This Is The Author

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 only his insights into his time with the seminal band The Byrds, but beyond. Plus, hear what it was like for each of these authors to record their audiobooks. One Friday in April by Donald Antrim: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/696434/one-friday-in-april/ Sorry Not Sorry by Alyssa Milano: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/647098/sorry-not-sorry/ Time Between by Chris Hillman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/697081/time-between/

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 Tosi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/625376/every-cake-has-a-story/ Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day by Dylan Dreyer: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/639407/misty-the-cloud-a-very-stormy-day/ On Top of Glass by Karina Manta: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/659446/on-top-of-glass/

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 to share their stories with listeners. Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/671268/please-dont-sit-on-my-bed-in-your-outside-clothes/ App Kid by Michael Sayman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/604673/app-kid/ Life Lived Wild by Rick Ridgeway: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/705569/life-lived-wild/

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 listeners with her work; and how Philip Yancey hopes his story is for everyone, wherever they may be on the religious spectrum. The Genius of Jesus by Erwin Raphael McManus: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623589/the-genius-of-jesus/ The Monastic Heart by Joan Chittister: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/672009/the-monastic-heart/ Where the Light Fell by Philip Yancey: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/665644/where-the-light-fell/

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 Woodward Thomas on overcoming pain (and well-worn patterns) to bring greater love into our lives. Out of Love by Hazel Hayes: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/669217/out-of-love/ Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607057/orwells-roses/ Calling in "The One" Revised and Expanded by Katherine Woodward Thomas: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/647144/calling-in-the-one-revised-and-expanded/

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 the Marathon by Ali Nolan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/625225/master-the-marathon/ Runner's High by Josiah Hesse: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/653009/runners-high/ One Day Smarter by Emily Winter: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/667228/one-day-smarter/

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 solve problems, and Mike Michalowicz on marketing your business in ways that can't be ignored. At Your Best by Carey Nieuwhof: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565670/at-your-best/ Creative Acts for Curious People by Sarah Stein Greenberg and Stanford d.school: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623528/creative-acts-for-curious-people/ Get Different by Mike Michalowicz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670011/get-different/

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. Savage Love from A to Z by Dan Savage: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/704490/savage-love-from-a-to-z/ You Are Here (For Now) by Adam J. Kurtz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/648095/you-are-here-for-now/ Lighting the Wick by Sandra Mariah Wright and Leanne Marrama: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/673092/lighting-the-wick/

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 Country by Qian Julie Wang: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670389/beautiful-country/ Redeeming Justice by Jarrett Adams: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624157/redeeming-justice/ My Life in Full by Indra Nooyi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/646640/my-life-in-full/

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-the-sable-venus/ Mutiny by Phillip B. Williams: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/688039/mutiny/ When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/665231/when-we-make-it/

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—who happen to be his grandfather and great uncle. Plus, insights fresh from the recording booth. Wake Me When You Leave by Elisa Donovan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/706465/wake-me-when-you-leave/ The Speckled Beauty by Rick Bragg: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624886/the-speckled-beauty/ Competing with Idiots by Nick Davis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/37845/competing-with-idiots/

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. Plus, learn what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks. A Seat at the Table by Elisa Boxer: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/667383/a-seat-at-the-table/ Make Some Noise by Andrea Owen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/653556/make-some-noise/ The Anxiety Sisters' Survival Guide by Abbe Greenberg and Maggie Sarachek: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/665294/the-anxiety-sisters-survival-guide/

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 stress tolerance in teens, and Emily Ladau on making the disability experience accessible to everyone. Plus, learn what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks. Dear Highlights by Christine French Cully: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/704307/dear-highlights/ What Do You Say? by William Stixrud, PhD and Ned Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624704/what-do-you-say/ Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/646508/demystifying-disability/

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 Jonathan Knee on what really makes the biggest tech companies tick. Plus, find out who described recording their audiobook as “a fun marathon.” Reign of Terror by Spencer Ackerman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/622555/reign-of-terror/ Home, Land, Security by Carla Power: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567533/home-land-security/ The Platform Delusion by Jonathan A. Knee: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/627388/the-platform-delusion/

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.com/book/608688/tall-men-short-shorts/ Every Minute Is a Day by Robert Meyer, MD and Dan Koeppel: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/667252/every-minute-is-a-day/ Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624957/dopamine-nation/

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 from the life of Uruguayan president José Mujica, and Sharon Olds on writing poetry from personal experience. Holdout by Jeffrey Kluger: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/669742/holdout/ The President and the Frog by Carolina De Robertis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/665291/the-president-and-the-frog/ Stag's Leap by Sharon Olds: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/219372/stags-leap/

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 experience of getting behind the mic and reading her book aloud. How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes by Melinda Wenner Moyer: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/618206/how-to-raise-kids-who-arent-assholes/ The Rested Child by W. Chris Winter, M.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/667926/the-rested-child/ Hard Landings by Cammie McGovern: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/595001/hard-landings/

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 Walker on childhood and belonging, and James Whiteside on inspiration from Roald Dahl. Ladyparts by Deborah Copaken: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608181/ladyparts/ Baby Love by Rebecca Walker: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/294422/baby-love/ Center, Center by James Whiteside: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670038/center-center/

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 revolutions, Daniel Sherrell on balancing hope and despair in confronting the climate change crisis, and Lizzie Johnson on the intensity of covering California’s wildfires. Becoming Heroines by Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/622818/becoming-heroines/ Warmth by Daniel Sherrell: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670357/warmth/ Paradise by Lizzie Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/617250/paradise/