If Books Could Kill

The hosts dive into the significance of J.D. Vance's election as Trump's running mate. They critique 'Hillbilly Elegy', unpacking its controversial themes and impact on liberal discourse. A deep exploration of Vance's tumultuous upbringing leads to discussions on social mobility and systemic issues. They challenge misconceptions about poverty and welfare, and analyze Vance's portrayal of identity. The conversation doesn't shy away from critiquing the film adaptation's discrepancies and evaluates the contradictions in Vance's political transformation.

Dive into a critique of Richard Hanania's views on wokeness, as hosts unravel the nuances of discrimination laws and societal disparities. They humorously dissect the motivations behind modern identity politics while exploring how labels like 'Hispanic' evolve over time. The conversation also tackles the complexities of workplace discrimination and the intersection of race and gender dynamics. Plus, they challenge the effectiveness of civil rights legislation versus free market solutions. This examination reveals the tangled web of legal and social constructs shaping today's discourse.

Explore media coverage of protests at Columbia University, from right-wing hysteria to centrist indifference. Critique propaganda, tensions in student protests, and confrontational committee interviews. Delve into campus politics, legal implications, biased media coverage, and controversial distractions. Analyze food prices at protests and allegations of funding radicals, highlighting the irony of focusing on trivial expenses amidst larger political concerns.

Bestselling author Michael Lewis explores the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, delving into his unconventional genius, eccentric traits, intelligence, literature interests, predictive analytics, lavish spending, therapy dynamics, and the downfall of FTX, revealing financial troubles and the impact on the cryptocurrency market.

In this intriguing discussion, the speakers analyze the evolution of societal norms since WWII, highlighting both progress and ongoing struggles for equality. They dive into the declining rates of hate crimes, questioning the reliability of data and public perceptions. Personal anecdotes illustrate the unsettling dynamics of discrimination and the complexities surrounding racial preferences in academia. The connections between intellectuals and Jeffrey Epstein raise moral questions, while the discourse on child protection examines the declining child abuse rates and modern parenting challenges.

Feminist icon turned conspiracist Naomi Wolf is discussed in this episode. They explore her evolution, controversies, misinformation in her works, rise of eating disorders in young American women, unsettling encounters, debunking historical misconceptions, and controversial interviews.

Exploring Sheryl Sandberg's impact on corporate feminism, the gender ambition gap, and challenges women face in the workplace. Critiquing self-help advice for marginalized communities and co-opting feminism for corporate gain. Discussing power dynamics, gender equality, and feminist ideas in the business world.

Delve into the intriguing arguments of Steven Pinker's dissection of violence's decline over 10,000 years. The hosts challenge simplistic views, exploring complex socio-economic and cultural factors that shape societal norms. They investigate historical homicide trends and the impact of early European settlements on today’s crime rates. Moreover, the discussion critiques the narratives around the Enlightenment and humanitarianism, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding in historical contexts and contemporary conflicts.

The hosts discuss Trump's book 'The Art of the Deal' and analyze his speeches and writing style. They delve into his questionable business practices, opposition to rent control, and his strategies in politics. They also highlight examples of people standing up to Trump and examine his attitude towards critics. The podcast explores the lack of substance in celebrity business books and the impact Trump's deals have on average people.

The hosts discuss nominations for worst takes of 2023, including a defense of Hillary Clinton and criticisms of the podcast. They delve into the misconception of the link between marriage and poverty, critique an editorial claiming political dating mismatches threaten marriage, and explore ideological divides in America. They also discuss behavior in online and in-person interactions and challenge the notion of gatekeeping queerness.