This Is The Author

S7E24: In this episode, meet journalist, lecturer, and puzzle-lover AJ Jacobs, writer Emily Bingham, and actress Jazmyn Simon. Press play to hear more about the specific moments that inspired these authors to write their books. Plus, learn about special features in the audiobook editions (audio-specific puzzles, anyone?). Enjoy! The Puzzler by A.J. Jacobs: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/622520/the-puzzler/ My Old Kentucky Home by Emily Bingham: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565771/my-old-kentucky-home/ Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/675731/most-perfect-you/

S7E23: In this episode, meet CEO, co-owner, and chief creative officer of Elite World Group Julia Haart, Head of Communications and Content at Humu Liz Fosslien, and author and advisor Daniel Coyle. Tune in to hear how each of these author’s personal experiences shaped and inspired their audiobooks. Enjoy! Brazen by Julia Haart: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670348/brazen/ Big Feelings by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/672976/big-feelings/ The Culture Playbook by Daniel Coyle: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/577065/the-culture-playbook/

S7 E22: In this episode, meet actress and creator Lilly Singh, actor Terry Crews, and former Kentucky State Representative Charles Booker. Listen in to hear about each of these authors incredible life stories, the hard personal work that served as inspiration for their audiobooks, and what they took away from their experiences reading their own words in the recording booth. Be a Triangle by Lilly Singh: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/675422/be-a-triangle/ Tough by Terry Crews: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/667344/tough/ From the Hood to the Holler by Charles Booker: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/678409/from-the-hood-to-the-holler/

S7 E21: In this episode, meet SMUDGED founder Neelou Malekpour, Patagonia ambassador and conservation advocate Dylan Tomine, and writer and theologian Erin S. Lane. Listen in to hear what inspired these authors to write their audiobooks, and what they’re most excited for audiobook listeners to hear. The Art of Sacred Smoke by Neelou Malekpour: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/664510/the-art-of-sacred-smoke/ Headwaters by Dylan Tomine: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/705585/headwaters/ Someone Other Than a Mother by Erin S. Lane: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/659757/someone-other-than-a-mother/

S7 E20: In this episode, meet award-winning musician, writer, and activist Andre Henry, Washington Post columnist Christine Emba, and designer and teacher Susie Wise. Listen in to learn about how these authors are working within their specific disciplines—racial justice, sexual ethics, and community-centered design--to create a better, more equitable world. All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep by Andre Henry: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/673889/all-the-white-friends-i-couldnt-keep/ Rethinking Sex by Christine Emba: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/622579/rethinking-sex/ Design for Belonging by Susie Wise and Stanford d.school: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/623451/design-for-belonging/

S7 E19: In this episode, meet former deputy editor of Vanity Fair Dana Brown, mathematician and data scientist Cathy O’Neil, and emergency medicine physician Dr. Thomas Fisher. Press play to hear about the personal moments that made narrating their own audiobooks so special. Dilettante by Dana Brown: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/625042/dilettante/ The Shame Machine by Cathy O'Neil: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606203/the-shame-machine/ The Emergency by Dr. Thomas Fisher: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/659219/the-emergency/

S7 E18: In this episode, meet former clinical psychologist-turned-writer Alice Boyes, nurse practitioner and founder of the Everyday Wellness Project Cynthia Thurlow, and founder of the Own It Academy and SoulScripts and host of the podcast She, Jordan Lee Dooley. Listen in to hear about each author’s desire to help others in a number of ways, and how that inspired their audiobooks. Stress-Free Productivity by Alice Boyes, Ph.D: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/645534/stress-free-productivity/ Intermittent Fasting Transformation by Cynthia Thurlow: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/678861/intermittent-fasting-transformation/ Embrace Your Almost by Jordan Lee Dooley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/647588/embrace-your-almost/

