This Is the Author

S6 E43: In this episode, meet author Steven Rowley, poet Amit Majmudar, and author A.S. King. Listen in to learn what it was like for these authors to bring the characters and rhythms of their books to life, and how "the voices in their heads" translated into their narrative styles. Plus, behind-the-scenes insights, delightful mispronunciations, and from-the-heart audiobook recommendations. The Gu...

S6 E42: In this episode, meet biologist Jonathan Balcombe, author and PBS host Steven Johnson, and journalist Michael Easter. This is an episode for curious minds: discover the essential role flies (yes, flies) play in our ecosystem, the reasons behind why we're living longer, and how to leverage the power of discomfort to improve health and happiness. Plus, hear what it was like for these inquisi...

S6 E41: In this episode, meet New York Times bestselling author John Green, New York Times best-selling biographer Ronald C. White, and veteran journalist and author Daniel Barbarisi. Listen in to discover what it was like for these authors to voice their work out loud (even when that means capturing President Lincoln's unique vocal cadence). Plus, get the delightfully detailed low-down on one ver...

S6 E40: In this episode, meet Cindy McCain, wife of the late Senator John McCain, activist and recording artist Sho Baraka, and NBA Champion, All-Star, and Olympian Chris Bosh. Listen in as these authors talk intimately about the intersection between our gifts and life's obstacles, and the transformative experiences that can arise from being in touch with both. Plus, hear what it was like for each...

S6 E39: In this episode, meet pastor John Stange, author Sarah J. Robinson, and author Jon M. Sweeney. Each of these authors have written books inspired by the relationship between faith and practice, especially during hard times. Listen in to hear their reflections on writing, and on recording their audiobooks. Dwell on These Things by John Stange: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/645...

S6 E38: In this episode, meet investigative journalist Carol Leonnig, Know Your Endo founder Jessica Murnane, and op-ed editor Sohrab Ahmari. Listen in as each of these authors examines what it means to get the story behind the story, whether that's investigating the secret service, navigating your health, or exploring how tradition can connect with the modern world. Plus, hear what they learned w...

S6 E37: In this episode, meet poet Alessandra Narváez Varela, performer Laura Hankin, and poet Ishle Yi Park. Listen in as these three authors describe their new novels and what inspired them - whether that be rethinking how we talk about mental health, classic love stories, or infiltrating secret clubs. Plus, hear them share what it was like to record their audiobooks. Thirty Talks Weird Love by...

S6 E36: In this episode, meet actress and producer Julianna Margulies, forest ecologist Suzanne Simard, and speaker Ian Manuel. Listen in as each of these authors describe what inspired them to write their books, and get their behind-the-mic, off-the-cuff impressions of what it was like to record their audiobooks. Sunshine Girl by Julianna Margulies: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/57...

S6 E34: In this episode, meet authors Gregory Curtis, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Sarah Sentilles. Each of these writers have written powerful memoirs that recount their experiences of love and loss. To hear these authors read their audiobooks is to be drawn into the intimacy of their experiences, and also struck by the universality of grief. Listen in to hear what it was like for them to write their...

S6 E35: In this episode, meet Hedley & Bennett founder Ellen Marie Bennett, bestselling author Greg McKeown, and award-winning Wharton Professor Katy Milkman. If you're an overthinker, in danger of burnout at work, or in need of a change (a real one!), tune in to this episode for an instant refresh. You'll learn what inspired these authors to write their books, and how their work can in turn inspi...

S6 E33: In this episode, meet poet and artist Tyler Knott Gregson, Internet superstar Jeffrey Marsh, and James Beard Award-winning chef Rodney Scott. Summer is about to begin, and it's time for fresh and feel-good listens. Hear poet Tyler Knott Gregson on the importance of light after a dark year, Jeffrey Marsh on his audio workbook for self-esteem, and chef and BBQ king Rodney Scott on the best B...

S6 E32: In this episode, meet Acorns CEO Jennifer Barrett, Bulletin co-founder Ali Kriegsman, and career consultant Steve Dalton. Whether your goal is financial independence, closing on a job interview, or starting your own business (or empire) from scratch, you'll want to hear from these career pros-turned-authors. Plus, find out what it was like for them to get behind the mic in the audiobook st...

