This Is The Author

In this episode, meet Thomas Chatterton Williams, author of Summer of Our Discontent, Robert B. Reich, author of Coming Up Short, and Kaila Yu, author of Fetishized. Hear Thomas Chatterton Williams on the pivotal and complex meaning of the summer of 2020, Robert Reich on what he would most like listeners to understand, and Kaila Yu both on what inspired her to write her memoir, and how she would describe her recording experience. Summer of Our Discontent by Thomas Chatterton Williams: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704632/summer-of-our-discontent-by-thomas-chatterton-williams/audio Coming Up Short by Robert B. Reich: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763803/coming-up-short-by-robert-b-reich/audio Fetishized by Kaila Yu: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738645/fetishized-by-kaila-yu/audio

In this episode, meet authors Zadie Smith and Nick Laird, Anne Waldman, and Fannie Flagg. Hear Zadie Smith and Nick Laird on writing a book for their children and working together in the studio, discover why poet Anne Waldman describes recording her audiobook as a “sonic investigation,” and learn what Fannie Flagg is most excited for listeners to hear. In the Wild by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777195/in-the-wild-by-zadie-smith-and-nick-laird-illustrated-by-magenta-fox/audio/ Mesopotopia by Anne Waldman https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690646/mesopotopia-by-anne-waldman/audio/ Something to Look Forward To by Fannie Flagg https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/767921/something-to-look-forward-to-by-fannie-flagg/9798217159581/

In this episode, meet comedian and content creator Sarah Hartshorne, Slate staff writer and president of AMEJA Aymann Ismail, and writer Tre Johnson. Hear Sarah Hartshorne on being her own dream narrator, Aymann Ismail on the cinematic scene he’s most excited for listeners to hear, and Tre Johnson on the difference between recording an audiobook and reading one’s work in person. You Wanna Be on Top? by Sarah Hartshorne: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/750064/you-wanna-be-on-top-by-sarah-hartshorne/audio Becoming Baba by Aymann Ismail: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/719995/becoming-baba-by-aymann-ismail/audio Black Genius by Tre Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690733/black-genius-by-tre-johnson/audio

In this episode, meet poet David Gate, author and public speaker Jennifer Pastiloff, and poet Whitney Hanson. Hear David Gate on why he’s excited for listeners to hear poems on audio, Jennifer Pastiloff on why now was the time to write Proof of Life, and Whitney Hanson on what made recording her audiobook a reflective experience. Plus, find out which author prepared for their day in the studio by binge watching Severance. A Rebellion of Care by David Gate https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768719/a-rebellion-of-care-by-david-gate/9798217075997/ Proof of Life by Jennifer Pastiloff https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734285/proof-of-life-by-jennifer-pastiloff/9798217012015/ Climate by Whitney Hanson https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776365/climate-by-whitney-hanson/9798217071678/

In this episode, meet actress and comedian Jo Firestone, writer and speaker Talia Pollock, and historian Scott Ellsworth. Hear how Jo Firestone’s book was born from the “unstoppable urge to combine” two of her most-loved interests, Talia Pollock on appreciating the power of word choice and language in the recording booth, and Scott Ellsworth on the personal and cultural importance of libraries. Murder on Sex Island by Jo Firestone: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/789705/murder-on-sex-island-by-jo-firestone/audio The Problem with Being a Person by Talia Pollock: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690816/the-problem-with-being-a-person-by-talia-pollock/audio/ Midnight on the Potomac by Scott Ellsworth: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743267/midnight-on-the-potomac-by-scott-ellsworth/audio

