This Is The Author

S4 E06: In this episode, meet bestselling author Jill Santopolo, inspirational speaker and CEO of Creative Trespassing Tania Katan, and founder of Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani. Hear why recording an audiobook is just plain FUN – despite it being hard – and why one author needed permission to have fun recording it. These authors’ audiobooks will encourage listeners to look at things in a new light, empower themselves and be brave. And, guess which author’s dream narrator would be Kermit the Frog. Enjoy! More Than Words by Jill Santopolo: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557947/more-than-words/ Creative Trespassing by Tania Katan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566682/creative-trespassing/ Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/561367/brave-not-perfect/

S4 E05: In this episode, meet Jill Schlesinger, business analyst for CBS News; Cynthia Johnson, an entrepreneur, marketer, and speaker; and Liz Fosslien, an illustrator and marketing and design consultant. Become inspired to change the way you think about money, to develop a person brand, and to recognize and learn from emotions in the workplace thanks to these three authors and the stories they share. And learn about the way one author uses to help her pronounce “niche.” Enjoy! The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money by Jill Schlesinger: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588918/the-dumb-things-smart-people-do-with-their-money/ Platform by Cynthia Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566346/platform/ No Hard Feelings by Mollie West Duffy and Liz Fosslien: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564051/no-hard-feelings/

S04 E04: In this episode, meet bestselling author Nadia Bolz-Weber, film critic and historian David Thomson, and adventurous debut author Will Hunt. Hear the personal stories and moments and movies that inspired their audiobooks. Plus, hear which author would want Lisa Simpson to narrate her audiobook. Enjoy! Shameless by Nadia Bolz-Weber: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/247945/shameless/ Sleeping with Strangers by David Thomson:https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/533506/sleeping-with-strangers/ Underground by Will Hunt: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/240262/underground/

S4 E03: In this episode, meet Hillary Frank, creator of the popular parenting podcast “The Longest Shortest Time,” self-described "professional soul-searcher" Megan Griswold, and Jane Mosbacher Morris, the Founder and CEO of TO THE MARKET. Each of these women were inspired to share insights they’ve learned in order to help listeners and improve the world around them. And, learn why one author wants to take her dad with her on her book tour. Enjoy! Weird Parenting Wins by Hillary Frank: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/563936/weird-parenting-wins/ The Book of Help by Megan Griswold: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592246/the-book-of-help/ Buy the Change You Want to See by Jane Mosbacher Morris with Wendy Paris: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567244/buy-the-change-you-want-to-see/

S4 E02: In this special episode, meet Christopher Paolini, author of the internationally bestselling Inheritance Cycle series. He tells us about his newest audiobook, The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm, which is narrated by his longtime reader, Gerard Doyle.

S4 E01: In this episode, meet memoirist Dani Shapiro, author Soniah Kamal, and professor Emily Bernard. From fearless family memoirs to updating classic fiction to reflect her own culture, each of these authors’ works share deeply personal pieces of themselves. Hear how the recording process affected each writer and, discover which author’s dreams of being an actress were finally achieved in the recording booth. Enjoy! Inheritance by Dani Shapiro: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/554262/inheritance/ Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567399/unmarriageable/ Black Is the Body by Emily Bernard: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/538934/black-is-the-body/

In this episode, meet success coach and motivational speaker Jen Sincero, editor & founder of becomingminimalist.com Joshua Becker, and author & founder of This Naked Mind Annie Grace. Whether you’re beginning a new journey of personal change, or continuing on a transformational path, let these authors inspire you and help you along. And, discover which author created a new, hybrid word to describe the recording experience. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/550318/you-are-a-badass-at-making-money/ The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/250883/the-minimalist-home/ This Naked Mind by Annie Grace: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/577190/this-naked-mind/

In this special episode of This is the Author we asked, "What’s your recipe for a good story?" Hear Mitch Abblett, Nick McDonell, Bryan Stevenson, Maeve Higgins, Chip Conley, James Clear, Rachel Marie Martin, Scott Harrison, and Mya Spalter share their vital ingredients for a good story.

In this episode, meet illustrator and coloring book author Johanna Basford, bestselling YA author Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator Emily Arnold McCully. Whether it was a collection of bedtime stories shared with a child or dreams of a romantic city like Paris, these three women share a piece of themselves with listeners in their audiobooks. You’ll be transported and delighted…and you may want a warm croissant to munch on as you listen. Johanna Basford: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/blog/listen-color-ivy-inky-butterfly/ Love à La Mode Stephanie Kate Strohm by https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/596820/love-la-mode/ Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/336146/mirette-on-the-high-wire/

In this special compilation episode of This is the Author, hear what inspires authors Nic Stone, Torrey Maldonado, Michelle LeClair, Kevin Young, Maeve Higgins, and Carey Nieuwhof to write their books.

In this special episode of This is the Author we asked, "What’s your recipe for a good story?" Hear Markus Zusak, Kate Inglis, Tyler Reagin, Khalida Brohi, George Packer, Sam Anderson, Ryan North, Beth Comstock, and Glory Edimshare their vital ingredients for a good story.

