Zibby speaks with Noelle Crooks about UNDER THE INFLUENCE, a compulsively readable debut about a young woman who accepts a job working for an enigmatic influencer and quickly discovers there’s an ugly side to being a #GirlBoss. They explore the themes of influencer culture, toxic workplaces, and the pressures faced by the protagonist, Harper, as she struggles to find work-life balance and external validation, especially from her parents. Noelle shares how her own early-career experiences are ref...
Nov 03, 2023•29 min•Season 18Ep. 94
Guest host Julie Chavez interviews writer Minna Dubin about MOM RAGE, a frank, groundbreaking, feminist work of reportage about the hidden crisis of rage facing American mothers—and how we can fix it. Minna hopes her book will resonate with mothers and enlighten their partners, ultimately promoting broader dialogue on the emotional challenges of modern motherhood. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3FIhZp0 Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens ! Hoste...
Nov 02, 2023•31 min•Season 18Ep. 93
Guest host Julie Chavez interviews bestselling author Lucy Clarke about THE HIKE, a propulsive thriller about four women who venture into the Norwegian wilderness – but not all of them will return. Lucy shares the inspiration behind her novels (it involves her love of travel and the outdoors) and the importance of stronger character development in thrillers. She also discusses the TV series adaptations of her novels, and how much she enjoys being part of the creative process and seeing her imagi...
Nov 01, 2023•32 min•Season 18Ep. 92
Guest host Julie Chavez engages in a heartfelt conversation with author Anne Berest about her intimate and engrossing new book, THE POSTCARD. Anne shares the emotional story of her Jewish family's past, which she slowly uncovered after receiving an anonymous postcard from WWII. She describes what it was like to unwind a mystery leading back to the Holocaust with the help of her mother, her friends, detectives, and graphologists! Her insights reveal the profound impact of exploring one's heritage...
Oct 31, 2023•30 min•Season 18Ep. 91
Zibby speaks with Yael Goldenstein-Love about THE POSSIBILITIES, a powerful and wildly inventive new novel about a mother who ventures into parallel worlds to find her missing child. Yael shares her own harrowing birth experience, which inspired the book, and her journey as a novelist and a clinical psychology doctoral student. She and Zibby delve into the therapeutic aspects of writing and their shared maternal anxieties. The talk reveals Yael's motivations in exploring the complex psychologica...
Oct 30, 2023•28 min•Season 18Ep. 90
Victoria Benton Frank joins Zibby to discuss her mesmerizing Southern coming-of-age tale, MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER. The conversation explores the story of a young woman chasing her culinary dreams in New York, only to inherit a restaurant back in South Carolina. Inspired by her late mother, author Dorothea Benton Frank, and her Southern heritage, Victoria brings a touch of authenticity to her tale. She and Zibby also share personal stories on motherhood, the writing process, and their love of reading,...
Oct 29, 2023•29 min•Season 18Ep. 89
Kylie Ladd chats with Zibby Owens about her compassionate and heartwarming new novel, I'LL LEAVE YOU WITH THIS. Inspired by real-life organ transplant stories and her own personal loss, Kylie brings a mix of humor and depth to the narrative. She also describes her life as a psychologist and how it intertwines with her writing, making this episode a rich exploration of how real-life experiences can morph into captivating storytelling. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46M39cV Share, rate, &...
Oct 28, 2023•30 min•Season 18Ep. 88
New York Times bestselling author Chandler Baker discusses her witty, thrilling, darkly comedic new novel CUTTING TEETH, which was inspired partly by her son's phase as the "class biter." Chandler opens up about her experiences juggling writing and motherhood. Amidst laughter and introspection, Chandler and our guest host Julie Chavez explore the organic, sometimes chaotic, nature of writing and parenting, highlighting the importance of embracing the journey with humor and empathy. Purchase on B...
Oct 27, 2023•31 min•Season 18Ep. 87
Zibby speaks to internationally recognized speaker, activist, and author Alexis Jones about Joy Hunter , a captivating and cinematic memoir about her journey to rediscover her own power and happiness. She discusses the themes of vulnerability, enduring hardships like infertility, unearthing family secrets, and navigating the complexities of identity and self-worth. Alexis also touches on the transformative power of sharing stories. She and @zibbyowens traverse the book's heartfelt depiction of f...
Oct 26, 2023•33 min•Season 18Ep. 86
Zibby and award-winning poet Shane McCrae discuss his unforgettable memoir Pulling the Chariot of the Sun , which details the harrowing experience of being kidnapped at the age of four from his Black father and raised by his white supremacist grandparents. McCrae delves into the long-term emotional impact of this event and his journey to understand and write about it. McCrae's narrative is noted to have a poetic quality, which he harnessed to express the often painful memories of his past. Lastl...
