If Books Could Kill

The discussion kicks off with a humorous look at a self-help book that promises a revolutionary approach, complete with a curse in the title. The hosts dive into loyalty's complexities through the lens of Hiro Onoda's extreme devotion, and tackle the cultural implications of indifference linked to success. They challenge the rise of self-esteem culture in education, critique identity politics, and explore the balance of personal responsibility in relationships. Overall, they question the depth of self-help advice, advocating for community over isolation.

A hilarious take on New York City's noise backdrop kicks off the discussion about power dynamics. The conversation dives into Robert Greene's controversial teachings, critiquing manipulation and the dark side of ambition. Friendships get dissected as layers of loyalty and deception unfold. The dangers of zero-sum thinking illuminate societal divides, while political manipulation raises ethical questions. Finally, the dual nature of humanity shines through stories of love and resilience during crises, prompting reflections on community and support.

Explore the rise of organized retail crime and its financial burden on average families. Analyze the narrative around organized retail crime and question its authenticity. Examine the influence of retail lobbying and panic on public perception. Discuss the definition of organized retail crime and critique its perception. Research the effects of higher felony thresholds and bail reform on larceny crime rates. Examine the similarities between organized retail crime and the messaging around street gangs.

The podcast explores the controversial issue of homelessness in San Francisco, addressing factors like progressive policies, housing costs, and mental illness. It discusses the concept of housing first as a solution and examines the differences between progressive and conservative viewpoints. The hosts explore various topics related to the law and politics, including left-wing excesses and the misrepresented statements. They also discuss possible solutions to homelessness in San Francisco, highlighting the challenges and complexities. The podcast explores the concept of victimology and how it applies to marginalized groups, focusing on the mistreatment of homeless individuals.

Explore the allure of escaping the 9-to-5 grind with insights on lifestyle design and the quest for fulfillment. Dive into the humorous and critical aspects of outsourcing tasks while challenging the myths of wellness in the industry. Gain perspective on urban living costs with a focus on Berlin, and debate the practicality of mini-retirements amidst parenting concerns. Uncover the existential dilemmas one faces after breaking free from traditional work, all while dissecting the contradictions of success found in Silicon Valley.

The hosts discuss the non-scandal of the Clinton email scandal that captivated the media in 2016. They analyze the smears and lies against Hillary Clinton, focusing on misogyny and fake criticism. The podcast delves into the details of the scandal, including Clinton's use of private servers and information security. They also compare Clinton's case to other offenses and the media manipulation surrounding it.

Delve into William F. Buckley's journey from Yale to conservative figure. Explore the impact and critique of 'God and Man at Yale'. Discuss the absence of religion in academia and controversial newsletters. Examine McCarthyism and fight against communism. Uncover omissions in economics textbooks. Analyze tactics appealing to old Yale alums. Critique social welfare and government intervention. Discuss the argument for free market capitalism and nostalgia for traditional conservatism. Explore the controversial book's impact and anti-Catholic sentiment at Yale.

For this month's bonus episode we dissected Harry Frankfurt's gloriously brief bestseller and applied the concept to our favorite op-ed page.  To hear the rest of the show, support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/IfBooksPod

Who poses the greatest threat to democracy? Is it the movement that openly identifies with the symbols, goals and policies of fascist governments? Or is it the median bureaucrat at the Department of Health and Human Services? In 2008, a National Review nepo-baby attempted to answer this vexing question.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IfBooksPodWhere to find us: TwitterPeter's other podcast, 5-4Mike's other podcast, Maintenance PhaseSources:History News Network: A Symposium on Jonah Goldberg’s Liberal FascismThe Nature of FascismHow Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and ThemThe Anatomy of FascismMussolini and Fascism: The View From AmericaThe Return of Old-Fashioned Racism to White Americans’ Partisan Preferences in the Early Obama EraIdentity Crisis: The 2016 Presidential Campaign and the Battle for the Meaning of AmericaWhat Hillary Rodham Clinton Really Said About Children’s Rights and Child PolicyThe Ku Klux Klan in the City, 1915-1930A campus takeover that symbolized an era of change Thanks to Mindseye for our theme song!

In our "Rules" and "Game" episodes we didn't get a chance to dissect the phenomenon of online dating (i.e. describe our worst dates and read cringe profiles out loud to each other), so that is what we are doing on today's bonus episode.  To hear the rest of the show, support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/IfBooksPod