Joan Collins, BEHIND THE SHOULDER PADS: Tales I Tell My Friends
In this special episode (a live podcast recording at Zibby’s Bookshop!), Zibby interviews legendary English actress and author Joan Collins about her hilarious, intimate, and completely spellbinding new memoir, BEHIND THE SHOULDER PADS. Joan shares anecdotes from her eclectic and vibrant life, from dodging air raids during World War II to her iconic role in Dynasty. Zibby asks Joan about her childhood, personal relationships, marriage, and creative process. Then, Joan offers advice to aspiring creatives and shares insights on how to find joy and humor in life.
David Duchovny, THE RESERVOIR: A Novella
Golden Globe-winning actor and New York Times bestselling author David Duchovny joins Zibby to discuss THE RESERVOIR, a fever dream of a novella about a lonely ex-financier who is stuck in his apartment during the pandemic and becomes obsessed with the Central Park reservoir, slowly going mad. David shares this story's inspiration and delves into the themes of loneliness, resilience, the allure of conspiracies, and the psychological impact of isolation. He also talks about his new podcast “Fail Better” and shares his thoughts and advice on writing, acting, and the creative process.
Jamie Lee Curtis, JUST ONE MORE SLEEP: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait . . . and Wait . . . and Wait
Zibby interviews award-winning actress, New York Times bestselling author, and repeat MDHTTRB guest Jamie Lee Curtis about JUST ONE MORE SLEEP, an endearing picture book with bold and humorous artwork that explains why waiting can be wonderful—and can give you a reason to cheer all year round. Jamie talks about the significance of celebrations in the lives of children (and her own) and then reveals where this story came from (it involves the pandemic, her 5-year-old neighbor Betty, and a lot of Christmas anticipation). The two also joke about a potential podcast spin-off (“Grandmas Who Have Time to Read Books”– ha!) and discuss Jamie’s previous roster of amazing self-help books for children.
Geri Halliwell-Horner, ROSIE FROST & THE FALCON QUEEN
Iconic Spice Girl, songwriter, and author Geri Halliwell-Horner joins Zibby to discuss her book, ROSIE FROST & THE FALCON QUEEN. Geri shares insights into her writing process and the inspiration behind her work. She also touches on grief, storytelling as a means of escape, and the value of staying true to oneself and finding purpose in service to others.
Aparna Nancherla, UNRELIABLE NARRATOR: Me, Myself, and Imposter Syndrome
Superstar comedian Aparna Nancherla joins Zibby to discuss her hilarious and strikingly astute memoir in essays, Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome. Aparna describes her writing process (as a “procrastinating perfectionist”), her relationship with her body, her history with anxiety and depression, and her unexpected, unplanned career as a stand-up comedian.
Matthew McConaughey, JUST BECAUSE
Zibby interviews Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey about his soulful, humorous, and irreverent debut picture book, Just Because. Matthew shares the inspiration behind this book (he dreamed it!) and the lessons it imparts about leadership, courage, and trying new things. He also shares some anecdotes from his memoir Greenlights, his thoughts on philanthropy, the topic of his next book, and his best advice for aspiring authors.
Laura Belgray, TOUGH TITTIES: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-Ing Worst
Zibby interviews award-winning TV writer Laura Belgray about her hilarious and wise collection of stories, Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You’re the F-ing Worst. Laura shares parts of her life story, from eating disorders, all-girls school, and hookups with bartenders to finally finding her passion (and her husband!). She also describes her career in writing (from TV promos to marketing emails) and shares her best advice for aspiring writers.
Natalie Portman, NATALIE PORTMAN'S FABLES
In this special weekend re-release, Zibby interviews Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, activist, and New York Times bestselling author Natalie Portman about Natalie Portman's Fables, a children's book with playful, witty, and insightful retellings of three classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse. It is paired perfectly with Janna Mattia's charming illustrations.
Lou Diamond Phillips, THE TINDERBOX: Soldier of Indira
In this special weekend re-release, Zibby interviews Golden-Globe nominated actor Lou Diamond Phillips and illustrator Yvonne Phillips about the epic and unforgettable science fiction fantasy tale The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale of the same name, this book has the intrigue of Game of Thrones mixed with the star-crossed romance of Romeo and Juliet... and you won't be able to put it down.
Alyssa Milano, SORRY NOT SORRY
In this special weekend re-release, actress, activist, and author Alyssa Milano joins Zibby to talk about her latest book, Sorry Not Sorry, a sharply observed, uproarious, and profoundly intimate collection of essays about her life, career, and humanitarianism. Alyssa shares how she wrote all of the essays to rhythm, how her mental health throughout the pandemic inspired a sizable amount of the book, and what changes she wants to see in the publishing industry to help authors like her feel more comfortable promoting their stories.
