This Is the Author

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...

In this episode, meet therapist Nidhi Tewari, professor Arthur C. Brooks, and professor and behavioral scientist Julia Minson. Tune in to hear the science behind Nidhi Tewari’s deep dive into workplace burnout, discover what Arthur C. Brooks is most excited for listeners to hear in his audiobook, and hear Julia Minson on the art of disagreement – and why she loves listening to audiobooks on a long...

In this episode, meet artist and hip-hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy, journalist Tom Junod, and food writer Luke Barr. Tune in to hear how writing his memoir gave Fab 5 Freddy a way to share the context behind 40 years of living at the nexus of art and culture. Hear Tom Junod on the need to find a definition of masculinity other than what he had been taught as a child. And go behind the mic with Luke Bar...

In this episode, meet hip-hop artist and Cookies CEO Berner, founder of AdviceWithErin Erin McGoff, and poet and essayist Camonghne Felix. Tune in to hear what inspired Berner to write his book, Erin McGoff on her mission to help people advocate for themselves in the workplace, and Camonghne Felix on the activism and organizing experiences that inspire her work. Becoming Legend by Berner: https://...

In this episode, meet writer and musician Alicia Jo Rabins, writer and lecturer Nir Eyal, and mental health counselor Jay Stringer. Tune in to hear how spiritual memoirs inspired Alicia Jo Rabins’s writing, how Nir Eyal applied the practices outlined in his book to narrating his audiobook, and how Jay Stringer drew inspiration from his ancestors to write his book on human desire. When We're Born W...

In this episode, meet actor Andrew Keenan-Bolger, writer and professor Jordy Rosenberg, and novelist Elizabeth Berg. Hear about the queer history that inspired Andrew Keenan Bolger’s book, the real-life people that informed Jordy Rosenberg’s fictional characters, and the estate sale that began Elizabeth’s Berg’s inquiry into the meaning of life. Limelight by Andrew Keenan-Bolger: https://www.pengu...

In this episode, meet psychiatrist Dr. Suzan Song, pediatrician and allergist Dr. Zachary Rubin, and founder of fashion company Tibi, Amy Smilovic. Tune in to hear Suzan Song’s experience of writing her book during the pandemic, what Star Wars has to do with Zachary Rubin’s research into allergies, and what item of clothing Amy Smilovic would bring into the studio if she had to record her audioboo...

In this episode, meet couples therapist Colette Jane Fehr, Harvard Business School professor Leslie John, and creator of the Big Talk communication method, Kalina Silverman. Tune in to hear each of these communication experts on how you can foster more meaningful connections in your own life, and learn what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. The Cost of Quiet by Colette Jane Fehr LMF...

In this episode, meet professor of medicine Dr. Robert Wachter, journalist Norah O’Donnell, and venture capitalist Bill Gurley. Hear why Robert Wachter chose to narrate his audiobook, learn about the startling realization that inspired Norah O’Donnell to write We the Women, and hear why Bill Gurley wants you to chase your dreams. A Giant Leap by Dr. Robert Wachter https://www.penguinrandomhouse.co...

In this episode, meet legal analyst Elliot Williams, writer and professor Daisy Hernández, and public defender and nonprofit director Emily Galvin Almanza. Tune in to hear about the “rabbit hole” that inspired Elliot Williams’s book, Daisy Hernández on her personal and public investigation of what citizenship means, and Emily Galvin Almanza on a blueprint for reforming America’s criminal courts. F...

In this episode, meet founder of Becoming Minimalist Joshua Becker, social media influencer and co-host of the How Married Are You? podcast Yvette Henry, and writer Christopher Beha. Tune in to hear Joshua Becker on how the process of recording reconnected him with his book, Yvette Henry on where she most loves listening to audiobooks, and Christopher Beha on the intricacies of writing about perso...

In this episode, meet Grammy-nominated recording artist Lachi, journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace, and librarian and host of Reading Rainbow Mychal Threets. Hear how weaving in her original music made Lachi’s audiobook come to life, how Jennifer Breheny Wallace prepared for her time in the studio, and learn Mychal Threet’s favorite thing about his local library. I Identify as Blind by Lachi: http...

In this episode meet writer Chuck Klosterman, philosophy professor C. Thi Nguyen, and founder of The Workspace for Children Lizzie Assa. Press play to hear how Chuck Klosterman began working on the book he’d been thinking about for decades, why C. Thi Nguyen describes his recording experience as “intense,” and what Lizzie Assa hopes parents will get from her audiobook. Football by Chuck Klosterman...

In this episode, meet writer Daniyal Mueenuddin, cultural historian Hiroko Yoda, and naturalist and wildlife filmmaker Paul Rosolie. Hear Daniyal Mueenuddin on the rhythm of writing and the nuances of translating dialogue, Hiroko Yoda on what inspired her book and what she is most excited for audiobook listeners to hear, and Paul Rosolie on how his relationship to the Amazon rainforest has informe...