This Is The Author

In this episode, meet award-winning journalists Amy Larocca, Karen Hao, and Amanda Hess. Each of these seasoned reporters have taken deep dives into major new developments in the worlds of culture and technology, and their audiobooks are nothing short of illuminating. Hear Amy Larocca on how the wellness trend has eclipsed fashion as the “it” commodity, Karen Hao on what’s missing from the public discussion of AI, and Amanda Hess on having a child in the digital age, and what was most “confrontational” about recording her audiobook. How to Be Well by Amy Larocca https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/599403/how-to-be-well-by-amy-larocca/9798217013388/ Empire of AI by Karen Hao https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743569/empire-of-ai-by-karen-hao/9798217072453/ Second Life by Amanda Hess https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721361/second-life-by-amanda-hess/9798217066155/

In this episode, meet self-described “bible nerd” Manny Arango, clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Anhalt, and retired four-star United States Army general General Stanley McChrystal. Hear Manny Arango on addressing modern anxieties through bible study, Dr. Emily Anhalt on what it means to do “emotional push-ups,” and General Stanley McChrystal on how recording his audiobook spurred new reflections on the writing process. Crushing Chaos by Manny Arango https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760932/crushing-chaos-by-manny-arango/9780593950357/ Flex Your Feelings by Dr. Emily Anhalt https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743602/flex-your-feelings-by-dr-emily-anhalt/9798217019496/ On Character by General Stanley McChrystal https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/767689/on-character-by-general-stanley-mcchrystal/9798217080403/

In this episode, meet journalist Carla Sosenko, fashion designer Prabal Gurung, and professional climber Sonnie Trotter. Press play to hear Carla Sosenko on her “out of body” experience in the recording studio, Prabal Gurung on the freedom he hopes listeners find in his audiobook, and Sonnie Trotter on the chapter of his book he enjoyed narrating the most. I'll Look So Hot in a Coffin by Carla Sosenko https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720681/ill-look-so-hot-in-a-coffin-by-carla-sosenko/9798217065912/ Walk Like a Girl by Prabal Gurung https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712968/walk-like-a-girl-by-prabal-gurung/9780593912362/ Uplifted by Sonnie Trotter https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774478/uplifted-by-sonnie-trotter/

In this episode, meet children’s author Antwan Eady, teacher and advocate Chasten Buttigieg, and New York Times Magazine staff writer Susan Dominus. Tune in to hear what Antwan Eady wishes he had in the recording studio with him, what Chasten Buttigieg’s favorite section of his book to read (and write) was, and who Susan Dominus would cast to narrate her audiobook if she didn’t read it herself. The Gathering Table by Antwan Eady: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/692628/the-gathering-table-by-antwan-eady-illustrated-by-london-ladd/audio Papa's Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763440/papas-coming-home-by-chasten-buttigieg-illustrated-by-dan-taylor/audio The Family Dynamic by Susan Dominus: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/624531/the-family-dynamic-by-susan-dominus/audio/

In this episode, meet comedian and podcast host Zarna Garg, journalist and public speaker Susannah Cahalan, and poet, performer, and educator Sarah Kay. Hear the hilarious Zarna Garg describe her experiences in the recording booth, Susannah Cahalan on what inspired her to write about the life of unsung counterculture icon Rosemary Woodruff Leary, and Sarah Kay on what she’s most excited for listeners to hear. This American Woman by Zarna Garg https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773166/this-american-woman-by-zarna-garg/9798217082490/ The Acid Queen by Susannah Cahalan https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697209/the-acid-queen-by-susannah-cahalan/9798217013104/ A Little Daylight Left by Sarah Kay https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762977/a-little-daylight-left-by-sarah-kay/9798217065417/

In this episode, meet professional photographer and book editor Eamon Dolan, creator of the Brave Writer Program Julie Bogart, and cognitive psychologist and podcast host Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD. Hear Eamon Dolan on writing the book about estrangement he had always hoped to read, Julie Bogart on the importance of overcoming our own hangups when teaching writing to our kids, and Scott Barry Kaufman on the one word he would use to describe the process of recording his audiobook. The Power of Parting by Eamon Dolan: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/733809/the-power-of-parting-by-eamon-dolan/audio/ Help! My Kid Hates Writing by Julie Bogart: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729795/help-my-kid-hates-writing-by-julie-bogart/audio/ Rise Above by Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737413/rise-above-by-scott-barry-kaufman-phd/audio/

In this episode, meet climate justice organizer Mikaela Loach, personal injury attorney and public speaker Jefferson Fisher, and multidisciplinary creative and activist Sandy Hudson. Hear Mikaela Loach on the mingling of heartbreak and hope when it comes to addressing the Climate Crisis, Jefferson Fisher on how his courtroom experiences have informed his communication philosophy, and Sandy Hudson on finding inspiration through the work of police reform activists. Climate Is Just the Start by Mikaela Loach https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/752314/climate-is-just-the-start-by-mikaela-loach/9798217015740/ The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/750014/the-next-conversation-by-jefferson-fisher/9780593718728/ Defund by Sandy Hudson https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/727367/defund-by-sandy-hudson/9798217013180/

