This Is The Author

S5 E2: Welcome to our first episode of This is the Author in Conversation, a more intimate behind the mic chat with our authors in the audiobook studio. This is Jennifer Rubins from Penguin Random House Audio and I’m thrilled to invite you into my conversation with Rachel Friedman, the author of AND THEN WE GREW UP: On Creativity, Potential, and the Imperfect Art of Adulthood. Publishers Weekly named it a Best Book of 2019 and in a starred review said “Anyone who’s ever looked back longingly at an old passion and wondered what might have been will find an empathetic friend in Friedman.” I actually had the honor of narrating the audiobook, so listen in as Rachel and I discuss her book, our own creative paths, parenthood, and of course, why we love audiobooks. And Then We Grew Up by Rachel Friedman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558563/and-then-we-grew-up/

S5 E1: In this episode, meet Adam Davidson, co-authors David Meerman Scott and Reiko Scott, and Jordan Raynor. Step into the audio booth with these authors and hear their unique perspectives on the economy, innovation, and work. Plus, find out who has attended 75 Grateful Dead concerts! The Passion Economy by Adam Davidson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/239718/the-passion-economy/ Fanocracy by David Meerman Scott and Reiko Scott: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608545/fanocracy/ Master of One by Jordan Raynor: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/603787/master-of-one/

S4 E70: In this episode meet Kelly McGonigal, John Mark Comer, and model and dietitian Maye Musk. Join each of these authors behind the mic as they talk about writing and narrating their audiobook, and hear what they are most excited to share with listeners. Plus, find out which of these authors “decorated” the studio while recording—and with what! The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564895/the-joy-of-movement/ The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600096/the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry/ A Woman Makes a Plan by Maye Musk by https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607734/a-woman-makes-a-plan/

S4 E69: In this episode meet Kenneth Paul Rosenberg, Buster Benson, and Jeff Lindsay. Step into the studio with these careful observers of human nature, and learn what inspired them to write and narrate their audiobooks. Plus, find out whose background in performance helped him polish his narrator chops! Bedlam by Kenneth Paul Rosenberg: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602602/bedlam/ Why Are We Yelling? by Buster Benson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/598274/why-are-we-yelling/ Just Watch Me by Jeff Lindsay: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/589677/just-watch-me/

S4 E68: In this episode, meet journalist Timothy Egan, author of A Pilgrimage to Eternity, and Clark Strand and Perdita Finn, co-authors of The Way of the Rose. Go behind the mic with these authors and hear more about the spiritual paths that inspired their audiobooks. Plus, discover the pronunciations that tripped up even these careful wordsmiths! A Pilgrimage to Eternity by Timothy Egan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558305/a-pilgrimage-to-eternity/ The Way of the Rose by Clark Strand and Perdita Finn: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/532917/the-way-of-the-rose/

S4 E67: In this episode meet John Hodgman, Cameron Douglas, and Guy Snodgrass. Go behind the mic with these authors as they talk about the experiences that inspired them to write and record their audiobooks. Plus find out which noises are "the bane of audiobook narration." Medallion Status by John Hodgman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/595005/medallion-status/ Long Way Home by Cameron Douglas: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565964/long-way-home/ Holding the Line by Guy M. Snodgrass: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/609833/holding-the-line/

S4 E64: In this episode, meet Yancey Strickler, Sasha Sagan, and Gary Ferguson. As Yancey notes in this interview, “the world of value is bigger than we think.” Go behind the mic with each one of these authors as they talk about variations on this idea as viewed through the lenses of business, philosophy, and engagement with the natural world. Plus, get new audiobook recommendations from these three voracious listeners! This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/591594/this-could-be-our-future/ For Small Creatures Such as We by Sasha Sagan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566611/for-small-creatures-such-as-we/ The Eight Master Lessons of Nature by Gary Ferguson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/575767/the-eight-master-lessons-of-nature/

S4 E65: In this episode, meet Adam Gidwitz, Adam Grant & Allison Sweet Grant, and John Cena. Discover the inspiration behind A Tale Dark and Grimm, listen to husband and wife writing team Adam and Allison discuss The Gift Inside the Box, and hear how John Cena applies “elbow grease” in his own life. Plus, learn the one question that may change dinnertime conversations with your kids forever. A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/306780/a-tale-dark-and-grimm/ The Gift Inside the Box by Adam Grant and Allison Sweet Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/610620/the-gift-inside-the-box/ Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla by John Cena: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/609295/elbow-grease-vs-motozilla/

S4 E63: THIS IS THE ILLUSTRATOR (special ep with Melissa Sweet). In this special episode of This Is the Author, we present: This Is the Illustrator! Meet artist Melissa Sweet, who illustrated the audiobook cover for the new production of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, narrated by Meryl Streep and a full cast. Learn what led Melissa to this project, and what it is about audiobooks that make the imagination run wild. After the interview, stick around to hear our new recording of Charlotte’s Web read by Meryl Streep and a full cast. Charlotte's Web by Melissa Sweet and E. B. White: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623904/charlottes-web/

S4 E62: In this episode meet Rachel Maddow, Deepak Chopra, and Ali Wong. These authors may all be household names but listening to them talk about their recording experiences feels like meeting them for the first time. Learn more about what inspired each of their books. Plus, find out why narrating an audiobook is like a trip to the gym! Blowout by Rachel Maddow: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576330/blowout/ Metahuman by Deepak Chopra, M.D. : https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/27415/metahuman/ Dear Girls by Ali Wong: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561707/dear-girls/

