If Books Could Kill Podcast By Michael Hobbes & Peter Shamshiri cover art

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
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All stars
Most relevant  
They critique some of my favorite books and some of my least favorite too. Well-reseached discussion with a side of humor.

Funny and insightful

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Michael doing an excellent follow-up to his work on You're Wrong About. Warm, friendly, evidence-centric criticism.

Amazing podcast

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This is great content for those looking for a fact based breakdown of this social phenomenon. It even includes a Pierce Brosnan mention!

Michael shines here doing what he's best at!

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Sometimes when I’m sitting at my stupid desk at my stupid job at 5 in the morning on 2hrs sleep waiting for my coffee break, seeing that a new episode dropped is the only thing that keeps me going

The only time I get to laugh at work

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Always informative… always fun!! I enjoy listening to and from work. Michael Hobbs, I love you!! You too, Peter!!

Dazzling Book Reviews

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This made my work days fly by and it was hilarious and engaging with wonderful chemistry between Michael and Peter. Definitely feel like checking out their other podcasts

Fantastic

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It doesn't hurt to take a critical look at the books that hold value in our society. Sociology is a really complicated subject and boiling it down to a few statistics in a book doesn't always work, even when it's neatly packaged. The show is funny in addition to educational which is my favorite kind of podcast.

Great stuff

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Love all these podcasts. I know this isn't a podcast regarding reproductive rights but it would have been for Michael to mention that indigenous women are still having forced sterilization as well as other women in the present day here in the US. It isn't a past issue for us or the rest of the world sadly. I love how you guys can make me laugh so hard while learning about the most depressing shit. great work keep it up.

wow

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I thoroughly enjoy this podcast. I paid for Patreon. Then episodes stopped showing up. I would continue listening and I would restart Patreon, but not if the episodes just stop?!

Well.

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This is the same superficial tripe they are railing about . Tearing apart a 25 year old book . Pseudo intellectual drivel . Don’t waste your time

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