This Is The Author

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 military service and politics. Thanks for Waiting by Doree Shafrir: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/616953/thanks-for-waiting/ Forever Free by Tracy Swinton Bailey: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/688413/forever-free/ Honor Bound by Amy McGrath and Chris Peterson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/634635/honor-bound/

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 confidence and believing in goodness. My Voice Is a Trumpet by Jimmie Allen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/671318/my-voice-is-a-trumpet/

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. Somebody Else Sold the World by Adrian Matejka: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670033/somebody-else-sold-the-world/ Ghost Forest by Pik-Shuen Fung: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/665652/ghost-forest/ The Tiny Bee That Hovers at the Center of the World by David Searcy: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623052/the-tiny-bee-that-hovers-at-the-center-of-the-world/

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 Deisseroth on personal rhythms and the power of words, and Theodore R. Johnson on his favorite ways of engaging with books. License to Parent by Christina Hillsberg and Ryan Hillsberg: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/653007/license-to-parent/ Projections by Karl Deisseroth: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600209/projections/ When the Stars Begin to Fall by Theodore R. Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/691346/when-the-stars-begin-to-fall/

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 horror film Friday the 13th – came to narrate The Final Girl Support Group audiobook. The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/658406/the-final-girl-support-group/

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 on the complex history of law enforcement, and Kelly Williams Brown on mental illness and making things. Rake's Progress by Rachel Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/653896/rakes-progress/ The Profession by Bill Bratton and Peter Knobler: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566242/the-profession/ Easy Crafts for the Insane by Kelly Williams Brown:https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624688/easy-crafts-for-the-insane/

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://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/214333/the-nerviest-girl-in-the-world/

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 marriage. Dear Senthuran by Akwaeke Emezi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/656282/dear-senthuran/ Happy Not Perfect by Poppy Jamie: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/652047/happy-not-perfect/ The Hard Questions by Susan Piver: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/293017/the-hard-questions/

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-giving-away-power/ After the Fall by Ben Rhodes: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/609428/after-the-fall/ Cheated by Andy Martino: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/658290/cheated/

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 Lund; read by Rachel L. Jacobs and Cameron Lund: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/611603/heartbreakers-and-fakers/

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 Melissa Sweet: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588891/unbound-the-life-and-art-of-judith-scott/ Areli Is a Dreamer by Areli Morales: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/605958/areli-is-a-dreamer/ Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574524/becoming-vanessa/

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.com/book/639768/continuum/ Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/669818/rez-dogs/ Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/647974/bodies-are-cool/

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/book/611683/there-plant-eyes/ The Ugly Cry by Danielle Henderson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/573439/the-ugly-cry/ Home Sweet Road by Johnnyswim: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/654088/home-sweet-road/

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 Guncle by Steven Rowley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608011/the-guncle/ What He Did in Solitary by Amit Majmudar: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607733/what-he-did-in-solitary/ Switch by A.S. King: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588594/switch/

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 inquisitive authors to record their audiobooks. Super Fly by Jonathan Balcombe: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606176/super-fly/ Extra Life by Steven Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/594501/extra-life/ The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/634446/the-comfort-crisis/

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 very cozy home recording space. The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/672554/the-anthropocene-reviewed/ Lincoln in Private by Ronald C. White: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606646/lincoln-in-private/ Chasing the Thrill by Daniel Barbarisi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/604063/chasing-the-thrill/

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 of them to record their audiobooks. Stronger by Cindy McCain: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/639376/stronger/ He Saw That It Was Good by Sho Baraka: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/635730/he-saw-that-it-was-good/ Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/639508/letters-to-a-young-athlete/

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/645424/dwell-on-these-things/ I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die by Sarah J. Robinson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/652815/i-love-jesus-but-i-want-to-die/ Thomas Merton by Jon M. Sweeney: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/688165/thomas-merton/

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 while recording their audiobooks. Zero Fail by Carol Leonnig: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/543941/zero-fail/ Know Your Endo by Jessica Murnane: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/634988/know-your-endo/ The Unbroken Thread by Sohrab Ahmari: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623405/the-unbroken-thread/

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 Alessandra Narváez Varela: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/690144/thirty-talks-weird-love/ A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608156/a-special-place-for-women/ Angel & Hannah by Ishle Yi Park:https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/625423/angel-and-hannah/