What A Day
Book Recommendations

What A Day

If you’re looking for hype, fake outrage, and groupthink, kindly keep moving. Our mission at What a Day is simple: to be your guide to what truly matters each morning (and the fun stuff you might have missed) in just 20 minutes. Host Jane Coaston brings you in-depth reporting and substantive analysi...

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Books 142

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Latest Recommendations

Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind cover

Hated by All the Right People

Jason Zengerle

Mentioned 5 months ago

Mayhem In Minneapolis

The book was highlighted as a fascinating and informative look into Tucker Carlson's political evolution and how his rise mirrored the growth of the MAGA movement. It was described as being as much a piece of media criticism as it was a professional biography of Carlson.

Mordant, insightful, vigorously reported, and yes, deliciously entertaining.

Buy on Amazon
Melania cover

Melania

Melania Trump

Mentioned 1 year ago

California and New York Could Decide Which Party Controls The House

Melania Trump's memoir includes her support for abortion access, and details of her telling her husband to end the family separation immigration policy. She promoted her book with social media videos.

Individual freedom is a fundamental principle that I safeguard. Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth.

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The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters cover

The Devil Never Sleeps

Juliette Kayyem

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Next Steps In Hurricane Helene Recovery

The book's author, Juliette Kayyem, was interviewed about disaster recovery following Hurricane Helene. She is the faculty chair of the Homeland Security Program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and wrote this book.

And the author of 'The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters,' explains what the next steps in recovery will look like.

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Wasteland: The Secret World of Waste and the Urgent Search for a Cleaner Future cover

Wasteland

Oliver Franklin-Wallis

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Plastic Recycling Long Con

It was mentioned as a 2023 book that details the dirty truth about what we throw away; the author was interviewed in the podcast.

It's certainly true that for a long time, the plastics industry has known that not a lot of recycling is actually happening.

Buy on Amazon
Wasteland: The Dirty Truth About What We Throw Away, Where It Goes, and Why It Matters cover

Wasteland

Oliver Franklin-Wallis

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Plastic Recycling Long Con

The book discusses the truth behind what we throw away. It was mentioned in relation to the history of the plastics industry and its role in misleading the public about recycling.

We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film cover

We See Each Other

Tre'vell Anderson

Mentioned 1 year ago

North Carolina's Mark Robinson Extremism Revealed (Again)

The book, written by the podcast co-host, was mentioned as a great gift idea and is available wherever books are sold.

In case you were wondering, my books make for great birthday and holiday gifts. Also for that gender reveal party you probably shouldn't be going to, we see each other, A Black Trans Journey Through TV and Film, and the NAACP Image Award winning, Historically Black Phrases from I Ain't One of Your Little Friends to Who All Gone Be There are both available wherever good books are sold and bad ones too.

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CARISPIBET So Many People Come into Our Lives | Home Decorative Sign, Homage to Friends and Family 6" x 12" cover

CARISPIBET So Many People Come into Our Lives | Home Decorative Sign, Homage to Friends and Family 6" x 12"

Mentioned 1 year ago

North Carolina's Mark Robinson Extremism Revealed (Again)

This NAACP Image Award-winning book was also suggested as a gift and is available for purchase or at local libraries.

and the NAACP Image Award winning, Historically Black Phrases from I Ain't One of Your Little Friends to Who All Gone Be There are both available wherever good books are sold and bad ones too. Also at your local library.

Buy on Amazon
Strengthening American Democracy: Reflection, Action, and Reform cover

Strengthening American Democracy

John R. Baker

Mentioned 1 year ago

Trump’s Lies About Haitian Immigrants Create Chaos In Springfield, Ohio

It was mentioned as a new book by Dr. Robert Baker, a political science professor. It was said that he and some friends were flabbergasted by Donald Trump's comments about Haitian immigrants in Springfield.

Baker is also the author of the new book, Strengthening American Democracy, Reflection, Action and Reform.

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The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World cover

The Chaos Machine

Max Fisher

Mentioned 1 year ago

When Countries Ban Social Media

It was mentioned as a book written by Max Fisher about social media leading to widespread discord. The author's publisher was expected to send a check to Erin Ryan.

Max is being humble. He literally wrote a book about social media leading to widespread discord called The Chaos Machine.

