This Is The Author

S5 E15 - Welcome to another episode of This is the Author in Conversation, a more intimate behind the mic chat with our authors in the audiobooks studio. Today you’ll meet beloved, award-winning author George Saunders, and Sr. Executive Producer at Penguin Random House Audio, Kelly Gildea, who also produced and directed George’s many audiobook productions. Recording an audiobook can be a singular creative experience for an author---and equally so for their listeners and fans. What’s perhaps even more unique is when writers have the opportunity to narrate multiple titles from their own backlist---books that have been previously published that are coming afresh to audio. Listen in as George & Kelly discuss their longtime collaborations, the difference between a really good director and the alternative, and the temptations to edit one’s own work from the audio studio. And of course, the epic recording that was Lincoln In the Bardo. Plus, hear how George has integrated his own original music in ways even he d

S5 E16: In this episode, meet Mara Hvistendahl, Robert Reich, and Charlotte Alter. These authors are each deeply knowledgeable about the urgent economic and political landscapes that are affecting our everyday lives. Listen to their fascinating behind-the-mic insights and hear what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. The Scientist and the Spy by Mara Hvistendahl: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549962/the-scientist-and-the-spy/ The System by Robert B. Reich: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/634493/the-system/ The Ones We've Been Waiting For by Charlotte Alter: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/598359/the-ones-weve-been-waiting-for/

S5 E17: In this episode, meet Jim McKelvey, Hope Jahren, and Courtney Carver. Step into the audio studio with these authors as they talk about both innovation and how we can all do more with less, and what it means to incorporate that new thinking into our daily lives. The Innovation Stack by Jim McKelvey: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/617493/the-innovation-stack/ The Story of More by Hope Jahren: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/575671/the-story-of-more/ Project 333 by Courtney Carver: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/603768/project-333/

S5 E14: In this episode, meet Rebecca Solnit, Celeste Headlee, and Sarah Ramey. These authors have written and narrated audiobooks about what it takes to come up against entrenched systems and create the space needed to live the fullest life possible. Go behind the mic and hear what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. Plus, find out who was told that she pronounces some words “like an opera singer.” Recollections of My Nonexistence by Rebecca Solnit: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607056/recollections-of-my-nonexistence/ Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee:https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/603998/do-nothing/ The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness by Sarah Ramey: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/207159/the-ladys-handbook-for-her-mysterious-illness/

S5 E13: In this episode, meet Phil Stamper, Ariana Margulis, and Jessica Lanyadoo. Go behind the mic with these authors as they talk about love: first love, misguided love, true love, and even love from an astrological point of view. Plus, find out whose dream audiobook narrator is a toss-up between Bart Simpson and…Scarlett Johansson. The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623945/the-gravity-of-us/ But Like Maybe Don't? by Arianna Margulis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/622023/but-like-maybe-dont/ Astrology for Real Relationships by Jessica Lanyadoo and T. Greenaway: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/603459/astrology-for-real-relationships/

S5 E12: In this episode, meet co-authors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, Emily Balcetis, and Janice Kaplan. When making a change, sometimes it’s the little things that matter, sometimes it’s the big ones. Step into the recording studio and hear what motivated each of these authors to write and record their audiobooks. Designing Your Work Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592536/designing-your-work-life/ Clearer, Closer, Better by Emily Balcetis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557217/clearer-closer-better/ The Genius of Women by Janice Kaplan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/598507/the-genius-of-women/

S5 E11: In this episode meet Eilene Zimmerman, Conor Dougherty, and Sierra Crane Murdoch. Go behind the mic with these authors and hear what it was like for them to bring their intensely researched, timely, and thought-provoking works to their audiobooks. Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574587/smacked/ Golden Gates by Conor Dougherty: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/585765/golden-gates/ Yellow Bird by Sierra Crane Murdoch: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/545014/yellow-bird/

S5 E10: Welcome to another episode of This Is the Author - In Conversation, a more intimate behind the mic chat with our authors in the audiobook studio. Today you’ll meet author Lance Rubin and narrator Katie Schorr. This husband and wife team collaborated in more ways than one to bring the humor and heartbreak of CRYING LAUGHING to life. The main character of Winnie is actually inspired by Katie – who shares why she wishes she was actually more like this young protagonist when she was growing up. Booklist says: “This book is for anyone who’s ever attended high school, had a crush, gotten news they weren’t prepared to deal with, or learned that someone close to them isn’t quite who they thought they were—in short, for everyone." Listen in as Lance and Katie discuss the surprising superhero-related evolution of CRYING LAUGHING, their favorite parts of the audiobook experience, and which celebrity Lance would love to narrate his next book. Enjoy! Crying Laughing by Lance Rubin and read by Kate Schorr: https

S5 E9: In this episode, meet Wendelin Van Draanen, Kristina Kuzmic, and Tara Schuster. Each of these authors has written a memoir full of insight, humor, and warmth. Now it’s time to go behind the mic and hear the unvarnished truth about what it was like for them to record their own work. Plus, find out who likes to listen to audiobooks while cooking a famously epic rice dish. Hope in the Mail by Wendelin Van Draanen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606418/hope-in-the-mail/ Hold On, But Don't Hold Still by Kristina Kuzmic: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600077/hold-on-but-dont-hold-still/ Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565945/buy-yourself-the-fcking-lilies/