In this episode, meet G9 Ventures founder Amy Griffin, disability advocate and eating disorder recovery coach Jayne Mattingly, and advocate on sexual violence prevention and trauma recovery Brittany Piper. Hear Amy Griffin on the word she found particularly hard to pronounce, Jayne Mattingly on her personal journey with body grief and how she used that term to help others, and why Brittany Piper calls her time in the recording booth “therapeutic.” The Tell by Amy Griffin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743950/the-tell-oprahs-book-club-by-amy-griffin/audio/ This Is Body Grief by Jayne Mattingly: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/740125/this-is-body-grief-by-jayne-mattingly/audio Body-First Healing by Brittany Piper: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/748686/body-first-healing-by-brittany-piper/audio

In this episode, meet neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs Anne-Laure Le Cunff, TechEquity CEO and community organizer Catherine Bracy, and author and creative guide Amie McNee. Hear Anne-Laure Le Cunff share the section of her audiobook she most enjoyed recording, Catherine Bracy reflect on what surprised her most about being in the studio, and Amie McNee on what inspired her to write We Need Your Art. Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737291/tiny-experiments-by-anne-laure-le-cunff/9798217011834/ World Eaters by Catherine Bracy https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723091/world-eaters-by-catherine-bracy/9798217016600/ We Need Your Art by Amie McNee https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761126/we-need-your-art-by-amie-mcnee/9798217066490/

In this episode, meet author and poet-storyteller Kaitlin B. Curtice, Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson, and author and singer-songwriter Hayley Chewins. Hear Kaitlin B. Curtice on writing children’s books that celebrate our sacred relationship to the earth from an Indigenous perspective, James Robinson on the cathartic experience of reading his life story aloud, and Hayley Chewins on the complications of magic in her characters’ lives. Spring's Miracles by Kaitlin B. Curtice: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706794/springs-miracles-by-kaitlin-b-curtice-illustrated-by-gloria-felix/audio Whale Eyes by James Robinson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716022/whale-eyes-by-james-robinson-illustrated-by-brian-rea/audio/ I Am the Swarm by Hayley Chewins: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729077/i-am-the-swarm-by-hayley-chewins/audio/

In this episode, meet Brown University professor and chair of African Studies Noliwe Rooks, NYU Grossman School of Medicine professor of pediatrics and microbiology Dr. Adam Ratner, and former White House correspondent and Johns Hopkins University professor of environmental science and policy Daniel Stone. Hear Noliwe Rooks on the school experiences that inspired her book, Adam Ratner on the impact of vaccines on pediatrics and infectious illnesses, and Daniel Stone on the all-consuming process of recording an audiobook. Integrated by Noliwe Rooks https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721962/integrated-by-noliwe-rooks/9798217018710/ Booster Shots by Dr. Adam Ratner https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670274/booster-shots-by-adam-ratner-md-mph/9798217011797/ American Poison by Daniel Stone https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724815/american-poison-by-daniel-stone/9780593951965/

In this episode, meet C-suite leader Laysha Ward, entrepreneur and podcast host Grant Sabatier, and career coach and Hunter College professor of human behavior Melody Wilding. Hear Laysha Ward on breaking the wall between work and life, Grant Sabatier on the accessibility of entrepreneurship, and Melody Wilding on the invisible dynamics at play in a workplace. Enjoy! Lead Like You Mean It by Laysha Ward: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722216/lead-like-you-mean-it-by-laysha-ward/audio Inner Entrepreneur by Grant Sabatier: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723308/inner-entrepreneur-by-grant-sabatier/audio Managing Up by Melody Wilding: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721785/managing-up-by-melody-wilding/audio/

In this episode, meet writer and minister Lydia Sohn, vicar and co-host of the And Also with You podcast, Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail, and comedian and actress Pretty Vee. Hear Lydia Sohn on the power of taking a “vow of stability,” Lizzie McManus-Dail on the gap between the God she knew, and the God being advertised on billboards and TV, and Pretty Vee on the inspirational process of recording her audiobook. Here by Lydia Sohn https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736307/here-by-lydia-sohn/9780593912997/ God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us by Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/9798217021451/ The Pretty Victory by Pretty Vee https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/753293/the-pretty-victory-by-pretty-vee/9798217073993/

