If Books Could Kill
Michael Hobbes & Peter Shamshiri Visit website › Society & Culture · EN · 81 episodes · latest 2026-10-27 · explicit
What it is about
Publisher’s own description, taken unchanged from the podcast feed.
© 2026 If Books Could Kill
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Then “If Books Could Kill” might be just the podcast for you!
Journalist and podcaster Michael Hobbes and lawyer and journalist Peter Shamshiri take a closer look at so-called “airport bestsellers” – those hugely popular nonfiction books that have sold millions of copies over the past few decades and, in some cases, profoundly shaped the way we think.
Armed with thorough research and a generous dose of humor, the two challenge the supposed wisdom of these bestsellers. They uncover questionable statistics, logical fallacies, and overly simplistic explanations of complex social issues. Along the way, they also explore how some of these books have influenced public debates, political decisions, and widely held beliefs.
What makes this podcast particularly entertaining for me is the fantastic chemistry between Michael and Peter. In each episode, one of them has done a deep dive into a book and presents it to the other, who reacts with plenty of wit, curiosity, and occasional disbelief. The result is a series of hilarious, engaging conversations that teach you a surprising amount along the way.
For me, it’s a wonderful mix of sharp media criticism, fascinating social commentary, and genuinely brilliant humor. And a great reminder that making the bestseller list doesn't necessarily mean a book is any good!
Latest episodes
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The Rahm Emanuel Profiles Will Continue Until Morale Improves [TEASER]
This month's bonus episode is about Rahm Emanuel, a man whose political constituency consists entirely of prestige magazine editors. To hear the rest of the show, support us on Patreon:…
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A Review Of “Why Men Love Bitches”
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 PatreonOur merch!Peter's newsletterPeter's other podcast,…
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Surrounded By Idiots
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 PatreonOur merch!Peter's…
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Three Cups of Tea
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…
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The Body Keeps The Score
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…
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Think And Grow Rich
Peter and Michael discuss "Think And Grow Rich," the 1937 classic written by a lifelong fraudster who finds his final mark: You. Where to find us: Our PatreonOur merch!Peter's newsletterPeter's other podcast, 5-4Mike's…
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Grit
In 2013, education reformers tried to help poor students the using the best tool at their disposal: The 16th most popular Ted Talk. Special thanks to Marcus Credé! Where to find us: Our PatreonOur merch!Peter's…
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CROSSOVER EVENT: Tim Ferriss’s "The 4-Hour Body"
Peter went on Mike's other show, Maintenance Phase, to revisit a biohacking diet book for the boys. Where to find us: Our PatreonOur merch!Peter's newsletterPeter's other podcast, 5-4Mike's other podcast, Maintenance…
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Bullshit Jobs
Peter and Michael discuss "Bullshit Jobs" by anarchist anthropologist David Graeber. The result: two professional podcasters debating which jobs are real and which jobs are fake. Where to find us: Our PatreonOur…
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The Millionaire Next Door
It turns out that the key to wealth is buying the right kind of watch, marrying the right kind of wife and being the right kind of white. Where to find us: Our PatreonOur merch!Peter's newsletterPeter's other podcast,…
Episode details from the publisher’s feed. Playback happens at the publisher.
Publisher details
- Oldest episode in feed
- 11/2022 · over 4 years
- Typical length
- 1 hr 0 min
- Format
- Episodic Newest first, episodes stand alone
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