Dr. Uma Naidoo, CALM YOUR MIND WITH FOOD: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety
Zibby speaks to bestselling author, nutritional psychiatrist, and repeat MDHTTRB guest Uma Naidoo, MD, about CALM YOUR MIND WITH FOOD, a groundbreaking guide that draws on the latest science on the connection between diet and anxiety and shows us how to effectively use nutrition as essential tools for calming the mind. Dr. Naidoo shares her personal experience using food to manage anxiety (particularly as she overcame cancer and dealt with the unexpected success of her first book during the pandemic) and then provides practical tips, such as mindful practices, a glass of water in the morning, gradual diet changes, and outdoor time for anxiety relief.
Nita Prose, THE MYSTERY GUEST: A Maid Novel
Zibby speaks to #1 New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose about THE MYSTERY GUEST, a delightful whodunit and pointed social commentary that follows Molly, an unfailingly honest and oddly lovable professional maid, as she tries to solve a murder… Nita reveals it was never her intention to turn her immensely popular debut novel, THE MAID, into a series… but then something odd sparked her imagination (it involves a mummified rat and a silver spoon). Nita also discusses the challenges of invisible workers, her research into hotel life, her love of salsa dancing, her background as an editor, and potential future novels in the Maid series.
Nancy Jooyoun Kim, WHAT WE KEPT TO OURSELVES
Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Jooyoun Kim to discuss WHAT WE KEPT TO OURSELVES, an intricately crafted mystery and heart-wrenching family saga about a Korean American family in Los Angeles, their missing mother, and the dead stranger that appears in their backyard. Nancy discusses the themes of motherhood, immigration, grief, the challenge of communication between generations, and what it means to disappear, all of which tie to her novel and her real life. She also describes her path to storytelling and gives us a glimpse into the book she is working on now!
Sonali Dev, LIES AND OTHER LOVE LANGUAGES
Zibby interviews bestselling author Sonali Dev about LIES AND OTHER LOVE LANGUAGES, a tender and compelling novel about three women navigating families, friends, careers, and the web of secrets that ties them together. The story is set against the backdrop of a surrogacy arrangement and delves into themes of motherhood, fear, loss, and the impact of DNA testing on relationships. Sonali discusses the diverse voices and perspectives of her characters, her writing process, her travel experiences, and her love for cooking. She also shares her excitement about her upcoming book, which centers around a woman's journey of self-discovery after finding a lost ring.
Kristen McGuiness, LIVE THROUGH THIS
Zibby interviews book publisher and bestselling author Kristen McGuiness about LIVE THROUGH THIS, a modern-day western about a mass shooting and a woman who must face her complicated grief in order to avenge her husband's death. The story is inspired by McGuiness' connection to gun violence and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. It explores themes of trauma, love, marriage, motherhood, and female friendship, aiming to emotionally galvanize readers against gun violence in America. McGuiness also discusses her career trajectory, including working in traditional book publishing, ghostwriting, and eventually starting her own independent publishing house, Rise Books.
Jacquelyn Mitchard, A VERY INCONVENIENT SCANDAL
Zibby interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard, A VERY INCONVENIENT SCANDAL, a page-turning family drama about a young woman who returns home to announce her pregnancy and marriage, only to discover her widowed father is marrying her best friend. The story was partly inspired by Mitchard's own experience; her widowed father introduced her to his new partner, who turned out to be a high school acquaintance. Mitchard discusses complex family dynamics, the importance of empathy in navigating familial changes, and the differences in how men and women perceive and handle such situations differently. Mitchard also shares insights into her writing process, advising aspiring authors to be patient with their stories and stressing the importance of reading for writers.
