Skip to content
Back to The Joe Rogan Experience
The Joe Rogan Experience artwork
Indexed 17 source moments

#2058 - Elliott West

Elliott West joins Joe Rogan Experience to unpack American West history, expansion, Continental Reckoning, and the shifting balance of power on the frontier.

Listen
Loading the embedded player…
Context before you listen

#2058 - Elliott West includes mentions of Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion by Elliot West, Dunbar's number by Dr. Robin Dunbar, Empire of the Summer Moon, and A Land So Strange by Andres Resendiz, with indexed source context and timestamps where available.

3 books from this episode

Indexed context: The host emphasizes the significance of Elliot West's book in understanding the transformation of ranching and corporate America in the West. This bo…

Dunbar's number
Dr. Robin Dunbar

Indexed context: The host mentions 'Dunbar's number' to illustrate the limitations of hunter-gatherer societies in terms of population size and social relationships.…

Indexed context: The host mentions 'Empire of the Summer Moon' to highlight the historical context of the Comanche's impact on colonization efforts in Texas and New M…

Episode summary
Elliott West is a historian, author, and professor specializing in the history of the American West. Look for his book "Continental Reckoning: The American West in the Age of Expansion" available now.https://history.uark.edu/directory/faculty.php?uid=ewest
Mention timeline

Jump between the book moments.

View every mention
Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion
Elliot West

The host emphasizes the significance of Elliot West's book in understanding the transformation of ranching and corpor…

Card
Dunbar's number
Dr. Robin Dunbar

The host mentions 'Dunbar's number' to illustrate the limitations of hunter-gatherer societies in terms of population…

Card
Empire of the Summer Moon

The host mentions 'Empire of the Summer Moon' to highlight the historical context of the Comanche's impact on coloniz…

Card
A Land So Strange
Andres Resendiz

The host mentions 'A Land So Strange' to highlight the historical significance of Cabeza de Vaca's journey and its im…

Card
Continental Reckoning

The host mentions 'Continental Reckoning' to highlight the extensive research and depth of history covered in the boo…

Card
The Killing Machine
Ben Madley

The host discusses the impact of the California Gold Rush on indigenous populations, highlighting the genocidal actio…

Card
A Land So Strange
Andres Resendiz

The host mentions 'A Land So Strange' to highlight the historical context of European exploration and its impact on N…

Transcript mentionCard
Ghosts of Extinction

The host mentions 'Ghosts of Extinction' to highlight the fascinating evolutionary history of animals like the prongh…

Card
Book mentions17
Media mentions1
Quick answers

Quick FAQ

Answers to common summary, books, and takeaway questions for this episode.

What is #2058 - Elliott West about?

Elliott West joins Joe Rogan Experience to unpack American West history, expansion, Continental Reckoning, and the shifting balance of power on the frontier.

What are the main takeaways from #2058 - Elliott West?

These themes are drawn from the indexed episode description and linked mentions for #2058 - Elliott West.

  • The conversation centers on American West history.
  • A second recurring theme is mass extinction theories.
  • Referenced books include Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion by Elliot West and Dunbar's number by Dr. Robin Dunbar.
  • Related interests include Anyone interested in American history and economic development and Anyone interested in anthropology and social dynamics.

Which books are mentioned in #2058 - Elliott West?

Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion by Elliot West, Dunbar's number by Dr. Robin Dunbar, and Empire of the Summer Moon are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to source cards and timestamps where available.

How can I check the source context for #2058 - Elliott West?

This page brings together episode context, book references, and links back to the source audio. Indexed descriptions help locate a passage; listening to the episode provides its original wording and context.

Topics in this conversation

Explore the subjects connected to the book mentions below.

Mention types
Highly Recommended(9)Deep Dive(7)Passing Reference(1)
Related interests
Anyone interested in American history and economic developmentAnyone interested in anthropology and social dynamicsHistory enthusiasts and those interested in Native American history.History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American studiesHistory enthusiasts and those interested in Native American historyHistorians and those interested in American history

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer source context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion cover
Best for Anyone interested in American history and economic developmentOften cited around American West expansion

Indexed context

The book is discussed in the context of its availability and the importance of reading it, as well as its relation to the national story of the West.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Anyone interested in American history and economic development
Indexed context: You got to read, folks. Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion, Elliot West.
The host emphasizes the significance of Elliot West's book in understanding the transformation of ranching and corporate America in the West. This book provides critical insights into the national story of the American West and its economic evolution.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Dunbar's number cover
Dunbar's number
Dr. Robin Dunbar
Best for Anyone interested in anthropology and social dynamicsOften cited around hunter-gatherer societies

Indexed context

I'm sure you remember this from his book, when you get down below 125, smaller groups, there's also groups in which there's a certain intimacy where you can absolutely trust these people.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Anyone interested in anthropology and social dynamics
Indexed context: It's also so interesting that that number of 125 people aligns with what we know as Dunbar's number.
The host mentions 'Dunbar's number' to illustrate the limitations of hunter-gatherer societies in terms of population size and social relationships. The book provides insights into how humans can maintain intimate relationships within a certain group size, which aligns with the historical context of Native American tribes.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Empire of the Summer Moon cover
Best for History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American history.Often cited around California Native Population Decline

