The Intimate Animal
Justin R. Garcia PhD
Mentioned 5 months ago
Justin Garcia (on the science of sex)
Book Recommendations
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate,...
Episodes
846
Books
630
Recently mentioned
Latest Recommendations
Sexual Behavior in the Human Female by Alfred C Kinsey (1998-05-01)
Alfred C. Kinsey
Mentioned 5 months ago
Justin Garcia (on the science of sex)
Sexual Behavior in the Human Female
Alfred C. Kinsey
Mentioned 5 months ago
Justin Garcia (on the science of sex)
The Spider and the Fly
Claudia Rowe
Mentioned 5 months ago
Claudia Rowe (on the foster care system)
Empire of Orgasm
Ellen Huet
Mentioned 5 months ago
Ellen Huet (on wellness cults)
The 4-Hour Body
Timothy Ferriss
Mentioned 5 months ago
Ellen Huet (on wellness cults)
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Mentioned 5 months ago
Marcello Hernández
Maeve and Charlie Meet the Neighbors
Joseph Lopez
Mentioned 6 months ago
Elizabeth Smart
The Neverending Story
Michael Ende
Mentioned 6 months ago
Elizabeth Smart
Guinness World Records 2026
Guinness World Records
Mentioned 6 months ago
Elizabeth Smart
The Wright Brothers
David McCullough
Mentioned 6 months ago
David McWilliams (on the history of money)
The History of Money
David McWilliams
Mentioned 6 months ago
David McWilliams (on the history of money)
Most Recommended
Lost in the Cosmos
The Last Self-Help Book
James Gunn described Lost in the Cosmos as a really interesting book by Walker Percy.
"
A really interesting book by Walker Percy called Lost in the Cosmos.
— Episode: James Gunn
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Episode: James Gunn
James Gunn described Lost in the Cosmos as a really interesting book by Walker Percy.
"
A really interesting book by Walker Percy called Lost in the Cosmos.
Stony the Road
Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow
Dax noted that Gates had authored Stony the Road among his published works.
"
His books include Stoney the Road, Colored People a Memoir, and The Signifying Monkey.
— Episode: Henry Louis Gates Jr.
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Episode: Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Dax noted that Gates had authored Stony the Road among his published works.
"
His books include Stoney the Road, Colored People a Memoir, and The Signifying Monkey.
Recoding America
Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better
A guest mentioned a new book calledRecoding Americathat argues for changing government program reward structures.
"
There's a great new book called Recoding America. And the author makes a case that a lot of these programs are embroiled in red tape
— Episode: Matthew Desmond (on poverty)
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Episode: Matthew Desmond (on poverty)
A guest mentioned a new book calledRecoding Americathat argues for changing government program reward structures.
"
There's a great new book called Recoding America. And the author makes a case that a lot of these programs are embroiled in red tape
Fulfillment
Winning and Losing in One-Click America
The hosts discussed the book as an indepth look at Amazon's workforce, explaining how the company divides workers into different classes and the impact this has on towns across America.
"
What Alec points out in Fulfillment, his excellent book about Amazon is how it's divided its workforce into various classes and plonked those classes in various American towns.
— Episode: Flightless Bird: Amazon
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Episode: Flightless Bird: Amazon
The hosts discussed the book as an indepth look at Amazon's workforce, explaining how the company divides workers into different classes and the impact this has on towns across America.
"
What Alec points out in Fulfillment, his excellent book about Amazon is how it's divided its workforce into various classes and plonked those classes in various American towns.
He also talks to the author of "Fulfillment," Alec MacGillis about how Amazon's various factories are changing the face of America.
Abundance
Dax mentioned that he was reading Ezra Klein's book *Abundance*, noting it discusses the future, climate, and environmental challenges from a comprehensive perspective.
"
I'm also reading the Ezra Klein book, Abundance.
— Episode: Kumail Nanjiani Returns
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Episode: Kumail Nanjiani Returns
Dax mentioned that he was reading Ezra Klein's book *Abundance*, noting it discusses the future, climate, and environmental challenges from a comprehensive perspective.
"
I'm also reading the Ezra Klein book, Abundance.
Finding My Way
A Memoir
It was highlighted as her latest memoir, described as a comingofage story about her attempt at a normal college life.
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Her books are I Am Malala, We Are Displaced, Malala's Magic Pencil, and now her memoir, Finding My Way, which is really from the moment we all kind of knew her to her trying to attemp...
— Episode: Malala Yousafzai (education activist)
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Episode: Malala Yousafzai (education activist)
It was highlighted as her latest memoir, described as a comingofage story about her attempt at a normal college life.
"
Her books are I Am Malala, We Are Displaced, Malala's Magic Pencil, and now her memoir, Finding My Way, which is really from the moment we all kind of knew her to her trying to attempt to have a normal college life.
