Zibby Books author alert!! Zibby speaks to debut author Joselyn Takacs about PEARCE OYSTERS, a gripping, transportive, and beautifully layered novel about a fractured family, a devastated community, and the disaster that brings them together. Joselyn delves into her novel’s premise—a Louisiana family struggles to maintain their oyster farm after the catastrophic BP oil spill. She talks about her personal connection to the environmental disaster—she lived in New Orleans when it happened—and her e...
Jun 26, 2024•23 min•Season 21Ep. 4
New York Times bestselling author Chris Whitaker joins Zibby to discuss ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, a haunting and unforgettable missing person mystery, serial killer thriller, and sweeping love story, all in one (and the Read With Jenna Book Club pick!). Chris explains the premise of his novel: two abducted teenagers fall in love in a pitch-black basement… and when the boy escapes, he spends the next 27 years looking for the girl. Chris delves into the personal traumas that shaped his life and ...
Jun 25, 2024•22 min•Season 21Ep. 3
Zibby is joined by Georgia Hunter, the author of the extraordinary, propulsive novel WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES, and Thomas Kail, the television director who produced its Hulu adaptation. Georgia shares what it was like to interview her grandmother for an English project and discover that she came from a family of Holocaust survivors. This led her on a nine-year quest spanning four continents to retrace her family’s steps. Then, the conversation turns to Thomas, who touches on his commitment to auth...
Jun 24, 2024•34 min•Season 21Ep. 2
Journalist and bestselling author Johann Hari chats with Zibby about MAGIC PILL, a fascinating and timely examination of the new drugs transforming weight loss—from his personal experience on Ozempic to our society’s dysfunctional relationship with food. Johann, who has a family history of heart disease linked to obesity, provides a comprehensive and nuanced explanation of the risks and benefits of weight-loss drugs. He and Zibby share their firsthand experiences with them, and then Johann delve...
Jun 21, 2024•32 min•Season 21Ep. 1
Actor and producer Griffin Dunne joins Zibby to discuss THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB, a searing and powerful portrait of his unconventional Hollywood family and a reckoning with the tragedies that exploded within it. Griffin delves into his family's painful past, including his sister Dominique’s murder and his brother’s struggles with mental illness, while reflecting on the emotional, cathartic writing process. He also touches on his friendship with Carrie Fisher and his complex relationship with h...
Jun 20, 2024•23 min•Season 20Ep. 100
Lawyer, CNN commentator, and New York Times bestselling author Bakari Sellers joins Zibby to discuss THE MOMENT, an urgent, astute synthesis of the modern political landscape and policies impacting Black families and communities. Bakari, whose book blends personal family history with a broader narrative of Black experience in America, recounts the traumatic birth of his twins and his wife’s near-fatal complications, which revealed systemic inequalities in the healthcare system. He also reflects ...
Jun 19, 2024•18 min•Season 20Ep. 99
Zibby is joined for a second time by Laura Hankin, the author of ONE-STAR ROMANCE, a wickedly smart rom-com about a struggling writer who has to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding with the man who gave her book a very public one-star rating—which, by the way, happened to Laura! Laura delves into the novel’s deeper themes of evolving friendships and the challenges of creative pursuits and then talks about the highs and lows of her own career. She and Zibby also discuss anxiety-induc...
Jun 18, 2024•23 min•Season 20Ep. 98
Zibby speaks with New York Times bestselling author Ruth Reichl about THE PARIS A NOVEL, a sumptuous, evocative, mouthwatering adventure through the food, art, and fashion scenes of 1980s Paris as told by Stella, a woman who stumbles across a vintage store, tries on a fabulous Dior dress, and is changed forever. Ruth reveals how her own transformative experience in a couture dress inspired this novel and then delves into the themes of hope, joy, and fairytale-like transformation. Then, she descr...
Jun 17, 2024•27 min•Season 20Ep. 97
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt joins Zibby to discuss THE ANXIOUS GENERATION, a must-read investigation into the collapse of youth mental health in the era of smartphones—and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood. Jonathan attributes increasing rates of anxiety and depression among children, particularly girls, to two main factors: the overprotection of children and the rise of social media. He shares his recommendations, including delaying exposure to smartphones, phone-free schools, and ...
Jun 14, 2024•23 min•Season 20Ep. 96
Zibby speaks with award-winning author Teddy Wayne about THE WINNER, a dark, explosive literary thriller about an unemployed law school graduate who gets a summer job as a tennis pro at an exclusive, old-money community near Cape Cod, and gives lessons (and more…) to a divorced woman twice his age. Teddy delves into the real-life inspirations for the setting, his character development process, and his interest in depicting class and privilege in this story. He also reveals that he is working on ...
