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Cancel Me If You Can
In his unfiltered style, Dave Portnoy details the journey of how he built his polarizing media empire, Barstool Sports, while refusing to bend the knee to those who tried to tear him down, staying true to himself and blocking out the haters.
Dave Portnoy is a gambler. From his days playing Little League baseball, he has always bet on himself and his future, which is exactly how he built his digital media empire, Barstool Sports. It all started in 2004, when Dave wrote what he knew and passed out a four-page broadsheet newspaper all over Boston. The idea was simple but not everyone wanted their sports takes from SportsCenter anchors in suits. Fans wanted something local, raw, and unapologetic—written in the same language and tone you might hear at your local sports bar. So, Dave gave it to them.
More than twenty years later, Barstool has grown into a nine-figure company with over 300 employees and 150 active brands. But the story doesn’t end there. Dave continues to expand Barstool and his personal brand, launching into the world of sports betting, giving honest pizza reviews, building generational media stars, and giving back to dog shelters and small businesses with the help of his own famous rescue dog, Miss Peaches.
Though he didn’t set out to be a political lightning rod, it happened—and he’s fully aware that half the internet hates him while the other half loves him. The truth? He doesn’t care, as long as people take interest. He’s always been brutally honest, and he always will be. Dave’s journey hasn’t been perfect. He’s failed—publicly and personally—and he’s constantly willing to risk it all. Why? Because he already knows what it’s like to lose everything and start over, time and time again. So why not?
In Cancel Me If You Can, Dave lays it all the hard work, the timing, the luck, the poisonous relationships behind the curtain, and the balls it took to get to where he is today. This isn’t a memoir or a business book—it’s another bet on himself. But honestly, would you really want to bet against him? The odds are against it.
Dave Portnoy is a gambler. From his days playing Little League baseball, he has always bet on himself and his future, which is exactly how he built his digital media empire, Barstool Sports. It all started in 2004, when Dave wrote what he knew and passed out a four-page broadsheet newspaper all over Boston. The idea was simple but not everyone wanted their sports takes from SportsCenter anchors in suits. Fans wanted something local, raw, and unapologetic—written in the same language and tone you might hear at your local sports bar. So, Dave gave it to them.
More than twenty years later, Barstool has grown into a nine-figure company with over 300 employees and 150 active brands. But the story doesn’t end there. Dave continues to expand Barstool and his personal brand, launching into the world of sports betting, giving honest pizza reviews, building generational media stars, and giving back to dog shelters and small businesses with the help of his own famous rescue dog, Miss Peaches.
Though he didn’t set out to be a political lightning rod, it happened—and he’s fully aware that half the internet hates him while the other half loves him. The truth? He doesn’t care, as long as people take interest. He’s always been brutally honest, and he always will be. Dave’s journey hasn’t been perfect. He’s failed—publicly and personally—and he’s constantly willing to risk it all. Why? Because he already knows what it’s like to lose everything and start over, time and time again. So why not?
In Cancel Me If You Can, Dave lays it all the hard work, the timing, the luck, the poisonous relationships behind the curtain, and the balls it took to get to where he is today. This isn’t a memoir or a business book—it’s another bet on himself. But honestly, would you really want to bet against him? The odds are against it.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
July 2, 2026
Honestly I could just listen to Dave Portnoy talk all day long so the audiobook was perfect 😂
But really, if you are looking for a crass, honest and wild come up story this is it. Dave’s story will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to know more. A one of a kind underdog story.
But really, if you are looking for a crass, honest and wild come up story this is it. Dave’s story will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to know more. A one of a kind underdog story.
June 30, 2026
Read it in one sitting. It is definitely Dave Portnoy in writing. Appreciated his honesty which is his brand.
July 6, 2026
I’ll round down to 4.5 ⭐️ for the terrible title and cover art. Otherwise, a compelling read, and even if you hate Portnoy and/or Barstool and the Barstool culture, you gotta admire a guy who sticks to his guns and never wavers, even in the face of cancellation and instant ruin. He’s funny and brutally honest; both come through in the book.
