This Is the Author

S6 E68: In this episode, meet civil rights and education litigator Qian Julie Wang, criminal defense lawyer Jarrett Adams, and former chair and CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi. Each of these authors decided to share their personal stories and histories in the hopes of helping people learn, grow, and, ultimately, build a better world. Listen in as they talk about recording their audiobooks. Beautiful Co...

S6 E67: In this episode, meet poets Robin Coste Lewis, Phillip B. Williams, and Elisabet Velasquez. Step into the recording booth and learn how these authors’ books of poetry and a novel-in-verse came to be. Plus, hear what each writer learned about themselves during the recording process. Voyage of the Sable Venus by Robin Coste Lewis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/250774/voyage-of...

S6 E66: In this episode, meet actress Elisa Donovan, columnist and writing teacher Rick Bragg, and writer, director, and producer Nick Davis. Step into the studio and hear Elisa Donovan on how dreams can lead us out of despair, Rick Bragg on how his life was transformed by a poorly behaved stray dog, and Nick Davis on writing a dual biography of the most famous brothers from Hollywood's Golden Age...

S6 E65: In this episode, meet journalist Elisa Boxer, life coach Andrea Owen, and “Anxiety Sisters” Abbe Greenberg and Maggie Sarachek. Listen in as Elisa Boxer shares what inspired her to write a children’s picture book biography of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Andrea Owen on busting out of rigid societal expectations, and the Anxiety Sisters on how to press pause on the endless spin cycle in your head....

S6 E63: In this episode, meet Editor-in-Chief of Highlights Magazine Christine French Cully, founder of PrepMatters Ned Johnson, and disability activist, podcast host, and public speaker Emily Ladau. Hear Christine French Cully reflect on the ways Highlights has brought joy and comfort to children (for 75 years and counting!), Ned Johnson on language parents can use to promote motivation and stres...

S6 E64: In this episode, meet national security reporter Spencer Ackerman, journalist Carla Power, and investment banker and professor Jonathan Knee. Go behind the mic to hear what is was like for these seasoned writers to record their latest books on audio: Spencer Ackerman on what engaging in endless war has done to America, Carla Power on the controversial field of deradicalization, and Jonatha...

S6 E62: In this episode, meet columnist Leigh Montville, journalist Dan Koeppel, and psychiatrist Anna Lembke. Hear Leigh Montville on discovering the joys of audiobooks, Dan Koeppel on collaborating with his cousin and emergency room doctor Robert Meyer, and Anna Lembke on the influence of her patients on her writing. Tall Men, Short Shorts by Leigh Montville: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio....

S6 E61: In this episode, meet Time magazine senior writer Jeffrey Kluger, author and creative writing teacher Carolina de Robertis, and poet Sharon Olds. These writers have looked to both outward events and inward creativity to find ideas and inspiration for their work. Tune in to hear Jeffrey Kluger on bringing his novel to fruition from its premise, Carolina de Robertis on drawing inspiration fr...

S6 E60: In this episode, meet science journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer, sleep researcher and neurologist William Chris Winter, and children’s and YA author Cammie McGovern. Listen to Melinda Wenner Moyer talk about drawing inspiration from science to inform parenting, hear William Chris Winter draw out the nuances of children’s sleep issues, and listen to Cammie McGovern reflect on the e...

S6 E59: In this episode, meet author and photojournalist Deborah Copaken, writer and activist Rebecca Walker, and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer James Whiteside. In their audiobooks, these authors muse powerfully upon struggles with identity and offer perspectives on their unique experiences. Listen to Deborah Copaken on breaking down barriers of women in workplace settings, Rebecca Walk...

S6 E57: In this special episode of This Is the Author In Conversation, meet bestselling author Robin Cook, author of Viral, in conversation with the audiobook narrator Scott Brick and audiobook director Richard Brewer. Viral by Robin Cook, read by Scott Brick: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/author/5610/robin-cook/

S6 E58: In this episode, meet entrepreneur and career coach Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, organizer and writer Daniel Sherrell, and Washington Post reporter Lizzie Johnson. Bringing years of insight from their respective careers, these authors speak candidly about their experiences and learnings. Hear Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin on the intersection of womanhood, power structures, and inner revolu...