Finding My Way. I really hope everyone reads it. It's so fun and cute. Like I said, it's like a complete departure from the other side we already know. And it's so human and relatable and just really well written. So I want everyone to check out Finding My Way.
Talk
The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves
The host announced that Alison Wood Brooks had just released a new book titled Talk, which explores the science of conversation and how to be ourselves.
"
She has a new book out right now called Talk, The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves.
— Episode: Alison Wood Brooks (on the science of co...
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Episode: Alison Wood Brooks (on the science of conversation...
The host announced that Alison Wood Brooks had just released a new book titled Talk, which explores the science of conversation and how to be ourselves.
"
She has a new book out right now called Talk, The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves.
I hope everyone checks out Talk, the science of conversation and the art of being ourselves.
Lorne
The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live
Susan Morrison delivered a crazyfun, juicy history of Saturday Night Live and its founder Lorne Michaels, which listeners found highly enjoyable and worth reading.
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She has a new book out right now, Lorne, The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live. This is like a crazy fun juicy history of Saturday Night Live. It is, of SNL and of Lorne
— Episode: Susan Morrison (on Lorne Michaels)
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Episode: Susan Morrison (on Lorne Michaels)
Susan Morrison delivered a crazyfun, juicy history of Saturday Night Live and its founder Lorne Michaels, which listeners found highly enjoyable and worth reading.
"
She has a new book out right now, Lorne, The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live. This is like a crazy fun juicy history of Saturday Night Live. It is, of SNL and of Lorne Michaels, and we get all these like fun stories, and it's just cool.
I thought this was incredibly enjoyable. I encourage everyone to read it.
I love the book. It reads like a New Yorker article. It's so fast moving. Every page, you're like, ooh, that's juicy.
I wrote a thing where I spent a whole week there and interspersed in the book are these chapters of different days of the week.
The Let Them Theory
A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About
During the episode, the hosts highlighted the audiobook, noting that Dax Shepard narrated it and that it provided a distinct listening experience compared to the print version. They suggested that even listeners familiar with the title would benefit from hearing the new stories, riffs, and emotional moments added in the audio format. The overall tone was enthusiastic promotion.
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Episode: D'Arcy Carden Returns
The hosts promoted the audiobook version, noting that Dax Shepard read it and that it offered a different experience from the print version.
"
The letthem theory audiobook. And guess who reads it? Me! And even if you've read the book, guess what? The audiobook is different. I tell different stories. I riff. I cry.
The Original Warm Fuzzy Tale
Dax recalled that his mother swore by the book, describing it as a favorite family story read at night. He explained that the tale depicted a land where everyone was born with limitless Warm Fuzzies until a kiosk began selling "cold pricklies," suggesting a limited supply. The episode highlighted the book’s message about the abundance of kindness and its nostalgic appeal.
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Episode: D'Arcy Carden Returns
Dax recalled that his mom swore by the children's book, describing its story about a land where everyone has unlimited Warm Fuzzies until a kiosk sells "cold pricklies."
"
Did you have the Warm Fuzzy book as a kid? It was a book my mom swore by. It's our favorite family book you read at night. It's about a little land where everyone's born with a Warm Fuzzy bag. And then you give your Warm Fuzzies out. And then a man comes to town and he sets up a kiosk and he's selling cold pricklies. He lets everyone know you have a limited amount of Warm Fuzzies. You can't give them all out. Start using these so you don't use up your Warm Fuzzies. But the Warm Fuzzies were infinite.
Train Dreams
During the episode with Joel Edgerton, the host expressed that the novella was beautifully moving, noting that it made him cry several times. He highlighted its simple yet powerful storytelling about a logger in 1917 and praised the source material as incredibly affecting. The discussion conveyed strong admiration for the book's emotional impact.
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Episode: Joel Edgerton
The novella was referenced as the source material for the film, noted for its beautiful and moving storytelling about a logger in 1917.
"
it's based on Dennis Johnson's novella of the same name, Train Dreams.
I loved it. I cried several times during it. It was a very simple story about someone in 1917 and it was incredibly moving.
The High 5 Habit
Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit
In the episode, the host referenced the book as another title by Mel Robbins, mentioning it alongside her more widely known work. The mention served to highlight the author's broader catalog without offering a specific endorsement or critique. The overall tone was neutral, simply acknowledging the book’s existence.
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Episode: Mel Robbins (on the Let Them Theory)
It was mentioned as one of Mel Robbins' titles alongside The Five Second Rule.
"
The High Five Habit and The Five Second Rule.
We Did OK, Kid
A Memoir
In the episode featuring Anthony Hopkins, the memoir was described as a surprising and delightful account of his life. The hosts expressed enthusiasm and urged listeners to check out the book. Their recommendation highlighted its engaging storytelling.