He started the Barstool Fund (to save small businesses) during Covid, and bought his company back for $1 - largely to protect his employees - when he could’ve ridden off into the sunset, a $100+ million man. There’s a lot to respect there, even if he sometimes is a mean, arrogant, petty and insufferable jackass. He talks at some length about his relationship w his erstwhile wife, Renee, which was of interest to me.
A lot of compelling chapters, detailing a lot of things I didnt know about.. The Chernin Group purchase, the Penn purchase, the Call Her Daddy drama, the Business Insider chronicles, Barstool Van Talk and Sam Ponder, his relationship w Big Cat and PFT.. I finished it quickly.
Oh, and he pillories Nate. Fuck Nate.
He started the Barstool Fund (to save small businesses) during Covid, and bought his company back for $1 - largely to protect his employees - when he could’ve ridden off into the sunset, a $100+ million man. There’s a lot to respect there, even if he sometimes is a mean, arrogant, petty and insufferable jackass. He talks at some length about his relationship w his erstwhile wife, Renee, which was of interest to me.
A lot of compelling chapters, detailing a lot of things I didnt know about.. The Chernin Group purchase, the Penn purchase, the Call Her Daddy drama, the Business Insider chronicles, Barstool Van Talk and Sam Ponder, his relationship w Big Cat and PFT.. I finished it quickly.
Oh, and he pillories Nate. Fuck Nate.
July 3, 2026
Long-time stoolie (slightly cringe to use that term), so this is a bit of a surreal experience to re-read things I experienced in real time. I didn’t realize how many seminal entertainment-related memories in my life involved el pres and barstool, but each section was a nice time capsule into a previous world, for humanity and for myself.
Good behind the scenes stories about the inner-workings of barstool, particularly the relationship with Big Cat and PFT. Pretty astonishing in hindsight that it was all kept relatively hidden.
I feel as I imagine many do, these days - we gravitated toward an initial iteration of Dave. He was an underdog, so it was fun to watch him fight back, if sometimes repetitive. Now, as the clear superior in the power imbalance, it feels petty and unnecessary. Dave obviously doesn’t care, but at nearly 50, its time to grow up
Good behind the scenes stories about the inner-workings of barstool, particularly the relationship with Big Cat and PFT. Pretty astonishing in hindsight that it was all kept relatively hidden.
I feel as I imagine many do, these days - we gravitated toward an initial iteration of Dave. He was an underdog, so it was fun to watch him fight back, if sometimes repetitive. Now, as the clear superior in the power imbalance, it feels petty and unnecessary. Dave obviously doesn’t care, but at nearly 50, its time to grow up
July 13, 2026
4.5/5. A must-listen-on-audiobook type of book.
I originally stressed out about defending my stance on reading this book but I'll just say it - I really enjoyed listening to Dave Portnoy's book. I absolutely love a rags to riches success story, and having followed Barstool since probably 2010, this was the exact peek behind the curtain I thought it would be. Dave owns his shit, fiercely rallies for his people, and is 100% authentically himself. The story of Barstool IS interesting, full stop, and I loved hearing longer form details about events like the sale to Penn, and especially things I had no idea about (won't give spoilers but so many good stories about his relationships with other employees, etc).
The one knock I had were his random inserts about things like his hate for Mamdani in the middle of a chapter set in like 2013, when part of his schtick also claims to be "I just stay out of politics." (Note on the Reader: I am (obviously) a bleeding heart liberal. I'm the type of person Dave Portnoy makes fun of on social media for being woke and following COVID protocols. I can listen to Dave's views that I don't agree with, but Mamdani has nothing to do with the Barstool story and that's my beef.)
I originally stressed out about defending my stance on reading this book but I'll just say it - I really enjoyed listening to Dave Portnoy's book. I absolutely love a rags to riches success story, and having followed Barstool since probably 2010, this was the exact peek behind the curtain I thought it would be. Dave owns his shit, fiercely rallies for his people, and is 100% authentically himself. The story of Barstool IS interesting, full stop, and I loved hearing longer form details about events like the sale to Penn, and especially things I had no idea about (won't give spoilers but so many good stories about his relationships with other employees, etc).
