This Is the Author

In this episode, meet renowned behavioral researcher Vanessa Van Edwards, speaker and coach Ben Meer, and dating and relationship coach, Sabrina Zohar. Tune in to hear Vanessa Van Edwards on the hidden blueprint behind every great conversation, Ben Meer on a very special cameo in his audiobook, and Sabrina Zohar on what she’s most excited for listeners to hear. Conversation by Vanessa Van Edwards:...

In this episode, meet psychiatrist Dr. Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell, president of the Groundwork Collaborative Lindsay Owens, and artist and musician August Lamm. Hear Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell on the surprising social and interpersonal impacts of diagnostic labels for young women and girls, Lindsay Owens on which aspects of recording her audiobook were most memorable, and August Lamm on the life-cha...

In this episode, meet entrepreneur Ravi Gupta, confidence coach and influencer Serena Kerrigan, and restauranteur and founder of Union Square Hospitality Group Danny Meyer. Tune in to hear Ravi Gupta on the lifelong journey of learning, why Serena Kerrigan describes her recording experience as “cathartic,” and what Danny Meyer is most excited for listeners to hear. The Invisible List by Ravi Gupta...

In this episode, meet director, screenwriter, and illustrator David Soren, filmmaker and storyteller Tim Manley, and award-winning children’s book author M.T. Anderson. Hear David Soren on how his voiceover experience in the animation world influenced his narration, Tim Manley on the nuance of creating stand-up comedy scenes for his audiobook, and M.T. Anderson on the incredible true story that le...

In this episode, meet author and cohost of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend Sona Movsesian, world-renowned alpinist and mountain guide Barry Blanchard, and comedian Sam Tallent. Hear about the items Sona Movsesian’s kids gave her for the recording studio, the parts of his book Barry Blanchard is most excited for listeners to hear, and the unorthodox way Sam Tallent prepared to record his audiobook. Th...

In this episode, meet science communicator and host of the Branch Out podcast Vanessa Fuchs, child psychologist Emily W. King, and Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center Noelle Mering. Hear Vanessa Fuchs on how the incredible world of plants influences our daily lives, Emily W. King on what inspired her to write her book, and Noelle Mering on what she’s most excited for listeners to hear. W...

In this episode, meet science communicator and host of the Branch Out podcast Vanessa Fuchs, child psychologist Emily W. King, and Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center Noelle Mering. Hear Vanessa Fuchs on how the incredible world of plants influences our daily lives, Emily W. King on what inspired her to write her book, and Noelle Mering on what she’s most excited for listeners to hear. W...

September is Library Card Sign-up Month! To celebrate the vibrancy of the libraries we love and all that they bring to our communities, we're pleased to present this special compilation episode of This Is the Author, in which you can hear authors Isaac Fitzgerald, Eli Hardwood, Elizabeth Preston, Hill Harper, Brooke Averick, Alexandra Elle, Libby Ward, Nephi Craig, Kate Bowler, David Epstein, J. J...

In this episode, meet author of The Cut’s Brooding column Kathryn Jezer-Morton, neurologist Josh Turknett, and behavioral scientist Dr. Patricia Faison Hewlin. Press play to hear which audiobook Kathryn Jezer-Morton recommends for a family road trip, what unlikely item Josh Turknett would bring into the studio with him, and why Patricia Faison Hewlin describes her recording experience as “exhilara...

In this episode, meet writer, director, and actor Laura Chinn and storyteller, speaker, and viral social media content creator Tareasa "ReesaTeesa" Johnson. Find out which section of her audiobook Laura Chinn is most excited for listeners to hear, and learn why Tareasa Johnson would describe recording her audiobook as “cleansing.” Counting the Days by Laura Chinn https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com...

In this episode, meet writer Emilee Hackney, investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen, and American civil rights leader Rashad Robinson. Tune in to hear Emilee Hackney on combating stereotypes about Appalachia, and learn what the recording process was like for Annie Jacobsen and Rashad Robinson. All That's Unseen by Emilee Hackney https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/748921/all-thats-unseen-by-...

In this episode, meet therapist Nathan Peterson, entomologist and evolutionary biologist Dino Martins, and senior editor at The New York Times Book Review Emily Eakin. Hear Nathan Peterson on what physical aspect of recording surprised him the most, Dino Martins on understanding the world of parasites, and Emily Eakin on the surprising personalities behind French theory. Your OCD Will Hate This Bo...

