Explore every episode of the podcast Totally Booked with Zibby

Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge about ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, a riveting, emotionally gripping novel about a woman who runs away from her abusive husband and reinvents herself in a peaceful California town—a tenuous sanctuary that brings her new friendships and romance. Eileen shares her own experience of being in an emotionally abusive relationship and the difficult transition of moving across the country with limited resources—all of which inspired this story. She also highlights her novel’s themes of overcoming trauma, the resilience it takes to start anew, and the importance of supportive friendships at all stages in life. 

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NSYNC superstar Lance Bass joins Zibby to discuss TRICK OR TREAT ON SCARY STREET, a quirky and surprising children’s book inspired by his love for Halloween. Lance shares how trick-or-treating was an adventurous, magical experience for him and his friends—and how spooked they were by a mysterious, dark house in the neighborhood! He shares the real motivation for this book—creating content that his kids will love!—and then delves into his plans for the season, from elaborate family costumes to immersive pop-up book events. Finally, he touches on his creative process, the challenge of balancing creativity and parenthood, and his dreams of bringing another childhood project to life.

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Zibby chats with author Samantha Greene Woodruff about THE TRADE OFF, a captivating 1920s historical novel about an ambitious woman who fights for her place on Wall Street, inspired by the true story of a pioneering investment legend. Samantha delves into her protagonist, who, as a poor Jewish woman, faces societal barriers and has to support her brother as the “woman behind the man.” She touches on the siblings’ toxic relationship, the looming stock market crash, and the novel’s Jewish components. Finally, she discusses her essay contribution to Zibby’s latest anthology, ON BEING JEWISH NOW, and shares how the current climate has deepened her connection to her heritage.

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#1 bestselling author Sophie Kinsella joins Zibby to discuss WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?, an extraordinary, unforgettable novel about a successful novelist who faces a devastating diagnosis and must learn to live and love anew—a story that is rooted in Sophie’s own battle with brain cancer and ensuing memory issues. Sophie opens up about her journey and shares how this book came to be—it involves slowly dictating notes into her phone when she couldn't even write. She talks about fiction as her safe space, her use of humor in the story, the support she’s received from her husband and children, and her personal realization that the little, everyday moments in life are the ones that matter. 

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Zibby interviews filmmaker, actor, animal advocate, and bestselling author Cathryn Michon about her comforting, heartfelt, richly illustrated gift book for people grieving the loss of a pet, I’M STILL HERE: A Dog’s Purpose Forever. Cathryn delves into her emotional, ten-year writing journey, sharing how her own dog, Tucker, and her husband, W. Bruce Cameron, inspired her to bring this book to life. She and Zibby also talk about faith, signs from lost loved ones, and the lessons dogs teach us about joy and living in the moment. Finally, she describes her creative collaborations with her husband, including films based on his novels.

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Lovie Awards - Best Podcast Host

Signal Awards - Best Arts & Culture Podcast

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In this special episode (a live event at the Streicker Center!), world-renowned soprano and arts/health advocate Renée Fleming chats with Zibby about MUSIC AND MIND, a groundbreaking collection of essays about the powerful impacts of music on health and the human experience. The conversation covers the scientific effects of music on the brain and emotional healing, as well as the transcendent power of shared musical experiences. Renée also talks about her journey as a performer, the enriching role of music in childhood development, and her focus on advocating for the integration of arts into healthcare—from children’s hospitals to elder care facilities.

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PLEASE VOTE FOR THIS SHOW!!! VOTING ENDS OCTOBER 17th!

Lovie Awards - Best Podcast Host

Signal Awards - Best Arts & Culture Podcast

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Zibby is joined by chart-topping, Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Joanna “JoJo” Levesque to discuss her instant New York Times bestselling, breathtakingly candid new memoir, OVER THE INFLUENCE. JoJo reflects on her 20-year journey in the music industry, delving into her relationships, her mother’s struggles with mental health, the toll of losing her father, and how she overcame industry pressures and found her voice. She also reflects on her writing journey, the role of social media, and her best advice for aspiring artists.