The one knock I had were his random inserts about things like his hate for Mamdani in the middle of a chapter set in like 2013, when part of his schtick also claims to be "I just stay out of politics." (Note on the Reader: I am (obviously) a bleeding heart liberal. I'm the type of person Dave Portnoy makes fun of on social media for being woke and following COVID protocols. I can listen to Dave's views that I don't agree with, but Mamdani has nothing to do with the Barstool story and that's my beef.)
July 9, 2026
I listened to this mainly for the CHD drama. It was interesting to hear all the backstory of how Barstool was founded. It was a lot of Dave Portnoy to listen to, but fun hearing it directly from him. I had to skip the political chapter bc I can’t get behind him there, and I wish he was a little less aggressive with the little digs towards certain people. He really is unapologetically himself, which I can respect, however, there are certain things he said I can’t agree with or support.
July 6, 2026
I came for the CHD tea but stayed for a really entertaining story and enjoyed this book thoroughly. While Dave is a definitely a jerk and has made a lot of questionable choices, I think his story is inherently interesting and it’s clear his work ethic, loyalty, and dgaf personality has really shaped the success of barstool. I was cackling the whole time listening to the audio book. Loved hearing the mention of my CITO girls too!
July 8, 2026
They could never make me hate Dave
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
July 12, 2026
Ate this book up. Highly rec the audio book version. Dave Portnoy is truly a one of a kind guy
Read
July 5, 2026No mention of Miss Peaches until the last line of the epilogue however, $10 of all sales of this book go towards saving our puppies. I think today is the last day. Go Miss Peaches!
July 8, 2026
dave portnoy they could never make me hate you
July 6, 2026
So good! I feel like I was having a conversation with Dave Portnoy listening to the audiobook. Enjoyed hearing his whole story of how Barstool Sports started, and he’s hilarious and so unapologetically himself and I love it!
July 15, 2026
Transparency as a person. Audiobook was enjoyable because he would read a sentence and then say, "Yeah I would never say that," alluding to the fact that his editors polished things.
I lost interest last 30% because I'm not a Stooley but it was cool to learn about the genesis of Barstool.
I lost interest last 30% because I'm not a Stooley but it was cool to learn about the genesis of Barstool.
June 30, 2026
Dave is so funny! A must read!
July 12, 2026
I can’t help it , I love him.
July 2, 2026
Honestly a good read, I’m not a diehard stoolie but my husband and I keep up with a variety of their talent. This book takes you along on the journey of barstool and it’s pretty cool! I think Dave is easy to hate (I personally like how unashamed he is) but he has done a lot of good. Idk read it if you’re curious 🤷🏻♀️
Listened to it in one sitting, he does read it himself which was also a nice touch!
Listened to it in one sitting, he does read it himself which was also a nice touch!
July 4, 2026
This is not a typical read for me, but it is fast paced and overall a good read. I was initially drawn to this book because the original ghost writer was a comedian I enjoy supporting, Francis Ellis. I knew Dave rewrote the book after being unhappy with Francis’ version but I was surprised to see that nearly all of Francis’ writing had been cut.
Dave is unapologetically authentic (hence why he needed his words), and the story of Barstool is truly one of a kind. The company itself can often be cringe and Dave can be insufferable, but aspects of the company are uniquely entertaining and provide a breath of fresh air in the sports industry that has been dominated by ESPN and other Goliaths for decades.
Dave provides insight on feuds with PMT and expands on how he was able to buy his company back for $1 since his NDA with PENN and ESPN had cleared. He also highlights the barrage of fabricated accusations that were made against him throughout the years and continually recited by media outlets as facts despite already exonerating himself in the court of public opinion.
