This Is The Author

In this special compilation of This is the Author, we asked authors to reveal their recipes for a great story. Hear Torrey Maldonado, Heather Won Tesoriero, Jedidiah Jenkins, Marcellus Wiley, Sam Maggs, KJ Dell'Antonia, Daniel Siegel, Cristen Conger, Caroline Ervin, Tom O'Bryan, and Matt de la Peña reveal their secret ingredients, whether that be radical truth-telling or a pinch of metaphorical salt. Thinking of cooking up some stories yourself? Have a listen, and let the creative mixing begin!

In this episode, meet former NFL player Marcellus Wiley, cofounder of MBAs Across America, Casey Gerald, and staff writer for The New Yorker Bill Buford. Football—the American and British variety—plays an important role in each of these authors’ lives. Speaking from their personal experiences, they share musings, lessons, and expertise that may make you think about how sports and society’s expectations have affected your own life. And, hear why narrating is surprisingly more difficult than “a triple day training camp practice”. Never Shut Up by Marcellus Wiley: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/572553/never-shut-up/ There Will Be No Miracles Here by Casey Gerald: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549841/there-will-be-no-miracles-here/ Among the Thugs by Bill Buford: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/20946/among-the-thugs/

In this episode, meet writer Jessica Brody, author and entrepreneur James Clear, and speaker and sales expert Anthony Iannarino. From how to write a novel to how to change your habits to how to be a great salesperson, you’ll be guided to motivation. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/554039/save-the-cat-writes-a-novel/ Atomic Habits by James Clear: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/543993/atomic-habits/ Eat Their Lunch by Anthony Iannarino: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/585767/eat-their-lunch/

In this episode, meet journalist Gary Pomerantz, writer George Packer, and popular science writer Steven Johnson. Using the lens of sports, culture, technological innovation, and family, these authors explain why journeying to the past is necessary in order to see the present in a new light. And, find out which Hollywood legend is one author’s dream narrator. The Last Pass by Gary Pomerantz: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553223/the-last-pass/ Blood of the Liberals by George Packer: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/580451/blood-of-the-liberals/ How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/538407/how-we-got-to-now/

In this episode meet podcast hosts of Unladylike, Cristen Conger & Caroline Ervin, director and writer, Jill Soloway, creator of the groundbreaking and award-winning TV series Transparent, and founder of Well-Read Black Girl, Glory Edim. You’ll be prepared to smash (glass) ceilings, defy gender roles, and support diverse voices after listening to these authors share both their own inspiring stories – and those of other rabble rousers and role models. And, find out which author’s narration experience taught her that she needs to do a few more core strength exercises. Unladylike by Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558376/unladylike/ She Wants It by Jill Soloway: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/259082/she-wants-it/ Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576456/well-read-black-girl/

In this episode meet motivational speaker and coach Alexia Vernon, writer Mya Spalter, and blogger Rachel Marie Martin. Listen in as these experts lead you on a path of transformation and empowerment whether you’re seeking professional, spiritual or personal advice and inspiration. And, find out why one author’s dream narrator would actually be a full cast of wonderful, strong women. Step Into Your Moxie by Alexia Vernon: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574482/step-into-your-moxie/ Enchantments by Mya Spalter: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565183/enchantments/ The Brave Art of Motherhood by Rachel Marie Martin: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565671/the-brave-art-of-motherhood/

In this episode meet travel writer Jedidiah Jenkins, author and advice columnist Heather Havrilesky, and CEO Scott Harrison. They address the big questions so many of us ask ourselves every day: What is my purpose? Who am I meant to be? And how can I lead a meaningful life that positively impacts others? The personal stories shared in this episode will leave you thinking about positive ways to make change and feel good about yourself. Not to mention, find out which author’s dream narrator pick has a voice that’s “buttery and dangerous.” To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557260/to-shake-the-sleeping-self/ What If This Were Enough? by Heather Havrilesky: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557733/what-if-this-were-enough/ Thirst by Scott Harrison: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/562193/thirst/

In this episode meet bestselling kids and young adult authors Markus Zusak, Matt de la Peña, and Nic Stone. You’ll hear how their own pasts each inspired them to write their latest stories, whether it’s from an idea that came to one author twenty years ago, to the book one author wishes she had as a guidepost when she was in high school – and of course, why it’s so important for kids to be able to see and hear themselves in books. Plus, from Jim Dale to one’s own brother, hear who their dream narrators might be. Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/196150/bridge-of-clay/ Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549616/carmela-full-of-wishes/ Odd One Out by Nic Stone: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/534051/odd-one-out/

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR, hear from beloved actors and happily married couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, writer and host Sam Maggs, and singer Mashonda Tifrere. From marriage to friendships and collaborations to co-parenting, you’ll explore all the different kinds of personal relationships that can enrich your life. And, find out which author’s dream narrator is the voice of Wonder Woman. The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullaly and Nick Offerman - http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/555344/the-greatest-love-story-ever-told/ Girl Squads by Sam Maggs - http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/605744/girl-squads/ Blend by Mashonda Tifrere - http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/563906/blend/

In this episode, meet entrepreneur Scott Belsky, marketing experts Jay Baer and Daniel Lemin, and entrepreneur Chris Yeh. You’ll learn about some of the most important--but often forgotten--pieces of business-building. Whether you want to optimize your team’s productivity or create word of mouth buzz among consumers, these experts will walk you through it. And, hear why, even when narrating a business book, channeling emotions is important.

