If Books Could Kill
Michael Hobbes & Peter ShamshiriThe airport bestsellers that captured our hearts and ruined our minds
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 128 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureNewsPolitics | |||
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Latest Episodes
A 2002 dating guide has found new popularity on Tiktok using an old fashioned method: Have a catchy title and four pages of good advice.
Where to find us:
• Our Patreon
• Our merch!
• Peter's newsletter
• Peter's other podcast, 5-4
• Mike's other ... more
Peter and Michael discuss "Surrounded by Idiots," a book that dares to ask: Can the mystery of human relationships be unraveled by a workplace personality assessment?
Where to find us:
• Our Patreon
• Our merch!
• Peter's newsletter
• Peter's othe... more
In 1993, a desperate man stumbled into a remote village in the foothills of the Karakoram mountains. After the residents nursed him back to health, he placed his hands on the village elder's shoulders and made a sacred promise. "Somehow," he said, "I... more
You know that book your friend recommended? The one that rigorously describes the science of trauma, de-stigmatizes abuse and promotes effective treatments? Well here’s the thing: It doesn't actually do that.
Thanks to Emi Nietfield, Keith Cox, Lisa... more
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Reviews
- Really Want to Give this Five
Overall great podcast! Too often Michael speaks with an air of unearned authority on deeper societal topics (such as family dynamics and women’s issues) he has no real experience or understanding of outside an academic setting. Also, they obviously spend way too much time online and veer into galaxy brain Gen Z speak that, as a 40 year old mother from the Midwest, sounds just crude and offensive.
Recommendation: less Michael. He’s become a bit of a “nothing burger” lately.
Apple Podcasts4Corgnificent1123
United Statesa month ago - Thanks from a Librarian!
While I obviously am not going to censor books or not purchase them because of this podcast, it definitely influences my curation. I don’t read these kinds of books voluntarily having this thoughtful analysis helps me to better understand how these books can be deceitful, misguided or actively harmful. Consequently, I refrain from incorporating them into displays and actively recommend better quality books.
Apple Podcasts5Cat_BeansUnited Statesa month ago - Amazing catalogue of books/shows
I’ve been listening for years, but Ezra Klein’s recent interview with Fukuyama sent me over the edge with how ludicrous the book was because I listened to their 2023 episode on the book. That one is a banger, they all are.
Apple Podcasts52015xtUnited Statesa month ago - Cannot stress enough how much I love this show
A great balance between nerdy+pedantic critiques and self-aware humor that keeps me hooked. Lost count of how many times I’ve re-listened the episodes. Never stop pls!
Apple Podcasts5milantvm
Netherlandsa month ago - Pakistan is South Asia not the Middle East Peter
Buy a map
Apple Podcasts3World maps are for everyone
Australiaa month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #132 | United States/Top Podcasts |
Spotify | #13 | United States/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #45 | United States/Society & Culture |
Spotify | #143 |  Canada/Top Podcasts |
Spotify | #37 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #236 | Canada/Top Podcasts |
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
| Listeners per Episode | Gender Skew | Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interests | Professions | Age Range | |||
| Household Income | Social Media Reach | ||||
Frequently Asked Questions About If Books Could Kill
What is If Books Could Kill about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A sharp, skeptical take on popular books and cultural trends, with a focus on debunking self-help myths, pseudo-science, and inflated narratives. Episodes pivot between rigorous analysis, witty banter, and accessible critique of widely discussed titles, from trauma psychology to wealth and success lore, often challenging mainstream narratives and highlighting how sensational storytelling can mislead readers. Noteworthy is the duo's willingness to interrogate assumptions, cite research, and push back on overly simplistic messages, making it feel like a thoughtful, entertaining classroom for curious listeners who crave evidence-based perspective while still wanting entertaining humor.
Where can I find podcast stats for If Books Could Kill?
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How many listeners does If Books Could Kill get?
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What are the audience demographics for If Books Could Kill?
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How many subscribers and views does If Books Could Kill have?
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Which podcasts are similar to If Books Could Kill?
These podcasts share a similar audience with If Books Could Kill:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. You're Wrong About
3. 5-4
4. In Bed With The Right
5. A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein
How many episodes of If Books Could Kill are there?
If Books Could Kill launched 4 years ago and published 128 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact If Books Could Kill?
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What guests have appeared on If Books Could Kill?
Recent guests on If Books Could Kill include:
1. Emi Nietfield
2. Peter Shamshiri
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