S7 E17: In this special episode of This Is the Author, meet actor Matt Damon and water expert and engineer Gary White, who are the founders of nonprofits Water.org and WaterEquity. Listen in as these two unlikely allies discuss writing The Worth of Water, telling the stories of those effected by the global water crisis, and offering solutions to solve the crisis within our lifetime. The Worth of Water by Matt Damon and Gary White: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/635415/the-worth-of-water/

S7 E16: In this episode, meet journalist Joshua David Stein, Washington Post columnist Tamar Haspel, and data analyst Neil Hoyne. Hear Joshua David Stein celebrate solitude in the animal kingdom, Tamar Haspel on the adventures in growing your own food, and Neil Hoyne on using data to win your costumers’ hearts. Solitary Animals by Joshua David Stein: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/673054/solitary-animals/ To Boldly Grow by Tamar Haspel: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/688423/to-boldly-grow/ Converted by Neil Hoyne: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/688629/converted/

S7 E15: In this episode, meet writer Amy Bloom, journalist Daniel Genis, and Black Liturgies creator Cole Arthur Riley. Step into the recording booth and hear Amy Bloom discuss what inspired her to share her husband’s story, Daniel Genis on using literature to find meaning in 10 years spent incarcerated, and Cole Arthur Riley on the power of storytelling as a family tradition. In Love by Amy Bloom: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/677454/in-love/ Sentence by Daniel Genis: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/318647/sentence/ This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/673836/this-here-flesh/

S7 E14: In this episode, meet New York Times journalist Jeremy W. Peters, writer and editor Meghan O'Rourke, and education consultant Kate Robinson. Listen in to hear Jeremy Peters on unearthing the early seeds of Trumpism, Meghan O'Rourke on living with an invisible chronic illness, and Kate Robinson on completing the book started with her late father, Sir Ken Robinson. Insurgency by Jeremy W. Peters: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/586398/insurgency/ The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourke: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/317923/the-invisible-kingdom/ Imagine If...by Sir Ken Robinson, PhD & Kate Robinson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602762/imagine-if/

S7 E12: In this episode, meet IF: Gathering founder Jennie Allen, President and CEO of NOW Corp Lara Hodgson, and psychologist Todd Kashdan. Hear Jennie Allen on the lost art of making friends, Lara Hodgson on helping small and underrepresented businesses thrive, and Todd Kashdan on how to find your voice and rebel against an unhealthy status quo. Find Your People by Jennie Allen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/646314/find-your-people/ Level Up by Stacey Abrams, Lara Hodgson and Heather Cabot: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/706859/level-up/ The Art of Insubordination by Todd B. Kashdan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/690674/the-art-of-insubordination/

S7 E13: In this episode, meet actor Harvey Fierstein, radio producer and journalist Stephanie Foo, and host of the Everything Iconic podcast Danny Pellegrino. Hear the famously gravel-voiced Harvey Fierstein share what it was truly like to record his memoir, Stephanie Foo on writing the book she wanted to read, and Danny Pellegrino on bringing stories to life in the recording studio. I Was Better Last Night by Harvey Fierstein: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/678118/i-was-better-last-night/ What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/658389/what-my-bones-know/ How Do I Un-Remember This? by Danny Pellegrino: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/712543/how-do-i-un-remember-this/

S7 E10: In this episode, meet journalist Tiffanie Drayton, poet Paul Tran, and journalist Karen Cheung. These authors have written books in which they explore the intersection of personal experience and the broader culture---whether rethinking the American Dream, answering trauma with resilience, or delving into the meaning of memory in a shifting geopolitical landscape. Listen in to learn more; plus, find out what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks. Black American Refugee by Tiffanie Drayton: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/671853/black-american-refugee/ All the Flowers Kneeling by Paul Tran: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/676719/all-the-flowers-kneeling/ The Impossible City by Karen Cheung: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670013/the-impossible-city/