Caitlin Moran, WHAT ABOUT MEN?: A Feminist Answers the Question
Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Moran about her thoughtful and provocative new book, WHAT ABOUT MEN: A FEMINIST ANSWERS THE QUESTION. Caitlin shares her insights on modern masculinity. The discussion delves into how young men often feel overlooked and the impact of influencers who promote outdated, misogynistic views. Ultimately, Caitlin emphasizes the need for more positive, progressive conversations about masculinity. The episode also touches on Caitlin's personal experiences, her thoughts on reading and writing, and her upcoming projects, including a humorous sci-fi novel. This podcast episode is ideal for listeners interested in gender dynamics, feminism, the creative process of writing, and fans of Caitlin Moran's work.
Mitch Albom, THE LITTLE LIAR
Zibby interviews beloved New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom about his latest novel, THE LITTLE LIAR. Set in a coastal Greek city during the Holocaust, the book centers on Nico, an honest boy forced by Nazis to deceive Jews about their fate. The narrative spans decades, intertwining the lives of Nico, his brother, a girl named Fannie, and a Nazi officer, exploring themes of honesty, survival, revenge, and devotion. Mitch Albom discusses the historical context of the novel and his emotional writing process, emphasizing the story’s relevance to today's era of subjective truths. This episode is great for those interested in historical fiction, the complexities of human nature, and the moral dilemmas faced during wartime.
Danny Pellegrino, THE JOLLIEST BUNCH: Unhinged Holiday Stories
In this special podcast episode presented by Nordstrom, Zibby speaks with Danny Pellegrino about his hilarious collection of essays, THE JOLLIEST BUNCH: UNHINGED HOLIDAY STORIES. Danny explains that the book, inspired by his own family, is a humorous yet heartfelt look at the chaos and emotions surrounding the holiday season. It includes anecdotes (like a hectic cross-country road trip) and the familiar stress of holiday hosting. The book aims to capture both the joy and the pressure of holiday traditions. Danny also discusses his career as a podcaster, his passion for cooking, and his desire to write a children's book about rodents. He concludes by offering advice to aspiring authors, stressing the importance of authenticity and writing from the heart.
Ann Napolitano, HELLO BEAUTIFUL
In this special episode (a live event for the Streicker Center!), Zibby speaks to New York Times bestselling author Ann Napolitano about HELLO BEAUTIFUL, a big, emotional, heartwrenching family drama. Ann delves into the emotional and creative journey of writing this book, revealing the depths of her immersion in the narrative and her subsequent feelings of loss upon completion. She touches on her writing process, including the balance between lyrical and analytical thinking, and the influence of her own life experiences on her characters. The conversation also explores the impact of her book's selection for @oprahsbookclub on her life and the broader implications of her work. Audience questions bring to light Ann's approach to character perspectives, her literary influences, and her reading recommendations, culminating in a rich dialogue about the nuances of storytelling and the personal connections writers forge with their creations.
Rochelle B. Weinstein, WHAT YOU DO TO ME
Guest host Julie Chavez interviews author Rochelle B. Weinstein about her seventh book, WHAT YOU DO TO ME, which features a dual timeline and explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the impact of parental choices. Rochelle discusses her process of weaving music into her storytelling, revealing how she secured lyric approval from Tom Higgenson of Plain White T's for the book. The conversation delves into the challenges and joys of writing, the importance of music in storytelling, and the emotional connection songs create. Rochelle also reflects on her background in the music industry and its influence on her writing. The episode highlights the depth and complexity of character development, the balance of presenting relatable, flawed characters, and the author's desire to provide readers with a fun, nostalgic experience.
Karma Brown, WHAT WILD WOMEN DO
Zibby interviews bestselling author Karma Brown about WHAT WILD WOMEN DO, a dual-timeline story revolving around a modern-day screenwriter and a 1970s socialite-turned-feminist. The novel explores female ambition, social media dynamics, and the complexities of personal relationships. Brown discusses her own experiences with aging, social media, and writing, highlighting the importance of being present in one's life. She also talks about the therapeutic aspect of writing and the importance of being true to oneself in creative endeavors.