Jun 13, 2024•25 min•Season 20Ep. 95
Journalist Elissa Strauss joins Zibby to discuss her bold, brave, deeply researched, and deeply felt book, WHEN YOU CARE: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others. Elissa delves into the profound impact of caregiving on personal growth and the importance of viewing it not as a burden but as an enriching part of life. She also discusses her journey from being a prominent voice in the feminist blogosphere of the 2010s—writing extensively about motherhood and societal issues like the lack of paid ...
Jun 12, 2024•23 min•Season 20Ep. 94
New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center returns to the podcast, this time to discuss her charming new book, THE ROM-COMMERS. The novel follows two screenwriters who co-write a romantic comedy… and fall madly in love with each other. Katherine delves into her writing process, touching on how she builds romantic tension and characters with depth. She also talks about how her happy marriage influences her writing and then reveals what she is working on next! Purchase on Bookshop: https:/...
Jun 11, 2024•23 min•Season 20Ep. 93
NBC Today show co-anchor Craig Melvin joins Zibby to discuss I’M PROUD OF YOU, a heartfelt and lively picture book for fathers, sons, and the childhood milestones that inspire pride in every parent. Craig reflects on the moments of pride he has experienced as a parent, highlighting the importance of cherishing the small milestones—like when his son conquered his fear of jumping off a diving board. Then, he opens up about his difficult relationship with his own father, who struggled with addictio...
Jun 10, 2024•32 min•Season 20Ep. 92
Zibby is joined by NYU oncologist and medical historian Dr. Elizabeth Comen to discuss ALL IN HER HEAD, a groundbreaking and fiercely entertaining narrative of women’s bodies, and a call to action for a new conversation around women’s health. Dr. Comen delves into the egregious treatments women have endured for centuries, the systemic neglect of women’s health issues, and the need for women to ask questions, seek second opinions, and support each other. She also talks about balancing medicine an...
Jun 07, 2024•24 min•Season 20Ep. 91
Jane L. Rosen returns to the podcast, this time to discuss SEVEN SUMMER WEEKENDS, a charming, heart-tugging romance about a woman who inherits a Fire Island beach house and its revolving door of weekend visitors... and then meets an irritatingly handsome neighbor. Jane delves into her creative process and inspiration, revealing that the big family secret in the story is based on her own family history. She also talks about her love for Fire Island (where she met her husband!), her best advice fo...
Jun 06, 2024•22 min•Season 20Ep. 90
Zibby's Book Club pick for July! Zibby chats with bestselling author and repeat MDHTTRB guest Annabel Monaghan about SUMMER ROMANCE, an unputdownable love story about a newly single mom and professional organizer whose life is actually a mess—and the unexpected summer fling that turns things around for her. Annabel reveals how her own messy house inspired her protagonist and then delves into the themes of motherhood, grief, and self-discovery. She also talks about her novel’s evolution (the love...
Jun 05, 2024•26 min•Season 20Ep. 89
New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary returns to the podcast, this time to discuss I’VE TRIED BEING NICE, a light-hearted, vulnerable, and wise collection of essays about being a people-pleaser—and Zibby’s September Book Club pick! Ann reveals the origins of her essays, many of which were inspired by past blog posts and memorable personal experiences. She discusses the challenges of people-pleasing and standing up for herself and then shares anecdotes from her life (including gardening, al...
Jun 04, 2024•30 min•Season 20Ep. 88
Zibby is joined by podcaster, Duke University professor, and New York Times bestselling author Kate Bowler to discuss HAVE A BEAUTIFUL, TERRIBLE DAY!, a book of witty, honest, and wise spiritual reflections that invite us to embrace the bad—not just the good. Kate shares how her experience with chronic pain and stage four cancer inspired this book and her outlook on life—one that is based on resilience and transforming difficult days into beautiful, terrible days. She shares her strategies for c...
Jun 03, 2024•25 min•Season 20Ep. 87
Philanthropist, filmmaker, and former US ambassador Nicole Avant joins Zibby to discuss her raw and relentlessly optimistic memoir, THINK YOU’LL BE HAPPY. Nicole delves into the tragic event that inspired her book—the murder of her mother during a home invasion—and shares how she has tried to turn her pain into something that can help and inspire others. She also talks about the lessons her parents taught her, her healing process after the tragedy, her experience as the first black woman and the...
May 31, 2024•34 min•Season 20Ep. 86
Debut author Kathleen Dorothy Blackburn joins Zibby to discuss LOOSE OF EARTH, an arresting memoir and bold exposé of love, unbending religious fanaticism, disease, forever chemicals, and one family’s desperate wait for a miracle that never came. Kathleen describes her childhood in a conservative, evangelical family in Texas and the diagnosis and eventual death of her father. She touches on her family’s obsessive quest for faith-based healing over conventional medicine, the broader environmental...
