Zibby is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kathryn Schulz to talk about her memoir, Lost & Found, which looks at the wide-ranging experiences of loss and discovery. Kathryn shares her thoughts on what makes a good death and whether that moniker is fair to those grieving, as well as what she wishes her father lived to see. The two also discuss what it was like for Kathryn to win the Pulitzer, the lessons she learned from watching her parents’ relationship, and why she wanted to analyze what we mean by each of the words lost, and, and found.
Chris Pavone, TWO NIGHTS IN LISBON
New York Times bestselling author Chris Pavone joins Zibby to talk about his latest novel, Two Nights in Lisbon, which he refers to as a "Trojan Horse novel." The two discuss why Chris wants to trick his usual reading base into reading this story, as well as what his journey through the publishing world looked like. Chris also shares why he made the decision to start writing thrillers, how he views his reputation as a writer, and a handful of fun anecdotes with well-known characters he had while working at Doubleday Dell.
Miriam Parker, ROOM AND BOARD
Zibby is joined by Miriam Parker, author and associate publisher of Ecco, to discuss her latest novel, Room and Board. The two talk about Miriam's writing process for both this novel and her first, why she's happy that her books are not published by the company she works for, and her journey to becoming an author. Miriam also shares her best advice as both a publisher and author herself, as well as what she is currently reading.
Jennette McCurdy, I'M GLAD MY MOM DIED
Zibby is joined by former Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy to talk about her debut memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, and why she chose the book's eye-catching title. The two discuss some of the narratives Jennette grew up with that she had to unlearn in adulthood, as well as where she is now in her eating disorder recovery journey. Jennette also shares why it was important to write from her younger self's perspective, what it was like for her to write about such heavy topics, and which projects she's working on next.
Jean Meltzer, MR. PERFECT ON PAPER
Zibby is joined by the Emmy-award winning, chronically-ill and disabled, rabbinical-school drop-out Jean Meltzer to discuss her latest novel, Mr. Perfect on Paper. The two talk about Jean's unique backstory and medical history, as well as how her diagnoses have each found their way into her books. Jean also shares how her own love story largely inspired this novel, what Yiddish saying she lives her life by, and what book she's working on next.
Dolen Perkins-Valdez, TAKE MY HAND
Dolen Perkins-Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of Wench, joins Zibby to discuss her latest novel, Take My Hand, which grapples with the painful history of eugenics and coerced sterilization in America. Dolen shares what inspired her to write a fictionalized version of what happened to the Relf sisters, what she hopes the story will add to the current conversation surrounding reproductive rights, and what her writing process has looked like since the pandemic. The two also talk about the need for more writers' retreats and what Dolen is working on next.
Josh Peck, HAPPY PEOPLE ARE ANNOYING
Actor Josh Peck joins Zibby to talk about his memoir, Happy People Are Annoying. The two connect over growing up with Jewish mothers and how that impacted their relationships with food. Josh also shares why he wanted to write a memoir at this time in his life, what made him decide to be so frank with the behind-the-scenes facts he shared, and whether or not there was anything he regretted putting in. Watch Josh in 13: The Musical, out today on Netflix!
Nina LaCour, YERBA BUENA
Zibby is joined by bestselling and award-winning author Nina LaCour to talk about her debut adult novel, Yerba Buena. Nina shares how she started the book while she was still an undergraduate, her experience working in bookstores, and her favorite way a reader has described her book. The two also discuss why Nina decided to pause her podcast, "Keeping a Notebook," and what she's working on next.
Emily Maloney, COST OF LIVING
Zibby is joined by author Emily Maloney to talk about her book of personal essays, Cost of Living, which grew out of a piece that is featured in the Best American Essays compilation. The two discuss the current state of healthcare in America, as well as what Emily sees as the industry's potential future. Emily also shares her 15-year process of publishing this book, at which stage she decided to incorporate anecdotes about her parents, and what she is working on next.
Kim Fay, LOVE & SAFFRON
Author Kim Fay joins Zibby to discuss her latest historical novel, Love & Saffron, which was an instant national bestseller. The two talk about the relationships that inspired the friendship at the center of the story, which family memories helped Kim set the scenes, and how the pandemic helped her write the book quickly. Kim also shares why she wanted the novel to revolve around food and how she likes to practice self-care.
