Guest host Alisha Fernandez Miranda is joined by New York Times bestselling author and repeat MDHTTRB guest Emiko Jean to discuss Mika in Real Life , a hilarious and utterly heartwarming novel about motherhood, intergenerational trauma, and second chances. Mika discusses tackling adult fiction for the first time and the evolution of her writing process (from pantser to plotter!). She also talks about how cathartic and empowering it is to put parts of herself in her Japanese-American characters. ...
Dec 04, 2022•23 min•Season 15Ep. 33
Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Jill Bialosky about The Deceptions, an urgent and thought-provoking tale of love, desire, motherhood, and art. Jill discusses her love of poetry and the gut-wrenching memoir she wrote about her sister’s suicide, which is being re-issued on its 10th anniversary and has completely changed her relationship with life. She also talks about her decades-long career at Norton (she is now an executive editor and vice president!) and the books she recentl...
Dec 04, 2022•27 min•Season 15Ep. 34
Zibby interviews bestselling author Ann Hood about Fly Girl, a warm coming-of-age memoir about her time as a TWA flight attendant in the 70s and 80s. Ann describes the origins of her wanderlust, comments on the blatant sexism she witnessed on the job, and shares her most memorable in-flight stories, from playing Boggle with a passenger to seeing a man die to writing her first novels in the jump seat! She also talks about her brother’s tragic passing, her wonderful book tour (filled with flight a...
Dec 03, 2022•30 min•Season 15Ep. 31
Zibby speaks to Marcy Dermansky about Hurricane Girl, a wildly original and quirky new novel that combines humor and horror to tell the story of Allison Brody, whose East Coast escape from an LA boyfriend goes completely awry… Marcy talks about her love of swimming (hence the recurring pool element!), her frustration with her own writing process, the autobiographical details she sprinkles in her books, and her stunning cover art. (Zibby loved this book so much she included it in her favorites of...
Dec 03, 2022•23 min•Season 15Ep. 32
Zibby speaks to Angie Cruz about her magnetic (and brilliantly structured) new novel How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water, which is a New York Times notable book and New York Times book review editor’s choice! Angie describes her protagonist, Cara Romero, who came to her in a moment of deep despair; the African American stories that helped her feel connected during the pandemic; and her journey from MFA to four years of rejection to award-winning books! Finally, as a board member of her local bo...
Dec 02, 2022•27 min•Season 15Ep. 30
Zibby is joined by bestselling author and award-winning child welfare advocate David Ambroz to discuss his gut-wrenching and unforgettable memoir (and Zibby’s 2022 Book of the Year!!), A Place Called Home. David shares his own courageous story, his thoughts on how listeners can help those in the foster care system, his updates on his siblings and his own life, and how he has managed to stay so positive in the face of crushing challenges. Purchase on Amazon or Bookshop. Amazon: bit.ly/3FjtW51 Boo...
Dec 02, 2022•36 min•Season 15Ep. 29
Zibby speaks to podcast host Sutanya Dacres about Dinner for One: How Cooking in Paris Saved Me , a mouth-watering and heart-warming memoir about a shattered American-in-Paris fairytale and the cathartic power of making delicious food. Sutanya shares the details of her whirlwind romance with the Frenchman she married (and divorced), her life as a Black American in Paris, and the innovative, listen-to-me-cook podcast she created to help rebuild her life. She also talks about her Jamaican heritage...
Dec 01, 2022•35 min•Season 15Ep. 28
Zibby interviews real estate broker, marathon runner, tennis player, podcaster, and writer Carmen Micsa about her beautiful new book of poetry and short-form Morsels of Love. Carmen talks about her relationship with fitness and reveals that running inspired her to write poetry–the strides, the breaths, the rhythm! She also describes the memoir she is working on, which will cover her childhood in communist Romania and fighting in the Romanian Revolution. Finally, she shares the life lesson that h...
Dec 01, 2022•26 min•Season 15Ep. 27
Zibby interviews USA Today bestselling author Chris Cander about A Gracious Neighbor , a witty and suspenseful new novel about female friendships, misjudgments, and never really knowing what goes on behind closed doors. Chris describes the brilliant 1917 short story that inspired the novel and contemplates her protagonist’s actions (can we ever justify a murder!?). Then, she talks about the brutal attack she suffered while studying abroad in Spain, which inspired a career in martial arts and wil...
Nov 30, 2022•31 min•Season 15Ep. 26
Guest host Allison Pataki interviews actress, former MTV personality, and New York Times bestselling author Karen Duffy about Wise Up: Irreverent Enlightenment from a Mother Who’s Been Through It , a book of letters about living a beautiful life, inspired by the teachings of Stoic philosophers. Karen talks about how studying philosophy has helped her cope with her chronic illness and describes how she spends each day–reading voraciously, writing handwritten thank-you notes, and peacefully cohabi...