Susanna Hoffs, THIS BIRD HAS FLOWN
Zibby interviews beloved songwriter, Bangles frontwoman, and debut author Susanna Hoffs about her clever, sexy, and riotously funny rockstar redemption romance This Bird Has Flown. Susanna compares book-writing to songwriting, reveals she used music to sharpen her mind and stimulate her imagination while writing, and shares how she got here in the first place (it all started with a childhood surrounded by books in a bohemian, art-loving household). She also talks about her beautiful cover art, the changes her manuscript went through, the books she read and re-read for inspiration, and her best advice for aspiring authors.
Kevin and Danielle Jonas, THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
Zibby speaks to international rockstar Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle Jonas, both repeat guests on MDHTTRB, about There’s a Beach in My Bedroom, a colorful new picture book about turning a disappointing canceled beach day into an even more fun day at home. Kevin and Danielle talk about their collaboration with each other and their illustrator, their exciting summer book tour, and typical beach days in their family (they are big Jersey Shore-ers!). Kevin also talks about his upcoming tour (with back-to-back shows at Yankee Stadium!) and juggling fatherhood with his busy schedule.
Jana Savage, WILDFLOWER
Zibby interviews actress and screenwriter Jana Savage about Wildflower, a beautiful coming-of-age film that follows Bea Johnson from birth to graduation as she navigates life with two neurodiverse parents, starring Kiernan Shipka, Alexandra Daddario, and Charlie Plummer. Jana describes her path to screenwriting (she acted for many years prior) and then shares how she, Matt Smukler (the director), and the Morning Moon production team turned a difficult, real-life story into a poignant, darkly humorous, and joyful movie. She also talks about the writers’ strike, her favorite author, her next few projects (one is a sequel to an early-2000s movie with a bit of a cult following…), and her best advice for aspiring screenwriters.
Justin Roberts, I'LL BE YOUR POLAR BEAR
Zibby interviews 4-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts about I’ll Be Your Polar Bear, a warm, heartfelt picture book about the lengths parents will go to comfort and protect their children. Justin reveals this book was inspired by a lullaby he wrote and then shares his fascinating career trajectory–from Montessori preschool teacher and divinity studies graduate student to 16 albums, Grammy nominations, and several books based on songs. He also describes the book editing process, his wonderful collaboration with his illustrator Chuck Groenink, and his next book Giant-Sized Butterflies On My First Day of School.
Jamie Lee Curtis, LETTERS FROM CAMP
In this special weekend re-release, Zibby interviews award-winning actress and New York Times bestselling author Jamie Lee Curtis about her audiobook Letters from Camp, a heartfelt comedy told through letters written by a young camper who is investigating a girl's disappearance while confronting the budding anxieties of tweendom!
Laura Dern and Diane Ladd, HONEY, BABY, MINE: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding)
Zibby interviews Academy Award-winning actress Laura Dern and her mom, Hollywood legend Diane Ladd, about Honey, Baby, Mine, an utterly beautiful memoir of the conversations they had after Diane was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and was prescribed long walks to expand her lung capacity. Thinking she was dying, she opened up and shared intimate stories with her daughter. The two ended up discussing the most personal of topics: love, marriage, secrets, grief, resentment, and ambition. Ultimately, they prove how powerful and eye-opening it is to talk and to really listen to our loved ones.
Andrew McCarthy, WALKING WITH SAM: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain
Zibby interviews actor, award-winning travel writer, and New York Times bestselling author Andrew McCarthy about his intimate, poignant, and funny new memoir Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain. Andrew reveals why he walked across the endless Camino de Santiago with his 19-year-old son: he wanted to have a meaningful relationship with him. He shares all the details of this life-changing experience with Zibby and then discusses his transition from acting to writing and how it all relates to his profound love of travel.
Amerie, YOU WILL DO GREAT THINGS
Zibby is joined by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and book club founder Amerie to discuss You Will Do Great Things, a magical picture book about a young boy’s imagination and the unexplored worlds it takes him to. Amerie talks about her lifelong love of books, from a childhood spent at the military base library, to stacking shelves at Georgetown, to reading Harry Potter on her tour bus. Then, she describes how she got into writing (and became obsessed with it), how her son inspired her to write this book, and why diverse representation is so important in children’s literature. Finally, she introduces us to Amerie’s Book Club. (By the way, her April pick is If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery, who has been on MDHTTRB!!)
Kirby Howell-Baptiste, LITTLE BLACK BOY: Oh, the Things You Will Do! and LITTLE BLACK GIRL: Oh, the Things You Can Do!
Zibby is joined by British actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste (from “Queenpins,” “The Good Place,” “Killing Eve,” and more!) to discuss her two beautiful and uplifting picture books (and love letters to her inner child): Little Black Girl: Oh, the Things You Can Do! and Little Black Boy: Oh, the Things You Will Do! Kirby describes her book publishing experience, the themes that inspired her (community-building, Black female empowerment, and Black male joy), and the significant reason behind the slightly different book titles. Kirby also talks about her acting career, her favorite creative outlet (it involves unsent Tweets), and her dream of writing a toilet book!