Sean Williams, GIRL DAD
Zibby is joined by Sean Williams to talk both about his picture book Girl Dad as well as his organization, The Dad Gang. Sean shares The Dad Gang's mission to shatter stereotypes about Black fatherhood, how their non-profit wing empowers fathers around the country, and where the company is expanding next. The two also discuss how Sean's close relationship with his daughters inspired his new children's book and the main message he hopes other fathers talk away from it. Check out @TheDadGang on Instagram!
Kerry Docherty, SOMEWHERE, RIGHT NOW
Kerry Docherty joins Zibby to talk about her new picture book Somewhere, Right Now, which was inspired by the range of emotions we all felt during the Covid lockdown. The two discuss Kerry's background in mindfulness and how she wove her teachings into the book, as well as why she decided to shift from her own small business to help her family start Faherty Brand which is one of Zibby's favorite brands. Kerry also shares the significance of her role as Chief Impact Officer at the company and the major changes happening in her life. Shop the store here!
Michelle Figueroa, A GOOD THING HAPPENED TODAY
"It's a reference book for kids to get ideas as to how they can make the world a kinder place." Journalist Michelle Figueroa joins Zibby to discuss Good News Movement and its corresponding book, A Good Thing Happened Today. Michelle explains why she decided to start a news organization focused on sharing exclusively good news and the importance of packaging these stories for young kids. Send in your own good news to @GoodNews_Movement on Instagram!
Erin Napier, THE LANTERN HOUSE
Star of HGTV's Home Town Erin Napier joins Zibby and her husband Kyle to discuss her picture book, The Lantern House. Erin explains why she's not joined by her husband and co-star Ben and shares why she was set on working with her illustrator and friend, Adam Trest, on this children's book. The three also talk about the house flipping projects that get Erin the most excited, what she's currently reading, and how she and Ben found their way into house flipping in the first place. Shop Erin and Ben's brand, Laurel Mercantile Co., here!
Richard Roper, WHEN WE WERE YOUNG
Zibby is joined by editor and author Richard Roper to discuss his latest novel, When We Were Young, which was inspired by a real trip he took with his friends. The two talk about his intentional journey to becoming an editor and his accidental journey to becoming an author, as well as which books he currently works on at Headline Publishers in the UK. Richard also shares which author is his greatest inspiration, why he decided to structure the novel from two points of view observing the same moments, and what inspired his next novel.
Bethany C. Morrow, CHERISH FARRAH
Bestselling author Bethany C. Morrow joins Zibby to talk about her latest novel, Cherish Farrah, which was Belletrist and BookClubs' April pick. Bethany shares why she wanted to challenge white supremacist notions by creating a character like Farrah, as well as why she loves to write social horror. The two also discuss why Bethany jokes about being a contrarian, how she writes her books for group consumption, and Zibby reads Langston Hughes' poem "Warning" which Bethany chose as the book's dedication.
Amanda Bestor-Siegal, THE CARETAKERS
Zibby is joined by Amanda Bestor-Siegal to talk about her debut novel, The Caretakers, which was inspired in part by her experience as an au pair in Paris. The two discuss the social politics of being an au pair, why Amanda chose to tell the story from the six female characters' perspectives, and the main things she took away from her MFA. Amanda also shares how the loss of her mother inspired her to travel to Paris in the first place and what the TV adaption of this novel will likely look like.
Amelia Morris, WILDCAT
Zibby is joined by Amelia Morris to talk about her first novel, Wildcat, which was inspired in part by a fight with her own mother and the desire to call out unrealistic expectations placed on mothers. The two discuss how Amelia got her start with her Bon Appétempt blog and food memoir despite always wanting to write fiction, as well as how her husband helped her find time to craft this project during the pandemic. Amelia also shares what she is working on next and how Normal People and Fleabag play a role in it.
John Searles, HER LAST AFFAIR
Writer and book critic John Searles joins Zibby to discuss his latest novel, Her Last Affair. The two talk about John's path to becoming a writer which involved being the first in his family to attend college and working at Cosmopolitan for twenty-three years as the books editor, the deputy editor, and the editor-at-large. John also shares how losing his father, his sister, and his apartment in a recent fire inspired him to weave elements of grief into this novel and why he was opposed to weddings until his own.
Alan Patricof, NO RED LIGHTS
Zibby is joined by investor, innovator, and founder of a number of companies Alan Patricof to talk about his memoir, No Red Lights. Alan tells Zibby about his plans to live until 114 and how his desire to continue trying new things regardless of his age has led him to found Primetime Partner which invests in companies that target the over sixty population. The two also discuss what inspired Alan to write about his wife's battle with Alzheimer's, the role women play in venture capitalism, and the two new things he's trying this year at 87.