Award-winning chef, author, and speaker Brooke Siem joins Zibby to talk about her debut memoir, May Cause Side Effects, which tells the story of her withdrawal after fifteen years on antidepressants. The two discuss how Brooke's experience affected her memories—including when she won Food Network's Chopped competition—as well as how her support network helped her reframe her outlook on life. Brooke also shares how her antidepressant journey impacted her relationship with food, who she hopes will read her book, and which author shaped her writing journey the most.
Michael Frank, ONE HUNDRED SATURDAYS
Zibby is joined by Michael Frank who returns to discuss his latest book, One Hundred Saturdays: Stella Levi and the Search for a Lost World. Michael shares how the conversations he had with Stella over the last six years were never meant to be a book but evolved as he wanted to share her story as a Holocaust survivor and the history of her homeland with the world. The two also talk about how Stella largely survived Auschwitz due to sheer luck and her incredible will, as well as what it was like for Michael to experience the island of Rhodes through Stella's eyes. Morning Moon Productions, led by Zibby's husband Kyle, just optioned Michael's novel, What Is Missing. Read more about the big news here!
Jamie Brenner, GILT
Bestselling author Jamie Brenner returns for the third time to talk with Zibby about her latest novel, Gilt, which takes readers into the world of fine jewelry. The two discuss how living in Provincetown during the pandemic inspired Jamie while writing this story, her relationship with the author community and what is expected of writers these days, and which fictional character helped her craft her protagonist. Jamie also shares what she is currently working on and how it felt to find out the role she played in Zibby's career after reading Bookends.
Kate Gibson and Charlie Gibson, THE BOOK CASE PODCAST
Zibby is joined by longtime host of Good Morning America, Charlie Gibson, and his daughter, TV producer Kate Gibson, to discuss their new ABC Audio podcast, The Book Case. The three talk about the show's origins during the pandemic, as well as the lessons they're learning along the way and the importance of representation in books. Zibby also asks Kate and Charlie some of their most asked questions, like who their favorite fictional character is, where is their favorite place to read (as well as Oprah's), and what is the most influential book they've ever read.
Fran Hauser, EMBRACE THE WORK, LOVE YOUR CAREER
Bestselling author, speaker, and investor Fran Hauser joins Zibby to talk about her latest book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career, which is a guidebook to help readers feel their most successful. The two discuss some of their favorite sections and Fran shares the real-life experience that inspired her to present them to others. She also walks Zibby through her illustrious career path and reveals why she took the chances she did on herself along the way.
Uli Beutter Cohen, BETWEEN THE LINES
Zibby is joined by the creator of the Subway Book Review Uli Beutter Cohen to discuss her new book, Between the Lines: Stories from the Underground. The two talk about the number one reason Uli has found people enjoy reading books on the subway, in particular, the creative way Uli organized the chapters in the book, and some of their favorite interviewees (which includes Zibby herself!). Uli also shares what she's currently working on now and the surprise moment that shows her how important her project truly is.
Natasha Lunn, CONVERSATIONS ON LOVE
"Not knowing what will happen next also means anything could." Journalist and creator of the Conversations on Love newsletter Natasha Lunn joins Zibby to talk about her anthology of the same name. Natasha shares the major lessons she's learned from talking with others about love, why she finds romantic love less overwhelming than maternal love, and what originally inspired her to begin this project. The two also discuss the role anxiety plays in loves of all kinds and Natasha turns the interview around to ask Zibby a question.
Chloé Cooper Jones, EASY BEAUTY
"I'm human like anybody else. I'm susceptible to all these bad narratives that I both internalize about myself or can turn on other people." Pulitzer Prize finalist, professor, and author Chloé Cooper Jones joins Zibby to talk about her memoir, Easy Beauty, which documents her global exploration and life with a disability. The two discuss misconceptions about motherhood, how Chloé dismantled the weight of society's judgment of those with disabilities, and her love of Roger Federer. Chloé also shares what her relationship with her son looks like today and how she's handled criticism from those who still choose to disrespect disabled mothers.
Sloane Crosley, CULT CLASSIC
"I don't think I could be accused of identifying a marketplace. Otherwise, I wouldn't have written about Abraham Lincoln and vampires and how to eat blueberries and save your life." Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling essayist, columnist, and novelist Sloane Crosley to discuss her romantic comedy thriller, Cult Classic. The two talk about the kinds of conversations they have on book tours, when Sloane knew she was ready to write a rom-com set in New York City, and how she became a literary it-girl. Sloane also shares the life experiences that served as inspiration for her next nonfiction project about grief and why she views it as the sibling to Cult Classic.
Kwame Mbalia, BLACK BOY JOY
New York Times bestselling author Kwame Mbalia returns to talk with Zibby about Black Boy Joy, the #1 bestselling anthology he edited. Kwame shares where he was when he realized he wanted to gather a number of his friends and peers to compile a middle-grade compilation celebrating Black youth and happiness, and tells Zibby about how he takes his coffee. The two also discuss the first piece of short fiction each of them ever wrote, why short stories are harder to craft than novels, and how Kwame plans to find joy each day.