Dave reflects on the poor decisions he has made that have reverberated in the media throughout the years. The most puzzling one to me was his decision to reblog a photo taken by paparazzi of Tom Brady’s naked 2 year old son and comment on the child’s genitalia. Even while acknowledging it was a mistake, Dave still argues that those who identify the photo as child pornography are the ones sexualizing the child. The logic is flawed and elementary. An innocent picture of a child can be normal to you and I, but to a bad actor, the picture is CSAM. The majority of CSAM on the internet is innocent pictures of children posted by parents that is then exploited by bad actors. This is done when the bad actors either use the innocent photos to share on platforms in order to grant them access to more explicit CSAM or by altering the photos with deepfakes or AI to create child pornography. A joke about Brady’s son’s genitalia is not worth platforming child pornography. Later in the book, Dave says that anyone who searched and watched his sextapes that were leaked without his consent committed a felony. How about the irony in that logic.
At least it got me out of a reading slump.
Dave is unapologetically authentic (hence why he needed his words), and the story of Barstool is truly one of a kind. The company itself can often be cringe and Dave can be insufferable, but aspects of the company are uniquely entertaining and provide a breath of fresh air in the sports industry that has been dominated by ESPN and other Goliaths for decades.
Dave provides insight on feuds with PMT and expands on how he was able to buy his company back for $1 since his NDA with PENN and ESPN had cleared. He also highlights the barrage of fabricated accusations that were made against him throughout the years and continually recited by media outlets as facts despite already exonerating himself in the court of public opinion.
Dave reflects on the poor decisions he has made that have reverberated in the media throughout the years. The most puzzling one to me was his decision to reblog a photo taken by paparazzi of Tom Brady’s naked 2 year old son and comment on the child’s genitalia. Even while acknowledging it was a mistake, Dave still argues that those who identify the photo as child pornography are the ones sexualizing the child. The logic is flawed and elementary. An innocent picture of a child can be normal to you and I, but to a bad actor, the picture is CSAM. The majority of CSAM on the internet is innocent pictures of children posted by parents that is then exploited by bad actors. This is done when the bad actors either use the innocent photos to share on platforms in order to grant them access to more explicit CSAM or by altering the photos with deepfakes or AI to create child pornography. A joke about Brady’s son’s genitalia is not worth platforming child pornography. Later in the book, Dave says that anyone who searched and watched his sextapes that were leaked without his consent committed a felony. How about the irony in that logic.
At least it got me out of a reading slump.
July 14, 2026
To start this review off, I want to say that I was embarrassed buying this book. I'm a fan of Barstool and a couple of their podcasts, but the title and the photo on this book are absolutely brutal. It sounds like Dave went against his editors quite a bit, and this was probably another case of that.
But we should never judge a book by its cover, so let's get to the content. The writing style is pretty conversational, but in that chunky way where you can tell someone is writing instead of talking. I think maybe it's the same vibe as how Dave writes his blogs. It does add the effect of making this a little more raw, and it feels like you're really hearing Mr. Portnoy's thoughts.
Going into this, I thought it was gonna be more focused on the rise of Barstool, but that's not really what it was. It kind of follows the rise of Barstool, but in a disorganized way. I found myself getting lost with the years and the success. It felt like on one page Dave would say he was broke with all the money going into Barstool, and then you flip the page and he has two homes. Oh, that brings me to another thing: he openly contradicts himself several times in the book, but then will explode at others for doing the same kind of thing.
Rambly review, so let me sum it up. There are some really funny stories in here, told in a super authentic way. Dave is sometimes super self-aware and then sometimes absolutely not; it's just him being human, and hey, I can appreciate that. I didn't like the format. I wish that they had either committed to covering each story as a standalone story instead of trying to tie the story of Barstool into it, OR I wish it had been more focused on the company itself, with a third-party writer covering the rise of Barstool and lots of interviews with Dave and the employees. I thought the numbers that Dave revealed were super interesting, and I wish more of that was involved.
But we should never judge a book by its cover, so let's get to the content. The writing style is pretty conversational, but in that chunky way where you can tell someone is writing instead of talking. I think maybe it's the same vibe as how Dave writes his blogs. It does add the effect of making this a little more raw, and it feels like you're really hearing Mr. Portnoy's thoughts.