S5 E8: In this episode, meet Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Beth Newell and Jackie Ann Ruiz, and Dr. Cara Natterson. These authors have written illuminating parenting books that will change the way you think about raising children – and actually decrease your stress about it at the same time. Go behind the mic and find out what inspired them to write and read their audiobooks. The Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/562899/the-power-of-showing-up/ There's No Manual by Beth Newell and Jackie Ann Ruiz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565832/theres-no-manual/ Decoding Boys by Cara Natterson, M.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600223/decoding-boys/

S5 E6: In this episode, meet Steve Inskeep, Kate Winkler Dawson, and William Wheeler. Go behind the mic with these experienced documentarians and hear what it was like to record their audiobooks. Plus, find out who has learned a lot about story structure from listening to children’s audiobooks in the car. Imperfect Union by Steve Inskeep: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/555136/imperfect-union/ American Sherlock by Kate Winkler Dawson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602318/american-sherlock/ State of War by William Wheeler: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624614/state-of-war/

S5 E5: In this episode, meet authors David Levithan, R. Eric Thomas, and John Kenney, and get ready to laugh as you hear each of these witty writers describe what it was like to narrate their own audiobooks. Plus, find out who listens to audiobooks right before bed, who mispronounced the word “mistake” and had to do re-takes, and who can’t seem to find his clothes right now. 19 Love Songs by David Levithan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600199/19-love-songs/ Here for It by R. Eric Thomas: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588517/here-for-it/ Love Poems for Married People by John Kenney: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/603885/love-poems-for-married-people/

S5 E5: In this episode meet authors Jennie Allen, Robin Meyers, and Dr. Lee Warren. These authors have written poignant books about faith and life; now hear what it was like for them to share their journeys from the recording studio. Plus, find out one author’s secret recipe for a great story. Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/540868/get-out-of-your-head/ Saving God from Religion by Robin R. Meyers: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/595102/saving-god-from-religion/ I've Seen the End of You by W. Lee Warren, M.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600494/ive-seen-the-end-of-you/

S5 E4: In this episode meet Holly Whitaker, Romi Neustadt, and Laura Huang. Go behind the mic with these authors and hear what it was like to record their audiobooks—and what they discovered in the process! Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/605025/quit-like-a-woman/ You Can Have It All, Just Not at the Same Damn Time by Romi Neustadt: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/611452/you-can-have-it-all-just-not-at-the-same-damn-time/ Edge by Laura Huang: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600457/edge/

S5 E3: In this episode, meet Wayne Baker, Robin Dreeke, and Rick Wilson. Go behind the mic with these experts in human behavior and hear what it was like to record their audiobooks. Plus, find out who listens to audiobooks while riding a tractor! All You Have to Do Is Ask by Wayne Baker: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607570/all-you-have-to-do-is-ask/ Sizing People Up by Robin Dreeke: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600291/sizing-people-up/ Running Against the Devil by Rick Wilson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623822/running-against-the-devil/

S5 E2: Welcome to our first episode of This is the Author in Conversation, a more intimate behind the mic chat with our authors in the audiobook studio. This is Jennifer Rubins from Penguin Random House Audio and I’m thrilled to invite you into my conversation with Rachel Friedman, the author of AND THEN WE GREW UP: On Creativity, Potential, and the Imperfect Art of Adulthood. Publishers Weekly named it a Best Book of 2019 and in a starred review said “Anyone who’s ever looked back longingly at an old passion and wondered what might have been will find an empathetic friend in Friedman.” I actually had the honor of narrating the audiobook, so listen in as Rachel and I discuss her book, our own creative paths, parenthood, and of course, why we love audiobooks. And Then We Grew Up by Rachel Friedman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558563/and-then-we-grew-up/

S5 E1: In this episode, meet Adam Davidson, co-authors David Meerman Scott and Reiko Scott, and Jordan Raynor. Step into the audio booth with these authors and hear their unique perspectives on the economy, innovation, and work. Plus, find out who has attended 75 Grateful Dead concerts! The Passion Economy by Adam Davidson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/239718/the-passion-economy/ Fanocracy by David Meerman Scott and Reiko Scott: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608545/fanocracy/ Master of One by Jordan Raynor: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/603787/master-of-one/

S4 E70: In this episode meet Kelly McGonigal, John Mark Comer, and model and dietitian Maye Musk. Join each of these authors behind the mic as they talk about writing and narrating their audiobook, and hear what they are most excited to share with listeners. Plus, find out which of these authors “decorated” the studio while recording—and with what! The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564895/the-joy-of-movement/ The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600096/the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry/ A Woman Makes a Plan by Maye Musk by https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607734/a-woman-makes-a-plan/

S4 E69: In this episode meet Kenneth Paul Rosenberg, Buster Benson, and Jeff Lindsay. Step into the studio with these careful observers of human nature, and learn what inspired them to write and narrate their audiobooks. Plus, find out whose background in performance helped him polish his narrator chops! Bedlam by Kenneth Paul Rosenberg: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602602/bedlam/ Why Are We Yelling? by Buster Benson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/598274/why-are-we-yelling/ Just Watch Me by Jeff Lindsay: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/589677/just-watch-me/

S4 E68: In this episode, meet journalist Timothy Egan, author of A Pilgrimage to Eternity, and Clark Strand and Perdita Finn, co-authors of The Way of the Rose. Go behind the mic with these authors and hear more about the spiritual paths that inspired their audiobooks. Plus, discover the pronunciations that tripped up even these careful wordsmiths! A Pilgrimage to Eternity by Timothy Egan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558305/a-pilgrimage-to-eternity/ The Way of the Rose by Clark Strand and Perdita Finn: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/532917/the-way-of-the-rose/