Karen Winn, OUR LITTLE WORLD
Zibby is joined by debut author Karen Winn to talk about her novel, Our Little World, which she has been working on since 2016. Karen shares how the plot was inspired by drama she wished had happened during her childhood, as well as how she combined her doctoral degree and experience as a nurse practitioner with her lifelong love of writing to craft this story. The two also discuss the significance of Karen's writing group in her life, the potential titles this book almost had, and what she's working on next.
Caitlin Barasch, NOVEL OBSESSION
Author and writing instructor Caitlin Barasch joins Zibby to talk about her debut novel, A Novel Obsession. The two discuss what their armchair psychologist diagnoses of the story's protagonist might be, why Caitlin centered the plot around social media and cyberstalking, and the best books she has currently read. Caitlin also shares what she's working on next and how her family history has inspired her.
Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnston, I'LL BE THERE (BUT I'LL BE WEARING SWEATPANTS)
"What we're really longing for is to be known and to know and to be loved and seen and to belong." Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston, co-creators of Sister I Am With You, join Zibby to discuss their mission and their new book, I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants). The three talk about the personal experiences with friends that inspired them to create a supportive community for other adult women and what the process was like shifting from blog to book writing. Pre-order the new middle-grade edition of the book, I’ll Be There (And Let’s Make Friendship Bracelets): A Girl’s Guide to Making and Keeping Real-Life Friendships, out November 8!!
LaToya Watkins, PERISH
"I had trouble finding places for light in the book. It took me a really long time to get there." Zibby is joined by writer LaToya Watkins to discuss her debut novel, Perish, a timely intergenerational epic. LaToya shares how she got her start as both a reader and a writer, where she drew her inspiration for the story, and why this project took so long to write and revise. The two also connect over being moms to twins and talk about the process LaToya went through pitching and publishing this book during the pandemic.
Ali Hazelwood, LOVE ON THE BRAIN
New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis Ali Hazelwood joins Zibby to talk about her latest romantic comedy, Love on the Brain, which is the inaugural title for the new Walmart Book Club. The two discuss Ali's journey to publishing through online fandoms and crafting fan fiction, as well as how her experience as a neuroscientist finds its way into her novels. Ali also shares why she likes to keep her writing and science life separate, which relationships have offered her the most support, and what she is currently binge-watching.
Joyce Carol Oates, BABYSITTER
"As a novelist, I want to present people who are different from myself. The reader should have her own opinion." Literary giant Joyce Carol Oates joins Zibby to discuss her latest novel, Babysitter, which grew out of a short story. The two talk about the real-life inspiration for the story's serial killer, how she sought to portray the complexities of mother and womanhood, and why she never satirizes her characters, even if she doesn't agree with those who behave like them off the page.
Soon Wiley, WHEN WE FELL APART
"Fiction is really about imagining and putting yourself in the shoes of characters that you really have nothing in common with." Zibby is joined by author Soon Wiley to talk about his debut novel, When We Fell Apart, which he has been writing for the last seven years. Soon shares how although he and his protagonist have a lot in common, he enjoyed writing from the book's female perspective much more. The two also discuss Soon's journey to publication, which non-mystery stories inspired this project, and what he's working on next.
Aileen Weintraub, KNOCKED DOWN
Award-winning author, journalist, and editor Aileen Weintraub joins Zibby to discuss her new memoir, Knocked Down, which recounts her experience of being on bed rest during her pregnancy. The two talk about the flaws in how the medical system in this country views and treats women, what inspired Aileen to tell this story, and how moms do ultimately find time for things in their lives. Aileen shares what her experience was like processing the grief of losing her dad while incapacitated, as well as how she felt both while writing the book and recording the audiobook.
Emily Tisch Sussman, She Pivots Podcast
Lawyer, political strategist, and podcast host Emily Tisch Sussman joins Zibby to talk about her new podcast, She Pivots, which grew out of her need for inspiring stories from women who have made personal and professional shifts. The two discuss Emily's wide-ranging career, how moms can make time to get involved in local politics, and how listeners can take action by DMing @shepivotsthepodcast. Emily also shares how she's staying involved in politics despite leaving the world of strategy and campaigning and what she is focusing on now in her personal life.
Matti Friedman, WHO BY FIRE
Journalist and author Matti Friedman joins Zibby to discuss his latest book, Who By Fire, which recounts the incredible true story of Leonard Cohen's involvement in Israel's Yom Kippur War. The two talk about the significance of Yom Kippur and the 1973 war in Judaism, Matti and Leonard's missed connection, and Matti's trajectory through journalism toward writing well-researched non-fiction. Matti also shares how he managed to include Leonard's side of this story and the responses he has received from readers so far.