Amy Lin, HERE AFTER: A Memoir
Zibby Books author alert!! Zibby speaks with debut Canadian author Amy Lin about HERE AFTER, a beautifully visceral and emotionally intimate memoir in vignettes about the sudden loss of her husband and the two grief-filled years that followed. Amy describes the unconventional method of using tiny text boxes in Word to distill her raw emotions into concise, essential fragments. She also talks about the challenges of navigating her grief amid personal health struggles and a global pandemic, the importance of asking for help, and the transformative nature of connecting with others through writing.
Sheila Heti, ALPHABETICAL DIARIES
Sheila Heti, the award-winning author of PURE COLOUR, joins Zibby to chat about her new book, ALPHABETICAL DIARIES, a passionate, reflective, and joyful collection of thoughts she gathered over a ten-year period, and then arranged from A to Z. Sheila describes her creative process, explaining how she explored patterns and repetitions while alphabetizing her diary entries. She and Zibby also delve into the essence of the self, the surprising continuity of personal identity over time, the challenges of editing such an unconventional project, and the allure of reading someone else’s diary. Finally, Sheila shares her best advice for aspiring authors..
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.
Hazel Hayes with Aparna Nancherla at Zibby's Bookshop
In this special episode (a live event at Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica!), Hazel Hayes (Irish-born, London-based author of OUT OF LOVE) and Aparna Nancherla (superstar, LA-based comedian and author of UNRELIABLE NARRATOR) chat about their books! The two delve into their experiences with imposter syndrome, the writing process, and the emotional journey of publishing a book. Aparna reflects on the challenges of balancing humor with serious topics like mental health and body images, and Hazel reads a passage from her upcoming book, which captures the weight of grief and breakups.
Meghan Riordan Jarvis and Hope Edelman at Zibby's Bookshop
In this special episode (a live event at Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica!), New York Times bestselling author, writing instructor, and grief and loss coach Hope Edelman chats with renowned psychotherapist and Zibby Books author Meghan Riordan Jarvis about END OF THE HOUR, Meghan’s poignant and beautifully written memoir. Meghan delves into the origins of the book—writing was a therapeutic tool during her own treatment for trauma, which she experienced after the deaths of her parents. She and Hope explore the concept of trauma, the process of writing about traumatic experiences, therapeutic techniques, self-care, and healing.
Jordan Salama, STRANGER IN THE DESERT: A Family Story
Zibby welcomes back Jordan Salama to discuss STRANGER IN THE DESERT, an incredible travel memoir of his epic quest through the Argentina Andes in search of a heritage that spans hemispheres, from the Jewish Levant to the old trade routes of South America. Salama reveals the discovery that inspired this book: a family history document hidden in his grandfather’s basement with 500 years of his Sephardic Jewish heritage and his ancestor’s journey across Argentina. He talks about his search for long-lost relatives and then discusses themes of identity, migration, and navigating multiple cultural identities.
Carrie Sun, PRIVATE EQUITY: A Memoir
Zibby is joined by debut author Carrie Sun to discuss her new memoir, PRIVATE EQUITY, an incisive, sharp, and utterly compelling examination of her time working in one of the most prestigious hedge funds in the world (and an urgent indictment of privilege, extreme wealth, and work culture). Carrie delves into her time at Wharton, a toxic relationship from her past, and the life-threatening culture of New York's financial world. She and Zibby tackle work-life balance, extreme burnout, trauma, the challenge of speaking up, and ultimately, resilience and growth.
Uché Blackstock, LEGACY: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine
Zibby welcomes doctor and New York Times bestselling author Uché Blackstock to discuss LEGACY: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine, a searing indictment of our healthcare system, a generational family memoir, and an urgent call to action. Uché shares stories of her upbringing, her mother’s influence, and her experiences as a Black woman navigating the medical field. She and Zibby delve into the topics of culturally responsive care, racial health disparities, and the impact of historical decisions on the representation of Black physicians. Uché’s advocacy shines through as she offers actionable steps for improving healthcare equity and reflects on her journey in writing this book.
Meg Kissinger, WHILE YOU WERE OUT: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence
Award-winning journalist Meg Kissinger joins Zibby to discuss WHILE YOU WERE OUT, a searing and deeply personal memoir of a family besieged by mental illness, the systems that failed them, and the love that sustained them. Meg shares what it was like to grow up in a large family that was marked by joy but overshadowed by severe mental illness, including the tragic loss of two siblings to suicide. She also delves into the complexities of navigating the mental health system, grappling with questions of autonomy, safety, and stigma. Ultimately, she hopes that her readers will join her on a journey of healing, compassion, challenging societal taboos, and fostering empathy for those affected by mental illness.
Molly Roden Winter, MORE: A Memoir of Open Marriage
Zibby is joined by debut author Molly Roden Winter to discuss MORE, an electric, intimate, and unputdownable memoir of love, desire, motherhood, and self-fulfillment that follows a happily married mother as she explores sex and relationships outside her marriage. Molly describes the intimate details of her unconventional journey into an open marriage and then delves into how she has grappled with societal expectations and judgments, family commitments, personal desires, and honoring her most authentic self. As she shares moments of vulnerability, heartbreak, and growth, you’ll undoubtedly reflect on your own perceptions of love and marriage.
Susannah Breslin, DATA BABY: My Life in a Psychological Experiment
Zibby welcomes journalist Susannah Breslin to discuss DATA BABY, a provocative and poignant memoir about her experiences as a “lab rat” in a lifelong psychological study and her pursuit to reclaim autonomy as an adult. Susannah describes the preschool experiment her parents enrolled her in, which followed over 120 kids for thirty years, aiming to predict their future based on early childhood observations. She reflects on her awareness of the study and her views on the stability of personality traits. She also talks about her whirlwind marriage, battle with breast cancer, the impact of the experiment on her identity, and the emotional challenge of putting it all into words.