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Zibby interviews author Lynda Cohen Loigman about her charming, quirky, and utterly satisfying second-chance love story, THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN. Lynda talks about her protagonist, 79-year-old Augusta Stern, who relocates to a Florida retirement community and runs into the man who broke her heart 60 years prior. She also describes her novel’s flashbacks to the 1920s, where we learn about Augusta’s family pharmacy and her great-aunt Esther’s unconventional remedies. This leads to a conversation about aging, women in medicine, and the trend of women’s medical issues being dismissed. Lynda also talks about her writing process and her exciting book tour!

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Zibby speaks with cookbook author June Hersh about ICONIC NEW YORK JEWISH FOOD (a culinary journey through New York’s most crave-worthy foods through the lens of the Jewish immigrant experience) and FOOD, HOPE & RESILIENCE (a vital collection of over 100 Holocaust survival stories and the recipes they shared). June describes the connections between food, history, memory, philanthropy, and Jewish heritage in her books, highlighting how food acts as an unbreakable bond between the past and the present. She also describes her research visits to iconic Jewish delis, shares her love of pastrami sandwiches and knishes, and emphasizes how food tells stories and connects generations.

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Iconic New York Jewish Food: https://bit.ly/3BJmpxi

Food, Hope & Resilience: https://bit.ly/486JFRY

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Bestselling author Alice Hoffman joins Zibby to discuss WHEN WE FLEW AWAY, a stunning, lyrical, heartwrenching children’s book exploring the little-known details of Anne Frank’s life before she went into hiding. Alice shares how she combined meticulous historical research with imagined thoughts to fill in the gaps in Anne’s relationships, particularly focusing on themes of sisterhood and the mother-daughter dynamic. Alice also reflects on the enduring hope and resilience Anne Frank represented, even during dark times, and stresses the importance of remembering her story amid rising antisemitism. Finally, she shares the emotional experience of visiting Anne’s house and school, the impact of fairy-tale storytelling, and her creative process.

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Zibby Books author alert! Zibby welcomes debut author Sarah Sawyer to discuss THE UNDERCURRENT, a stunning, achingly beautiful, and gripping suspense about an overwhelmed new mother who becomes obsessed with the unsolved disappearance of a young girl from her small Texas hometown—and unearths her own family’s dark secret. Sarah shares how her own experiences, particularly watching her daughter struggle with a thyroid disorder, inspired her reflections on the transformations women experience. She also delves into her novel's themes of female relationships, different life paths, and the impact of motherhood on personal identity. Finally, she shares her best advice for aspiring writers.

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Acclaimed Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron joins Zibby to discuss 10/7: 100 Human Stories, a radically passionate work of investigative journalism of the October 7th attacks through the stories of its victims and the communities they called home. Lee talks about the survivors she interviewed, everyday people from a wide range of communities—from elderly Holocaust survivors and peace workers to Ukrainian refugees and Israeli Arabs. She also describes the weight of carrying these stories, the emotional toll of hearing such grief, and her overwhelming mission to reclaim narratives for those who have been silenced. Finally, she shares her views on Jewish resilience and her hope that young Israeli women will step into leadership positions to help shape a safer future.

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On the anniversary of October 7th, Zibby joins forces with Rebecca Minkoff to introduce ON BEING JEWISH NOW: Reflections from Authors and Advocates, an inspiring collection of 75 personal essays about what it means to be Jewish in the aftermath of October 7th. In this powerful and emotional episode, 40 contributors share lines from their essays. All profits from this project will be donated to Artists Against Antisemitism, a group founded by Jewish authors to fight the spread of antisemitism. You can now purchase the eBook and audiobook (already available!) and pre-order the paperback before its November 1st release.

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Zibby interviews celebrated author (and veteran literary agent and editor) Betsy Lerner about SHRED SISTERS, her wry, intimate, riveting, and bittersweet debut novel about family, mental illness, and sisterhood. Betsy calls the novel a “love letter to loneliness” while reflecting on her own experiences in New York during her twenties. She shares other personal connections to this story, from the loss of her mother to her own bipolar diagnosis to her complex relationships with her sisters. At the end of the episode, she reveals what she is working on next and shares her best advice for aspiring writers.