Going into this, I thought it was gonna be more focused on the rise of Barstool, but that's not really what it was. It kind of follows the rise of Barstool, but in a disorganized way. I found myself getting lost with the years and the success. It felt like on one page Dave would say he was broke with all the money going into Barstool, and then you flip the page and he has two homes. Oh, that brings me to another thing: he openly contradicts himself several times in the book, but then will explode at others for doing the same kind of thing.
Rambly review, so let me sum it up. There are some really funny stories in here, told in a super authentic way. Dave is sometimes super self-aware and then sometimes absolutely not; it's just him being human, and hey, I can appreciate that. I didn't like the format. I wish that they had either committed to covering each story as a standalone story instead of trying to tie the story of Barstool into it, OR I wish it had been more focused on the company itself, with a third-party writer covering the rise of Barstool and lots of interviews with Dave and the employees. I thought the numbers that Dave revealed were super interesting, and I wish more of that was involved.
July 14, 2026
Honestly, I love Dave Portnoy😂 He just doesn't give a fuckkkkk about anything. He's a no bullshit kinda guy and I like that. The title of the book really has to be his mantra because this man just says and does whatever he wants and the people who are fans are going to live him anyway.
I learned so much about barstool/Dave that I had never heard about. This might be me showing how I'm not a "stoolie" but Jenna Marbles?! I had no clue she started out at barstool. When Dave mentioned her it brought back my childhood and waiting for her to post videos on YouTube😂 This man is also loyal AF. You can say a lot about him and the shit he says but you can't say that he doesn't love and respect the people who are loyal to him. If they show him loyalty he'll show it right back. Like I'm sorry, his ex wife still has access to his bank account if she wants it? That is unheard of! He said she was with him with one zero in his bank account and was with him with eight zeros in his bank account (a subtle flex as he added 😂).
Dave is just a no bullshit, say whatever tf he wants, total asshole, but in the best way. Ya gotta live him for it. Listening to this as an audiobook was a power move. This had me cracking up. Cursing left and right, calling people assholes, just absolutely destroying people he's hilarious. The fact he has champagne bottles engraved with his "enemies" names for him to pop when they fail is the icing on the cake. It's the petty I strive to be 😂
10/10 recomend🫡
I learned so much about barstool/Dave that I had never heard about. This might be me showing how I'm not a "stoolie" but Jenna Marbles?! I had no clue she started out at barstool. When Dave mentioned her it brought back my childhood and waiting for her to post videos on YouTube😂 This man is also loyal AF. You can say a lot about him and the shit he says but you can't say that he doesn't love and respect the people who are loyal to him. If they show him loyalty he'll show it right back. Like I'm sorry, his ex wife still has access to his bank account if she wants it? That is unheard of! He said she was with him with one zero in his bank account and was with him with eight zeros in his bank account (a subtle flex as he added 😂).
Dave is just a no bullshit, say whatever tf he wants, total asshole, but in the best way. Ya gotta live him for it. Listening to this as an audiobook was a power move. This had me cracking up. Cursing left and right, calling people assholes, just absolutely destroying people he's hilarious. The fact he has champagne bottles engraved with his "enemies" names for him to pop when they fail is the icing on the cake. It's the petty I strive to be 😂
10/10 recomend🫡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
Sue me, but I really enjoyed this. Dave is both brutally honest and a totally unreliable narrator. His groveling in the later chapters got old, but his rise is pretty undeniable and I think he’s a fascinating Trump-adjacent avatar to help explain masculinity over the past 20 years — the good, bad, and ugly of it. But this is also not that deep, just an inspiring, ridiculous, media success story and a guy that keeps on winning, detractors be damned. I think reading it requires a little self-awareness and detachment. No you shouldn’t treat it as gospel, no you shouldn’t decry it either. I’m not walking away from this a fan by any means, but I do think he’s a noteworthy individual who should be ignored or counted out at one’s peril.
July 14, 2026
As a longtime Barstool fan, I was really excited for this.I’ll say this upfront: if you like Dave Portnoy and his sense of humor, you’ll probably really enjoy this book. If you can’t stand him, this definitely isn’t for you.