In this episode, meet comedian Alison Leiby, writer, photographer, and former social worker Angelica Glass, and chef Nephi Craig. Tune in to hear how Alison Leiby’s audiobook differs from her stand-up comedy, Angelica Glass’s favorite moments to share with listeners, and how Nephi Craig’s audiobook transformed over time. I'm a Lot by Alison Leiby https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746320/im-...

In this episode, meet former New York State Senator and co-founder of The States Project Daniel Squadron, founder of Finance Is Cool “Mrs. Dow Jones” Haley Sacks, and mental health advocate and creator of The EQ School Genny Rumancik. Hear Daniel Squadron on how ordinary people can have a large impact in government, Haley Sacks on building financial confidence with a money book that people want to...

S11 E26: Brooke Averick and J.J. Johnson by Penguin Random House Audio

In this episode, meet writer Isaac Fitzgerald and spoken-word poet and performing artist Amena Brown. Hear Isaac Fitzgerald on his personal connection to both walking and storytelling, and how those elements come together in his book and audiobook. And go behind the mic with Amena Brown as she describes the elements of her audiobook that reflect her stage performances and how she brought those mom...

In this episode, meet science journalist Elizabeth Preston, data journalist Simon Rogers, and Associate Professor of Sociology at Brown University Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve. Tune in to hear Elizabeth Preston on looking at parenthood through a scientific lens, Simon Rogers on the things that our Google searches reveal about us, and Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve on finding moments of hope within a heavy...

In this episode, meet journalist David Epstein, career coach and host of the Clock In podcast Emily Durham, and professor of behavioral science Nicholas Epley. Hear David Epstein on how he would describe recording his audiobook, Emily Durham on bringing her experience as a recruiter to a wide audience, and Nicholas Epley on the life-changing research of becoming just a little more social…and what...

In this episode, meet journalist Stephanie Fairyington, actor and co-creator of Pen15 Anna Konkle, and author and wellness educator Alexandra Elle. Tune in to learn why Stephanie Fairyington’s favorite chapter to record was “Weird Girls Rule,” hear how Anna Konkle used to pretend to be an audiobook narrator as a kid, and learn what inspired Alexandra Elle to write The Company We Keep. Ugly by Step...

In this episode, meet nurse practitioner and Everyday Wellness podcast host Cynthia Thurlow, cofounder of lifestyle clothing brand Faherty, Kerry Docherty, and professor and double board-certified Gynecologic Oncologist and OB/GYN, Dr. Kemi Doll. Hear Cynthia Thurlow on what she’s learned about the transition from perimenopause to menopause, Kerry Docherty on the experience of narrating her memoir...

In this episode, meet actor and bestselling author Hill Harper, therapist Eli Harwood, and content creator and interior designer Clare Sullivan. Hear how Hill Harper felt revisiting his book in the recording booth, how being a therapist (and in therapy) helped prepare Eli Harwood for recording her audiobook, and why Clare Sullivan describes her audiobook experience as “natural.” Letters to a Young...

In this episode, meet sex educator and Hoodrat to Headwrap podcast co-host Ericka Hart, professor of sociology and founder of LightenLab Leah Ruppanner, and founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting Aiko Bethea. Hear Ericka Hart on the central place of race, class, and other elements of intersectionality in the field of sexual education. Tune in to hear Leah Ruppanner on why we need better language to...

In this episode, meet the host of the Everything Happens podcast Kate Bowler, co-authors Annie Leonard and Andre Carothers, and speaker and advocate Libby Ward. Tune in to hear Kate Bowler on accessing joy without having to be “fixed,” hear Annie Leonard and Andre Carothers on the civic concerns that prompted them to write their book on the power of protest, and hear Libby Ward on helping moms fee...

In this episode, meet journalist and space industry analyst David Ariosto, science journalist Roxanne Khamsi, and physician and medical journalist Dr. Trisha Pasricha. Tune in to hear about the documentary filmmaking trip that inspired David Ariosto’s book, hear Roxanne Khamsi on how she prepared for her time in the recording studio, and learn the surprising statistics that inspired Dr. Trisha Pas...

National Library Week 2026 is April 19-25, and it's the perfect time to share our love of libraries and our deep appreciation for the librarians who work to make them the vibrant and welcoming places that they are. In this special compilation episode of This Is the Author, hear Mychal Threets, Arthur C. Brooks, Tom Junod, Elizabeth Berg, Erin McGoff, Angela Buchdahl, Zachary Rubin, Dominic Hoffman...