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New York Times bestselling author Jean Hanff Korelitz joins Zibby to discuss THE SEQUEL, a deliciously fun, witty, and suspenseful read that gives readers an antihero to root for while illuminating and satirizing the world of publishing. Jean delves into her book’s meta elements, its dark humor, and how it plays off the success of her previous novel, THE PLOT. She also reflects on the quirks of the literary world, from book signings to writers’ residencies, and analyzes the motivations behind her morally complex characters. Finally, she touches on the pressures of being an author and the catharsis of writing about dark, transgressive behavior.

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Zibby interviews Kenny G—the incomparable musician with the straight sax, the flowing hair, and some of the most memorable melodies in history—about his indelible, fascinating, upbeat, and funny memoir, LIFE IN THE KEY OF G. Kenny shares the creative process behind his audiobook (which incorporates live saxophone performances to enhance the listening experience) and then describes the challenges of capturing his true, authentic voice in writing. He also reflects on his rigorous daily routine, his role as a father, and some pivotal moments in his life, from standing up to his mother in his 20s to recording what would become the best-selling Christmas album of all time.

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Award-winning author Melody Maysonet joins Zibby to discuss WHAT WE WISH FOR, a poignant, heartbreaking YA novel centered on Layla, a 15-year-old girl who finds herself living in a homeless shelter with her alcoholic mother—and hides the truth from her friends. Melody, who is now 18 years in recovery, opens up about her own experience with alcoholism and reflects on how her struggles and triumphs helped shape Layla’s story. She also talks about the therapeutic writing process and the challenge of making Layla’s mom a sympathetic character and balancing her novel’s darkness with hope.

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Zibby interviews Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times bestselling author Richard Powers about his magisterial new novel, PLAYGROUND, where four lives come together on the French Polynesian island of Makatea, where plans are being made to send floating, autonomous cities out onto the open sea. Richard delves into his characters, including two Chicagoans, a northside white kid named Todd and a southside Black kid named Rafi, who have a decades-long friendship shaped by shared trauma, intellect, competition, and love. He also talks about the issues of technological innovation, memory, and cultural preservation that his characters face. Finally, he shares the personal anecdotes that influenced the novel, including the loss of his sister.

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New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks joins Zibby to discuss his uplifting, heart-tugging new book, COUNTING MIRACLES. Set in North Carolina, the story follows military man Tanner, who embarks on a healing journey and crosses paths with a single mom and an older man—both of whom will change his life. Nicholas shares how he blends multiple genres—romance, mystery, and elements of the supernatural—while exploring deeper themes of love, grief, and redemption. He also talks about the challenges of balancing dark subject matter with hope, his love of including dogs in his stories, and several upcoming projects in various stages of film development!

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Beloved actor Josh Gad (star of the animated hit movie FROZEN) joins Zibby to discuss PICTUREFACE LIZZY, a hilarious, energetic, and relatable picture book about a girl who won’t rest until she gets the latest cool toy: PictureFace Lizzy! Josh shares his unexpected writing journey—it all started during the pandemic when he read to kids on his social media platforms almost daily! He explains how his book addresses the impact of technology on children, particularly social media, and draws from personal experiences with his daughters to highlight the themes of consumerism, FOMO, and finding balance in a tech-driven world. Finally, Josh touches on his experiences with anxiety and the benefits of open dialogue with children about the pressures of technology and societal expectations.

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Zibby interviews iconic trailblazer and legendary journalist Connie Chung about CONNIE, a witty, sharply written, scintillating memoir about her storied career as the first Asian woman to break into an overwhelmingly white, male-dominated TV news industry. Connie opens up about her family’s dramatic escape from war-torn China, her upbringing as a first-generation Chinese-American (and the youngest of 10 siblings!), and now, her role as caretaker. Then, she delves into her arduous, half-century career and reflects on how the news industry has changed, lamenting the rise of opinion-based journalism. Finally, she shares what it was like to write this memoir, finally moving beyond just the facts to express her feelings.