In this special edition of This is the Author, authors Mark and Jay Duplass, Jan Chozen Bays, Stephanie Rosenbloom, Aaron Mahnke, Claudia Renton, Nick Pyenson, and Richard Russo share why libraries are so special to them.

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet hospitality entrepreneur Chip Conley, political commentator and editor Reihan Salam, and journalist Nick McDonell. From how we communicate in the workplace, to how we discuss the immigration debate, and how we talk about the casualties of war, these authors’ books will make you think about the varying viewpoints that affect our world each day. And, find out why, when you’re fifty years old, you should actually only think of yourself as 32 years into your adulthood. Enjoy. Wisdom at Work by Chip Conley: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566232/wisdom-at-work/ Melting Pot or Civil War? by Reihan Salam: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/552397/melting-pot-or-civil-war/ The Bodies in Person by Nick McDonell: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/545087/the-bodies-in-person/

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet Google Ventures' "design sprint” creators Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, Catalyst Leader president Tyler Reagin, and Tal Keinan . With these authors, you’ll get access to their handbooks for productivity, leadership, and faith. Plus, find out which author would love to have Winston Churchill narrate his audiobook. Enjoy. Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564727/make-time/ The Life-Giving Leader by Tyler Reagin: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558321/the-life-giving-leader/ God Is in the Crowd by Tal Keinan: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576166/god-is-in-the-crowd/

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet performer Dessa, author and photographer Kate Inglis, and innovation leader Beth Comstock. Hear the incredibly intimate and true stories of love and loss that brought each writer to the mic and find encouragement and support in facing grief and fear. Plus, discover why recording an audiobook is a delicate balance between narrator and listener. Enjoy. My Own Devices by Dessa: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561615/my-own-devices/ Notes for the Everlost by Kate Inglis: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561748/notes-for-the-everlost/ Imagine it Forward by Beth Comstock: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/548754/imagine-it-forward/

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet Mark Cucuzzella, three-time Super Bowl winner Michael Lombardi, and Dr. Tom O’Bryan. You’ll be inspired by all of these authors to live better by embracing your dreams and focusing on your health. Plus, discover why one author finds nicknames essential. Enjoy. Run for Your Life by Mark Cucuzzella, MD: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/253698/run-for-your-life/ Gridiron Genius by Michael Lombardi and Bill Belichick: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567325/gridiron-genius/ You Can Fix Your Brain by Dr. Tom O’Bryan: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592179/you-can-fix-your-brain/

In this special edition of This is the Author, listen to authors Mayim Bialik, Heather Turgeon, Alison Pateki, Grant Wahl, Nathalie Nino, Camas Davis, and Mark & Angel Chernoff share why libraries are so special to them.

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, bestselling author Ryan North, and venture capitalist Bradley Tusk. Go from space exploration to start-ups, as each of these authors explores the surprising intersection of seemingly-unrelated things: science and military power, history and science, and politics with tech, and business. Plus, hear one author’s plan to gain an invite to Patrick Stewart’s birthday party. Enjoy Accessory to War by Neil deGrasse Tyson: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/598826/accessory-to-war/ How to Invent Everything by Ryan North: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561339/how-to-invent-everything/ The Fixer by Bradley Tusk: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/575666/the-fixer/

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, former Scientologist Michelle LeClaire, and pastor Carey Nieuwhof. Hear the passion behind each author’s personal journey to the mic and what inspired them; be inspired by the strength and self-love required to escape from a cult; and learn what it takes to be a good leader. Plus, find out which author had trouble pronouncing ramen noodles! Enjoy. The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557315/the-coddling-of-the-american-mind/ Perfectly Clear by Michelle LeClair and Robin Gaby Fisher: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/535093/perfectly-clear/ Didn't See It Coming by Carey Nieuwhof: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565668/didnt-see-it-coming/

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet lawyer and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson, teacher and novelist Torrey Maldonado, and former CBS News producer and reporter Heather Won Tesoriero. Hear how these authors are redefining what it means to be a superhero– whether it’s by standing up for America’s youth in underrepresented communities, writing stories that speak to the superhero in all young people, or introducing us to a superhero science teacher and his awe-inspiring students. Plus, discover how one author would use a time machine to find one of his dream narrators. Enjoy. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/224792/just-mercy/ Tight by Torrey Maldonado: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/556833/tight/ The Class by Heather Won Tesoriero: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/554335/the-class/

In this episode of THIS IS THE AUTHOR meet activist Khalida Brohi, poet Kevin Young, and bestselling writer and journalist Jeanne Marie Laskas. You’ll hear about stories from all over the world from the “voiceless” women in Pakistan, to the voices of one’s childhood, to the heartfelt letters of everyday Americans. Plus, learn why poetry, like song, is meant to be shared out loud. Enjoy. I Should Have Honor by Khalida Brohi : http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/536847/i-should-have-honor/ Brown by Kevin Young: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553753/brown/ To Obama by Jeanne Marie Laskas: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564583/to-obama/