let’s jump straight in!

Casey Means, MD, is the co-founder of Levels, a health technology company dedicated to reversing the world’s metabolic health crisis. She has served on the faculty at Stanford University, where she lectured on metabolic health and health technology. Dr. Means received her undergraduate degree with honors from Stanford, where she was president of her class, before graduating from Stanford Medical School. She later left traditional medicine to focus on tackling the root causes of why Americans are so sick. I’m not sure how I found this book, but when I saw the testimonial by Admiral Michael Mullen, retired 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I knew I had to get it. As you’d expect, it’s packed with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!

Dr. Georgia Ede is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in the fascinating intersection of nutrition science, brain metabolism, and mental health. With over two decades of clinical experience, including groundbreaking work at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, she was the first to offer nutrition-based therapies as an alternative to psychiatric medications. I came across this incredible book after Alexandra interviewed Dr. Ede for one of her Luminary Sessions with Heroic Coaches. This book is PACKED with Big Ideas to help you and your family conquer mental health challenges. I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!

Admiral Bob Harward is a retired three-star Admiral and US Navy SEAL. The wisdom he shares in this book is based on his 40 years of highly decorated military service, followed by another decade as a top executive in the global defense industry. After leading the invasions of Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March 2003, Harward served on the National Security Council under President George W. Bush and helped commission the National Counterterrorism Center. Before retiring from the military in 2013, he served as Deputy Commander of US Central Command under General James Mattis. This book is PACKED with Big Ideas. I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!

Want to be “Forever Strong”? Then this is the book for you. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified family physician with a fellowship in geriatrics and nutritional sciences, brings two decades of expertise to the table. Through her collaboration with mentor Dr. Donald Layman, she has transformed the field of protein metabolism and nutrition. With a focus on gaining muscle rather than just losing fat, Gabrielle offers a fresh perspective on building lasting strength and vitality. She’s also part of the Heroic family, having served the special forces community alongside her Navy SEAL husband. This book is your how-to manual on optimizing muscle growth and overall health. I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas so let’s jump straight in!

Steven Hayes is the creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an approach focused on accepting the present while committing to positive change. After exploring Marsha Linehan’s work on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I noticed strong similarities between ACT and DBT, both balancing acceptance with action. These approaches are part of the "third wave" in cognitive behavioral therapy, alongside Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. This workbook offers both theory and practical exercises to apply ACT principles in real life. I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas, so let’s jump straight in!

John Maxwell is a renowned leadership expert, author, and speaker who has written over 100 books on leadership, personal development, and growth. His work, including the famous The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, has influenced millions, making complex leadership concepts accessible and actionable. Maxwell is also the founder of the John Maxwell Company, which provides leadership training worldwide. This is our fifth Note on one of Maxwell’s books, following How Successful People Think, Leadershift, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, and his classic, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. I read this one during my recent deep dive into peak performance and mental toughness for our work with Heroic athletes, teams, and coaches. As Maxwell says, if we want to forge excellence and activate our Heroic potential, we MUST get really good at using failure as fuel for growth. The book is packed with Big Ideas on how to do just that, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites. So, let’s jump straight in!

Marsha Linehan is the creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a pioneering approach originally designed to help those with suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors, now widely used for various psychological challenges. Marsha’s story is nothing short of Heroic. After spending over two years in a mental health institution, she made a vow to help others escape their personal hells, leading to the creation of DBT. Today, she has trained over 10,000 therapists worldwide, and Time magazine named DBT one of the 100 most important new science ideas of our time. This book is packed with Big Ideas, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!

Dr. Dave Alred MBE is an elite performance coach who works with top sports stars and teams, helping them deliver when the stakes are highest. Holding a PhD in Performing Under Pressure, he specializes in assisting athletes to excel in intense moments across sports like golf, rugby, and soccer. His book, recommended by one of the world's most elite athletes, is packed with Big Ideas for mastering mental toughness. This book is for anyone who wants to improve their performance under pressure. I'm excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas, so let’s jump straight in!

Sam Walker is the founding editor of the Wall Street Journal’s daily sports coverage and has worked with elite sports teams, companies, and military units to help them cultivate leadership. In The Captain Class, he presents a “New Theory of Leadership” based on his study of over 1,000 teams, ultimately identifying 17 of the greatest sports dynasties of all time. The common thread? An uncommon captain. Walker’s research reveals that the most critical ingredient in a team that achieves and sustains historic greatness is the character of its leader. This book is packed with inspiring stories and Big Ideas about what makes these captains and their teams extraordinary. I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!