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Laura Dave chats with Zibby about THE NIGHT WE LOST HIM, a soulful, evocative, page-turning suspense about the mysterious death of Liam Noone, who falls off a cliff near his home, and the three estranged children from different marriages who come together to uncover the truth behind his death, unraveling a 50-year family secret. Laura shares the inspiration behind the characters and setting, including her fascination with neuroarchitecture and boutique hotels. She also delves into her novel’s themes of secrets, unique family dynamics, and especially grief—and touches on how her own grief has influenced her writing.

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Comedy writer Lynsday Rush (the poet behind @maryoliversdrunkcousin!) joins Zibby to discuss A BIT MUCH, her tender, smart, and utterly hilarious debut poetry collection—a joyful exploration of the female experience through big feelings and hard-won wisdom. Lyndsay shares how her Instagram poetry took off during COVID, leading to viral posts, a growing following, and eventually a book deal—all while pregnant! She and Zibby discuss some of their favorite poems, unpacking deeper themes of body image, self-acceptance, and societal pressures. Finally, Lyndsay talks about the humor in her poetry, her advocacy for body neutrality, and her ideas for future projects!

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Leading expert and fierce advocate Dr. Karen Tang joins Zibby to discuss her inclusive and essential new resource, IT’S NOT HYSTERIA: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told). Dr. Tang delves into the gaps in healthcare where women’s pain and concerns are often dismissed—which her book aims to address. She also reflects on her journey into gynecology, her passion for educating, and how she unexpectedly found fame on TikTok, where her videos debunking myths and providing clear explanations about women’s health issues have gone viral. Finally, she delves into the process of writing this book and shares her best advice for aspiring authors.

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Zibby chats with bestselling author, speaker, and astrologer Ophira Edut (one-half of the renowned, identical AstroTwins!) about THE ASTROLOGY ADVANTAGE, a delightful, illuminating, actionable guide to using astrology as a tool for personal and professional success. Ophira describes the I*AM Method she developed with her sister, which uses your birth chart to define your archetype in the workplace and in relationships: the innovator, the authority, and the maven. She also reflects on her career (from writing for Sassy Magazine to a 21-book career) and her family background, including her relatives’ Holocaust survival stories.

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Zibby interviews author Jessica Elisheva Emerson about OLIVE DAYS, a stunning, smoldering debut novel about a young mother in an Orthodox Jewish community of LA whose quest for authenticity erupts in a passionate affair following a night of wife-swapping. Jessica delves into her novel’s theme of duty vs. desire and her protagonist's struggle with faith, intimacy, identity, and a crumbling marriage. She also shares her deep research into Orthodox Jewish customs, her writing process, and how current events and rising antisemitism have impacted Jewish authors like herself.

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Actor, director, and writer Edward Burns joins Zibby to discuss A KID FROM MARLBORO ROAD, a poignant, bittersweet coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1980 about a boy on the cusp of adolescence navigating his parents’ troubled marriage, his mother’s depression, and the need to assert his independence while remaining close to her. Edward reveals that the story was inspired by his childhood memories, which he reminisced about with his mom during the pandemic, and then delves into the novel's themes of nostalgia, family structures, and evolving relationships. Finally, he talks about his work in independent filmmaking and shares his best advice for aspiring writers.

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Zibby Books author alert! Zibby welcomes Ava Dellaira to discuss her powerful and provocative new novel, EXPOSURE. Ava delves into her protagonists, Noah, a Black high school senior, and Juliette, a white college freshman, who go home together after a night of drinking. Twelve years later, Juliette’s best friend Annie accuses Noah of raping Juliette—and the story breaks into multiple viewpoints and timelines, exploring themes of race, artistic ambition, grief, and the co-existence of conflicting truths. Ava shares how the start of the #MeToo movement, her personal grief, and motherhood shaped this story. She also talks about her background in photography, the loss of her mother, and her writing journey (including her popular YA novels!). 