S4 E61: In this episode meet Jonathan Vaughters, Christopher McDougall, and Mira and Jayson Calton. Join these authors behind the mic as they share how physical activity has impacted various aspects of their lives. From professional cycling to burro racing to building bone health, these authors’ passions will inspire you to learn more about the mind-body connection. Plus, find out who compared narrating his audiobook to riding a roller coaster, and why! One-Way Ticket by Jonathan Vaughters: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602426/one-way-ticket/ Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/552855/running-with-sherman/ Rebuild Your Bones by Jayson Calton, PhD and Mira Calton, CN: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592293/rebuild-your-bones/

S4 E60: In this episode meet Eve Rodsky, J.J. Sutherland, and Latasha Morrison. These authors are pioneering new ways to think about equity, offering practical steps to help better achieve it in the division of labor in our homes, in the ways we operate at work, and in our steps toward racial reconciliation in everyday life. Hear what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. Plus, find out which of these authors narrated their entire audiobook standing up! Fair Play by Eve Rodsky: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/605905/fair-play/ The Scrum Fieldbook by J.J. Sutherland: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566254/the-scrum-fieldbook/ Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592177/be-the-bridge/

S4 E59: In this episode meet authors Ruta Sepetys, Carolina de Robertis, and Morgan Parker. Whether they’ve delved into hidden histories or explored the inner workings of the teenage psyche, these authors have written nuanced and moving novels that are meant to be heard on audio. Hear them describe the events that inspired their work. Plus, discover the identity of the “friend who got you when your other friends didn’t.” The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/311731/the-fountains-of-silence/ Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576271/cantoras/ Who Put This Song On? by Morgan Parker: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592224/who-put-this-song-on/

S4 E58: In this episode meet Nico Tortorella, author of SPACE BETWEEN; Akilah Hughes, author of OBVIOUSLY; and Cory Allen author of NOW IS THE WAY. Each of these young writers is using their creativity and talent to inspire others to grow—through art, introspection, and joyous expression. Hear them talk honestly about recording their audiobooks; plus, find out which of these authors has finally become their own “love bomb.” Space Between by Nico Tortorella: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/586542/space-between/ Obviously by Akilah Hughes: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/531147/obviously/ Now Is the Way by Cory Allen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588475/now-is-the-way/

In this episode, meet Jim Williams, author of PATH OF THE PUMA; Robert Pondiscio, author of HOW THE OTHER HALF LEARNS; and Rhonda Magee, author of THE INNER WORK OF RACIAL JUSTICE. What big cats can teach us about the environment. The lessons learned from years of teaching at a public school. The ways mindfulness in law school classrooms helps students talk about race. These are the passions of the authors, who are applying their professional experiences to further conversations around timely issues. Plus, find out which of these authors wore a very special good luck T-shirt into the recording booth. Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624255/path-of-the-puma/ How The Other Half Learns by Robert Pondiscio: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/563406/how-the-other-half-learns/ The Inner Work of Racial Justice by Rhonda V. Magee: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565790/the-inner-work-of-racial-justice/

In this episode meet Dr. Lisa Sanders, author of DIAGNOSIS; Dr. David Fajgenbaum, author of CHASING MY CURE; and Dr. Elizabeth Stanley, author of WIDEN THE WINDOW. Each of these writers brings medical expertise and creative thinking to their profession in an effort to educate, illuminate, and bring hope and healing to people suffering with difficult symptoms and elusive diagnoses. Listen to them reflect on their recording experiences. Plus, find out which author thinks a certain famous TV doctor could be a natural at reading her audiobook. DIAGNOSIS by Lisa Sanders: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/622051/diagnosis/ CHASING MY CURE by David Fajgenbaum: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567298/chasing-my-cure/ WIDEN THE WINDOW by Elizabeth Stanley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553620/widen-the-window/

In this episode meet Sarah Hurwitz, author of HERE ALL ALONG; David Platt, author of SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE; and Melissa D’Arabian, author of TASTING GRACE. Go behind the mic with these authors as they share what inspired their often unexpected—and revelatory—spiritual journeys. Plus, discover the word one seasoned pro has been mispronouncing—albeit with considerable flair—for years. HERE ALL ALONG by Sarah Hurwitz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/572627/here-all-along/ SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE by David Platt: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565915/something-needs-to-change/ TASTING GRACE by Melissa D’Arabian: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/586104/tasting-grace/

In this episode meet Brad Smith, author of TOOLS AND WEAPONS; Jason Harris, author of THE SOULFUL ART OF PERSUASION; and Tricia Clarke-Stone and Antoinette M. Clarke, authors of DOUBLE DOWN. Hear from these exceptional trailblazers on the importance of both understanding the tools of our trades and emotionally connecting with the stories that we tell. And guess who channeled their grandmother and a special bedtime nursery rhyme during the recording! TOOLS AND WEAPONS by Brad Smith: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/604709/tools-and-weapons/ THE SOULFUL ART OF PERSUASION by Jason Harris: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/595283/the-soulful-art-of-persuasion/ DOUBLE DOWN by Antoinette M. Clarke & Tricia Clarke-Stone: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574557/double-down/

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 which art affects our lives and the lives of those we encounter. Hear more about these authors’ behind-the-mic experiences, and find out who once listened to a famous epic fantasy series on audio as motivation to clean the house. A TIME TO DANCE by Padma Venkatraman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/309664/a-time-to-dance/ I'VE SEEN THE FUTURE AND I'M NOT GOING by Peter McGough: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561291/ive-seen-the-future-and-im-not-going/ FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC by John Mauceri: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564744/for-the-love-of-music/

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!