Jean Kwok, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN
Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok about her evocative new novel, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN. Jean shares her gratitude for Zibby's influence in the publishing world and delves into the novel's plot, which revolves around two mothers connected by China's One Child Policy. The episode explores themes of maternal love, sacrifice, and the complexities of adoption. Jean discusses her writing process, including how personal experiences and research influenced the characters, and also touches on her upcoming projects and offers advice for aspiring authors. The conversation highlights Jean's journey from a traditional Chinese upbringing to studying at Harvard, underscoring themes of resilience and determination that permeate her work.
Jessica Knoll, BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN
Zibby interviews Jessica Knoll about BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN, the utterly absorbing, blisteringly paced, instant New York Times bestseller about two women who are brought together by violent acts of the same man and become allies as they pursue justice. Jessica shares her research process, which involved delving into the 1970s era through magazines, touches on the importance of victim's rights, and describes the evolution and the challenges of her writing process. The conversation reveals the meticulous process behind novel writing and offers a glimpse into how real-world issues can be woven into fictional narratives.
Alexandra Potter, CONFESSIONS OF A FORTY-SOMETHING F**K UP
Zibby interviews bestselling author Alexandra Potter about CONFESSIONS OF A FORTY-SOMETHING F**K UP, a hilarious and heartwarming novel about the highs and lows of having to start over in your forties. Through heartfelt anecdotes, the two discuss midlife challenges, societal expectations, and the role of humor and camaraderie in confronting life's uncertainties.
Lucy Clarke, THE HIKE
Guest host Julie Chavez interviews bestselling author Lucy Clarke about THE HIKE, a propulsive thriller about four women who venture into the Norwegian wilderness – but not all of them will return. Lucy shares the inspiration behind her novels (it involves her love of travel and the outdoors) and the importance of stronger character development in thrillers. She also discusses the TV series adaptations of her novels, and how much she enjoys being part of the creative process and seeing her imagination come to life on set. Finally, Lucy reveals that she appreciates feedback from readers, especially when they highlight specific lines or characters that resonate with them.
Chandler Baker, CUTTING TEETH
New York Times bestselling author Chandler Baker discusses her witty, thrilling, darkly comedic new novel CUTTING TEETH, which was inspired partly by her son's phase as the "class biter." Chandler opens up about her experiences juggling writing and motherhood. Amidst laughter and introspection, Chandler and our guest host Julie Chavez explore the organic, sometimes chaotic, nature of writing and parenting, highlighting the importance of embracing the journey with humor and empathy.
Tessa Hadley, AFTER THE FUNERAL AND OTHER STORIES
In this episode, Zibby and Tessa explore the intricate art of writing and the transformative power of literature. Using Tessa's new collection, After the Funeral, as a backdrop, the discussion dives deep into character creation and how to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives. Tessa also highlights the challenges writers face, emphasizing the balance between self-criticism and self-belief. For those enthralled by the realm of literature and the magic of storytelling, this episode promises profound insights.
Angie Kim, HAPPINESS FALLS
Zibby sits down with acclaimed author Angie Kim to discuss her latest sensation, Happiness Falls. Angie reveals the inspiration behind her riveting tale, touching on her personal experiences as an immigrant. She highlights her involvement with I-ASC, an organization that aids nonspeaking individuals. She also recalls her personal journey into fiction writing, providing invaluable advice for aspiring authors. Her insights into character development and the power of authentic storytelling offer a refreshing perspective.
Tara Conklin, COMMUNITY BOARD
Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author Tara Conklin to discuss Community Board, a bittersweet, laugh-out-loud novel about a brokenhearted woman who goes back home to be cared for by her parents…only to find that they’re gone and she’ll have to lean on her community instead. Tara reveals that writing this novel was her quarantine escape, which explains the themes of isolation, fear, and social anxiety. She also talks about her unhealthy obsession with the Nextdoor app (and how that manifests in the novel), the next book she’s working on, and what her life is like beyond all the writing!