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Zibby speaks with award-winning author Rebecca Sanford about her heart-wrenching new drama, THE DISAPPEARED. Rebecca shares that the novel, a dual-timeline work of historical fiction, revolves around the 1970s Argentine military dictatorship and is inspired by the real-life "Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo," who searched for their missing children and grandchildren. Rebecca shares how her graduate studies in international relations led her to this dark period in history and reflects on the emotional impact of her research and writing process, as well as the continued importance of raising awareness of historical atrocities. The conversation touches on motherhood, memory, activism, and the resilience of women across generations. 

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Zibby interviews psychology professor Dr. Tovah Klein about her accessible, wise, and compassionate new guide, RAISING RESILIENCE: How to Help Our Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty. Dr. Klein explains how the pandemic reignited a desire to help parents navigate uncertainty, whether daily stressors or large-scale crises. She shares practical strategies from her book, from self-talk for stressed parents to sharing difficult truths in age-appropriate ways. Resilience, she notes, is built over time through everyday experiences and the security provided by loving relationships. The conversation highlights how parenting is not about perfection but about adapting, connecting, and continuously learning.

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Screenwriter, TV producer, and New York Times bestselling author Attica Locke chats with Zibby about GUIDE ME HOME, the stunning culmination of the award-winning Highway 59 trilogy, where Detective Darren comes out of retirement to investigate the case of a missing black college student from an all-white sorority. Attica reflects on her protagonist, Darren Matthews, a conflicted Black Texas Ranger, and his complicated relationship with his mother. She also talks about how her novels explore crime stories set in small East Texas towns and her fascination with ordinary people making bad decisions. Finally, she delves into how she balances novel writing with her work in television, the challenges of screenwriting, and how working on the Netflix series From Scratch changed her life.

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Zibby welcomes picture book author Josh Funk to discuss his popular series, Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, with a special focus on the latest adventure, ATTACK OF THE SCONES. Josh shares the inspiration behind the series, which started as a simple story for his kids and evolved into a whimsical, action-packed world where breakfast foods have grand adventures. He explains how each book in the series tackles a different "fridge problem" and discusses the creative process behind the books, including how the characters and storylines have developed over time. (Tune in to hear from a very special nine-year-old guest!)

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Zibby welcomes back award-winning author Chelsea Bieker to discuss MADWOMAN, a brilliant, urgent, heart-smashing, darkly comic, and absolutely unforgettable novel about motherhood, memory, generational violence, and the menace of an untold past. Chelsea shares the inspiration behind the book, which she wrote during the pandemic as she started to confront her own past. She delves into the intensity of motherhood, the societal pressures that mothers face, and the lengths women go to save themselves and others. She also discusses the long-term effects of domestic violence, a theme deeply rooted in her own childhood experiences. Finally, she shares her journey as a writer.

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British journalist and internationally bestselling author Helen Russell returns to the podcast to discuss THE DANISH SECRET TO HAPPY KIDS, a refreshingly funny, witty, and heart-warming roadmap to raising kids the Viking way—and helping them be happier, healthier, and more independent. Helen shares the experience of moving from London to Denmark, initially just for a year and before she had children, and discovering the unique parenting methods that prioritize unstructured play, spending time in nature (regardless of the weather!), and genuine connection, aided by the supportive social systems in the Nordic countries. She reflects on how these practices have shaped her parenting journey and her own perspectives on happiness and well-being.

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Award-winning journalist Bianca Bosker joins Zibby to discuss her instant New York Times bestseller, GET THE PICTURE, a gripping, hilarious, and gorgeously written exploration of the art world. Bianca delves into her journey through that world—from working as a security guard in a museum to selling art at high-profile galleries. She describes immersing herself in the lives of artists, gallerists, collectors, curators, and art dealers, which led to a book that is part user guide to the hidden logic of the art world and part personal quest to live a more expansive life. She reveals how art has completely changed how she sees and experiences life—the frozen food aisle, for example, is really an art installation!

