Zibby speaks to endurance athlete and journalist Alyssa Ages about SECRETS OF GIANTS, an enthusiastically researched and authentically lived exploration of the weight-lifting world, and why pushing our physical limits is so impactful. Alyssa describes how she went from considering herself non-athletic to eventually participating in marathons and triathlons and ultimately discovering the world of strongman competitions. The conversation delves into her experiences with failure, body image issues,...
Dec 30, 2023•23 min•Season 19Ep. 54
Bestselling author Beth O’Leary joins Zibby to discuss THE WAKE-UP CALL, an utterly delicious rom-com about Izzy and Lucas, two receptionists at a beautiful but rundown hotel in England, who find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, hoping that the rewards might help them save the hotel. (This is challenging because they hate each other!) Beth describes the inspiration behind this story (it involves a fascination with rings) and her writing trajectory sin...
Dec 29, 2023•25 min•Season 19Ep. 53
Zibby speaks to repeat MDHTTRB guest Anna Pitoniak about THE HELSINKI AFFAIR, an intricate and unputdownable female-centric spy thriller about an ambitious, young CIA officer who is given a Russian conspiracy to untangle, only to discover that her father, an ex-CIA officer, is mysteriously linked to it, forcing her to choose between him and her country. Anna describes the challenges and joys of writing in the spy thriller genre with a strong female protagonist. She also talks about character dev...
Dec 28, 2023•28 min•Season 19Ep. 52
Zibby interviews lifestyle journalist and award-winning author Alix Strauss about the 20th Anniversary Edition of THE JOY OF FUNERALS, a powerful collection that is written with raw wit, mordant humor, and a uniquely penetrating voice as it spotlights loss, grief, and loneliness. Alix talks about her unique book party at a funeral home, her decision to reissue her book after two decades, and the changing societal attitudes towards funerals, death, and grief. She also shares insights into the uni...
Dec 27, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 51
Zibby speaks to bestselling author, nutritional psychiatrist, and repeat MDHTTRB guest Uma Naidoo, MD, about CALM YOUR MIND WITH FOOD, a groundbreaking guide that draws on the latest science on the connection between diet and anxiety and shows us how to effectively use nutrition as essential tools for calming the mind. Dr. Naidoo shares her personal experience using food to manage anxiety (particularly as she overcame cancer and dealt with the unexpected success of her first book during the pand...
Dec 26, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 50
Author Christine Coulson joins Zibby to discuss ONE WOMAN SHOW, a sly, stylish, and incredibly innovative novel–remarkably told through museum wall labels–about a 20th-century woman who transforms herself from a precious object into an unforgettable protagonist. Christine, drawing inspiration from her 25-year tenure at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, discusses the unique structure of her book, which mirrors museum labels. The conversation touches on the challenges of writing within constraints, ...
Dec 25, 2023•25 min•Season 19Ep. 49
Zibby interviews debut author Elaine Roth about THE MIDNIGHT GARDEN, a hopeful and heartfelt story of a young widow’s journey as she tries to move forward after an incredible loss, with elements of magical realism and second-chance love. Elaine, a young widow herself, reveals how her experiences influenced the narrative, and she and Zibby delve into the central question of whether one can find love again after losing an unconditional love. They also talk about the small-town setting of the book,...
Dec 24, 2023•21 min•Season 19Ep. 48
Zibby speaks to #1 New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose about THE MYSTERY GUEST, a delightful whodunit and pointed social commentary that follows Molly, an unfailingly honest and oddly lovable professional maid, as she tries to solve a murder… Nita reveals it was never her intention to turn her immensely popular debut novel, THE MAID, into a series… but then something odd sparked her imagination (it involves a mummified rat and a silver spoon). Nita also discusses the challenges of invis...
Dec 23, 2023•24 min•Season 19Ep. 47
Zibby welcomes Charles Scribner III to discuss his book and family history in publishing. Charles shares anecdotes about living in Zibby's childhood apartment, the origins of Scribner as a religious publishing house, and the fascinating evolution of the family business over 170 years. The conversation delves into memorable authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, the loyalty between Scribner and its writers, and what it was like to narrate his audiobook. Charles reflects on the changing landscape ...
Dec 22, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 46
Zibby speaks to blogger and comedian Taylor Wolfe about her charming and touching new memoir, BIRDIE & HARLOW: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids (...Until I Did). Taylor talks about the evolution of her popular blog (it all started when her English professor advised her to write every day), the challenges of managing multiple business ventures (like her lifestyle brand and graphic T-shirt shop), and, of course, her love for her dog Harlow, and how losing her unexpected...