I loved hearing the story of how Barstool was built from the ground up (brick by brick) and everything that went into it..the long hours, the risks, the highs, and the setbacks. One thing I’ve always respected about Dave is that he’s completely unapologetic about who he is. He’s fiercely loyal to the people in his corner and just as relentless when it comes to the people he feels have wronged him.
I laughed out loud a handful of times and just overall really enjoy Dave’s perspective.
I loved hearing the story of how Barstool was built from the ground up (brick by brick) and everything that went into it..the long hours, the risks, the highs, and the setbacks. One thing I’ve always respected about Dave is that he’s completely unapologetic about who he is. He’s fiercely loyal to the people in his corner and just as relentless when it comes to the people he feels have wronged him.
I laughed out loud a handful of times and just overall really enjoy Dave’s perspective.
Read
July 13, 2026I listen to Chicks in the Office weekly & going to college in 2013-2017 when Barstool was at its prime, I wanted to give this a read. I really enjoyed this. It’s not a Dave memoir of his life which wouldn’t have interested me, it’s all about the creation of Barstool & all the drama from then to now. I loved reading the drama about all the acquisitions, Call Her Daddy, talent (who knew some people who started at Barstool, etc. Dave is definitely controversial but starting from handing out newspapers in Boston to a huge media company is a great story. Also Dave has a comedic tone of story telling so it’s enjoyable in that way too
July 7, 2026
Listened to this on audio and could not turn it off. Dave is polarizing and he knows it, but you cannot deny that he is a chaotic genius and worked his tail off. I disagree with him on just about everything, but I respect the hell out of his loyalty and transparency.
This book gives you all the BTS tea/scoop you’re looking for in a book about a company- the Call Her Daddy part was especially juicy.
This book gives you all the BTS tea/scoop you’re looking for in a book about a company- the Call Her Daddy part was especially juicy.
July 12, 2026
Dave truly isn’t the best reader - but there’s more respect for him and the grind he has to build an honest empire. If more companies worked hard for their people, paid them what they deserved, allowed for true honesty, and let them do what they do best, the world may be a better place with more driven people.
July 12, 2026
Audio book:
I’ve been a fan of various barstool shows and blogs since 2017. So I was interested in hearing more about the behind the scenes. Dave is a douche bag but can’t deny his ability to market, create contents and the overall cultural influence he has had
I’ve been a fan of various barstool shows and blogs since 2017. So I was interested in hearing more about the behind the scenes. Dave is a douche bag but can’t deny his ability to market, create contents and the overall cultural influence he has had
Read
July 12, 2026Love him or hate him, Portnoy’s journey with Barstool has been so impressive. Super cool to hear his perspective on the eras of Barstool from the newspaper days through now & of course loved the nod to Peachy & Pete at the end
July 13, 2026
I just want to thank my eyes for not bleeding or falling out of my head while I forced them to read this vile, delusional preschool ass writing.
Truly disgsuting to read, I thought he was kinda bad before but this made me sick to my stomach multiple times
He also is so stupid the writing is like a drunk guys instagram caption
He would say “I think XYZ happened” instead of just googling it
Truly disgsuting to read, I thought he was kinda bad before but this made me sick to my stomach multiple times
He also is so stupid the writing is like a drunk guys instagram caption
He would say “I think XYZ happened” instead of just googling it
Read
July 15, 2026If you aren’t a fan of Dave now then I certainly wouldn’t recommend the book to you. I have always found his rants to be pretty comical though, and this book carries that same tone. He reads the audiobook and even goes on side rants while reading. Honestly had me laughing out loud
July 15, 2026
4 ⭐️ (audiobook 🎧) Love him or hate him, Portnoy is truly one of a kind. For as much hate as he gets/questionable things he has said, he is honest and gives back to the community. 10% of book sales also go to animal shelters 👏🏼
July 5, 2026
Not his biggest fan but you gotta give him credit as a businessman. Very entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews