In this episode, meet award-winning journalists Amy Larocca, Karen Hao, and Amanda Hess. Each of these seasoned reporters have taken deep dives into major new developments in the worlds of culture and technology, and their audiobooks are nothing short of illuminating. Hear Amy Larocca on how the wellness trend has eclipsed fashion as the “it” commodity, Karen Hao on what’s missing from the public discussion of AI, and Amanda Hess on having a child in the digital age, and what was most “confronta...
May 27, 2025•13 min
In this episode, meet self-described “bible nerd” Manny Arango, clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Anhalt, and retired four-star United States Army general General Stanley McChrystal. Hear Manny Arango on addressing modern anxieties through bible study, Dr. Emily Anhalt on what it means to do “emotional push-ups,” and General Stanley McChrystal on how recording his audiobook spurred new reflections on the writing process. Crushing Chaos by Manny Arango https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/76093...
May 20, 2025•22 min
In this episode, meet journalist Carla Sosenko, fashion designer Prabal Gurung, and professional climber Sonnie Trotter. Press play to hear Carla Sosenko on her “out of body” experience in the recording studio, Prabal Gurung on the freedom he hopes listeners find in his audiobook, and Sonnie Trotter on the chapter of his book he enjoyed narrating the most. I'll Look So Hot in a Coffin by Carla Sosenko https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720681/ill-look-so-hot-in-a-coffin-by-carla-sosenko/97...
May 13, 2025•16 min
In this episode, meet children’s author Antwan Eady, teacher and advocate Chasten Buttigieg, and New York Times Magazine staff writer Susan Dominus. Tune in to hear what Antwan Eady wishes he had in the recording studio with him, what Chasten Buttigieg’s favorite section of his book to read (and write) was, and who Susan Dominus would cast to narrate her audiobook if she didn’t read it herself. The Gathering Table by Antwan Eady: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/692628/the-gathering-tabl...
May 06, 2025•12 min
In this episode, meet comedian and podcast host Zarna Garg, journalist and public speaker Susannah Cahalan, and poet, performer, and educator Sarah Kay. Hear the hilarious Zarna Garg describe her experiences in the recording booth, Susannah Cahalan on what inspired her to write about the life of unsung counterculture icon Rosemary Woodruff Leary, and Sarah Kay on what she’s most excited for listeners to hear. This American Woman by Zarna Garg https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773166/this-...
Apr 29, 2025•10 min
In this episode, meet professional photographer and book editor Eamon Dolan, creator of the Brave Writer Program Julie Bogart, and cognitive psychologist and podcast host Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD. Hear Eamon Dolan on writing the book about estrangement he had always hoped to read, Julie Bogart on the importance of overcoming our own hangups when teaching writing to our kids, and Scott Barry Kaufman on the one word he would use to describe the process of recording his audiobook. The Power of Part...
Apr 22, 2025•15 min
In this episode, meet climate justice organizer Mikaela Loach, personal injury attorney and public speaker Jefferson Fisher, and multidisciplinary creative and activist Sandy Hudson. Hear Mikaela Loach on the mingling of heartbreak and hope when it comes to addressing the Climate Crisis, Jefferson Fisher on how his courtroom experiences have informed his communication philosophy, and Sandy Hudson on finding inspiration through the work of police reform activists. Climate Is Just the Start by Mik...
Apr 15, 2025•21 min
In this episode, meet G9 Ventures founder Amy Griffin, disability advocate and eating disorder recovery coach Jayne Mattingly, and advocate on sexual violence prevention and trauma recovery Brittany Piper. Hear Amy Griffin on the word she found particularly hard to pronounce, Jayne Mattingly on her personal journey with body grief and how she used that term to help others, and why Brittany Piper calls her time in the recording booth “therapeutic.” The Tell by Amy Griffin: https://www.penguinrand...
Apr 07, 2025•15 min
In this episode, meet neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs Anne-Laure Le Cunff, TechEquity CEO and community organizer Catherine Bracy, and author and creative guide Amie McNee. Hear Anne-Laure Le Cunff share the section of her audiobook she most enjoyed recording, Catherine Bracy reflect on what surprised her most about being in the studio, and Amie McNee on what inspired her to write We Need Your Art. Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737291/ti...
Apr 01, 2025•14 min
In this episode, meet author and poet-storyteller Kaitlin B. Curtice, Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson, and author and singer-songwriter Hayley Chewins. Hear Kaitlin B. Curtice on writing children’s books that celebrate our sacred relationship to the earth from an Indigenous perspective, James Robinson on the cathartic experience of reading his life story aloud, and Hayley Chewins on the complications of magic in her characters’ lives. Spring's Miracles by Kaitlin B. Curti...