Dec 21, 2023•24 min•Season 19Ep. 45
Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Jooyoun Kim to discuss WHAT WE KEPT TO OURSELVES, an intricately crafted mystery and heart-wrenching family saga about a Korean American family in Los Angeles, their missing mother, and the dead stranger that appears in their backyard. Nancy discusses the themes of motherhood, immigration, grief, the challenge of communication between generations, and what it means to disappear, all of which tie to her novel and her real life. She also d...
Dec 20, 2023•26 min•Season 19Ep. 44
PEN-Faulkner Award-winning author Kate Christensen joins Zibby to discuss WELCOME HOME, STRANGER, a lively, sophisticated, and emotionally resonant novel about grief, love, growing older, and the complications of family. Kate discusses her protagonist's journey through postmenopausal life, environmental gloom (she’s an environmental journalist with way too much knowledge about the food on her plate...), and the death of her problematic mother. She and Zibby also talk about anxiety (do all noveli...
Dec 19, 2023•14 min•Season 19Ep. 43
Zibby speaks to author Kim Coleman Foote about Coleman Hill, a remarkable, heartbreaking story of two American families whose fates become intertwined in the wake of the Great Migration, inspired by the author’s own family legend, historical record, and fervent imagination. Kim provides insights into her writing process, describing how the voices of different family members, the discovery of old photographs, and her passion for history influenced the narrative. The two also discuss themes of tra...
Dec 18, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 42
Dr. Aomawa Shields joins Zibby to discuss LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS, a stunning and inspiring memoir about her life as an astronomer, classically-trained actor, mother, and Black woman in STEM. Dr. Aomawa describes how she fell in love with astronomy and acting (it involves the movie SpaceCamp and randomly auditioning for a play) and how she grappled with both career paths. She and Zibby also talk about identity, grind culture, the pressures of productivity, and the importance of rest and community....
Dec 17, 2023•28 min•Season 19Ep. 41
Zibby interviews Kimberly Shannon Murphy, one of the most successful stuntwomen in Hollywood, about GLIMMER: A STORY OF SURVIVAL, HOPE, AND HEALING, a raw and honest memoir about surviving her traumatic childhood, marked by sexual abuse at the hands of her grandfather. Kimberly reflects on how her professional choices have been influenced by her past experiences. She also discusses the healing process, the importance of acknowledging pain, and the impact of family dynamics on her trauma. Despite...
Dec 16, 2023•25 min•Season 19Ep. 40
Zibby interviews bestselling author Sonali Dev about LIES AND OTHER LOVE LANGUAGES, a tender and compelling novel about three women navigating families, friends, careers, and the web of secrets that ties them together. The story is set against the backdrop of a surrogacy arrangement and delves into themes of motherhood, fear, loss, and the impact of DNA testing on relationships. Sonali discusses the diverse voices and perspectives of her characters, her writing process, her travel experiences, a...
Dec 15, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 39
Zibby interviews Wendy Walker about AMERICAN GIRL, an exquisitely rendered small-town thriller about a 17-year-old autistic girl who becomes embroiled in a murder case in rural Pennsylvania. Wendy describes her protagonist's character development, highlighting her unique perspective and exceptional analytical skills. She also discusses her past experiences, including aspirations to become an Olympic figure skater and working in a sandwich shop. Finally, she talks about her upcoming projects and ...
Dec 14, 2023•28 min•Season 19Ep. 38
Zibby interviews venture capitalist, political strategist, philanthropist, and writer Bradley Tusk about OBVIOUS IN HINDSIGHT, a funny, eye-opening political satire about a campaign to legalize flying cars in major American cities, featuring a flying car startup and its various opposition groups (including Uber, socialists, transit workers, and the Russian mob). Bradley provides a fascinating look into the real workings of politics and technology, drawing from his extensive experience in both fi...
Dec 13, 2023•25 min•Season 19Ep. 37
Zibby interviews Richard Hurowitz about IN THE GARDEN OF THE RIGHTEOUS: THE HEROES WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES TO SAVE JEWS DURING THE HOLOCAUST, a moving and powerfully illuminating tribute to ten non-Jewish individuals and groups who risked their lives to rescue Jews during World War II. Richard, who was inspired by a trip to the Holocaust Museum and subsequent research on the rescuers, discusses the rarity of such acts of heroism. He also shares insights into the characteristics and motivations of...
Dec 12, 2023•28 min•Season 19Ep. 36
Zibby interviews Alli Webb, founder of the world-famous blowout salon chain, Drybar, about her empowering and insightful memoir, THE MESSY TRUTH: HOW I SOLD MY BUSINESS FOR MILLIONS BUT ALMOST LOST MYSELF. Alli shares what it was like to start a business that took off seemingly overnight. She also discusses the struggles she faced in her marriage and with her teenage son, who had to enter rehab, and how she eventually spiraled into a deep depression. She emphasizes the importance of transparency...
