This Is The Author

S4 E67: In this episode meet John Hodgman, Cameron Douglas, and Guy Snodgrass. Go behind the mic with these authors as they talk about the experiences that inspired them to write and record their audiobooks. Plus find out which noises are "the bane of audiobook narration." Medallion Status by John Hodgman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/595005/medallion-status/ Long Way Home by Cameron Douglas: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565964/long-way-home/ Holding the Line by Guy M. Snodgrass: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/609833/holding-the-line/

S4 E64: In this episode, meet Yancey Strickler, Sasha Sagan, and Gary Ferguson. As Yancey notes in this interview, “the world of value is bigger than we think.” Go behind the mic with each one of these authors as they talk about variations on this idea as viewed through the lenses of business, philosophy, and engagement with the natural world. Plus, get new audiobook recommendations from these three voracious listeners! This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/591594/this-could-be-our-future/ For Small Creatures Such as We by Sasha Sagan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566611/for-small-creatures-such-as-we/ The Eight Master Lessons of Nature by Gary Ferguson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/575767/the-eight-master-lessons-of-nature/

S4 E65: In this episode, meet Adam Gidwitz, Adam Grant & Allison Sweet Grant, and John Cena. Discover the inspiration behind A Tale Dark and Grimm, listen to husband and wife writing team Adam and Allison discuss The Gift Inside the Box, and hear how John Cena applies “elbow grease” in his own life. Plus, learn the one question that may change dinnertime conversations with your kids forever. A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/306780/a-tale-dark-and-grimm/ The Gift Inside the Box by Adam Grant and Allison Sweet Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/610620/the-gift-inside-the-box/ Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla by John Cena: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/609295/elbow-grease-vs-motozilla/

S4 E63: THIS IS THE ILLUSTRATOR (special ep with Melissa Sweet). In this special episode of This Is the Author, we present: This Is the Illustrator! Meet artist Melissa Sweet, who illustrated the audiobook cover for the new production of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, narrated by Meryl Streep and a full cast. Learn what led Melissa to this project, and what it is about audiobooks that make the imagination run wild. After the interview, stick around to hear our new recording of Charlotte’s Web read by Meryl Streep and a full cast. Charlotte's Web by Melissa Sweet and E. B. White: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623904/charlottes-web/

S4 E62: In this episode meet Rachel Maddow, Deepak Chopra, and Ali Wong. These authors may all be household names but listening to them talk about their recording experiences feels like meeting them for the first time. Learn more about what inspired each of their books. Plus, find out why narrating an audiobook is like a trip to the gym! Blowout by Rachel Maddow: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576330/blowout/ Metahuman by Deepak Chopra, M.D. : https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/27415/metahuman/ Dear Girls by Ali Wong: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561707/dear-girls/

S4 E61: In this episode meet Jonathan Vaughters, Christopher McDougall, and Mira and Jayson Calton. Join these authors behind the mic as they share how physical activity has impacted various aspects of their lives. From professional cycling to burro racing to building bone health, these authors’ passions will inspire you to learn more about the mind-body connection. Plus, find out who compared narrating his audiobook to riding a roller coaster, and why! One-Way Ticket by Jonathan Vaughters: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602426/one-way-ticket/ Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/552855/running-with-sherman/ Rebuild Your Bones by Jayson Calton, PhD and Mira Calton, CN: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592293/rebuild-your-bones/

S4 E60: In this episode meet Eve Rodsky, J.J. Sutherland, and Latasha Morrison. These authors are pioneering new ways to think about equity, offering practical steps to help better achieve it in the division of labor in our homes, in the ways we operate at work, and in our steps toward racial reconciliation in everyday life. Hear what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. Plus, find out which of these authors narrated their entire audiobook standing up! Fair Play by Eve Rodsky: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/605905/fair-play/ The Scrum Fieldbook by J.J. Sutherland: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566254/the-scrum-fieldbook/ Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592177/be-the-bridge/

