This Is the Author

S4 E68: In this episode, meet journalist Timothy Egan, author of A Pilgrimage to Eternity, and Clark Strand and Perdita Finn, co-authors of The Way of the Rose. Go behind the mic with these authors and hear more about the spiritual paths that inspired their audiobooks. Plus, discover the pronunciations that tripped up even these careful wordsmiths! A Pilgrimage to Eternity by Timothy Egan: https:/...

S4 E67: In this episode meet John Hodgman, Cameron Douglas, and Guy Snodgrass. Go behind the mic with these authors as they talk about the experiences that inspired them to write and record their audiobooks. Plus find out which noises are "the bane of audiobook narration." Medallion Status by John Hodgman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/595005/medallion-status/ Long Way Home by Camer...

S4 E64: In this episode, meet Yancey Strickler, Sasha Sagan, and Gary Ferguson. As Yancey notes in this interview, “the world of value is bigger than we think.” Go behind the mic with each one of these authors as they talk about variations on this idea as viewed through the lenses of business, philosophy, and engagement with the natural world. Plus, get new audiobook recommendations from these thr...

S4 E65: In this episode, meet Adam Gidwitz, Adam Grant & Allison Sweet Grant, and John Cena. Discover the inspiration behind A Tale Dark and Grimm, listen to husband and wife writing team Adam and Allison discuss The Gift Inside the Box, and hear how John Cena applies “elbow grease” in his own life. Plus, learn the one question that may change dinnertime conversations with your kids forever. A Tal...

S4 E63: THIS IS THE ILLUSTRATOR (special ep with Melissa Sweet). In this special episode of This Is the Author, we present: This Is the Illustrator! Meet artist Melissa Sweet, who illustrated the audiobook cover for the new production of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, narrated by Meryl Streep and a full cast. Learn what led Melissa to this project, and what it is about audiobooks that make the imag...

S4 E62: In this episode meet Rachel Maddow, Deepak Chopra, and Ali Wong. These authors may all be household names but listening to them talk about their recording experiences feels like meeting them for the first time. Learn more about what inspired each of their books. Plus, find out why narrating an audiobook is like a trip to the gym! Blowout by Rachel Maddow: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudi...

S4 E61: In this episode meet Jonathan Vaughters, Christopher McDougall, and Mira and Jayson Calton. Join these authors behind the mic as they share how physical activity has impacted various aspects of their lives. From professional cycling to burro racing to building bone health, these authors’ passions will inspire you to learn more about the mind-body connection. Plus, find out who compared nar...

S4 E60: In this episode meet Eve Rodsky, J.J. Sutherland, and Latasha Morrison. These authors are pioneering new ways to think about equity, offering practical steps to help better achieve it in the division of labor in our homes, in the ways we operate at work, and in our steps toward racial reconciliation in everyday life. Hear what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. Plus, find out...

S4 E59: In this episode meet authors Ruta Sepetys, Carolina de Robertis, and Morgan Parker. Whether they’ve delved into hidden histories or explored the inner workings of the teenage psyche, these authors have written nuanced and moving novels that are meant to be heard on audio. Hear them describe the events that inspired their work. Plus, discover the identity of the “friend who got you when you...

S4 E58: In this episode meet Nico Tortorella, author of SPACE BETWEEN; Akilah Hughes, author of OBVIOUSLY; and Cory Allen author of NOW IS THE WAY. Each of these young writers is using their creativity and talent to inspire others to grow—through art, introspection, and joyous expression. Hear them talk honestly about recording their audiobooks; plus, find out which of these authors has finally be...

In this episode, meet Jim Williams, author of PATH OF THE PUMA; Robert Pondiscio, author of HOW THE OTHER HALF LEARNS; and Rhonda Magee, author of THE INNER WORK OF RACIAL JUSTICE. What big cats can teach us about the environment. The lessons learned from years of teaching at a public school. The ways mindfulness in law school classrooms helps students talk about race. These are the passions of th...

In this episode meet Dr. Lisa Sanders, author of DIAGNOSIS; Dr. David Fajgenbaum, author of CHASING MY CURE; and Dr. Elizabeth Stanley, author of WIDEN THE WINDOW. Each of these writers brings medical expertise and creative thinking to their profession in an effort to educate, illuminate, and bring hope and healing to people suffering with difficult symptoms and elusive diagnoses. Listen to them r...

In this episode meet Sarah Hurwitz, author of HERE ALL ALONG; David Platt, author of SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE; and Melissa D’Arabian, author of TASTING GRACE. Go behind the mic with these authors as they share what inspired their often unexpected—and revelatory—spiritual journeys. Plus, discover the word one seasoned pro has been mispronouncing—albeit with considerable flair—for years. HERE ALL A...