Nov 29, 2022•25 min•Season 15Ep. 25
Guest host Alisha Fernandez Miranda interviews Alexa Martin about Better than Fiction , a charming new rom-com about a grumpy book hater who inherits her grandmother’s bookstore and has to face its resident book club of meddling old ladies and the gorgeous author they set her up with. ZIBBY ORIGINALLY INTERVIEWED ALEX ABOUT HER NOVEL MOM JEANS AND OTHER MISTAKES. LISTEN HERE . Alexa describes the popular book that got her addicted to reading, her discomfort with self-promoting on social media, h...
Nov 28, 2022•31 min•Season 15Ep. 24
Zibby speaks to New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn about Killers of a Certain Age , an unpredictable and witty new thriller about four 60-year-old female assassins who, after forty years of service, just want to retire! Deanna talks about her quartet of badass protagonists, the risk she took writing a contemporary story after years of publishing historical fiction, and the idea of retirement as something that can change a person's identity. She also reveals the phe...
Nov 27, 2022•26 min•Season 15Ep. 23
Guest host Alisha Fernandez Miranda interviews BuzzFeed News editor Tomi Obaro about Dele Weds Destiny , a sensational debut novel about three beautifully complex Nigerian women who meet in college and reunite at a wedding decades later . Tomi talks about the aunties who inspired the books’ protagonists, switching between her editor and writer brains, and her fascination with weddings (she has even attended some pay-for-admission fake ones…). She also describes her publishing journey and the mix...
Nov 26, 2022•25 min•Season 15Ep. 22
Zibby is joined by Todd Parr, bestselling author of 60+ children’s books best known for their bright colors, silly scenes, and heart-warming, encouraging messages. Todd describes his elementary school reading troubles and finally getting diagnosed with dyslexia and ADD, his first job as a flight attendant, and how he finally turned his love of doodling into a career helping children through books! Then, he talks about his mother’s drug addiction and his best friend’s suicide, tragedies he surviv...
Nov 25, 2022•33 min•Season 15Ep. 21
Zibby interviews Harvard MBA, best-selling author, and “queen of unsolicited advice” Samantha Ettus about her 2016 self-improvement guide for working women, The Pie Life: A Guilt-Free Recipe for Success and Satisfaction. Sam talks about the importance of nurturing every part of our lives (each of the “seven slices”), rejecting guilt and embracing messiness in motherhood, the myth of maternal instincts (dads can do everything moms can do!!), and her passion for empowering women and helping them a...
Nov 24, 2022•31 min•Season 15Ep. 20
Zibby speaks to award-winning historical fiction novelist Vanessa Riley (who also holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering?!) about her latest novels Murder in Westminster and Sister Mother Warrior . Vanessa talks about her fascination with 1800s England and the West Indies, her wonderful late mother who was always her first reader and greatest supporter, the secret to her 26-year marriage, and her intriguing transition from Ph.D. scientist to creative writer. She also discusses her independe...
Nov 23, 2022•28 min•Season 15Ep. 19
Zibby is joined by Jane Green, 18-time New York Times bestselling author who has pivoted from books and started a podcast network dedicated to fully-immersive audio dramas for women. Jane talks about Rainbow Girl, her six-episode series about a ‘70s rock band and its groupies (it’s set in the same world as her latest novel Sister Stardust ), and the unique challenges of scriptwriting for audio and managing an entire production team. She also hints at the big-name authors she has recruited for th...
Nov 22, 2022•26 min•Season 15Ep. 18
Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author and oncology nurse Theresa Brown to discuss Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient, a riveting memoir about navigating the imperfect American healthcare system after a sudden breast cancer diagnosis. Theresa talks about the lack of compassion she encountered in a profit-obsessed system, the challenge of writing this book before coming to terms with her experience (it took moving to a new neighborhood!), and the complex topic she’s tackling in...
Nov 22, 2022•25 min•Season 15Ep. 17
Zibby interviews (in person!) Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actor Hugh Bonneville (star of Downton Abbey, Notting Hill, and Paddington !) about his memoir Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru. Hugh talks about his real name, his childhood (it involved museums, the theater, and a mom in the secret service!), some hilarious early-career mishaps, and his plans for the future (retirement is not an option!). Finally, he shares his best advice for aspiring authors. Purchase on Amazo...
Nov 21, 2022•25 min•Season 15Ep. 16
New York Times bestselling author Laurie Notaro joins Zibby to talk about Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem, a hilarious new memoir about life after fifty . The two tackle sleep deprivation, pot gummies, disintegrating tendons, AARP memberships, and the perks of being invisible! Laurie also reveals the origins of her comedic genius, gives an update on her husband’s health, and shares her dismay at the lack of midlife representation in everything but medication ads! Purchase on...