S4 E59: In this episode meet authors Ruta Sepetys, Carolina de Robertis, and Morgan Parker. Whether they’ve delved into hidden histories or explored the inner workings of the teenage psyche, these authors have written nuanced and moving novels that are meant to be heard on audio. Hear them describe the events that inspired their work. Plus, discover the identity of the “friend who got you when your other friends didn’t.” The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/311731/the-fountains-of-silence/ Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576271/cantoras/ Who Put This Song On? by Morgan Parker: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592224/who-put-this-song-on/

S4 E58: In this episode meet Nico Tortorella, author of SPACE BETWEEN; Akilah Hughes, author of OBVIOUSLY; and Cory Allen author of NOW IS THE WAY. Each of these young writers is using their creativity and talent to inspire others to grow—through art, introspection, and joyous expression. Hear them talk honestly about recording their audiobooks; plus, find out which of these authors has finally become their own “love bomb.” Space Between by Nico Tortorella: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/586542/space-between/ Obviously by Akilah Hughes: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/531147/obviously/ Now Is the Way by Cory Allen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588475/now-is-the-way/

In this episode, meet Jim Williams, author of PATH OF THE PUMA; Robert Pondiscio, author of HOW THE OTHER HALF LEARNS; and Rhonda Magee, author of THE INNER WORK OF RACIAL JUSTICE. What big cats can teach us about the environment. The lessons learned from years of teaching at a public school. The ways mindfulness in law school classrooms helps students talk about race. These are the passions of the authors, who are applying their professional experiences to further conversations around timely issues. Plus, find out which of these authors wore a very special good luck T-shirt into the recording booth. Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/624255/path-of-the-puma/ How The Other Half Learns by Robert Pondiscio: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/563406/how-the-other-half-learns/ The Inner Work of Racial Justice by Rhonda V. Magee: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565790/the-inner-work-of-racial-justice/

In this episode meet Dr. Lisa Sanders, author of DIAGNOSIS; Dr. David Fajgenbaum, author of CHASING MY CURE; and Dr. Elizabeth Stanley, author of WIDEN THE WINDOW. Each of these writers brings medical expertise and creative thinking to their profession in an effort to educate, illuminate, and bring hope and healing to people suffering with difficult symptoms and elusive diagnoses. Listen to them reflect on their recording experiences. Plus, find out which author thinks a certain famous TV doctor could be a natural at reading her audiobook. DIAGNOSIS by Lisa Sanders: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/622051/diagnosis/ CHASING MY CURE by David Fajgenbaum: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567298/chasing-my-cure/ WIDEN THE WINDOW by Elizabeth Stanley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553620/widen-the-window/

In this episode meet Sarah Hurwitz, author of HERE ALL ALONG; David Platt, author of SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE; and Melissa D’Arabian, author of TASTING GRACE. Go behind the mic with these authors as they share what inspired their often unexpected—and revelatory—spiritual journeys. Plus, discover the word one seasoned pro has been mispronouncing—albeit with considerable flair—for years. HERE ALL ALONG by Sarah Hurwitz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/572627/here-all-along/ SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE by David Platt: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565915/something-needs-to-change/ TASTING GRACE by Melissa D’Arabian: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/586104/tasting-grace/

In this episode meet Brad Smith, author of TOOLS AND WEAPONS; Jason Harris, author of THE SOULFUL ART OF PERSUASION; and Tricia Clarke-Stone and Antoinette M. Clarke, authors of DOUBLE DOWN. Hear from these exceptional trailblazers on the importance of both understanding the tools of our trades and emotionally connecting with the stories that we tell. And guess who channeled their grandmother and a special bedtime nursery rhyme during the recording! TOOLS AND WEAPONS by Brad Smith: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/604709/tools-and-weapons/ THE SOULFUL ART OF PERSUASION by Jason Harris: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/595283/the-soulful-art-of-persuasion/ DOUBLE DOWN by Antoinette M. Clarke & Tricia Clarke-Stone: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574557/double-down/

