This Is the Author

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...

S4 E42: In this episode meet Mollie Hemingway, co-author of JUSTICE ON TRIAL; Janet Messineo, author of CASTING INTO THE LIGHT; and Bruce Deel, author of TRUST FIRST. These audiobooks allow the listener to go behind the scenes of a monumental news event, to see through a woman’s point of view in the male-dominated world of fishing, and to become inspired to help others. Plus discover which author...

S4 E41: In this episode meet Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin, authors of HOW TO SKIMM YOUR LIFE; Kristy Shen, co-author of QUIT LIKE A MILLIONAIRE; and Summer Rayne Oakes, author of HOW TO MAKE A PLANT LOVE YOU. With topics like making day-to-day tasks easier, learning about money, and caring for plants, these books were inspired by these women’s desire to help others. Plus, discover which autho...

S4 E40: In this episode meet Vivian Mabuni, author of OPEN HANDS, WILLING HEART; Laura Lynne Jackson, author of SIGNS; and Nathan Finochio, author of HEARING GOD. These authors are all about connection and guidance, and their audiobooks will help you find your anchor and guide you to a fulfilled life by connecting to God, the Other Side, or to others. Plus find out why one author chose LITTLE FIRE...

S4 E39: In this episode meet Ruth Reichl, author of SAVE ME THE PLUMS; Emily Nussbaum, author of I LIKE TO WATCH; and Emilie Pine, author of NOTES TO SELF. Each of these nonfiction writers shares work inspired by her life, whether it’s a memoir about her career or essays about personal-yet-universal experiences. And find out which writer would cast Julia Whelan as her dream narrator. Save Me the P...

S4 E37: In this episode meet Elaine Welteroth, author of MORE THAN ENOUGH; Amber Scorah, author of LEAVING THE WITNESS; and Tiffany Jenkins, author of HIGH ACHIEVER. These women share their personal journeys—complete with mistakes and hardships—in such an intimate and vulnerable way that listeners will be inspired to examine their own lives and spark conversations with those around them. Plus find...

S4 E38: In this episode meet Jon Meacham, co-author of SONGS OF AMERICA; Matthew Stanley, author of EINSTEIN’S WAR; and Steve Sheinkin, author of AMELIA EARHART AND THE FLYING CHARIOT. History is the driving force behind each of these authors’ audiobooks. These authors use storytelling as a way to engage and connect listeners to the past, to topics ranging from American music to Amelia Earhart to...

S4 E36: In this episode meet Ocean Vuong, author of ON EARTH WE’RE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS; Jamil Zaki, author of THE WAR FOR KINDNESS; and Winona Guo & Priya Vulchi, authors of TELL ME WHO YOU ARE. By sharing their stories, these authors are breaking down barriers from language to race in order to help people find commonalities and connection. Discover which author would have a famed DEAD POETS SOCIETY...

S4 E35: In this episode meet Larry Diamond, author of ILL WINDS; Amanda Little, author of THE FATE AND THE FOOD; and Elliot Ackerman, author of PLACES AND NAMES. Each of these authors tackles necessary and timely subjects in their audiobooks, from the alarming rise of anti-democratic politics around the world to climate change. Listeners will come away with a new understanding of the world after h...

S4 E34: In this episode meet Jennifer Pastiloff, author of ON BEING HUMAN; Megan Monahan, author of DON’T HATE, MEDITATE!; and Ayaz Virji, author of LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. These authors share messages of happiness, lightness, and hope in their audiobooks. They will inspire listeners to find each of these feelings in their own lives, and to make a change within themselves and in the world around them....

S4 E33: In this episode meet Jane Green, author of THE FRIENDS WE KEEP; Leah Hager Cohen, author of STRANGERS & COUSINS; and Belinda Luscombe, author of MARRIAGEOLOGY. At the heart of each of these audiobooks is the idea that relationships shape us, from friends and families to lovers and spouses. Indeed, these women are excited about the relationship between themselves and you, the listener. Plus...

S4 E32: In this episode meet Robert Knott, author of ROBERT B. PARKER’S BUCKSKIN; Eric Liu, author of BECOME AMERICA; and Jill Lepore, author of THIS AMERICA. Told in varying styles, from a beloved and uniquely American genre of fiction to meditations about our country today, these audiobooks all took inspiration from the history of the United States of America. Plus, find out which author has bee...

S4 E31: In this episode, meet John Cena, author of ELBOW GREASE; Ashley Iaconetti & Jared Haibon, authors of LUCY & CLARK; and Jesselyn Silva, author of MY CORNER OF THE RING. Whether by encouraging kids to never give up, to have the confidence to make new friends, or to achieve their dreams, these authors all hope their audiobooks will inspire young listeners. Plus, find out which author’s dream...

S4 E30: In this episode, meet Ann Bausum, author of Viral; Matt McCarthy, author of Superbugs; and Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking. From potentially life-threatening illnesses to the death penalty as a part of our criminal justice system, the often-overlooked and complicated topics explored by each of these authors will educate and inspire listeners. Plus, discover which author’s...

S4 E29: In this episode, Jayson Greene, author of Once More We Saw Stars; John Von Sothen, author of Monsieur Mediocre; and Raegan Moya-Jones, author of What It Takes. From processing a devastating personal tragedy, to drawing back the curtain on daily life in Paris, to building a big career out of an idea that originated at a kitchen table, these authors are able to reveal the powerful universali...