Pressure. Every one of us feels it, but imagine the intense drama of a World Cup penalty kick—this is the heart of Geir Jordet's Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout. Jordet, a Professor in Psychology and Football at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, explains what happens in the high-pressure moments on the football field. With a special focus on those nerve-wracking penalty shootouts, he examines the psychological and physiological changes that players undergo. From his extensive experience advising over 130 professional players across major European leagues, Jordet reveals why some players thrive and others falter when everything is on the line. I read this book in one sitting—it's packed with Big Ideas on handling pressure not just in sports but in every walk of life. I’m excited to share some of my favorites so let’s jump straight in!

Bill Beswick is an applied performance psychologist who specializes in working with elite teams. As a gold-medal winner coaching the England basketball team in the Commonwealth Championships, Bill became the first performance psychologist operating fully in professional football, where he has worked with eight Premier and English Championship League teams, including Manchester United. This book is all about “changing your story” so you can “take control of your life, create change and achieve your goals.” It features 20 chapters featuring 20 life lessons drawn from elite sport we can apply to our lives. It’s packed with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!

This is our fourth Note on one of Mark Divine’s books. Mark is a retired Navy SEAL Commander. He also has twenty-five years of experience as an entrepreneur. In this book, he teaches us how to be Uncommon. Over the last decade, Mark has become a dear friend, soul brother, and big investor in and supporter of Heroic. So... When he told me he had this book coming out, I was fired up to receive an advance copy. I read it in basically a single sitting. It’s fantastic. It’s packed with Big Ideas. I’m fired up to share some of my favorites so let’s jump straight in!

Areté. It’s the one-word answer the Stoics would give you if you asked them how to live a good life, the one-word summation of our philosophy at Heroic, and the title of Brian Johnson’s book featuring 451 ideas/chapters to help us activate our Heroic Potential. As you know if you’re familiar with Brian and his iconoclastic style, the book is a quick-reading, conversational, knock-your-socks-off-with-practical-wisdom masterpiece.

Caroline Adams Miller is one of my favorite human beings on the planet. And... This book is one of my ALL-TIME favorite books. In fact, it’s at least tied for first as my all-time favorite positive psychology book. Caroline has a remarkable ability to make the basic science of well-being SUPER PRACTICAL and the density of TRULY PRACTICAL, SCIENTIFICALLY GROUNDED wisdom in this book is astonishing. Gary Latham wrote the foreword. As you may know, Dr. Latham (and his colleague Dr. Edwin Locke) are THE WORLD’s preeminent authorities on the science of goal setting. His two-page foreword in and of itself is amazing. He tells us: “This book is a ‘must read’ because it brings science to life—your life.” I agree. I highly recommend you check it out. As you can imagine, the book is PACKED with Big Ideas. It’s going to be tough to focus on just a handful of my favorite Big Ideas, so let’s get straight to work!

I’m not sure exactly where I saw this book referenced. But, when I saw the title I figured it would be a good addition to our ever-growing collection of Notes on mental toughness books so I got it and here we are. Steve Siebold founded Mental Toughness University in 1986. He’s the author of a number of books and has worked with elite performers around the world for decades. As per the title, this book is PACKED with “177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class”/ “The Thought Processes, Habits, and Philosophies of the Great Ones.” I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas so let’s jump straight in!

Tim Kennedy is a FASCINATING, inspiring human being. Imagine blending David Goggins and Jocko Willink and Nims Purja together then throwing them into a UFC ring and reading about their lives with a BRUTALLY honest magnifying glass on ALL the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s hard to put into words how compelling the book is but it’s REALLY good. Laugh-out-loud funny. Humbling. Inspiring. If you (or a loved one) enjoy great military and/or sports biographies, I think you’ll love it as much as I did. Although it’s a memoir, not a self-development book, it’s packed with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share some of my favorites so let’s jump straight in.

Today’s book: The Road to Character by David Brooks—a powerful exploration of how deep moral character, not external achievement, leads to a meaningful life.

Today’s book: The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane—debunking the idea that charisma is something you’re born with and showing how anyone can develop it through specific behaviors.

Today’s book: The Bhagavad Gita (Eknath Easwaran translation)—a timeless spiritual guide on duty, self-mastery, and the path to enlightenment.

Here’s your 1-minute summary:

Today’s book: How Champions Think by Dr. Bob Rotella—a deep dive into the mindset that separates the best from the rest.

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Today’s book: Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin—analyzing the leadership qualities of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, and LBJ to uncover what makes a truly great leader.

Here’s your 1-minute summary:

Today’s book: The Healthy Deviant by Pilar Gerasimo—a bold guide to reclaiming your health, energy, and well-being in a world that makes it hard to stay truly healthy.

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Today’s book: The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker—a timeless guide to becoming a high-impact leader by focusing on what truly moves the needle.

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Today’s book: The Power of Ideals by William Damon and Anne Colby—a compelling exploration of how core virtues shape moral choices and lead to a meaningful life.

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Today’s book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie—one of the most enduring guides to communication, influence, and building great relationships.

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Today’s book: The Inner Citadel by Pierre Hadot—an in-depth exploration of Stoic philosophy, focusing on Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and the art of inner resilience.

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Today’s book: The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser—a science-backed guide to building bulletproof confidence and performing at your best under pressure.

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Today’s book: Leadershift by John C. Maxwell—how the best leaders stay adaptable, embrace change, and keep growing.

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Today’s book: The Circadian Code by Dr. Satchin Panda—how to align your daily rhythms with your body’s natural clock for better sleep, energy, and performance.

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Today’s book: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson—a simple but powerful philosophy: small daily actions, compounded over time, create massive success.

Today’s book: The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman—a powerful strategy for unlocking your best self by stepping into a new identity.

Here’s your 1-minute summary:

Today’s book: 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson—a guide to taking responsibility, finding meaning, and living with integrity.

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Today’s book: Awareness by Anthony De Mello—a wake-up call to see life clearly, free yourself from illusions, and find true happiness.

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Today’s book: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins—an intense guide to pushing past pain, crushing self-doubt, and unlocking your full potential.

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Today’s book: Wooden by John Wooden—legendary wisdom from one of the greatest coaches of all time on leadership, discipline, and success.

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Today’s wisdom is from Forever Strong by Gabrielle Lyon.

Gabrielle teaches us: “Muscle is the organ of longevity. Strength isn’t just about fitness—it’s about thriving at every stage of life.”

Building and maintaining muscle supports your metabolism, enhances mobility, and protects your long-term health.

Today’s wisdom is from The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande. (Great book! I have a slide in all my Keynotes where I talk about this wisdom. Check out the notes for more.)

For now, know this…

Atul Gawande reminds us: “Checklists are a simple tool that prevent failure and ensure success.”

Today’s wisdom is from Mastery by George Leonard. (One of my all-time favorite books.)

George Leonard reminds us: “Mastery isn’t about quick wins—it’s about showing up for the process.”

The path to mastery requires patience, discipline, and a love for the journey itself. Check out the notes for more.

Today’s wisdom is from Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman. (The founder of all things Positive Psychology.)

Dr. Seligman teaches us: “Happiness isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s about finding meaning and living authentically.”

Today’s wisdom is from Motivation and Personality by Abraham Maslow. (I’ve got him up on my wall, one of my all-time favorite teachers. This book is phenomenal!)

Abraham Maslow teaches us: “What a person can be, they must be.”

Self-actualization (which is a phrase he invented)—realizing your full potential—isn’t just for a select few. It’s a journey we all can take by meeting our basic needs and striving for growth.

Today’s wisdom is from Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo.

Marie Forleo reminds us: “Everything is figureoutable.”

When you believe a solution exists, you activate your creativity, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.

Today’s wisdom is from The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch.

He teaches us: “The 80/20 principle tells us that 80% of results come from just 20% of actions.”

Instead of spreading your energy thin, focus on the small actions that create the biggest impact.

Today’s wisdom is from Gratitude Works! by Robert Emmons, the world’s leading expert on the science of gratitude. (Check out our notes on his great books!)

Robert reminds us: “Gratitude is the simplest, most powerful way to transform your life.”

Today’s wisdom is from The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal. (I love her and her work.)

Kelly McGonigal teaches us: “Willpower is not a virtue; it’s a biological function that can be strengthened.”

Today’s wisdom is from The Procrastination Equation by Piers Steel. (Really powerful book--check out the Notes and check out Conquering Procrastination 101 as well.)

Professor Steel reminds us: “Procrastination isn’t about laziness—it’s about mismanaged motivation.”

Today’s wisdom is from The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown. (I love Patrick and his wisdom--check out the Notes and Breathing 101 for more.)

Patrick teaches us: “The way you breathe impacts every system in your body.”

Optimal breathing can improve your health, performance, and focus.