Mar 25, 2025•12 min
In this episode, meet Brown University professor and chair of African Studies Noliwe Rooks, NYU Grossman School of Medicine professor of pediatrics and microbiology Dr. Adam Ratner, and former White House correspondent and Johns Hopkins University professor of environmental science and policy Daniel Stone. Hear Noliwe Rooks on the school experiences that inspired her book, Adam Ratner on the impact of vaccines on pediatrics and infectious illnesses, and Daniel Stone on the all-consuming process ...
Mar 18, 2025•21 min
In this episode, meet C-suite leader Laysha Ward, entrepreneur and podcast host Grant Sabatier, and career coach and Hunter College professor of human behavior Melody Wilding. Hear Laysha Ward on breaking the wall between work and life, Grant Sabatier on the accessibility of entrepreneurship, and Melody Wilding on the invisible dynamics at play in a workplace. Enjoy! Lead Like You Mean It by Laysha Ward: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722216/lead-like-you-mean-it-by-laysha-ward/audio I...
Mar 11, 2025•24 min
In this episode, meet writer and minister Lydia Sohn, vicar and co-host of the And Also with You podcast, Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail, and comedian and actress Pretty Vee. Hear Lydia Sohn on the power of taking a “vow of stability,” Lizzie McManus-Dail on the gap between the God she knew, and the God being advertised on billboards and TV, and Pretty Vee on the inspirational process of recording her audiobook. Here by Lydia Sohn https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736307/here-by-lydia-sohn/9780...
Mar 04, 2025•17 min
In this episode, meet television writer and co-host of the Keep It podcast Ira Madison III, writer Allison Sweet Grant, and writer and editor Haley Mlotek. Hear Ira Madison on how he used the Wicked soundtrack to prepare for recording his audiobook, Allison Sweet Grant on the joys of reading poetry during the recording process, and Haley Mlotek on how the experience of divorce in her family inspired her new book, and what surprised her most about recording the audiobook. Pure Innocent Fun by Ira...
Feb 24, 2025•15 min
In this episode of This Is the Author, meet marriage and family therapist Bryana Kappadakunnel, health and fitness coach Lisa Dee, and entrepreneur and content creator Sahil Bloom. Hear Bryana Kappadakunnel on the power of parenting yourself as an adult, Lisa Dee on physical and mental transformation post-ADHD diagnosis, and Sahil Bloom on the “grind” of recording an audiobook. Parent Yourself First by Bryana Kappadakunnel https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/741006/parent-yourself-first-by-...
Feb 18, 2025•17 min
In this episode of This Is the Author, meet poet Mia S. Willis, bestselling author Lidia Yuknavitch, and award-winning journalist Bonny Reichert. Hear Mia S. Willis on the spaces that language can – and cannot - traverse, Lidia Yuknavitch on the wetsuit that inspired a memoir, and Bonny Reichert on the one powerful word she would use to describe what it was like to record her audiobook. the space between men by Mia S. Willis: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738584/the-space-between-men-...
Feb 11, 2025•14 min
In this episode of This Is the Author, meet Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Naomi Watts, former Capitol Hill press secretary and White House speechwriter Tom Rosshirt, and psychotherapist and podcaster Nicole J. Sachs. Hear Naomi Watts on confronting her “worst nightmare” in the recording booth, Tom Rosshirt on the deeply personal experience of narration, and Nicole Sachs on the key difference between recording a podcast and recording an audiobook. DARE I SAY It by Naomi Watts https:/...
Feb 04, 2025•16 min
In this episode, meet Mother Untitled founder Neha Ruch, Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks, and therapist and founder of Black and Embodied Counseling and Consulting Alishia McCullough. Listen to Neha Ruch on opening more choices for women in their careers, Alison Wood Brooks on obsessing about the art of conversation, and Alishia McCullough on the power of representation in building a sense of legacy and in embodying the self. The Power Pause by Neha Ruch: https://www.penguin...
Jan 28, 2025•13 min
In this episode, meet writer and professor Irvin Weathersby Jr., professor and theorist Tao Leigh Goffe, and journalist Adam Chandler. Hear Irvin Weathersby Jr. discuss emotionally charged moments in the recording studio, Tao Leigh Goffe on the catharsis of recording a book about race and the climate crisis, and Adam Chandler on the role work plays in a sense of American citizenship. In Open Contempt by Irvin Weathersby Jr. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673664/in-open-contempt-by-irvi...
Jan 21, 2025•20 min
In this episode, meet children’s and young adult author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, young adult author and playwright Joy McCullough, and former child actor Adam Ross. Listen in as these authors talk about 1960s Beatlemania, how a theater career can inspire a novel, and the Neverland-like sense of freedom that came with being a kid in New York City in the 1970s and ‘80s. Plus, learn what each of these authors is most excited for listeners to hear. Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson: https://www.pengu...