In this episode meet Padma Venkatraman, author of A TIME TO DANCE; Peter McGough, author of I'VE SEEN THE FUTURE AND I'M NOT GOING; and John Mauceri, author of FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC. A novel in verse about the power of dance. A memoir about life as an artist in 1980s New York City. An answer to the question, “why should we listen to classical music?” This week’s episode covers the many ways in which art affects our lives and the lives of those we encounter. Hear more about these authors’ behind-the-mic experiences, and find out who once listened to a famous epic fantasy series on audio as motivation to clean the house. A TIME TO DANCE by Padma Venkatraman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/309664/a-time-to-dance/ I'VE SEEN THE FUTURE AND I'M NOT GOING by Peter McGough: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561291/ive-seen-the-future-and-im-not-going/ FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC by John Mauceri: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564744/for-the-love-of-music/

In this special edition of our podcast This Is the Author, we’re celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month by asking celebrated children’s authors to share some of their favorite library memories. Listen to John Cena, Ann Bausum, Steve Sheinkin, and Adam Gidwitz share why libraries are so special to them, and why getting a library card is the first step to a lifetime of adventure!

In this special edition of our podcast This Is the Author, we’re celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month by asking authors to share some of their favorite library memories. Listen to Gretchen Rubin, Mira Jacob, Laura Lynne Jackson, Elissa Altman, Emily Nussbaum, Ocean Vuong, Geraldine Brooks, and Jane Green share why libraries are so special to them.

In this episode, meet Marie Forleo, author of EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE; Lee Hartley Carter, author of PERSUASION; and Jorjeana Marie, author of IMPROV FOR WRITERS. Whether it’s figuring out what stands between you and your dreams, crafting a persuasive message, or actualizing your artistic talents – each of these authors offer compelling insights and problem-solving tools that you can apply to both your personal and professional life. Find out what it was like for them to record their work, plus hear why for one of these authors, reading the “smack down” portion of her audiobook was especially fun. EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE by Marie Forleo: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567276/everything-is-figureoutable/ PERSUASION by Lee Hartley Carter: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576098/persuasion/ IMPROV FOR WRITERS by Jorjeana Marie: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/575394/improv-for-writers/

In this episode, meet Elissa Altman, author of MOTHERLAND; Olivia Gatwood, author of LIFE OF THE PARTY; and Caitlin Moscatello, author of SEE JANE WIN. Whether they explored the mother-daughter relationship and the complexities of caregiving, tackling phobias through poetry, or the political campaigns of four female first-time candidates, these authors have all written and narrated timely and personal stories that will immediately pull you in. Find out what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks, plus hear why one author likes to listen to audiobooks as she gets ready in the morning! MOTHERLAND by Elissa Altman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553946/motherland/ LIFE OF THE PARTY by Olivia Gatwood: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600047/life-of-the-party/ SEE JANE WIN by Caitlin Moscatello: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566480/see-jane-win/

In this episode meet Ibram X. Kendi, author of HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST; Maggie Paxson, author of THE PLATEAU; and Gretchen Rubin, author of FORTY WAYS TO LOOK AT WINSTON CHURCHILL. These authors have researched their subjects deeply, unearthing history and examining the stories of others. They’ve each found themselves personally moved by the power of history and how it is at work in all of our lives. Hear more about how recording these audiobooks affected them, and what “little” audiobook one of these authors returns to again and again. HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST by Ibram X. Kendi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564299/how-to-be-an-antiracist/ THE PLATEAU by Maggie Paxson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/318886/the-plateau/ FORTY WAYS TO LOOK AT WINSTON CHURCHILL by Gretchen Rubin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/158609/forty-ways-to-look-at-winston-churchill/

In this episode, meet Pablo Cartaya, author of EACH TINY SPARK; Ibi Zoboi, author of MY LIFE AS AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH; and Natasha Diaz, author of COLOR ME IN. Each author has written a nuanced coming-of-age novel for kids and teens, featuring young characters looking to find their place within their communities, their friendship circles, and even their own families—without losing what is unique about themselves. Plus, find out why one of these authors picked “Pew!” as the best word to describe the experience of recording her audiobook. EACH TINY SPARK by Pablo Cartaya: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/570364/each-tiny-spark/ MY LIFE AS AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH by Ibi Zoboi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/538516/my-life-as-an-ice-cream-sandwich/ COLOR ME IN by Natasha Diaz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565269/color-me-in/