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If Books Could Kill

If Books Could Kill

By: Michael Hobbes & Peter Shamshiri
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About this listen

 The airport bestsellers that captured our hearts and ruined our minds© 2025 If Books Could Kill Art Literary History & Criticism Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Let Them Theory

    The Let Them Theory
    Apr 23 2025

    Peter and Michael discuss The Let Them Theory, a self-help guide to seeking bliss through unmitigated complacency.

    Where to find us:

    • Peter's newsletter
    • Peter's other podcast, 5-4
    • Mike's other podcast, Maintenance Phase

    Sources:

    • How to stop screwing yourself over
    • Mel Robbins and Plagiarism
    • Let her? Army wife claims Mel Robbins stole her idea for blockbuster self-help book
    • Mel Robbins’s “Let Them” theory: really that simple?
    • Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Conceptual Framework of Implementation Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review of the Published Literature
    • Polarization in America
    • The 5 Resets
    • Impact of health warning labels on selection and consumption of food and alcohol products: systematic review with meta-analysis

    Thanks to Mindseye for our theme song!
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    54 mins
  • Josh Hawley's "Manhood" [TEASER]

    Josh Hawley's "Manhood" [TEASER]
    Mar 31 2025

    To hear the rest of the episode, support us on Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/IfBooksPod
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Steve Harvey's "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man"

    Steve Harvey's "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man"
    Mar 28 2025

    Are you a single lady struggling to find love with a man? Don't fret! A twice-divorced game show host who thinks conversation is for women is here to help.

    Where to find us:

    • Peter's newsletter
    • Peter's other podcast, 5-4
    • Mike's other podcast, Maintenance Phase

    Thanks to Mindseye for our theme song!
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
Most relevant
I don’t normally listen to podcasts but saw a friend recommend this so I gave it a listen and I’m so glad I did! It’s so entertaining and both hosts are hilarious, engaging and very knowledgeable. I just genuinely enjoyed listening to them and learned so much about these books that really shocked and fascinated me. Please keep this series going!

I laughed, I seethed, I learned, I was in awe…

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writing words so I can submit my review without having to think anymore about this

cutting, funny but really insightful

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I love the tone and content of this podcast; the hosts have great chemistry, it's clever, well-researched and hilarious; and even though they have a capital P Position on the works, you genuinely feel they try to be fair in critiquing them. I also love how contemporary the show is (I am sure this will age well). Binge listening at the moment, and discovering works I might not otherwise have considered. Love love it.

Like being on the couch listening to your bestbuds

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