Jan 14, 2025•15 min
Welcome to season 10 of This Is the Author! In this episode, meet entrepreneur and founder of Contrarian Thinking Codie Sanchez, decluttering expert Shira Gill, and Cornell University professor and expert in organizational psychology, Dr. Sunita Sah. Hear why Codie Sanchez is eager to connect with listeners through the audiobook format, why Shira Gill wants to normalize imposter syndrome, and how Dr. Sunita Sah set about recording one of her favorite scenes in her book. Main Street Millionaire b...
Jan 07, 2025•16 min
In this episode of This Is the Author, meet creator of SmittenKitchen.com Deb Perelman and writer and stand-up comic Ilana Long. Discover how Deb Perelman chose her very favorite recipes among her “forever staples,” and go deep into the pandemic-era pickleball craze and the joys of voicing characters with Ilana Long. Enjoy! Smitten Kitchen Keepers: A Kitchen Counter Conversation by Deb Perelman: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/778224/smitten-kitchen-keepers-a-kitchen-counter-conversatio...
Nov 19, 2024•13 min
In this episode of This Is the Author, meet writer and multimedia storyteller LaTonya Yvette and lead pastor of Shoreline City Church Earl McClellan. Hear LaTonya Yvette reflect on the importance of preserving vulnerability, and learn why Earl McClellan is excited to break barriers alongside his listeners Stand in My Window by LaTona Yvette https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671892/stand-in-my-window-by-latonya-yvette/9798217020898/ Get Your Spirit Back by Earl McClellan https://www.pengui...
Nov 12, 2024•9 min
In this episode, meet the founder of Well-Read Black Girl Glory Edim, media consultant and former DJ and television host Elliot Mintz, and artist and public speaker Dylan Scholinski. Hear how each of these authors prepared physically (and mentally!) to record their audiobooks, and what they are most excited for listeners to hear. Gather Me by Glory Edim: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/576457/gather-me-by-glory-edim/audio We All Shine On by Elliot Mintz: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.c...
Oct 29, 2024•20 min
In this episode, meet novelist, playwright, and screenwriter Susan Minot, poet, translator, and editor, Emily Jungmin Yoon, and health psychologist and speaker Kari Leibowitz. Hear Susan Minot on how she prepared for recording, Emily Jungmin Yoon on what surprised her about reading her poetry in the studio, and Kari Leibowitz on the stories she most enjoyed sharing aloud. Don't Be a Stranger by Susan Minot https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/752123/dont-be-a-stranger-by-susan-minot/97805939...
Oct 22, 2024•19 min
In this episode, meet YouTube video creator and podcast host MrBallen and writer Jon Waterman. Learn what these authors found most surprising about recording their audiobooks, and what they can’t wait for listeners to hear. MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious by MrBallen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742533/mrballen-presents-strange-dark-and-mysterious-by-stories-by-mrballen-illustrations-by-andrea-mutti/audio Into the Thaw by Jon Waterman: https://www.penguinrandomhous...
Oct 15, 2024•14 min
In this episode, meet sobriety coach Christy Osborne, naturopath clinician Dr. Nicole Cain, and career coach Megan Hellerer. Tune in to hear how each of these authors wrote the books that they themselves needed. Plus, find out who recently loved listening to All the Colors of the Dark. Love Life Sober by Christy Osborne https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736905/love-life-sober-by-christy-osborne/9780593913499/ Panic Proof by Dr. Nicole Cain https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737883/p...
Oct 08, 2024•12 min
In this episode, meet ecologist Mark Easter and host of the podcast Exvangelical Blake Chastain. Hear Mark Easter reflect on his favorite chapter to narrate, learn what Blake Chastain is most excited for listeners to hear, and learn what surprised them both most about recording their audiobooks. The Blue Plate by Mark Easter https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774476/the-blue-plate-by-mark-easter/9798217017218/ Exvangelical and Beyond by Blake Chastain https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/boo...
Oct 01, 2024•14 min
In celebration of International Podcast Day (September 30th), we’re revisiting some of our (many!) favorite interviews from Season 9 of This Is the Author. We’ve found the humor in the difficult with Spencer Henry, Madison Reyes, and KB Brookins, we’ve enthused over children’s books with Chanel Miller and George Takei, and we’ve thought a little deeper with Anne Lamott. We love talking with our authors in the recording booth, and we know you'll enjoy hearing them in your headphones. Enjoy! Obitc...
Sep 30, 2024•24 min
In this episode, meet speaker and host of the In-Joy Life podcast Mattie Jackson, well-being educator and self-healing guide Nakeia Homer, and comedian, actress, and producer Leanne Morgan. Hear Mattie Jackson on writing a faith-based resource for navigating grief, Nakeia Homer on the healing power of emotions in the recording booth, and Leanne Morgan on what she’s most excited for listeners to hear. Through the Valley of Grief by Mattie Jackson https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743379/th...
Sep 24, 2024•16 min