Indexed context

A fantastic book about Texas and about the Comanches called Empire of the Summer Moon. It details the difficulty that they had in trying to establish colonies, both in New Mexico and in Texas, because of the Comanche.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American history.
Indexed context: a fantastic book about Texas and about the Comanches called Empire of the Summer Moon.
The host mentions 'Empire of the Summer Moon' to highlight the historical context of the Comanche's impact on colonization efforts in Texas and New Mexico. This book serves as a crucial documentation of the struggles faced during this period, particularly regarding the native population's decline in California due to external pressures.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
A Land So Strange cover
A Land So Strange
Andres Resendiz
Best for History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American studiesOften cited around European expansion in America

Indexed context

The book documents the spread of disease and the experiences of Cabeza de Baca, who was one of the first Europeans to encounter what is now the Southwest.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American studies
Indexed context: It's a wonderful book, yeah.
The host mentions 'A Land So Strange' to highlight the historical significance of Cabeza de Vaca's journey and its impact on the understanding of disease spread among Native Americans. This book provides a fascinating account of early European encounters and the cultural complexities involved.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Continental Reckoning cover
Best for History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American historyOften cited around American West history

Indexed context

Continental Reckoning, the American West in the Age of Expansion, one of the most fascinating subjects, I think, in the history of the human race.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American history
Indexed context: Continental Reckoning, the American West in the Age of Expansion, one of the most fascinating subjects, I think, in the history of the human race.
The host mentions 'Continental Reckoning' to highlight the extensive research and depth of history covered in the book. He emphasizes the fascinating yet tragic narrative of the American West during a transformative period, which many people are unaware of.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
The Killing Machine cover
Best for Historians and those interested in American historyOften cited around California Gold Rush

Indexed context

It was called The Killing Machine. One of the few times in American history when we could say absolutely yes, this was attempted – this was attempted genocide.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and those interested in American history
Indexed context: It was what – Ben Madley who wrote the book on this. It was called The Killing Machine.
The host discusses the impact of the California Gold Rush on indigenous populations, highlighting the genocidal actions taken against them. They reference Ben Madley's book 'The Killing Machine' to underscore the historical significance of these events.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
A Land So Strange cover
A Land So Strange
Andres Resendiz
Transcript mention
Best for History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American studies.Often cited around European expansion history

Indexed context

A Land So Strange. A Land So Strange. Andres Resendiz. Which is a fascinating book because they essentially documented the spread of disease without meaning to do it.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American studies.
Indexed context: It's a wonderful book, yeah.
The host mentions 'A Land So Strange' to highlight the historical context of European exploration and its impact on Native American populations. The book provides a fascinating account of Cabeza de Vaca's journey and the spread of disease that accompanied European contact.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Ghosts of Extinction cover
Best for Readers interested in evolutionary biology and extinction eventsOften cited around mass extinction theories

Indexed context

There's a wonderful book called Ghosts of Extinction, and that's exactly, exactly along those lines.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Readers interested in evolutionary biology and extinction events
Indexed context: Yeah, there's a wonderful book called Ghosts of Extinction, and that's exactly, exactly along those lines.
The host mentions 'Ghosts of Extinction' to highlight the fascinating evolutionary history of animals like the pronghorn antelope and their adaptations. This book provides insights into how past extinctions have shaped current wildlife and ecosystems.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Comanche Empire cover
Comanche Empire
Hekka Homolianen
Best for Historians and readers interested in Native American historyOften cited around Comanche power and empire

Indexed context

The best, in my opinion, is by...it's called the Comanche Empire, that follows a story, you know, of the rise of Comanche power.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and readers interested in Native American history
Indexed context: The best, in my opinion, is by...it's called the Comanche Empire, that follows a story, you know, of the rise of Comanche power.
The host discusses the rise of the Comanche as a powerful empire and how their unique position allowed them to excel in horse culture. They mention 'Comanche Empire' as a significant book that details this intricate history and the sophisticated systems the Comanche developed.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
A Wild New World cover
Transcript mention
Best for Readers interested in American history and ecologyOften cited around American expansion impact

Indexed context

Dan has this marvelous new book, A Wild New World, that goes into that in some detail and describes it. And as I remember from the book, Dan says that at no point in modern history have so many different species been eradicated so quickly.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in American history and ecology
Indexed context: Dan has this marvelous new book, A Wild New World, that goes into that in some detail and describes it.
The host mentions 'A Wild New World' by Dan Flores to highlight the rapid ecological and cultural transformation that occurred in North America due to American expansion. The book details the devastating effects on both native wildlife and Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the unprecedented rate of species eradication during this period.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Horizontal Yellow cover
Best for Historians and readers interested in Native American historyOften cited around Comanche horse culture

Indexed context

Dan has a book called Horizontal Yellow, which is the Comanche word for this area. This is where horses evolved.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and readers interested in Native American history
Indexed context: Dan has a book called Horizontal Yellow, which is the Comanche word for this area.
The host mentions 'Horizontal Yellow' to highlight the significance of the Comanche's geographical advantage in horse culture. This book provides insight into how the Comanche developed a sophisticated empire centered around horse breeding and trade.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
A Wild New World cover
Best for Readers interested in ecological history and Native American studiesOften cited around impact of American expansion

Indexed context

Dan has this marvelous new book, A Wild New World, that goes into that in some detail and describes it.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in ecological history and Native American studies
Indexed context: Dan has this marvelous new book, A Wild New World, that goes into that in some detail and describes it.
The host mentions 'A Wild New World' by Dan Flores to highlight the rapid ecological and cultural transformation that occurred in North America due to American expansion. The book provides a detailed account of how this transformation led to the eradication of numerous species and significantly impacted Native American populations.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Continental Reckoning cover
Transcript mention
Best for History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American cultureOften cited around American West history

Indexed context

Continental Reckoning, the American West in the Age of Expansion, one of the most fascinating subjects, I think, in the history of the human race.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: History enthusiasts and those interested in Native American culture
Indexed context: Continental Reckoning, the American West in the Age of Expansion, one of the most fascinating subjects, I think, in the history of the human race.
The host mentions 'Continental Reckoning' to highlight the extensive research and depth of history covered in the book. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of Native American history during the age of expansion.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Dan Flores' work cover
Best for Those interested in ecological history and Native American studies.Often cited around bison population decline

Indexed context

The mention refers to Dan Flores' work regarding the immense buffalo herds and their historical context.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Those interested in ecological history and Native American studies.
Indexed context: But he says that he believes that this insane number of bison that people at first witnessed, that this was because the Native Americans had declined so much there was no pressure on them.
The host discusses the historical factors contributing to the decline of the bison population, referencing Dan Flores' work to explain the ecological dynamics at play. Flores' insights suggest that the decline of Native American populations led to an unprecedented rise in buffalo numbers, which is a complex relationship worth exploring.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
The Last Indian War cover
Best for Historians and those interested in Native American historyOften cited around The Nez Perce War

Indexed context

The book is mentioned as being available and is currently being listened to by the speaker.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and those interested in Native American history
Indexed context: As I researched that book, the question that kept coming back to me was, why?
The host discusses the complexities and rapid changes surrounding the Nez Perce War, referencing 'The Last Indian War' to highlight the historical context and the tragic fate of the Nez Perce people. This book serves as a critical examination of the events leading up to the war and the consequences faced by the Native Americans involved.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Ghosts of Extinction cover
Transcript mention
Best for Individuals interested in ecology and evolutionary biologyOften cited around mass extinction theories

Indexed context

There's a wonderful book called Ghosts of Extinction, and that's exactly, exactly along those lines.

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals interested in ecology and evolutionary biology
Indexed context: Yeah, there's a wonderful book called Ghosts of Extinction, and that's exactly, exactly along those lines.
The host mentions 'Ghosts of Extinction' to highlight the fascinating evolutionary history of animals like the pronghorn antelope and their adaptations. This book provides insights into how past extinctions have shaped current wildlife and ecosystems.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
the Nez Perce cover
Best for Listeners interested in Native American history and cultureOften cited around Native American history

Indexed context

And you talk about what happened after that in your other book on the Nez Perce.

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Listeners interested in Native American history and culture
Indexed context: I started reading the book on the Nez Perce, and then I picked this up as well, Continental Reckoning.
The host mentioned the book 'the Nez Perce' while discussing the broader context of Native American history. This reference highlights the complexity and richness of the narratives surrounding Native American experiences.
Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Check price
Book picks by email

Get more book picks with podcast context.

Sign up for book picks with source context and links to the original conversations.

Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion
The Joe Rogan Experience · 2:00:50
Indexed context: The host emphasizes the significance of Elliot West's book in understanding the transformation of ranching and corporate America in the West. This bo…
Dunbar's number
The Joe Rogan Experience · 49:37
Indexed context: The host mentions 'Dunbar's number' to illustrate the limitations of hunter-gatherer societies in terms of population size and social relationships.…
Empire of the Summer Moon
The Joe Rogan Experience · 1:17:22
Indexed context: The host mentions 'Empire of the Summer Moon' to highlight the historical context of the Comanche's impact on colonization efforts in Texas and New M…
Register your interest in podcast book picks.
Shop This Episode

Pick up the books after you hear them in context.

Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion cover
Mentioned at 2:00:50
Continental Reckoning, The American West and the Age of Expansion
Elliot West

The host emphasizes the significance of Elliot West's book in understanding the transformation of ranching and corporate America in the West. This…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Dunbar's number cover
Mentioned at 49:37
Dunbar's number
Dr. Robin Dunbar

The host mentions 'Dunbar's number' to illustrate the limitations of hunter-gatherer societies in terms of population size and social relationships…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Empire of the Summer Moon cover
Mentioned at 1:17:22
Empire of the Summer Moon

The host mentions 'Empire of the Summer Moon' to highlight the historical context of the Comanche's impact on colonization efforts in Texas and New…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Movies & Documentaries Mentioned

Documentary

the American buffalo

Indexed context

I watched the Ken Burns documentary on the American buffalo.