In this episode, meet television writer and co-host of the Keep It podcast Ira Madison III, writer Allison Sweet Grant, and writer and editor Haley Mlotek. Hear Ira Madison on how he used the Wicked soundtrack to prepare for recording his audiobook, Allison Sweet Grant on the joys of reading poetry during the recording process, and Haley Mlotek on how the experience of divorce in her family inspired her new book, and what surprised her most about recording the audiobook. Pure Innocent Fun by Ira Madison, III: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706915/pure-innocent-fun-by-ira-madison-iii/audio/ I Am the Cage by Allison Sweet Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717016/i-am-the-cage-by-allison-sweet-grant/audio/ No Fault by Haley Mlotek: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612168/no-fault-by-haley-mlotek/audio

In this episode of This Is the Author, meet marriage and family therapist Bryana Kappadakunnel, health and fitness coach Lisa Dee, and entrepreneur and content creator Sahil Bloom. Hear Bryana Kappadakunnel on the power of parenting yourself as an adult, Lisa Dee on physical and mental transformation post-ADHD diagnosis, and Sahil Bloom on the “grind” of recording an audiobook. Parent Yourself First by Bryana Kappadakunnel https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/741006/parent-yourself-first-by-bryana-kappadakunnel/9780593912249/ Healthy Happy ADHD by Lisa Dee https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744057/healthy-happy-adhd-by-lisa-dee/9780593950258/ The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/731381/the-5-types-of-wealth-by-sahil-bloom/9780593949825/

In this episode of This Is the Author, meet poet Mia S. Willis, bestselling author Lidia Yuknavitch, and award-winning journalist Bonny Reichert. Hear Mia S. Willis on the spaces that language can – and cannot - traverse, Lidia Yuknavitch on the wetsuit that inspired a memoir, and Bonny Reichert on the one powerful word she would use to describe what it was like to record her audiobook. the space between men by Mia S. Willis: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738584/the-space-between-men-by-mia-s-willis/audio Reading the Waves by Lidia Yuknavitch: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726930/reading-the-waves-by-lidia-yuknavitch/audio How to Share an Egg by Bonny Reichert: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717585/how-to-share-an-egg-by-bonny-reichert/audio

In this episode of This Is the Author, meet Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Naomi Watts, former Capitol Hill press secretary and White House speechwriter Tom Rosshirt, and psychotherapist and podcaster Nicole J. Sachs. Hear Naomi Watts on confronting her “worst nightmare” in the recording booth, Tom Rosshirt on the deeply personal experience of narration, and Nicole Sachs on the key difference between recording a podcast and recording an audiobook. DARE I SAY It by Naomi Watts https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746824/dare-i-say-it-by-naomi-watts/9780593508459/ Chasing Peace by Tom Rosshirt https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720002/chasing-peace-by-tom-rosshirt/9780593789742/ Mind Your Body by Nicole J. Sachs https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744988/mind-your-body-by-nicole-j-sachs-lcsw-foreword-by-john-stracks-md/9798217011872/

In this episode, meet Mother Untitled founder Neha Ruch, Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks, and therapist and founder of Black and Embodied Counseling and Consulting Alishia McCullough. Listen to Neha Ruch on opening more choices for women in their careers, Alison Wood Brooks on obsessing about the art of conversation, and Alishia McCullough on the power of representation in building a sense of legacy and in embodying the self. The Power Pause by Neha Ruch: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/739585/the-power-pause-by-neha-ruch/audio/ Talk by Alison Wood Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708473/talk-by-alison-wood-brooks/audio Reclaiming the Black Body by Alishia McCullough: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/713617/reclaiming-the-black-body-by-alishia-mccullough-lcmhc/audio

In this episode, meet writer and professor Irvin Weathersby Jr., professor and theorist Tao Leigh Goffe, and journalist Adam Chandler. Hear Irvin Weathersby Jr. discuss emotionally charged moments in the recording studio, Tao Leigh Goffe on the catharsis of recording a book about race and the climate crisis, and Adam Chandler on the role work plays in a sense of American citizenship. In Open Contempt by Irvin Weathersby Jr. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673664/in-open-contempt-by-irvin-weathersby-jr/9780593944158/ Dark Laboratory by Tao Leigh Goffe https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/725301/dark-laboratory-by-tao-leigh-goffe/9780593914625/ 99% Perspiration by Adam Chandler https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723824/99-perspiration-by-adam-chandler/9780593913192/

In this episode, meet children’s and young adult author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, young adult author and playwright Joy McCullough, and former child actor Adam Ross. Listen in as these authors talk about 1960s Beatlemania, how a theater career can inspire a novel, and the Neverland-like sense of freedom that came with being a kid in New York City in the 1970s and ‘80s. Plus, learn what each of these authors is most excited for listeners to hear. Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746520/radiant-by-vaunda-micheaux-nelson/audio Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746825/everything-is-poison-by-joy-mccullough/audio Playworld by Adam Ross: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/231601/playworld-by-adam-ross/audio