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Undue Burden: Life and Death Decisions in Post-Roe America cover

Undue Burden

Shefali Luthra

Mentioned 1 year ago

Trump Alienates His Base With Flip Flopping On Reproductive Rights

The book, "Undue Burden: Life and Death Decisions in Post-Roe America," was mentioned as Shefali Luthra's work, where she covers reproductive health for The 19th. The discussion touched upon the complex situation for Trump, the Republican Party, and the anti-abortion movement after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The Reactionary Spirit: How America's Most Insidious Political Tradition Swept the World cover

The Reactionary Spirit

Zack Beauchamp

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Gender Gap Is Widening In The 2024 Election

The book explores America's most insidious political traditions and how they spread globally. It was mentioned as being released and available.

The Reactionary Spirit, how America's most insidious political traditions swept the world

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Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial cover

Trying Trump

Norman Eisen

Mentioned 1 year ago

Jack Smith Won’t Back Down

Norm Eisen, the author of "Trying Trump," discussed the book's content which is a guide to Trump's first election interference criminal trial. He explained that his analysis of the case, detailed in a report he co-authored and published online, closely matched the content of the revised indictment.

He's taken it out that the Supreme Court said cannot be covered, which is official conduct, whether you agree or disagree.

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Most Recommended

Treasure Island (Deluxe Hardcover Book) Cover

General Press

Treasure Island (Deluxe Hardcover Book)

Gideon mentioned it as a successful example of a Muppet-fied classic book, suggesting that a similar treatment could work well for other adventure stories.

"

Like I'm thinking of there's a Treasure Island, right? And that's a Christmas Carol. Those both those both rocked.

— Episode: Glory Be To Georgia

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Episode: Glory Be To Georgia

Gideon mentioned it as a successful example of a Muppet-fied classic book, suggesting that a similar treatment could work well for other adventure stories.

"

Like I'm thinking of there's a Treasure Island, right? And that's a Christmas Carol. Those both those both rocked.

Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It Cover

Jennifer Breheny Wallace

Never Enough

When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It

The book was mentioned in relation to former Representative Adam Kinzinger's description of Kevin McCarthy's alleged habit of bumping colleagues, described as an attempt to assert power and control over House Republicans. The anecdote was used to illustrate McCarthy's behavior.

"

According to former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger's book this stiff shoulder bump approach is common practice for McCarthy as he attempts to exert power and control over other House Republi...

— Episode: GOP Goes WWE

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Episode: GOP Goes WWE

The book was mentioned in relation to former Representative Adam Kinzinger's description of Kevin McCarthy's alleged habit of bumping colleagues, described as an attempt to assert power and control over House Republicans. The anecdote was used to illustrate McCarthy's behavior.

"

According to former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger's book this stiff shoulder bump approach is common practice for McCarthy as he attempts to exert power and control over other House Republicans.

Antiracist Baby Picture Book Cover

Ibram X. Kendi

Antiracist Baby Picture Book

This children's book was brought up during Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court confirmation hearing; Senator Ted Cruz questioned her about it, and she stated that she had not reviewed it and that such topics do not come up in her work as a judge.

"

Senator, I have not reviewed any of those books, any of those ideas. They don't come up in my work as a judge, which I'm respectfully here to address.

— Episode: Healthcare Is Under Attack In Ukraine

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Episode: Healthcare Is Under Attack In Ukraine

This children's book was brought up during Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court confirmation hearing; Senator Ted Cruz questioned her about it, and she stated that she had not reviewed it and that such topics do not come up in her work as a judge.

"

Senator, I have not reviewed any of those books, any of those ideas. They don't come up in my work as a judge, which I'm respectfully here to address.

critical race theory quote doesn't come up in my work as it's never something that I've studied or relied on and it wouldn't be something that I would rely on if I was on the Supreme Court.

Losing the Long Game: The False Promise of Regime Change in the Middle East Cover

Philip H. Gordon

Losing the Long Game

The False Promise of Regime Change in the Middle East

Gordon wrote this book in 2020, arguing against military interventionism and the false promise of regime change in the Middle East, drawing from his experiences in the Obama White House and the failings of the interventions in Iraq and Libya.

"

We went into Iraq with an enormous footprint and it was a catastrophe. We went into Libya with a light footprint and it was a catastrophe. And we didn't go into Syria and it was a catastrophe.

— Episode: Here's The Best Clue We Have on Kamala H...

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Episode: Here's The Best Clue We Have on Kamala Harris' For...

Gordon wrote this book in 2020, arguing against military interventionism and the false promise of regime change in the Middle East, drawing from his experiences in the Obama White House and the failings of the interventions in Iraq and Libya.

"

We went into Iraq with an enormous footprint and it was a catastrophe. We went into Libya with a light footprint and it was a catastrophe. And we didn't go into Syria and it was a catastrophe.

The idea that the U.S. could engineer events and politics inside of these countries, pull a lever and oust a leader and put another group of people in there, we had to realize that that was beyond our control.

Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor's Plan to Make Us Safer by Kamala Harris (October 01,2009) Cover

Kamala Harris

Smart on Crime

A Career Prosecutor's Plan to Make Us Safer by Kamala Harris (October 01,2009)

Harris wrote the book in 2009 while she was DA of San Francisco. It outlined her vision for a "smart on crime" approach to criminal justice and included information about a San Francisco neighborhood program that Harris said was based on the principle of immediacy of consequences and services.

"

Many people who are living on the streets there are suffering from addiction and mental illness but are receiving no treatment, turning a blind-eyed dooms a lot of individuals and turns the neighborho...

— Episode: Kamala Harris' Time As DA: Cop or Progre...

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Episode: Kamala Harris' Time As DA: Cop or Progressive?

Harris wrote the book in 2009 while she was DA of San Francisco. It outlined her vision for a "smart on crime" approach to criminal justice and included information about a San Francisco neighborhood program that Harris said was based on the principle of immediacy of consequences and services.

"

Many people who are living on the streets there are suffering from addiction and mental illness but are receiving no treatment, turning a blind-eyed dooms a lot of individuals and turns the neighborhood into a dangerous, dirty, crime-ridden zone.

Our Community Justice Center is a collaborative problem-solving center with a court on site designed to provide accountability for lower-level criminal behavior and at the same time to address the root issues associated with this behavior such as substance abuse, mental illness, and lack of shelter.

The center is based on the principle of immediacy, immediacy of consequences, and immediacy of services. Key is having everything under one roof, criminal justice agencies, service providers, members of the bench. It's simple but effective model.

Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs Cover

Josh Hawley

Manhood

The Masculine Virtues America Needs

Hawley's book, titled "Manhood," focuses on the downfall of masculinity and is scheduled to be released in May. It was mentioned in relation to his attempts to change the narrative surrounding his actions during the January 6th insurrection.

"

Hawley's book titled Manhood will hit shelves next May, a few weeks after he is slated to speak at the, quote, Stronger Men's Conference, where men go to relearn how to be masculine,...

— Episode: One Small Step For Manchin, One Giant Le...

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Episode: One Small Step For Manchin, One Giant Leap For Man...

Hawley's book, titled "Manhood," focuses on the downfall of masculinity and is scheduled to be released in May. It was mentioned in relation to his attempts to change the narrative surrounding his actions during the January 6th insurrection.

"

Hawley's book titled Manhood will hit shelves next May, a few weeks after he is slated to speak at the, quote, Stronger Men's Conference, where men go to relearn how to be masculine, complete with bull riding and monster trucks.

The Outlier Cover

Elisabeth Eaves

The Outlier

It was discussed in the context of Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign, mentioning that the book covers Carter's presidency and his rise to prominence from relative obscurity.

"

He didn't have much of a national profile at all. You know, Jimmy Carter sort of came from nowhere.

— Episode: When a Presidential Convention Turns The...

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Episode: When a Presidential Convention Turns The Election

It was discussed in the context of Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign, mentioning that the book covers Carter's presidency and his rise to prominence from relative obscurity.

"

He didn't have much of a national profile at all. You know, Jimmy Carter sort of came from nowhere.

He ran on himself, on the fact of who he was, a decent born again Christian who was a Southern liberal.

Carter was less known as a national politician than any of his predecessors. And so he comes to this convention and it was well managed and he got his bounce and he had got a chance to introduce himself to a lot of voters who didn't really know who this guy was.

Peril Cover

Bob Woodward

Peril

A passage from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa's book, "Peril," was read aloud during the podcast. The passage detailed a conversation between Trump and Pence regarding the certification of election results.

"

Vice President is reported to have said, no, look, I've read this and I don't see a way to do it. We've exhausted every option. I've done everything I could and then some to find a way around this. It...

— Episode: Some VP That I Used To Know

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Episode: Some VP That I Used To Know

A passage from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa's book, "Peril," was read aloud during the podcast. The passage detailed a conversation between Trump and Pence regarding the certification of election results.

"

Vice President is reported to have said, no, look, I've read this and I don't see a way to do it. We've exhausted every option. I've done everything I could and then some to find a way around this. It's simply not possible. To which the president says, no, no, no, you don't understand, Mike. You can do this. I don't want to be your friend anymore if you don't do this.

Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People's Business Cover

Roxane Gay

Opinions

A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People's Business

The podcast hosts mentioned an upcoming event where they would be interviewing Roxane Gay about her new book, "Opinions."

"

And be sure to pencil in me and author Roxane Gay for a fancy chat about her new book, Opinions, on Thursday, October 12th at 7 p.m. Eastern.

— Episode: Kevin Knows I'm Miserable Now

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Episode: Kevin Knows I'm Miserable Now

The podcast hosts mentioned an upcoming event where they would be interviewing Roxane Gay about her new book, "Opinions."

"

And be sure to pencil in me and author Roxane Gay for a fancy chat about her new book, Opinions, on Thursday, October 12th at 7 p.m. Eastern.

All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto Cover

George M. Johnson

All Boys Aren't Blue

A Memoir-Manifesto

It recounts the author's lived experience growing up as a queer Black person; it was targeted for removal in at least 14 states, deemed inappropriate for children by conservatives. The author initially laughed at the bans, but as more states banned it, they spoke publicly, leading to a criminal complaint in Florida which was later thrown out.

"

When I found out about the first band which was in like Kansas City, I laughed because I thought it was funny because the book had already been out for 17 months.

— Episode: Get Your Bans Off My Books with George M...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Get Your Bans Off My Books with George M. Johnson

It recounts the author's lived experience growing up as a queer Black person; it was targeted for removal in at least 14 states, deemed inappropriate for children by conservatives. The author initially laughed at the bans, but as more states banned it, they spoke publicly, leading to a criminal complaint in Florida which was later thrown out.

"

When I found out about the first band which was in like Kansas City, I laughed because I thought it was funny because the book had already been out for 17 months.

But within about four to six weeks, it had got up to eight states. And that's when I finally said something publicly about it.

And then that following week was when the first criminal complaint was filed against me and the book in Florida.

It's just actually been a pretty wild journey to witness this happening.

apparently there are obscenity laws in there trying to sweep our books into being seen as obscene titles that teens should not be allowed to read.

The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game Cover

Michael Lewis

The Blind Side

Evolution of a Game

Michael Oher, the real-life subject of the book and movie, claimed that much of the film adaptation was based on a lie created by his supposed adoptive parents; he alleged that he didn't receive any money from the movie, which earned over \$300 million, while the Tooheys and their children received \$225,000 plus 2.5% of the film's net proceeds.

"

Michael Oher, the real life subject of the book and movie The Blind Side, claimed that much of the film adaptation was based on a lie created by his supposed adoptive parents.

— Episode: The Future Of Tribes with Cherokee Chief...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Future Of Tribes with Cherokee Chief Chuck Hos...

Michael Oher, the real-life subject of the book and movie, claimed that much of the film adaptation was based on a lie created by his supposed adoptive parents; he alleged that he didn't receive any money from the movie, which earned over \$300 million, while the Tooheys and their children received \$225,000 plus 2.5% of the film's net proceeds.

"

Michael Oher, the real life subject of the book and movie The Blind Side, claimed that much of the film adaptation was based on a lie created by his supposed adoptive parents.

For those who might not remember, the film follows Oher as he is adopted out of poverty by the Tooheys, a wealthy white family, and takes his football career to the NFL.

Oher said that he didn't make any money from the movie based on his life, which earned more than $300 million.

But he alleges that the Tooheys and their two children were paid $225,000 plus 2.5% of the film's defined net proceeds.

In response to the petition, the Tooheys claimed that they made less than $15,000 from the movie and that they were quote, insulted by the allegations, which is so far beside the point that like, I, what?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) Cover

J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)

The podcast discussed the environmental impact of a memorial to Dobby, a house elf character who dies in this book, where fans leave painted pebbles and socks at a filming location, raising concerns about pollution and the absurdity of the memorial to a fictional character. The hosts emphasized the message of the book regarding the house elf system and slavery.

"

The entire point of this book is A, it's made up, and B, giving the elf a sock, it's ridiculous that this is the system. This is bad. The house elf system is like slavery.

— Episode: True Crime Rates

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: True Crime Rates

The podcast discussed the environmental impact of a memorial to Dobby, a house elf character who dies in this book, where fans leave painted pebbles and socks at a filming location, raising concerns about pollution and the absurdity of the memorial to a fictional character. The hosts emphasized the message of the book regarding the house elf system and slavery.

"

The entire point of this book is A, it's made up, and B, giving the elf a sock, it's ridiculous that this is the system. This is bad. The house elf system is like slavery.

If this was like a memorial for somebody real and like you felt a connection to their work and you wanted to leave a little gift, you know, for the ancestors, I could let it pass. But this is a fake character. I don't get it. People take things too far.

Keep your socks on. You know, go say a little speech for Dobby. Put a stone there. Keep your socks on.

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) Cover

Dan Santat

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)

Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor for President Obama, mentioned his new book, which was a New York Times bestseller. He discussed his work on the book, including interviews with Alexei Navalny.

"

Ben Rhodes, co-host of Pod Save the World, former deputy national security advisor for President Obama and author of the new book, the new bestselling New York Times bestselling book after the fall, B...

— Episode: Vlad To Meet You, Mr. Biden

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Episode: Vlad To Meet You, Mr. Biden

Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor for President Obama, mentioned his new book, which was a New York Times bestseller. He discussed his work on the book, including interviews with Alexei Navalny.

"

Ben Rhodes, co-host of Pod Save the World, former deputy national security advisor for President Obama and author of the new book, the new bestselling New York Times bestselling book after the fall, Being American in the World We've Made.

I spent a bunch of time talking to Alexei Navalny last summer for this this book.

Run, Rose, Run: A Novel Cover

James Patterson

Run, Rose, Run

A Novel

Dolly Parton collaborated with James Patterson to release this novel about a young singer with a dark secret, which will also be released as a 12-song album. It draws upon Parton's own experiences in the country music industry.

"

this dual release will mark the first time a number one best selling author and an entertainment icon who has sold well over 100 million albums worldwide have collaborated on a book and an album.

— Episode: The Trial of R. Kelly

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Episode: The Trial of R. Kelly

Dolly Parton collaborated with James Patterson to release this novel about a young singer with a dark secret, which will also be released as a 12-song album. It draws upon Parton's own experiences in the country music industry.

"

this dual release will mark the first time a number one best selling author and an entertainment icon who has sold well over 100 million albums worldwide have collaborated on a book and an album.

Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival Cover

Omid Scobie

Endgame

Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival

A new book by Omid Scobie allegedly identified King Charles and Kate Middleton as the royal family members who made racist remarks about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son; the Dutch translation of the book contained the names, while the English version did not.

"

There are several conversations about this.

— Episode: Fighting Resumes In Israel-Hamas War

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Episode: Fighting Resumes In Israel-Hamas War

A new book by Omid Scobie allegedly identified King Charles and Kate Middleton as the royal family members who made racist remarks about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son; the Dutch translation of the book contained the names, while the English version did not.

"

There are several conversations about this.

Potentially and what that would mean or look like.

He also told ITV that he quote never submitted a book that had their names in it.

Parable of the Talents: A Novel Cover

Octavia E. Butler

Parable of the Talents

A Novel

Referred to as the sequel to "Parable of the Sower", it was mentioned as also predicting current events, but less detail was given about this book than its predecessor.

"

And she certainly never wrote Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents, the sequel that predicted all of this, including Donald Trump, including the Make America Great Again sl...

— Episode: The Courts v. Climate (From our friends...

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Episode: The Courts v. Climate (From our friends at Hot Tak...

Referred to as the sequel to "Parable of the Sower", it was mentioned as also predicting current events, but less detail was given about this book than its predecessor.

"

And she certainly never wrote Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents, the sequel that predicted all of this, including Donald Trump, including the Make America Great Again slogan. I mean, uncanny, like uncanny.

Will Cover

Will Smith

Will

In his memoir, Will Smith discussed his teenage years, which included a period of intense sexual activity that resulted in a psychosomatic reaction to orgasm, causing him to gag and vomit.

"

I had sex with so many women and it was so constitutionally disagreeable to my being that I developed a psychosomatic reaction to having an orgasm. It would literally make me gag and sometimes vomit.

— Episode: Giving Thanks For Antibodies with Dr. As...

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Episode: Giving Thanks For Antibodies with Dr. Ashish Jha

In his memoir, Will Smith discussed his teenage years, which included a period of intense sexual activity that resulted in a psychosomatic reaction to orgasm, causing him to gag and vomit.

"

I had sex with so many women and it was so constitutionally disagreeable to my being that I developed a psychosomatic reaction to having an orgasm. It would literally make me gag and sometimes vomit.

my stomach seemed to know what my mind didn't that only real relationships not meaningless sex would bring me the peace that I needed. But that wasn't easy to explain when I was doubled over at the foot of a stranger's bed

I hope to God this beautiful stranger would be the one who would love me who would make this pain go away. But invariably there I was retching and retching and the look in the eyes of the women even further deepened my agony.

my body's rejection of my lifestyle wasn't limited to sex, even kissing a woman who I was only interested in physically once led my tongue to swell and salivate wildly before giving way to a bout of nausea that had me making excuses to go to the bathroom.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.