In this episode meet Brad Smith, author of TOOLS AND WEAPONS; Jason Harris, author of THE SOULFUL ART OF PERSUASION; and Tricia Clarke-Stone and Antoinette M. Clarke, authors of DOUBLE DOWN. Hear from these exceptional trailblazers on the importance of both understanding the tools of our trades and emotionally connecting with the stories that we tell. And guess who channeled their grandmother and...

In this episode meet Padma Venkatraman, author of A TIME TO DANCE; Peter McGough, author of I'VE SEEN THE FUTURE AND I'M NOT GOING; and John Mauceri, author of FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC. A novel in verse about the power of dance. A memoir about life as an artist in 1980s New York City. An answer to the question, “why should we listen to classical music?” This week’s episode covers the many ways in whi...

In this special edition of our podcast This Is the Author, we’re celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month by asking celebrated children’s authors to share some of their favorite library memories. Listen to John Cena, Ann Bausum, Steve Sheinkin, and Adam Gidwitz share why libraries are so special to them, and why getting a library card is the first step to a lifetime of adventure!

In this special edition of our podcast This Is the Author, we’re celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month by asking authors to share some of their favorite library memories. Listen to Gretchen Rubin, Mira Jacob, Laura Lynne Jackson, Elissa Altman, Emily Nussbaum, Ocean Vuong, Geraldine Brooks, and Jane Green share why libraries are so special to them.

In this episode, meet Marie Forleo, author of EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE; Lee Hartley Carter, author of PERSUASION; and Jorjeana Marie, author of IMPROV FOR WRITERS. Whether it’s figuring out what stands between you and your dreams, crafting a persuasive message, or actualizing your artistic talents – each of these authors offer compelling insights and problem-solving tools that you can apply to...

In this episode, meet Elissa Altman, author of MOTHERLAND; Olivia Gatwood, author of LIFE OF THE PARTY; and Caitlin Moscatello, author of SEE JANE WIN. Whether they explored the mother-daughter relationship and the complexities of caregiving, tackling phobias through poetry, or the political campaigns of four female first-time candidates, these authors have all written and narrated timely and pers...

In this episode meet Ibram X. Kendi, author of HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST; Maggie Paxson, author of THE PLATEAU; and Gretchen Rubin, author of FORTY WAYS TO LOOK AT WINSTON CHURCHILL. These authors have researched their subjects deeply, unearthing history and examining the stories of others. They’ve each found themselves personally moved by the power of history and how it is at work in all of our liv...

In this episode, meet Pablo Cartaya, author of EACH TINY SPARK; Ibi Zoboi, author of MY LIFE AS AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH; and Natasha Diaz, author of COLOR ME IN. Each author has written a nuanced coming-of-age novel for kids and teens, featuring young characters looking to find their place within their communities, their friendship circles, and even their own families—without losing what is unique a...

S4 E46: In this episode meet Sister Helen Prejean, author of RIVER OF FIRE; Mat Best, author of THANK YOU FOR MY SERVICE; and Mike Donehey, author of FINDING GOD’S LIFE FOR MY WILL. Each of these authors shares their personal story in an honest, authentic voice that will make listeners reconsider everything from religion to life in the army. And find out which author would cast Chris Pratt as thei...

S4 E44: In this episode meet Gretchen McCulloch, author of BECAUSE INTERNET; Jia Tolentino, author of TRICK MIRROR; and Carrie Goldberg, author of NOBODY’S VICTIM. These women explore different facets of today’s culture and society—everything from the internet’s effect on language to reality TV and wedding culture to society’s treatment of victims of assault. Then find out which author finally too...

S4 E45: In this episode meet Monica Swanson, author of BOY MOM; Hannah Shaw, author of TINY BUT MIGHTY; and Oren Klaff, author of FLIP THE SCRIPT. The life lessons these authors share will appeal to everyone from animal lovers to parents to business owners. Plus discover which author was inspired by the audiobook BIG MAGIC, by Elizabeth Gilbert. Boy Mom by Monica Swanson and Wendy Speake: https://...

S4 E43: In this episode meet Julianna Miner, author of RAISING A SCREEN-SMART KID; Reverend Molly Baskette & Dr. Ellen O’Donnell, authors of BLESS THIS MESS; and Natalie Wexler, author of THE KNOWLEDGE GAP. When it comes to parenting and education, there is a lot of content out there, and this can feel overwhelming. These authors hope to share their knowledge and experience with listeners in order...