This Is the Author

S7 E6: In this episode, meet theologian and educator Candice Marie Benbow, bestselling author and lecturer Shaka Senghor, and blogger and influencer Mallory Ervin. Listen in to hear Candice Marie Benbow on Black womanhood from a millennial perspective of faith, Shaka Senghor on the power of leaving a literary legacy for his sons, and Mallory Ervin on choosing the life you want after hard times. Pl...

S7 E5: In this episode, meet journalist and novelist Radhika Sanghani, psychiatrist Dr. Mark Epstein, and bestselling author and speaker Agapi Stassinopoulos. Whether their audiobooks are fiction or nonfiction, each of these authors was inspired by events in their lives. Step into the studio with them to hear what it was like using their own experiences to create—and narrate—their audiobooks. 30 T...

S7 E4: In this episode, meet Webby Award-winning on-air host and bestselling author Nancy Redd, co-creator of the Cookie Chronicle series Matthew Swanson, and bestselling picture book author Adam Rubin. Whether it’s giving kids a way to see themselves reflected in the world around them or encouraging kids to be silly and laugh, these authors find joy in creating stories specifically for young read...

S7 E3: In this episode, meet Yale professor Jing Tsu, bestselling author Daniel Pink, and founder of the financial firm The Hell Yeah Group, Paco de Leon. Whether it’s finding out about lesser-known figures in Chinese history, discovering how regret can make us all better humans, or finally making finance accessible for everyone, sharing knowledge with readers motivated each of these authors to wr...

S7 E2: In this episode, meet chef Gaby Melian, young adult author and poet Erica Martin, and anthropologist Ruth Behar. Go behind the mic with these three authors as they each share why writing their books for children and teens was so important to them. Plus, discover why it was equally important for one of these authors to narrate their own audiobook. Food-Related Stories by Gaby Melian: https:/...

S7 E1: In this episode, meet award-winning journalist Danielle Friedman, Stacking Benjamins podcast host Joe Saul-Sehy, and journalist and one of the founding editors of Bustle, Rachel Krantz. Listen in to hear how each of these authors had a specific, personal experience--from wandering through a bookstore to taking an exercise class--that inspired them to write their audiobook. Let's Get Physica...

S6 E87: In this episode, meet science journalist Catherine Price, Healing Trilogy founder Kimberly Meredith, and Sacred Warrior founder Vanessa Chakour. Join these authors in the studio as they reflect on the inspiration behind their books, the importance of finding connection in a variety of forms, and what they hope listeners will glean from their audiobooks. The Power of Fun by Catherine Price:...

S6 E86: In this episode, meet New York City Ballet principal dancer Megan Fairchild, American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Thomas Forster, and ballet dancer Charlotte Nebres. Listen in to hear each of these authors talk about their love of dance, and the joys and difficulties that come with that love. Plus, learn what it was like for these seasoned performers to “perform” their audiobooks. The...

S6 E85: In this episode, meet book critic Charles Finch, Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, and literary historian David Damrosch. Join these authors in the studio as they talk about the stories behind their books, from intense pandemic journal-keeping, to witnessing the final months of a presidency, to traveling the world through books. Plus, hear them reflect on the intensity of re-living c...

S6 E84: In this episode, meet Mark E. Moore, teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley, and Terry J. Stokes, youth pastor at the Reformed Church of Highland Park. Tune in to hear what inspired these authors to write books deeply rooted in their Christian faith, what it was like for them to record their audiobooks, and what they hope readers will experience through listening. Quest 52 by Mar...

S6 E83: In this episode, meet actress Aubrey Plaza, CNN news anchor Poppy Harlow, and co-authors Carrie McCrossen and Ian McWethy. Go into the recording studio and get a peak behind-the-mic with these dynamic authors who are creating new stories for kids and young adults. The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/669788/the-legen...

S6 E82: In this episode, meet actor Max Greenfield, actress and dancer Rachel Montez Minor, and father-son co-authors Robert Samuel White II and Robert Samuel White III. Listen in as these authors share the inspiration behind their children’s books: Max Greenfield’s personal experience as a reluctant reader and as a parent, Rachel Montez Minor’s dreams coming to fruition, and Robert Samuel White t...

S6 E80: In this episode, meet the CEO of Gumroad Sahil Lavingia, artist Danny Casale (aka Coolman Coffeedan), and co-authors Daniel Whiteson, a particle physicist and a professor of physics, and Jorge Cham, creator of PhD Comics. From making complex topics easier to understand and more accessible to creating entertaining stories, these authors each created audiobooks listeners will love. The Minim...