May 30, 2024•29 min•Season 20Ep. 85
Zibby speaks with debut author Jessie Rosen about THE HEIRLOOM, a cinematic and utterly charming novel centered on a deeply superstitious woman and the international adventure she sets out on to uncover the story behind her vintage engagement ring. Jessie reveals this superstition comes from her own Italian family (who think vintage rings carry the karma of previous relationships), and Zibby shares the story behind her own engagement ring. Then, Jessie talks about her career trajectory—from blog...
May 29, 2024•28 min•Season 20Ep. 84
Zibby is joined (for the third time!) by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Barr, this time to discuss THE GODDESS OF WARSAW, an utterly gripping WWII story about a young Jewish actress turned assassin. The protagonist, Bina Blonski, uses her looks and talent to escape the Warsaw Ghetto, ultimately rising to Hollywood fame—and continuing to fight against Nazis. Lisa explains how her own family history (she is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor) influenced this book and then delves into her...
May 28, 2024•30 min•Season 20Ep. 83
Pioneering women’s health advocate and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Mary Claire Haver chats with Zibby about THE NEW MENOPAUSE, an enlightening guide with everything a woman needs to know to thrive during her hormonal transition and beyond. Dr. Haver shares her journey to becoming a leading advocate for women’s health during menopause and then touches on her own struggles with it, including weight gain, night sweats, and joint pain. She also discusses hormone therapy, which she endorses...
May 27, 2024•23 min•Season 20Ep. 82
Award-winning content creators and New York Times bestselling authors Kim and Penn Holderness join Zibby to discuss ADHD IS AWESOME, an engaging, hilarious, and uplifting guide to rocking life with an ADHD brain (which Penn has and Kim does not!). The two describe how Penn’s ADHD has impacted their lives and the steps they’ve taken to protect their relationship. They discuss the importance of a proper diagnosis and share practical tips for managing ADHD—for individuals and whole families. They a...
May 24, 2024•38 min•Season 20Ep. 81
Zibby welcomes back #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune, this time to discuss her dreamy, entirely fresh, deeply layered, and beautifully written new romance, THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT. Carley delves into the plot of her novel, which centers on Lucy, a Toronto native who embarks on annual trips to Prince Edward Island with her best friend, Bridget, and repeatedly finds herself entangled with Bridget’s younger brother, Felix. She also discusses her creative process (including ...
May 23, 2024•22 min•Season 20Ep. 80
Bestselling author Plum Sykes chats with Zibby (in person!) about WIVES LIKE US, a wickedly smart and impossibly funny novel about a grand English country house, a heartbroken American divorcee, three rich wives, two tycoons, a pair of miniature sausage dogs, and a bereaved butler. Plum describes her novel as a social satire that exposes the vulnerabilities and insecurities of rich women and their seemingly perfect lives. She also describes her writing process, her career evolution from Vogue It...
May 22, 2024•30 min•Season 20Ep. 79
Zibby Books author alert!! Zibby speaks to author and illustrator Swan Huntley about I WANT YOU MORE, a sexy, atmospheric, and deliciously tense novel about a ghostwriting gig in the Hamptons that becomes far more than a job. Swan reveals her connections to her novel’s plot and then delves into her pragmatic creative process and journey to becoming a novelist. She also talks about her popular illustrations (some of which have gone viral on social media!) and her next project: a memoir published ...
May 21, 2024•28 min•Season 20Ep. 78
Former CNN news anchor and Emmy-nominated journalist Poppy Harlow and Saturday TODAY’s Laura Jarrett join Zibby to discuss the warmhearted children’s book they co-authored, THE COLOR OF LOVE. Poppy and Laura describe the deep friendship and collaboration that went into this project, which they embarked on as a meaningful way to address the themes of love, inclusion, and race with their young children, particularly after George Floyd’s murder. They share personal anecdotes about their own childre...
May 20, 2024•26 min•Season 20Ep. 77
Zibby’s Book Club Pick alert! Playwright, actor, teacher, and debut author Genevieve Kingston joins Zibby to discuss DID I EVER TELL YOU?, a wrenching and heartfelt memoir about the gifts her late mother left behind in anticipation of birthdays and other milestones. Genevieve describes what it was like to lose her mother at 11—and to continue to connect with her through a chest of gifts and letters. Then, she reflects on the themes of memory, grief, and love; her writing process; and the impact ...
May 17, 2024•26 min•Season 20Ep. 76
Zibby welcomes debut author Rowan Beaird to discuss THE DIVORCÉES, a delicious page-turner set at a “divorce ranch” in glamorous, dizzying 1950s Reno, where Lois Saunders becomes obsessed with a fellow guest named Greer. Rowan delves into the intriguing historical backdrop of this novel, touching on the phenomenon of divorce ranches and the limited options available to women seeking separation in the 1950s. Then, she reflects on her writing journey, her experiences with grief after two miscarria...
May 16, 2024•25 min•Season 20Ep. 75
