If Books Could Kill

Delve into the legacy of Francis Fukuyama's controversial ideas on the 'end of history' and their lasting impact on political thought. The hosts critique the notion of liberal democracy as the pinnacle of governance, uncovering the chasm between ideals and reality. They explore the complexities of political ideologies and the dangers of oversimplifying societal issues. With a critical eye on current geopolitical events, they question Fukuyama's conclusions, shedding light on the ongoing struggles for rights and the intricate dynamics of modern governance.

In December 2019, the coronavirus pandemic began in Wuhan, China. In May 2021, America experienced one of the most cursed weeks of punditry we've ever seen. This is a condensed version of the full episode. To hear the rest go to patreon.com/IfBooksPod. See you next week! 

In 1992 a yoga instructor with a distance-learning PhD had the courage to ask: "Are women not getting help around the house because they're using the wrong modal verb?" Support us on PatreonWhere to find us: TwitterPeter's other podcast, 5-4Mike's other podcast, Maintenance PhaseSources:The Myth of Mars and Venus: Do Men and Women Really Speak Different Languages?A critical response to John Gray's Mars and Venus portrayals of men and women The Gender Similarities HypothesisThe Rebuttal from UranusComing home upset: Gender, marital satisfaction and the daily spillover of workday experience into couple interactionsFDA warning letter Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus: An Analysis of a Potential MemeWomen, Men and Language Women, Men, and Gender: Ongoing DebatesWomen and Men Talking: Are They World’s Apart?

Delve into the contentious world of self-help with a critical look at a best-selling book that claims thoughts can shape reality. The discussion unpacks the dubious authority behind its principles and the absurdity of attributing success solely to positive thinking. Explore the darker side of the wellness industry, including dangerous beliefs and troubling incidents. The hosts challenge the oversimplification of systemic issues and critique the media's role in perpetuating pseudoscience, revealing the potential harm of such ideologies.

How a Stanford lepidopterist convinced the world to fear the breeding habits of the poor. Again. Support us on PatreonWhere to find us: TwitterPeter's other podcast, 5-4Mike's other podcast, Maintenance PhaseSources:Sonia Shah’s “The Next Great Migration” Barbarian Hordes: The overpopulation scapegoat in international development discourseOptimism and OverpopulationThe Population Bomb RevisitedThe Strange History of Birth ControlBirth Control for OthersHow the World Survived the Population Bomb: Lessons From 50 Years of Extraordinary Demographic HistoryWhy the Population Bomb is a Rockefeller Baby

Our first premium episode is a deep dive into the blog of the infamously (and  dubiously) "canceled" Bari Weiss. To hear the full episode, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IfBooksPodMore free episodes are on their way! 

Dive into the world of pickup artistry with a critical lens! The discussion unpacks Neil Strauss's controversial tactics, like 'negging,' and the absurdities of dating dynamics. Humor intersperses the critique of toxic behaviors and the pressures of gamified romance. Examining figures like Mystery reveals the morally murky waters of this culture. The episode also confronts the frustrations fueling extremism in groups like incels, highlighting the societal implications of misguided masculinity. It’s an entertaining yet thought-provoking exploration!

David Brooks became liberals' famous conservative by telling them what they wanted to hear. But ... why did they want to hear something that was lazy and wrong?Support us on PatreonWhere to find us: TwitterPeter's other podcast, 5-4Mike's other podcast, Maintenance PhaseSources:A Reasonable ManDavid Brooks: Boo-Boos in ParadiseA Cartoon EliteDavid Brooks’s Conversion StoryDavid Brooks and the Endless Grift of the Conservative CommentariatHow The Bobos Broke AmericaDeath Of A Yuppie Dream: The Rise And Fall Of The Professional-Managerial ClassStuff the Professional-Managerial Class Likes: "Distinction" for an Egalitarian EliteDavid Brooks’s Search for MeaningThe facts vs. David Brooks: Startling inaccuracies raise questions about his latest bookDavid Brooks Is Not Buying Your Excuses, Poor PeopleThanks to Mindseye for our theme song!

The podcast dives into Malcolm Gladwell's theories, particularly the controversial 10,000-hour rule, challenging its validity in achieving expertise. It critiques his simplistic views on cultural influence in education and success, using examples from aviation safety to mathematics. The hosts highlight the importance of effective educational policies over myths and stereotypes. They also reflect on Gladwell's background and response to criticism, showcasing the evolving nature of cultural analysis in today's social media landscape.

This podcast dives into the controversial influence of a famous book that claims to unravel economics through quirky anecdotes. It critiques the oversimplification of complex social issues and questions the effectiveness of using quantitative data for understanding human behavior. The hosts tackle misconceptions about parenting risks, unpack the ethics of campaign finance, and explore the flawed narratives around crime rates and incarceration, emphasizing the significance of societal context in interpreting economic disparities.