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Zibby chats with bestselling author Sara Goodman Confino about BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN, a deliciously entertaining 1960s political rom-com about a DC suburban wife who catches her husband cheating with his secretary… and decides to run the political campaign of his (very handsome) opponent in a Senate race. Sarah highlights the research and her personal connections to the novel, including insights from her elderly relatives who vividly remember the era. She also reflects on the evolution of her characters and the themes of motherhood, self-discovery, and resilience. Sarah reveals that she recently left her teaching career to focus on writing full-time, and touches on her previous novels and upcoming projects.

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In this bonus episode (a live event at the Nantucket Atheneum!), beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand interviews Zibby about her bestselling debut novel BLANK. Zibby describes her journey in the literary world, from this podcast’s humble beginnings to breaking into publishing and opening a bookstore—always with a desire to treat authors like rockstars. She also delves into her trajectory as a writer, reflecting on the rejections she faced at the beginning, the personal losses that inspired her memoir, BOOKENDS, and the relentless determination that led to the publication of BLANK. Finally, she and Elin discuss the realities of being an author in today’s market—from the emphasis on marketing to the importance of social media (and BookTok!).

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Zibby interviews renowned rock climber Beth Rodden about A LIGHT THROUGH THE CRACKS, an intense, breathtaking memoir about Beth's harrowing experience of being kidnapped at twenty years old on a climbing excursion in Kyrgyzstan, her journey through trauma, and her transformation into motherhood. Beth describes the challenge of revisiting her worst memories and shares how climbing helped her cope with the physical and mental trauma. She and Zibby also explore her relationship with fear, her recovery from various injuries, and how becoming a mother changed her perspective on life and climbing.

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Zibby chats with podcaster and writer Molly Stillman about her laugh-out-loud and heartfelt memoir IF I DON’T LAUGH I’LL CRY: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For. Molly describes her childhood with a mom who was a Vietnam War veteran—and what it was like to lose her at seventeen to an autoimmune disorder caused by exposure to Agent Orange. She also shares how she squandered an unexpected quarter-of-a-million-dollar inheritance in less than two years… which filled her with shame and embarrassment. Finally, she describes her writing journey, the challenges of revisiting painful memories, and how she balances humor and seriousness.

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Ghanaian American cardiologist, cartoonist, and author Shirlene Obuobi joins Zibby to discuss her powerful, sexy, and emotionally brilliant new romance, BETWEEN FRIENDS AND LOVERS. Shirlene describes her protagonist, Josephine Boiteng, a former medical resident turned influencer who struggles with mental health, burnout, and an unrequited crush. She also delves into the novel’s medical and social media elements and the themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth—revealing that she wrote this during a challenging period in her own life and used many of her experiences as inspiration.

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Instagram sensation and webcomic superstar Cassandra Calin joins Zibby to discuss her debut graphic novel, THE NEW GIRL, a comically charming story about change, inspired by her own immigration experience. Cassandra shares what it was like to move from Romania to Canada at the age of 10 and then delves into her book's themes of cultural adjustment, puberty, and personal growth, as experienced through the eyes of her 12-year-old protagonist, Lia. Cassandra discusses her journey into drawing, the experience of growing meteorically on social media, and the creative process behind the creation of this novel.

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Zibby speaks with debut author Elizabeth O’Connor about WHALE FALL, a haunting and exquisite novel about an 18-year-old girl on a beautiful but blisteringly harsh Welsh island in 1938, and how her life changes when two anthropologists arrive to study her island’s disappearing way of life, forcing her to confront the outside world. The conversation delves into the novel's themes of isolation, folklore, cultural change, and the interplay between nature and humanity. Elizabeth shares insights into her inspiration, drawn from her academic background in English literature and personal connections to coastal landscapes. She also delves into her writing process, next project, and best advice for aspiring authors.