Oct 25, 2023•17 min•Season 18Ep. 85
Katherine Lin delves into her newest novel, which explores young widow Ellie Huang's journey through loss, and her escape to the French Riviera with her best friend Mable. The narrative sheds light on complex female friendships and mother-daughter dynamics, influenced by Katherine's own experiences. The setting, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, adds a touch of escapism while revealing the characters' inner demons. Katherine also touches on handling rejection in the literary world, highlighting the grit re...
Oct 24, 2023•29 min•Season 18Ep. 84
This specially-recorded episode reveals an emotional and insightful conversation between Zibby and Einat Nathan. They discuss the harrowing experiences faced by families, particularly mothers and children, amid the conflicts in Israel. Einat, a parenting expert in Israel, recounts the real-life horror stories of families and how they're coping with the situation. The dialogue sheds light on human resilience, the critical role of empathy, and the universal desire to help and be helped during such...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min•Season 18Ep. 83
Zibby speaks to debut author Maud Ventura about My Husband , a suspenseful and darkly funny novel about a seemingly perfect, sophisticated French woman who is utterly consumed by her love for her husband. The discussion brings to light the powerful emotions encapsulated in the book, mirroring Maud's own past romantic entanglements. She and Zibby touch on the fascinating aspects of marital dynamics, reflecting on the silences that may threaten the bonds of love. As Maud anticipates the adventure ...
Oct 23, 2023•24 min•Season 18Ep. 82
In this recent episode, Zibby discusses Jennifer Neal's novel, Notes on her Color , delving into the unique concept of a character able to change her skin color. Jennifer shares insights into her writing process, offering advice to aspiring authors about perseverance and authentic self-expression. This episode provides a thoughtful look into the themes of identity, creativity, and the writer's journey. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3ZYf5FM Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow...
Oct 22, 2023•23 min•Season 18Ep. 81
Zibby speaks with author Kate Doyle about I Meant It Once , a witty and sharp collection of stories about the inner lives of young women during their transformative twenties, navigating relationships, nostalgia for the past, and the uncertainty of the future. Kate talks about her writing process, her exciting book tour events (many are with past podcast guests like Jennifer Savran Kelly and Lynn Steger Strong!), and her life in Amsterdam. She also describes some of her favorite stories from the ...
Oct 21, 2023•24 min•Season 18Ep. 80
In this episode, Zibby and Tessa explore the intricate art of writing and the transformative power of literature. Using Tessa's new collection, After the Funeral, as a backdrop, the discussion dives deep into character creation and how to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives. Tessa also highlights the challenges writers face, emphasizing the balance between self-criticism and self-belief. For those enthralled by the realm of literature and the magic of storytelling, this episode p...
Oct 20, 2023•31 min•Season 18Ep. 79
Shelby and Zibby discuss the therapeutic benefits of nature and the intersection between outdoor activities, like surfing, and mental well-being. Shelby also touches on decision fatigue, imposter syndrome, self-awareness, and self-care. For those interested in the nexus of outdoor experiences and psychological health, this episode is a must-listen! Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Qkn8cO Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens ! Hosted on Acast. See ...
Oct 19, 2023•29 min•Season 18Ep. 78
Moving away from the standard wellness narrative, Colleen delves into the concept of well-being with a holistic approach. Colleen addresses the pressures of modern wellness trends, the power of simple activities like walking, and the significance of breathing properly. Her personal tales, including a challenging fertility journey and her husband's health issues, add depth to the conversation. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/401tRvr Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on ...
Oct 18, 2023•25 min•Season 18Ep. 76
Zibby Owens and Rabbi Fersko discuss her long-standing mission to address anti-Semitism, a cause she fervently pursued following an attack on her synagogue during the Black Lives Matter protests. She explains how subtle negative comments or micro-aggressions can signal or lead to more obvious and open forms of anti-Semitism. The conversation also looks at the recent increase in attacks against the Jewish culture worldwide. Rabbi Fersko suggests three ways to respond: leaving unfriendly places, f...
Oct 18, 2023•25 min•Season 18Ep. 77
Zibby interviews Lisa Belkin about Genealogy of a Murder , a multigenerational tale of three families whose paths collide one summer night in 1960 with the murder of a police officer. Lisa's in-depth research uncovers the intricate interplay of fate, decisions, and history spanning a century. She dives into a myriad of subtopics: motorcycling's popularity in the early 1900s, the concept of epigenetics, prison reform, and the impact of small life decisions. Finally, she hints at a future project ...