S6 E81: In this episode, meet author and critic Douglas Wolk, journalist and music critic Kelefa Sanneh, and sports journalist Dana O’Neil. Meet these expert authors and listen in as they share their passion for their subjects, from Marvel comics to music to college basketball. All of the Marvels by Douglas Wolk: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549063/all-of-the-marvels/ Major Labels...

S6 E79: In this episode, meet journalist Farah Stockman, journalist Mark Oppenheimer, and co-hosts of the This Is Ear Hustle podcast, Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods. Listen in as these authors share insights into their writing and audiobook recording processes: Farah Stockman on the role work plays in our sense of identity and belonging, Mark Oppenheimer on how one of America's renowned Jewish neig...

S6 E78: In this episode, meet writer and speaker Danté Stewart, educator and influencer Blair Imani, and columnist and journalist Barrett Holmes Pitner. Listen in as these authors share what inspired them to write their books: Danté Stewart on reckoning with the legacy of white supremacy and reclaiming identity on a spiritual level, Blair Imani on how to become a more informed, compassionate, and...

S6 E76: In this episode, meet professor of psychiatry Daniel J. Siegel, pastor David Marvin, and creator of the PBS show Faith and Justice, Reverend Jacqui Lewis. Managing anxiety in daily life is no easy feat, but it is possible. Tune in to hear Daniel Siegel talk about his workbook for reducing anxiety and cultivating mindfulness, David Marvin on how his experiences as a Christian youth pastor l...

S6 E77: In this episode, meet novelist Donald Antrim, actor, producer, and activist Alyssa Milano, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of The Byrds, Chris Hillman. In these behind-the-mic interviews, hear Donald Antrim talk candidly about his deeply personal memoir, Alyssa Milano share how activism has impacted her life and career, and Chris Hillman on the story behind the music---not o...

S6 E74: In this episode, meet chef and owner of Milk Bar Christina Tosi, meteorologist and TODAY co-anchor Dylan Dreyer, and former competitive ice dancer Karina Manta. Join them in the recording studio and listen in to discover what inspired each of them to write their books and what they each hope young (and old) listeners will take away from their stories. Every Cake Has a Story by Christina To...

S6 E75: In this episode, meet bestselling author, actress, comedian and producer Phoebe Robinson, one of Silicon Valley’s youngest entrepreneurs Michael Sayman, and mountaineer and adventurer Rick Ridgeway. Taking inspiration from their life and experiences, each of these authors created their audiobooks. Step behind the mic with them to find out what they were inspired by and why they’re excited...

S6 E73: In this episode, meet pastor and cultural thought leader Erwin Raphael McManus, nun and activist Joan Chittister, and celebrated Christian writer Philip Yancey. Hear how Erwin Raphael McManus’ lifelong study of Jesus as well as the concept of “genius” inspired him to write his book, how Sister Joan Chittister wanted to rouse a dialogue and sense of contemplation in her readers and listener...

S6 E72: In this episode, meet writer and director Hazel Hayes, writer and historian Rebecca Solnit, and marriage and family therapist Katherine Woodward Thomas. These authors have each written books about love---albeit very different kinds. Hear Hazel Hayes on how she came to write a love story in reverse, Rebecca Solnit on discovering George Orwell's little-known passion for roses, and Katherine...

S6 E71: In this episode, meet journalist Ali Nolan, journalist Josiah Hesse, and comedian Emily Winter. Listen in as Ali Nolan describes what inspired her to write a marathon training guide for women, Josiah Hesse on how cannabis edibles improved his running routine, and Emily Winter on how to bring more joy into your life by embracing the wonderful world of trivia and little-known facts. Master t...

S6 E70: In this episode, meet leadership coach Carey Nieuwhof, executive director of the Stanford d.school Sarah Stein Greenberg, and entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz. Each of these authors bring formidable experience to the subjects of work, leadership, and innovative thinking. Hear Carey Nieuwhof address the prevalence of burnout and what to do about it, Sarah Stein Greenberg on using creativity to...

S6 E69: In this episode, meet sex advice columnist Dan Savage, designer and artist Adam Kurtz, and owner of Gallows Hill Witchery Sandra Mariah Wright. From questions of sex and love to personal transformation and the joys of discovering the magical energy around you, these authors share a world of insights with listeners. Plus, hear what it was like for each of them to record their audiobook. Sav...