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Episode: Anthony Hopkins
The memoir was described as a surprising and delightful account of his life, which the hosts encouraged listeners to check out.
"
His book is called We Did Okay, Kid.
I hope everyone checks out the book. It is called, appropriately, We Did Okay, Kid.
Defending Jacob
A Novel
The title was noted as the source material for a new whodunit series starring Chris Evans, with the hosts describing it as the basis for the adaptation. No specific endorsement or critique was offered, and the mention served mainly to contextualize the upcoming show.
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Episode: Anthony Hopkins
The series was mentioned as an adaptation of a book, described as a whodunit with Chris Evans starring.
"
And it has Chris Evans and is adapted from a book and it's a little bit of a whodunit.
Gone Before Goodbye
The title was highlighted when Reese Witherspoon discussed co‑authoring it with Harlan Coben, describing its thriller plot about a former surgeon drawn into secret surgeries. Dax Shepard and Reese both recommended the audiobook, urging listeners to enjoy it. Their enthusiastic endorsement positioned the book as a noteworthy new release for the audience.
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Episode: Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon cowrote the thriller novel with Harlan Coben and praised its audiobook, recommending listeners to enjoy it.
"
She's got a novel out right now that she cowrote. This girl can't stop. Gone Before Goodbye. And yes, she teamed up with bestselling author Harlan Coben... I recommend it.
And of course, she reads the audiobook. Yes. And I recommend it. Please enjoy.
We wrote it together. I had about the first hundred pages in my mind already... and then he helped me. He kept saying she was hot. We got it down to one person saying she was hot.
The book follows Maggie McCabe, a former military surgeon who lost her medical license and gets pulled into a dangerous world of private wealth and secret surgeries.
I'm so proud of myself because I was scared out of my mind and I did it anyway.
![Freakonomics [Revised and Expanded]: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything Cover](https://media.podcastbookpicks.com/books/37982.jpg)
Freakonomics [Revised and Expanded]
A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
The book was highlighted for its 20th anniversary and the upcoming new edition, with Stephen Dubner noting its awards and sales and Dax Shepard urging anyone who hadn't read it to get a copy. Both hosts presented it as a must‑read, calling listeners who missed it "Philistines."
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Episode: Stephen Dubner Returns Again
The book was highlighted as reaching its 20th anniversary with a new edition releasing on November11th, and the host urged listeners who hadn't read it to get a copy.
"
Stephen Dubner is the host of Freakonomics Radio and coauthor of the Freakonomics Books, which have won many awards and sold millions of copies around the world. 2025 is the 20th anniversary of the Freakonomics Book and the 15th anniversary of Freakonomics Radio. Check out Freakonomics. The new edition drops November 11th.
If you've never read Freakonomics, you are a Philistine. So go get it on the 20th anniversary, November 11th.
Mark Twain
A biography of Mark Twain from 2005 was noted with affection, indicating the speaker liked the book.
"
Twain. I love him. 2005 by Ron Powers.
— Episode: Stephen Dubner Returns Again
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Episode: Stephen Dubner Returns Again
A biography of Mark Twain from 2005 was noted with affection, indicating the speaker liked the book.
"
Twain. I love him. 2005 by Ron Powers.
The Story of Babar
The Little Elephant
During the episode with Jennifer Aniston, Monica Padman noted that the title originally appeared in 1931 as a French children's book. The mention was purely informational, highlighting its historical origin without any endorsement.
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Episode: Jennifer Aniston
The conversation mentioned that Babar first appeared in the 1931 French children's book History of Babar.
"
It first appeared in 1931 in the French children's book, History of Babar.
I'm Glad My Mom Died
The memoir was brought up as a lighter topic during the conversation, with the host noting that Sharon Horgan had taken on the book. It was mentioned in passing without an extensive discussion or endorsement.
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Episode: Sharon Horgan
The memoir was mentioned as a lighter topic during the conversation, noting that Sharon Horgan had taken on the book.
"
So to do something lighter you've taken on Jeanette McCurdy's book. I'm Glad My Mom Died.
The Let Them Theory
A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About
The hosts highlighted the audiobook version of the title, noting that it differed from the printed edition and was narrated by Dax himself, which added a personal and immersive feel. Dax Shepard promoted it, saying listeners would love the added stories, riffs, and emotional moments. The overall tone was enthusiastic, suggesting the book was strongly recommended for its unique audio experience.
Listen on Audible
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Episode: D'Arcy Carden Returns
The hosts promoted the audiobook version, noting it differed from the printed book and was read by Dax himself, offering a personal, immersive experience.
"
The let-them theory audiobook. And guess who reads it? Me! And even if you've read the book, guess what? The audiobook is different. I tell different stories. I riff. I cry. You're going to love it because it's going to feel like I'm right there next to you. We're in this together as we learn to stop controlling other people.
Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.