Oct 17, 2023•30 min•Season 18Ep. 75
Zibby talks with Kyo Maclear about her deeply personal memoir, Unearthing: A Story of Tangled Love and Family Secrets . The narrative hinges on Maclear's surprising DNA test results, prompting a journey of family discovery and introspection. Beyond the personal anecdotes, her writing draws parallels with nature and Japanese cultural nuances. Kyo also shares insights into her writing process and stresses the importance of diverse inspirations for aspiring writers! Purchase on Bookshop: https://bi...
Oct 16, 2023•29 min•Season 18Ep. 74
Michaele Weissman joins Zibby to discuss her intriguing memoir, The Rye Bread Marriage: How I Found Happiness With A Partner I'll Never Understand . With wit and candor, Michaele navigates the waters of a marriage filled with cultural, personal, and professional differences. She delves into the significance of rye bread in Eastern Europe, her husband's unique story as an exile, and the complexities of their contrasting worlds. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3ZTa01w Share, rate, & revie...
Oct 15, 2023•22 min•Season 18Ep. 73
Zibby sits down with acclaimed author Angie Kim to discuss her latest sensation, Happiness Falls. Angie reveals the inspiration behind her riveting tale, touching on her personal experiences as an immigrant. She highlights her involvement with I-ASC, an organization that aids nonspeaking individuals. She also recalls her personal journey into fiction writing, providing invaluable advice for aspiring authors. Her insights into character development and the power of authentic storytelling offer a ...
Oct 14, 2023•30 min•Season 18Ep. 72
Iconic Spice Girl, songwriter, and author Geri Halliwell-Horner joins Zibby to discuss her book, ROSIE FROST & THE FALCON QUEEN. Geri shares insights into her writing process and the inspiration behind her work. She also touches on grief, storytelling as a means of escape, and the value of staying true to oneself and finding purpose in service to others. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3LUc7MH Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens ! Hosted on A...
Oct 13, 2023•36 min•Season 18Ep. 71
Beloved stand-up comedian Gary Gulman joins Zibby to discuss his witty and poignant memoir, Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ‘80s. Gary reveals the inspiration behind this book: a major depressive episode at age 46 and a move back to his childhood home. He describes his turbulent mental health journey, his awkward moments from kindergarten to twelfth grade, and his love of laughter and comedy (which turned out to be the best antidepressant!). Finally, he shares his best advice for aspiring writ...
Oct 12, 2023•28 min•Season 18Ep. 70
Zibby speaks to Jamaican poet and memoirist Safiya Sinclair about How to Say Babylon, a dazzling and powerful book about the author’s struggle to break free of her father’s oppression as part of her rigid Rastafarian upbringing. Safiya describes how her mother and her profound love of books and learning got her through a brutal childhood. She also talks about the mentor who betrayed her; her journey of healing and forgiveness; the novel she is working on; and the Jamaican books she is reading an...
Oct 11, 2023•28 min•Season 18Ep. 69
Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author Tara Conklin to discuss Community Board, a bittersweet, laugh-out-loud novel about a brokenhearted woman who goes back home to be cared for by her parents…only to find that they’re gone and she’ll have to lean on her community instead. Tara reveals that writing this novel was her quarantine escape, which explains the themes of isolation, fear, and social anxiety. She also talks about her unhealthy obsession with the Nextdoor app (and how that ...
Oct 10, 2023•28 min•Season 18Ep. 68
Guest host Julie Chavez interviews author William Dameron about The Way Life Should Be, a tender and warm novel about two husbands enjoying their second-chance marriage after coming out…until their nearly-adult children descend upon their new seaside cottage. William reveals that this novel began as a memoir, sharing the details that stem from his own life (like the cottage rules!). He also talks about the chaotic messiness of blended families, his recent open-heart surgery, and his day job in c...
Oct 09, 2023•31 min•Season 18Ep. 67
Zibby speaks to New York Times bestselling author J. Ryan Stradal about Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, a heartfelt, gratifying, multi-generational story about a couple from two very different restaurant families in rustic Minnesota. J. Ryan talks about his and his partner’s struggles with infertility and his decision to incorporate the intense, painful journey in this novel. He also talks about his fascinating character-development process, the books he’s reading, juggling writing a...
Oct 08, 2023•29 min•Season 18Ep. 66
Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author Lisa See to discuss Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, a meticulously researched and mesmerizing story inspired by the true love, life, and friendships of a woman physician in 15th-century China. Lisa describes how she conducted her research during the pandemic, her fascinating writing process, and the importance of female friendships in the book and her life. She also reveals where her love of writing and history came from and what it’s like to foll...
Oct 07, 2023•29 min•Season 18Ep. 65