In this episode, meet CEO of Menlo Innovations, Richard Sheridan—although you may want to refer to him as Chief Joy Officer—therapist and meditation teacher, Ralph De La Rosa, and journalist Hamish McKenzie. From stories of joyful leadership to why we need a more joyful meditation practice, you’ll be inspired by the fascinating lessons and research these authors have to share. Chief Joy Officer by Richard Sheridan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557539/chief-joy-officer/ The Monkey Is the Messenger by Ralph De La Rosa: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576131/the-monkey-is-the-messenger/ Insane Mode by Hamish McKenzie: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549834/insane-mode/

In this inspiring, love-filled episode of This is the Author, hear from Bishop Michael Curry, who delivered his sermon on the redemptive power of love at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; meet the charismatic cast of Netflix’s Queer Eye (otherwise known as the Fab Five), who strive to help all of us celebrate our best lives; and listen to United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who shares the bold and brave stories of women suffragists as well as those of personal family members who taught her to be strong and courageous. The Power of Love by Michael Curry: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/604756/the-power-of-love/ Queer Eye by Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown and Jonathan Van Ness: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/601971/queer-eye/ Bold & Brave by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566148/bold-and-brave/

In this special compilation of This is the Author, we asked authors to reveal their recipes for a great story. Hear Torrey Maldonado, Heather Won Tesoriero, Jedidiah Jenkins, Marcellus Wiley, Sam Maggs, KJ Dell'Antonia, Daniel Siegel, Cristen Conger, Caroline Ervin, Tom O'Bryan, and Matt de la Peña reveal their secret ingredients, whether that be radical truth-telling or a pinch of metaphorical salt. Thinking of cooking up some stories yourself? Have a listen, and let the creative mixing begin!

In this episode, meet former NFL player Marcellus Wiley, cofounder of MBAs Across America, Casey Gerald, and staff writer for The New Yorker Bill Buford. Football—the American and British variety—plays an important role in each of these authors’ lives. Speaking from their personal experiences, they share musings, lessons, and expertise that may make you think about how sports and society’s expectations have affected your own life. And, hear why narrating is surprisingly more difficult than “a triple day training camp practice”. Never Shut Up by Marcellus Wiley: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/572553/never-shut-up/ There Will Be No Miracles Here by Casey Gerald: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549841/there-will-be-no-miracles-here/ Among the Thugs by Bill Buford: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/20946/among-the-thugs/

In this episode, meet writer Jessica Brody, author and entrepreneur James Clear, and speaker and sales expert Anthony Iannarino. From how to write a novel to how to change your habits to how to be a great salesperson, you’ll be guided to motivation. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/554039/save-the-cat-writes-a-novel/ Atomic Habits by James Clear: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/543993/atomic-habits/ Eat Their Lunch by Anthony Iannarino: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/585767/eat-their-lunch/

In this episode, meet journalist Gary Pomerantz, writer George Packer, and popular science writer Steven Johnson. Using the lens of sports, culture, technological innovation, and family, these authors explain why journeying to the past is necessary in order to see the present in a new light. And, find out which Hollywood legend is one author’s dream narrator. The Last Pass by Gary Pomerantz: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553223/the-last-pass/ Blood of the Liberals by George Packer: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/580451/blood-of-the-liberals/ How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/538407/how-we-got-to-now/

In this episode meet podcast hosts of Unladylike, Cristen Conger & Caroline Ervin, director and writer, Jill Soloway, creator of the groundbreaking and award-winning TV series Transparent, and founder of Well-Read Black Girl, Glory Edim. You’ll be prepared to smash (glass) ceilings, defy gender roles, and support diverse voices after listening to these authors share both their own inspiring stories – and those of other rabble rousers and role models. And, find out which author’s narration experience taught her that she needs to do a few more core strength exercises. Unladylike by Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558376/unladylike/ She Wants It by Jill Soloway: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/259082/she-wants-it/ Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576456/well-read-black-girl/

In this episode meet motivational speaker and coach Alexia Vernon, writer Mya Spalter, and blogger Rachel Marie Martin. Listen in as these experts lead you on a path of transformation and empowerment whether you’re seeking professional, spiritual or personal advice and inspiration. And, find out why one author’s dream narrator would actually be a full cast of wonderful, strong women. Step Into Your Moxie by Alexia Vernon: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574482/step-into-your-moxie/ Enchantments by Mya Spalter: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565183/enchantments/ The Brave Art of Motherhood by Rachel Marie Martin: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565671/the-brave-art-of-motherhood/

In this episode meet travel writer Jedidiah Jenkins, author and advice columnist Heather Havrilesky, and CEO Scott Harrison. They address the big questions so many of us ask ourselves every day: What is my purpose? Who am I meant to be? And how can I lead a meaningful life that positively impacts others? The personal stories shared in this episode will leave you thinking about positive ways to make change and feel good about yourself. Not to mention, find out which author’s dream narrator pick has a voice that’s “buttery and dangerous.” To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557260/to-shake-the-sleeping-self/ What If This Were Enough? by Heather Havrilesky: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557733/what-if-this-were-enough/ Thirst by Scott Harrison: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/562193/thirst/