Nov 20, 2022•30 min•Season 15Ep. 15
Zibby is joined by renowned psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Mary Pipher to discuss her radiant memoir in essays A Life in Light: Meditations on Impermanence , which focuses on resilience and finding light in dark times. Mary Pipher shares details of her lonely childhood (and the library books that saved her), what it means to feel “squishy” in times of sadness, and her thoughts on the pandemic-related loss of personal connection. She also touches on each of her previous books ...
Nov 19, 2022•26 min•Season 15Ep. 14
Zibby speaks to Peng Shepherd about her second novel The Cartographers, a “mystery novel with a touch of magic” that is a USA Today bestseller, national Indie Bookstores bestseller, and a GMA Pick of the Month! Peng shares the inspiration behind the book (it involves an obsession with maps and a library that she and Zibby both love), the chaos of writing a mystery novel without even knowing the mystery, and the leap of faith she took when quitting her job and starting an MFA! She also reveals th...
Nov 18, 2022•25 min•Season 15Ep. 13
Zibby is joined by actress, singer, comedian, and activist Jenifer Lewis, star of Black-ish, to discuss her hilarious and vibrant collection of essays Walking in My Joy: In These Streets. Jenifer speaks candidly about living with depression and bipolar disorder, her unfortunate relationship with a con man, her exuberant trip around the world, and how a life-long dedication to journaling saved her life. (Oh! And Zibby also reveals how her nickname came to be!) Purchase on Amazon or Bookshop. Amaz...
Nov 17, 2022•28 min•Season 15Ep. 12
Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times bestselling author Geraldine Brooks joins Zibby to discuss her latest novel Horse, an Amazon Best Book of the Year . Geraldine shares the inspiration behind the book (it involves a new mid-life hobby and a horse skeleton), the fears she had writing outside her own racial identity, and how the sudden death of her husband Tony altered the trajectory of her story. Zibby reads the beautiful afterword that was dedicated to Tony, and the two discuss how they h...
Nov 16, 2022•22 min•Season 15Ep. 11
Zibby is joined by actress, writer, and former supermodel (oh, and palm reader!) Paulina Porizkova to discuss her poignant and heartfelt collection of essays No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful. The two discuss their experiences with fierce vulnerability – grief, beauty, and aging. Paulina also shares details of her turbulent childhood in Russian-occupied Czechoslovakia, and how trauma from that time still infiltrates her personal life today. Watch Paulina and Zibby at their Live Tal...
Nov 15, 2022•30 min•Season 15Ep. 10
Sarah Thankam Mathews joins Zibby to discuss her dazzling debut novel All This Could Be Different, a 2022 National Book Award Finalist, New York Times Editors’ Choice Pick, and Vogue Book Club Pick! Sarah explains her choice of setting (Milwaukee!) and describes her protagonist’s desire to be loved and understood as she slowly embraces her queerness. Finally, she talks about her own upbringing in Oman, her early love of books, her tumultuous, mid-pandemic publishing journey, and what it was like...
Nov 14, 2022•26 min•Season 15Ep. 9
Zibby is joined by playwright and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Abi Morgan to discuss her heartbreaking debut This is Not a Pity Memoir, which tells the story of how her partner Jacob woke up from a coma and didn’t believe she was the real Abi. She shares intimate details of the harrowing experience–from the hospital visits to her constant battle with the delusion that fractured her relationship. She also explains the origin of her memorable title (it started as something else!) and hints at h...
Nov 13, 2022•31 min•Season 15Ep. 8
Zibby speaks to longtime Sports Illustrated and ESPN writer and New York Times bestselling author Rick Reilly about his latest book So Help Me Golf: Why We Love the Game, a valentine to his favorite sport. Rick shares his best golf stories, from playing in Bali with ball-stealing monkeys to caddying for Donald Trump. He also talks about the sports announcer who taught him that the best sports stories aren’t about sports at all and shares his best tips for beating writer’s block and imposter synd...
Nov 12, 2022•24 min•Season 15Ep. 7
Zibby is joined by repeat podcast guest and New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger to discuss her new book Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six: A Novel of Thrilling Suspense. Lisa shares the inspiration behind the book (it includes her own family trip to the woods…), her fascination with DNA testing and complex family relationships, and the beauty of sharing her writing with her daughter. She also hints at her upcoming project (it will keep you up at night!) and reveals the five people she would tak...
Nov 11, 2022•29 min•Season 15Ep. 6
Catherine Newman, a repeat guest on Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, talks about her poignant new novel We All Want Impossible Things , which is also the December pick for Zibby’s Virtual Book Club! The two discuss grief and heartbreak, universal experiences that are so beautifully explored in this book; the real-life friendship that inspired the story; Catherine’s experiences volunteering in hospice (and falling in love with everyone there!); and the how-to book she read to help her write th...
Nov 10, 2022•31 min•Season 15Ep. 5