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes joins Zibby to discuss THE GRANDEST GAME, a brand new series in the lush, romantic, puzzle-filled world of THE INHERITANCE GAMES, where fan-favorite and new characters collide a year after we last saw them. Jennifer delves into the story, which revolves around Avery Grambs, a now 20-year-old billionaire heiress who designs a high-stakes game made to give someone a shot at fame and fortune. Jennifer also describes her writing process, including how her psychology and cognitive science background informs her storytelling and her love for crafting complex riddles.

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New York Times bestselling author Kimberly McCreight returns to the podcast to discuss LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER, a breathless, shocking thriller about a daughter who returns to her childhood home in Brooklyn after months of not speaking to her mother… only to find an empty house in complete disarray, food burning on the stove, and a bloody shoe. The story unfolds through dual narratives as Cleo races to uncover her mother’s secret life. Kimberley reveals the book’s personal significance, drawing from her own experiences as a divorced mother, and then delves into the themes of midlife, parenting, public vs. private selves, and complex mother-daughter relationships. She also describes her organic writing process and hints at her upcoming book (it involves a hiking trip up Mount Kilimanjaro…). 

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Zibby speaks with debut novelist Sarai Johnson about GROWN WOMEN, a stunning, tender, elegant novel about how four generations of complex Black women attempt to heal old wounds and redefine happiness for themselves… as they raise a new generation together. Sarai shares how her own complicated relationship with her mother and a desire to depict Black motherhood with nuance and depth inspired this story. She also shares her writing process, literary models, and best advice for aspiring authors.

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Zibby chats with author Caro Carver about BAD TOURISTS, a propulsive and deliciously dark novel about three tight-knit friends who embark on an extravagant post-divorce trip to the Maldives… only to realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer. Caro describes her own trip to the Maldives, her use of a new pseudonym and genre (she uses CJ Cooke for her gothic thrillers!), and her love of writing stories that resonate with women. She also shares details of her difficult childhood in a violent household and the challenge of raising children while processing past trauma. 

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British novelist Clare Pooley joins Zibby to discuss HOW TO AGE DISGRACEFULLY, an utterly hysterical, quirky, and reassuringly wise novel that centers around Lydia, a menopausal woman and empty-nester who is lonely and suspects her husband is having an affair… so she decides to help out at a senior citizen social club. She finds herself surrounded by very eclectic and mischievous seniors who, after an accident, must band together to save their community hall. Clare delves into her journey with sobriety and breast cancer and shares how an anonymous blog eventually led to a successful writing career. She also shares her perspectives on aging, highlighting the power of living every moment to the fullest, regardless of age. 

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New York Times bestselling author (and former flight attendant) TJ Newman returns to the podcast to discuss WORST CASE SCENARIO, a chilling, heart-stopping, unputdownable thriller about a commercial plane that crashes into a nuclear plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota. TJ reveals how her conversations with pilots about their deepest fears led to the book's terrifyingly plausible premise. The discussion delves into themes of personal sacrifice, ethical dilemmas, and the balance between duty and family. TJ also reflects on the pressure of writing after her previous successes and gives updates on the screen adaptations of her earlier books.

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Zibby chats with bestselling author Tom Seeman about ANIMALS I WANT TO SEE, a lyrical, tender, and insightful memoir about a boy who grew up in a family of fourteen in the projects of Toledo, Ohio, and journeyed from child janitor with big dreams to teenage petty criminal to student at Yale and Harvard. Tom describes his wonderful mother, whose resilience and kindness shaped his life and shielded him from his alcoholic father’s abuse. He also touches on his life-changing scholarship to a private high school and the small act of kindness that transformed his life. Finally, he reflects on the role of luck, nature vs. nurture, and the power of persistence and positive thinking. 

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Zibby chats with award-winning author Sarah Manguso about LIARS, an eviscerating and unforgettable story of a marriage that burns to the ground and a woman who rises inexorably from its ashes. Sarah delves into her novel’s portrayal of a marriage that devolves into covert domestic abuse, exposing the often-overlooked dynamics of control and manipulation. She also reflects on her journey to becoming a writer and then describes a very tumultuous time in her life, which is when she wrote this powerful novel.

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