In this episode, meet Wall Street Journal reporter-turned-professional bodybuilder Anne Marie Chaker, linguist and “Etymology Nerd” creator Adam Aleksic, and host of the Money with Katie podcast Katie Gatti Tassin. Hear Anne Marie Chaker on the power of weightlifting and exploding the myth of the “skinny ideal,” Adam Aleksic on how recording his audiobook was a “vocal marathon,” and Katie Gatti Tassin on how she prepared for recording her audiobook, and what she’s most excited for listeners to hear. Lift by Anne Marie Chaker https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709922/lift-by-anne-marie-chaker/9798217077014/ Algospeak by Adam Aleksic https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776856/algospeak-by-adam-aleksic/9798217078066/ Rich Girl Nation by Katie Gatti Tassin https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/749103/rich-girl-nation-by-katie-gatti-tassin/9798217016174/

In this episode, meet author of the bestselling Magic Tree House children’s book series Mary Pope Osborne, and clinical social worker and founder of Fathers’ UpLift, Charles C. Daniels Jr. Hear Mary Pope Osborne on adding an element of surprise to the process of narration, and Charles C. Daniels Jr. on how he prepared for recording and what he’s most excited for listeners to hear. Sea Otter Sunrise by Mary Pope Osborne: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729719/sea-otter-sunrise-by-mary-pope-osborne-illustrated-by-ag-ford/audio Present by Charles C. Daniels Jr., Ph.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/767629/present-by-charles-c-daniels-jr-phd/audio/

In this episode, meet critic and editor-in-chief of Bookslut Jessa Crispin, ESPN boxing analyst Mark Kriegel, and culture writer and Every Single Album podcast host Nora Princiotti. Hear Jessa on what it was like to record the Basic Instinct chapter of her book, Mark Kriegel on covering the life and career of Mike Tyson for over 30 years, and Nora Princiotti on what she’s most excited for listeners of her audiobook to hear. What Is Wrong with Men by Jessa Crispin https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717467/what-is-wrong-with-men-by-jessa-crispin/9798217076383/ Baddest Man by Mark Kriegel https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/552034/baddest-man-by-mark-kriegel/9798217072392/ Hit Girls by Nora Princiotti https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738884/hit-girls-by-nora-princiotti/9798217020379/

In this episode, meet journalist and Fast Politics podcast host Molly Jong-Fast, writer Anelise Chen, and writer and editor Jonathan Gluck. Hear Molly Jong-Fast on surviving a year in which everything went wrong, Anelise Chen on finding profound meaning in an auspicious typo, and Jonathan Gluck on the “unique universe” of those living with cancer. How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738849/how-to-lose-your-mother-by-molly-jong-fast/audio Clam Down by Anelise Chen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/599888/clam-down-by-anelise-chen/audio An Exercise in Uncertainty by Jonathan Gluck: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760582/an-exercise-in-uncertainty-by-jonathan-gluck/audio

In this episode, meet clinician, speaker, and trauma specialist Britt Frank, leadership coach and host of the Big Asian Energy podcast John Wang, and Professor of Psychology and Language Sciences Maryellen MacDonald. Hear what made the audiobook recording experience fun for John Wang, and what inspired Britt Frank and Maryellen MacDonald to write their books. Align Your Mind by Britt Frank https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761142/align-your-mind-by-britt-frank-lscsw/9798217073054/ Big Asian Energy by John Wang https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742831/big-asian-energy-by-john-wang/9798217076819/ More Than Words by Maryellen MacDonald https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724046/more-than-words-by-maryellen-macdonald-phd/9798217077007/

In this episode, meet award-winning author Richard Russo, artist and activist Tourmaline, and anthropologist and former wildland firefighter Jordan Thomas. Hear Richard Russo on the performance aspect of narration, discover Tourmaline’s favorite recording moment, and hear what Jordan Thomas is most excited for listeners to learn about the people who fight wildfires. Life and Art by Richard Russo: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/748741/life-and-art-by-richard-russo/audio Marsha by Tourmaline: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/677583/marsha-by-tourmaline/audio One Day in June by Tourmaline: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/703746/one-day-in-june-by-tourmaline-illustrated-by-charlot-kristensen/audio When It All Burns by Jordan Thomas: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722364/when-it-all-burns-by-jordan-thomas/audio

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/