S7 E11: In this episode, meet The Budget Mom founder Kumiko Love, downsizing expert Matt Paxton, and psychiatrist Dr. Mimi Winsberg. From improving personal financial health, to learning how to declutter, to decoding cryptic text messages, these authors are experts in helping others. Listen in to hear what motivated them to write their books, and what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. My Money My Way by Kumiko Love: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/676459/my-money-my-way/ Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff by Matt Paxton: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/676687/keep-the-memories-lose-the-stuff/ Speaking In Thumbs by Mimi Winsberg, M.D. : https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/667790/speaking-in-thumbs/

S7 E9: In this episode, meet Emmy-winning television writer, television host, and journalist Teresa Strasser, creator of the Brave Writer program Julie Bogart, and breastfeeding specialist Doctor Linda Dahl. Listen in to hear Teresa Strasser on writing a down-to-earth memoir about first-time pregnancy, Julie Bogart on helping children process information in the digital age, and Dr. Linda Dahl on bringing empowering, medically-sound breastfeeding advice to a wider audience. Plus, hear what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks. Exploiting My Baby by Teresa Strasser: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/307302/exploiting-my-baby/ Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/651935/raising-critical-thinkers/ Better Breastfeeding by Linda D. Dahl, MD: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670271/better-breastfeeding/

S7 E8: In this episode, meet psychotherapist Whitney Goodman, CEO and founder of ReadySet Y-Vonne Hutchinson, and Yale professor Zoe Chance. Listen in to hear Whitney Goodman on how to show up with your authentic self in a world obsessed with being happy, Y-Vonne Hutchinson on writing a compelling and personalized business book for dismantling workplace racism without fear, and Zoe Chance on the tools that change-minded people need in order to successfully become influencers (hint: influence is not a meritocracy, it’s a learned set of skills!). Plus, hear what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks. Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/673005/toxic-positivity/ How to Talk to Your Boss About Race by Y-Vonne Hutchinson:https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/672435/how-to-talk-to-your-boss-about-race/ Influence is Your Superpower by Zoe Chance: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/603636/influence-is-your-superpower/

S7 E7: In this episode, meet bestselling author and blogger Jen Mann, attorney, podcaster, and former Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay, and writer, director, and performer Aimée Lutkin. Listen in to hear what motivated Jen Mann to write her darkly funny examination of “the female midlife crisis,” Rachel Lindsay on her off-camera life and the importance of political engagement and protest, and Aimée Lutkin on our culture’s deep bias against the uncoupled, and why people can be single forever---and that’s okay. Plus, hear these authors’ stories from the audiobook recording booth. Midlife Bites by Jen Mann: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/625083/midlife-bites/ Miss Me With That by Rachel Lindsay: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/672505/miss-me-with-that/ The Lonely Hunter by Aimée Lutkin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/609155/the-lonely-hunter/

S7 E6: In this episode, meet theologian and educator Candice Marie Benbow, bestselling author and lecturer Shaka Senghor, and blogger and influencer Mallory Ervin. Listen in to hear Candice Marie Benbow on Black womanhood from a millennial perspective of faith, Shaka Senghor on the power of leaving a literary legacy for his sons, and Mallory Ervin on choosing the life you want after hard times. Plus, hear what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks. Red Lip Theology by Candice Marie Benbow: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/665375/red-lip-theology/ Letters to the Sons of Society by Shaka Senghor: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/655956/letters-to-the-sons-of-society/ Living Fully by Mallory Ervin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/653662/living-fully/

S7 E5: In this episode, meet journalist and novelist Radhika Sanghani, psychiatrist Dr. Mark Epstein, and bestselling author and speaker Agapi Stassinopoulos. Whether their audiobooks are fiction or nonfiction, each of these authors was inspired by events in their lives. Step into the studio with them to hear what it was like using their own experiences to create—and narrate—their audiobooks. 30 Things I Love About Myself by Radhika Sanghani: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/670331/30-things-i-love-about-myself/ The Zen of Therapy by Mark Epstein, M.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/656323/the-zen-of-therapy/ Speaking with Spirit by Agapi Stassinopoulos: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/666007/speaking-with-spirit/