S6 E31: In this episode, meet life coach and speaker Martha Beck and writer and editor Gina Hamadey. These two authors share a desire to help listeners discover happiness. Now, listen in as they talk about their audiobooks and their recording experience. The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/636189/the-way-of-integrity/ I Want to Thank You by Gina Hamade...

S6 E30: In this episode, meet writer and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, actor and writer Mira Sethi, and musician Michelle Zauner. Whether it’s an explosive investigation, a lyrical collection of short stories, or a deeply personal exploration of grief, each of these authors stepped behind the mic to share their work. Hear what the experience was like for each of them. Empire of Pa...

S6 E29: In this episode, meet Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegria Hudes, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, and the first Asian-American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, Senator Mazie Hirono. Listen in as these authors describe how—and why—they were each inspired to share their remarkable life stories. In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes an...

S6 E28: In this episode, meet writer Cookie Hiponia Everman, actress Ali Stroker, and comedy writer and actor Rachel Wenitsky. Discover how each of these childrens' book authors uniquely experienced what it was like to bring their written words to life in the recording booth. We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/645848/we-belong/ The Chance to Fly by Al...

S6 E26: In this episode, meet co-authors Mike O'Toole and Hugh Kennedy, film critic David Thomson, and journalist Brian Castner. Whether you are a business buff looking for a jolt of inspiration, a film buff seeking behind-the-screen secrets, or a history buff questing after untold stories, you'll want to hear more about each of these author's new audiobooks. Plus, get the inside scoop on what it...

S6 E27: In this episode, meet the founder of Vibrant Blue Oils Jodi Cohen, coauthors Marc and Angel Chernoff, and writer and tech researcher Ximena Vengoechea. Healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthy relationships: what better way to start the spring season? Listen in as each of these authors talk about what inspired them to write their books. Plus, hear their stories from the audio recording b...

S6 E24: In this episode, meet writer and musician Jonathan Meiburg, professor of Sustainability Science Dr. Kimberly Nicholas, and professor of Journalism Dr. Sonora Jha. Listen in as each of these authors shares the inspiration behind their books, whether that be a connection found with a remarkable bird of prey, bringing "climate change feels" into everyday conversations, or empowering feminist...

S6 E25: In this episode, meet author, historian, and journalist James Carroll, journalist Grace Olmstead, and neuroscientist and author Lisa Genova. A powerful memoir by a former priest and National Book Award–winning writer. An intimate reflection on America's agricultural heartland and the consequences of "uprooting." A neuroscientist's exploration of how we remember...and why we forget. Step in...

S6 E23: In this special episode of This Is the Author, we’re celebrating National Library Week by asking authors to share some of their favorite library memories. Listen to Jen Sincero, Ethan Kross, Safia Elhillo, Misty Copeland, Ethan Hawke, Jasmine Mans, Mari Andrew, and Seth Godin express the remarkable opportunities that both libraries and librarians provide to individual development and the c...

S6 E22: In this episode meet actress and singer Hilary Duff, human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid, and author and comedian Carrie Seim. Discover the special reason each author had for writing their stories—and why sharing them with children and families is so meaningful. Plus, hear what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. My Little Brave Girl by Hilary Duff: https://www.penguinrandomhouse...

S6 E21: In this episode, meet Billboard’s VP of Latin Music Leila Cobo, poet, journalist, and writer Roya Hakakian, and sports journalist Julie DiCaro. You’ll hear how sharing diverse perspectives and experiences can create meaningful—and needed—conversations. Plus, find out what it was like for each author to record their audiobook. Decoding "Despacito" by Leila Cobo: https://www.penguinrandomhou...

S6 E20: In this episode, meet therapist and relationship expert Nedra Glover Tawwab, bestselling author and podcaster Jen Hatmaker, and educator and entrepreneur Ellen Petry Leanse. These women all share a similar drive—to help listeners create more happiness in their lives. Listen to them talk about writing their books and, then, recording the audiobooks. Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glove...

S6 E19: In this episode meet founder and CEO of The Life Giving Company Tyler Reagin, professor of management David Weitzner, and business storytelling coach Paul Smith. Learn how these authors realized that they wanted to share stories that could help listeners in their own work, and what the audio recording studio was like. Leading Things You Didn't Start by Tyler Reagin: https://www.penguinrand...