Megan Nix, REMEDIES FOR SORROW: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth
Writer Megan Nix joins Zibby to discuss REMEDIES FOR SORROW, a compulsively readable memoir and urgent call to action about a hidden risk to pregnant women: the congenital cytomegalovirus. Megan shares the story of discovering her daughter’s microcephaly at thirty-six weeks pregnant, and the subsequent challenges of raising a baby with CMV (against the dramatic landscape of Sitka, Alaska, where her husband is a salmon fisherman). The conversation delves into her advocacy work, the lack of awareness about CMV, and the importance of universal screening for newborns and support for affected families. She also discusses the writing process and the challenge of finding a publisher.
Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, DRUNK-ISH: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving Alcohol
Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, author, TV personality, and co-host of the popular podcast For Crying Out Loud, speaks to Zibby about DRUNK-ISH, the hilariously candid and refreshingly honest account of her break-up with alcohol. Stefanie shares what it was like to quit drinking fourteen years ago, after the shock of putting her family in danger and immediately reevaluating her relationship with alcohol. She also talks about mommy wine culture, the use of humor in her writing as a way to navigate uncomfortable truths, and the positive impact her honesty and vulnerability have had.
Jacqueline Alnes, THE FRUIT CURE: The Story of Extreme Wellness Turned Sour
Zibby is joined by writer and runner Jacqueline Alnes to discuss THE FRUIT CURE, a spellbinding and unforgettable journey through the world of fruitarianism and a powerful critique of our healthcare system and wellness culture. Jacqueline shares her college experience as a Division One runner and the abrupt onset of mysterious neurological symptoms that led her to explore unconventional wellness practices. She talks about her fascination with fruitarianism (have you heard of the 30 bananas a day diet?), her eventual diagnosis, and the impact of this experience on her relationship with running, food, herself, and others. Finally, she reflects on her writing process, her current life teaching university classes, and the potential for future writing projects.
Jonathan Conyers, I WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE HERE: Finding My Voice, Finding My People, Finding My Way
Zibby speaks to Jonathan Conyers about I WASN’T SUPPOSED TO BE HERE, a courageous and heartwarming memoir about the unique cast of characters who made up his village and helped him rise from poverty, dysfunction, and the tyranny of low expectations. Jonathan opens up about his life trajectory, emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community, and expresses gratitude to those who played a pivotal role in his life. He also talks about his dedication to breaking stereotypes, the emotional process of writing this book, and his future projects (including a potential film adaptation!).
Julie Chavez, EVERYONE BUT MYSELF: A Memoir
Zibby Books author alert!! Zibby interviews debut author Julie Chavez about EVERYONE BUT MYSELF, a fresh, tender-hearted, and bitingly funny memoir about a mother who is spread thin by the demands of modern family… and then, little by little, learns to put herself first. Julie describes her exciting journey to becoming a Zibby Books author and then shares her experiences navigating severe anxiety and depression, revealing how the pressure to be a good mother, wife, and professional made her neglect her own well-being. She also touches on her writing process, particularly how she infused humor and wit into her book, and highlights the importance of self-compassion and creating a support network during difficult times.
Nikki Vargas, CALL YOU WHEN I LAND: A Memoir
Zibby speaks to Colombian immigrant and travel journalist Nikki Vargas about her soul-stirring travel memoir, CALL YOU WHEN I LAND, which whisks readers through the countries that brought her self-discovery, new love, and the inspiration to launch the first international feminist travel magazine, Unearth Women. Nikki reveals the beginning of her journey (as a runaway bride, screaming into the jungles of Argentina) and then describes her path to travel writing and the unique 3-part structure of her book (Turbulence, Changing Pitch, and Landing). She also talks about her magazine, highlighting the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial venture, and shares her plan to transition into fiction writing.
John Sargent, TURNING PAGES: The Adventures and Misadventures of a Publisher
Zibby interviews forty-year publishing veteran John Sargent about his addictively entertaining and profoundly moving new memoir, TURNING PAGES: The Adventures and Misadventures of a Publisher. John talks about the inspiration behind this memoir (it involves a great-grandfather who wrote a very similar book) and his initial hesitation to infuse personal details into the narrative. He and Zibby also discuss the unpredictability of the publishing industry, the impact of trends and publicity, and the unsolvable mystery of why some books become bestsellers while others don’t. John reflects on the current state of the industry, expressing his confidence in the resilience of books.
Taylor Wolfe, BIRDIE & HARLOW: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn't Want Kids (...Until I Did)
Zibby speaks to blogger and comedian Taylor Wolfe about her charming and touching new memoir, BIRDIE & HARLOW: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids (...Until I Did). Taylor talks about the evolution of her popular blog (it all started when her English professor advised her to write every day), the challenges of managing multiple business ventures (like her lifestyle brand and graphic T-shirt shop), and, of course, her love for her dog Harlow, and how losing her unexpectedly led to a book about motherhood and grief. She also delves into her experience with stand-up comedy, the books she has read recently, and her best advice for grievers.
Dr. Aomawa Shields, LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS: A Memoir of Finding My Place in the Universe
Dr. Aomawa Shields joins Zibby to discuss LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS, a stunning and inspiring memoir about her life as an astronomer, classically-trained actor, mother, and Black woman in STEM. Dr. Aomawa describes how she fell in love with astronomy and acting (it involves the movie SpaceCamp and randomly auditioning for a play) and how she grappled with both career paths. She and Zibby also talk about identity, grind culture, the pressures of productivity, and the importance of rest and community. Finally, Dr. Aomawa shares her best advice for aspiring writers.