Dec 11, 2023•30 min•Season 19Ep. 35
Zibby interviews book publisher and bestselling author Kristen McGuiness about LIVE THROUGH THIS, a modern-day western about a mass shooting and a woman who must face her complicated grief in order to avenge her husband's death. The story is inspired by McGuiness' connection to gun violence and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. It explores themes of trauma, love, marriage, motherhood, and female friendship, aiming to emotionally galvanize readers against gun violence in America. McGuiness also ...
Dec 10, 2023•26 min•Season 19Ep. 34
Zibby interviews Caitlin Shetterly about her gripping, tender, big-hearted debut novel, PETE AND ALICE IN MAINE. The story, inspired by the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, intimately explores a fractured marriage and the struggles of modern parenthood. Caitlin shares her writing process, which was influenced by her observations of the pandemic and the complexities of human relationships during crises. She also discusses juggling writing with motherhood and homeschooling her children, offeri...
Dec 09, 2023•27 min•Season 19Ep. 33
Zibby interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard, A VERY INCONVENIENT SCANDAL, a page-turning family drama about a young woman who returns home to announce her pregnancy and marriage, only to discover her widowed father is marrying her best friend. The story was partly inspired by Mitchard's own experience; her widowed father introduced her to his new partner, who turned out to be a high school acquaintance. Mitchard discusses complex family dynamics, the importance of em...
Dec 08, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 32
Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Moran about her thoughtful and provocative new book, WHAT ABOUT MEN: A FEMINIST ANSWERS THE QUESTION. Caitlin shares her insights on modern masculinity. The discussion delves into how young men often feel overlooked and the impact of influencers who promote outdated, misogynistic views. Ultimately, Caitlin emphasizes the need for more positive, progressive conversations about masculinity. The episode also touches on Caitlin's personal ex...
Dec 07, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 31
Zibby interviews Jane Ferguson about NO ORDINARY ASSIGNMENT , a fascinating memoir that chronicles her career as a Middle East and South Asia war correspondent spanning thirteen years. Jane writes candidly about her industry and her motivations for choosing such a perilous career, linking her unpredictable home life, childhood anxiety, and constant sense of displacement to her ability to handle fear and chaos in conflict zones. Jane also details her transition from fashion and lifestyle stories ...
Dec 06, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 30
Zibby interviews beloved New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom about his latest novel, THE LITTLE LIAR . Set in a coastal Greek city during the Holocaust, the book centers on Nico, an honest boy forced by Nazis to deceive Jews about their fate. The narrative spans decades, intertwining the lives of Nico, his brother, a girl named Fannie, and a Nazi officer, exploring themes of honesty, survival, revenge, and devotion. Mitch Albom discusses the historical context of the novel and his emot...
Dec 05, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 29
In this special podcast episode presented by Nordstrom, Zibby speaks with Danny Pellegrino about his hilarious collection of essays, THE JOLLIEST BUNCH: UNHINGED HOLIDAY STORIES. Danny explains that the book, inspired by his own family, is a humorous yet heartfelt look at the chaos and emotions surrounding the holiday season. It includes anecdotes (like a hectic cross-country road trip) and the familiar stress of holiday hosting. The book aims to capture both the joy and the pressure of holiday ...
Dec 04, 2023•29 min•Season 19Ep. 28
Zibby interviews Ali Rosen about her fiction debut, RECIPE FOR SECOND CHANCES, an enchanting second-chance romance set against the backdrop of an Indian-Italian wedding in Umbria, Italy. Ali, an accomplished cookbook author and TV host, discusses her transition from writing cookbooks to fiction. The conversation also touches on Ali's approach to writing, how she balances work and family, her plans for her next novel (this time set in Ireland!), and her advice for aspiring authors, especially abo...
Dec 03, 2023•27 min•Season 19Ep. 27
Zibby chats with writer, sailor, and scientist Hannah Stowe about her exquisite, luminous memoir, MOVE LIKE WATER: MY STORY OF THE SEA. Hannah describes her unique upbringing in Pembrokeshire, Wales, surrounded by the sea and abundant marine life, which sparked her passion for marine biology and sailing. She recounts her experiences working on research boats and studying marine life. She also discusses a significant spinal injury sustained while surfing, highlighting the dismissive attitudes of ...
Dec 02, 2023•23 min•Season 19Ep. 26
In this special episode (a live event for the Streicker Center!), Zibby speaks to New York Times bestselling author Ann Napolitano about HELLO BEAUTIFUL , a big, emotional, heartwrenching family drama. Ann delves into the emotional and creative journey of writing this book, revealing the depths of her immersion in the narrative and her subsequent feelings of loss upon completion. She touches on her writing process, including the balance between lyrical and analytical thinking, and the influence ...
Dec 01, 2023•33 min•Season 19Ep. 25