S6 E56: In this episode, meet author and podcast host Doree Shafrir, educational leader Tracy Swinton Bailey, and former Marine fighter pilot and political candidate Amy McGrath. Tune in to hear Doree Shafrir discuss the joys and occasional weirdness of being a late bloomer, Tracy Swinton Bailey reflect upon equity and inclusion in education, and Amy McGrath share thoughts on the complexities of m...

S6 E55: In this special episode of This Is the Author In Conversation, meet rising country star Jimmie Allen, author of My Voice Is a Trumpet, in conversation with Mary Beth Adair – who is both the narrator of his audiobook, and his former kindergarten teacher! Tune in to this celebration of the many types of voices that can make change. Plus, hear Jimmie and Mary Beth talk about the power of conf...

S6 E54: In this episode, meet poet Adrian Matejka, artist Pik-Shuen Fung, and writer David Searcy. If you love poignant stories that are told straight from the heart, tune in to listen to these writers discuss the inspirations behind their work. Hear Adrian Matejka on the power of music in the pandemic, Pik-Shuen Fung on grief and art, and David Searcy on his experiences recording his audiobook. S...

S6 E53: In this episode, meet former CIA spy Christina Hillsberg, Stanford University Professor of Psychiatry Karl Deisseroth, and Brennan Center Fellows Director Theodore R. Johnson. Weaving personal stories with academic and professional theories, these authors share decades of insights into human minds and relationships. Hear Christina Hillsberg on parenting from a place of strength, Karl Deiss...

S6 E52: In this special episode, meet author, journalist, and screenwriter Grady Hendrix. If you’re a horror movie fan and you’ve ever thought about what happens to the last characters standing when the credits roll, tune into this episode to hear Grady share the inspiration for his new thriller, The Final Girl Support Group. Plus, hear the story behind how Adrienne King – star of the classic horr...

S6 E51: In this episode, meet journalist and television presenter Rachel Johnson, former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, and New York Times bestselling author Kelly Williams Brown. These authors have written powerful stories straight from the heart, bringing years of experience and insight to listeners. Hear Rachel Johnson on turning political failure into learnings, Bill Bratton o...

S6 E49: In this episode, meet children’s author Melissa Wiley. Hear Melissa talk with her audio director, Christina Rooney, about the inspiration behind her stories and her experiences as a homeschool mom. Plus, discover the joys of reading aloud together with Melissa’s favorite family audiobooks and her recommended summer listens for kids. The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley: https://...

S6 E50: In this episode, meet author Akwaeke Emezi, entrepreneur Poppy Jamie, and meditation teacher Susan Piver. These authors are thinking about some of the biggest questions in life, from identity to relationships. Tune in to hear Akwaeke Emezi on the experience of recording autobiographical stories, Poppy Jamie on the power of thought flexibility, and Susan Piver on the biggest questions about...

S6 E48: In this episode, meet businessman and diplomat Matthew Barzun, co-host of Pod Save the World Ben Rhodes, and reporter and MLB analyst Andy Martino. Step into the recording booth and find out why it was important to these authors to write their books—as well as narrate them. The Power of Giving Away Power by Matthew Barzun: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602163/the-power-of-gi...

S6 E47: In this episode of This Is the Author, we welcome listeners to a special conversation between author Cameron Lund and narrator Rachel L. Jacobs about the Young Adult audiobook, Heartbreakers and Fakers. Listen along as Cameron and Rachel dive into the writing process and explore the inspiration behind the story. Enjoy this intimate behind-the-mic chat! Heartbreakers and Fakers by Cameron L...

S6 E46: In this episode, meet educator, RN, and poet Joyce Scott, DACA Dreamer and teacher Areli Morales, and author and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Listen in as each of these authors describe the inspiration behind their children’s books and why it’s important to share stories to inspire and engage all children. Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott, Brie Spangler and...

S6 E44: In this episode, meet actor and activist Chella Man, author and musician Joseph Bruchac, and artist and author Tyler Feder. Tune in to hear these authors talk about writing for kids and teens and the importance of visibility, body positivity, and how we can better learn to care for both ourselves and others within a community. Continuum by Chella Man: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.co...

S6 E45: In this episode, meet writer, performer, and educator Leona Godin, TV writer and podcast host Danielle Henderson, and Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez, the husband and wife duo behind the band Johnnyswim. Discover why each author decided to write about personal subjects and what it was like recording them. There Plant Eyes by M. Leona Godin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/b...