Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books

Follow Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Writer Zibby Owens, an NYC-based mom of four, talks to other writers about their work.

Zibby Owens


    • Aug 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 2,222 EPISODES

    4.6 from 494 ratings Listeners of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books that love the show mention: judith, ziggy, great authors, would recommend 100, eavesdropping, literary, farm, develop, sunday, fiction, moms, recommendations, chatting, reading, opening, thoroughly, interviewer, process, quickly, conversations.


    Ivy Insights

    The Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books podcast is an absolute gem. Zibby and her guests have become my daily companions as I go on walks, and they never fail to inspire and motivate me in my writing endeavors. Zibby's skill in asking thought-provoking questions to authors is truly commendable, and she often brings on guest hosts who also do a fantastic job in helping the authors share what their book is about. Every episode of this podcast allows me to learn about different authors and the books they write, often introducing me to interesting titles that I may not have come across otherwise. This podcast has not only enriched my reading experience but has also helped me learn more about myself.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is how Zibby asks questions that are on listeners' minds, delving beneath the surface of the book to uncover the deeper themes and ideas. Her interviews are insightful and inspiring, offering great insight into the writing process and the author's journey. Additionally, with over a thousand episodes, there is a wealth of content to explore and discover new favorite authors or books.

    While it's hard to find any significant flaws with The Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books podcast, some listeners may find it overwhelming due to the sheer volume of episodes available. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging for new listeners to know where to start or which episodes to prioritize. However, this can easily be resolved by exploring episodes based on favorite authors or genres.

    In conclusion, The Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books podcast is an incredible resource for readers and writers alike. Zibby's passion for books shines through in every episode, making each conversation engaging and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for book recommendations or seeking deeper insights into the writing process, this podcast offers it all. It is a must-listen for any book lover looking for inspiration and connection within the literary world.



    Search for episodes from Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books

    Sarah Spain and Deland McCullough, RUNS IN THE FAMILY: Runs in the Family An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 33:06


    Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mxwPSIShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Amber Rae, LOVEABLE: A Memoir: One Woman's Path from Good to Free

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 24:56


    Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/451lgx5Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Emma Rosenblum, MEAN MOMS: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 27:13


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews bestselling author Emma Rosenblum about her delicious, addictive, and slyly observed new novel, MEAN MOMS. Known for her sharp wit and insider takes on elite social circles, Emma dives into the world of competitive moms at a NYC private school, where one mysterious new arrival shakes everything up. She and Zibby talk about writing satire with heart, the insanity of mom groups, and why sometimes entertainment is the message. Plus, Emma shares the scoop on her next novel—based on an idea Zibby gave her!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HePSlBShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Lee Kofman and Tamar Paluch, RUPTURED: Jewish Women in Australia Reflect on Life Post-October 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 29:24


    Zibby interviews anthology co-editors Lee Kofman and Tamar Paluch about RUPTURED, a powerful collection from thirty-six Australian Jewish women responding to the October 7 attacks and the surge of antisemitism that followed. Tamar shares the grassroots origins of the project, born from women-led activism, while Lee discusses her personal experience with doxing and the painful silencing of Jewish voices in creative and academic circles. Together, they reflect on intergenerational trauma, fear, resilience, and the urgent need to document Jewish experiences in their rawest, most authentic form.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HcgxQ0Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kate Hash, GRACIE HARRIS IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 25:22


    Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fb5NOqShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Mary Catherine Starr, MAMA NEEDS A MINUTE!: A Candid, Funny, All-Too-Relatable Comic Memoir about Surviving Motherhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 18:00


    Mary Catherine Starr, the artist behind the @momlife_comics Instagram account, chats with Zibby about her utterly hilarious and relatable illustrated memoir about modern motherhood, MAMA NEEDS A MINUTE! Mary opens up about the emotional toll of early parenthood, the sleep deprivation that rocked her first year as a mom, and the mental load that continues to weigh on mothers today. She also shares how her comics—born out of personal overwhelm—have struck a chord with women around the world, and how motherhood reshaped her marriage and creative life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ocFJXmShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Yrsa Daley-Ward, THE CATCH

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 21:11


    Zibby welcomes acclaimed poet and debut novelist Yrsa Daley-Ward to discuss THE CATCH, a darkly whimsical, riveting tale of women daring to live and create with impunity—and the inaugural novel in the Well-Read Black Girl Books series. Yrsa delves into the story, which follows two estranged sisters whose lives are upended when one believes she sees their mother, who was long presumed dead. Yrsa touches on the book's poetic structure and themes of identity, loss, imagination, and sisterhood, and then shares how the grief of losing her own mother in early adulthood inspired the novel's emotional core. Finally, she offers powerful advice for aspiring writers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lHZrZkShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Katie Sise, YOU MUST BE NEW HERE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 23:43


    Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/40FTx2xShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kate Broad, GREENWICH: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 27:55


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews debut author Kate Broad about her stunning, fast-paced, atmospheric novel, GREENWICH. The story centers on Rachel, a 17-year-old navigating a pivotal summer in the opulent world of Greenwich, Connecticut, where a terrible accident forces her to make a life-altering decision. Kate discusses the book's themes of girlhood, class, moral ambiguity, and family loyalty, as well as the emotional isolation that spans generations. She also opens up about her long road to publication, sharing advice for aspiring writers and the persistence it takes to bring a novel to life. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4f2rJuWShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Adam Met, PhD, AMPLIFY: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 28:14


    Zibby welcomes Adam Met—musician, climate activist, academic, and now author—to discuss his powerful new book AMPLIFY: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World. Best known as a member of the band AJR, Adam shares how his journey from indie musician to arena headliner taught him the secrets of building a passionate fanbase, which he now applies to activism, advocacy, and policy change. He and Zibby dive into how entertainment strategies like gamification, community-building, and storytelling can power social movements, how to find your role in the causes you care about, and why local action is more powerful than most people realize.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lLQKgGShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Emma Pei Yin, WHEN SLEEPING WOMEN WAKE: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 17:02


    Debut author Emma Pei Yin chats with Zibby about her remarkable and harrowing new novel, WHEN SLEEPING WOMEN WAKE. Set in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong during WWII, the book follows the gripping journey of a mother, daughter, and maid as they struggle to reunite after being torn apart by the war. Emma shares the personal family history that inspired the novel, including stories from her grandfather, a long estrangement from her grandmother, and her own journey toward reconnection and healing. She also shares her path to writing, the challenges of moving to Australia alone at 19, and how her desire to honor silenced female voices shaped her storytelling.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4o2JwGBShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    David I. Sandberg M.D., BRAIN AND HEART: The Triumphs and Struggles of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 25:16


    Zibby interviews internationally renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. David I. Sandberg about BRAIN AND HEART, a warm, brilliant, and unforgettable memoir that captures the medical and emotional intensity of pediatric neurosurgery. David touches on navigating difficult conversations with families, his experiences performing surgery in low-resource countries like Haiti, and the toll—and joy—of a life spent caring for children in crisis. He also opens up about his recent Parkinson's diagnosis, his difficult decision to step away from surgery, and his plans to pursue a new path in social work.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lBpzoBShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Judy Collins, SOMETIMES IT'S HEAVEN: Poems of Love, Loss, and Redemption

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 31:10


    Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins joins Zibby to discuss SOMETIMES IT'S HEAVEN: Poems of Love, Loss, and Redemption, a timeless, bold, and vulnerable collection of poetry that captures the ethereal and inspiring nature of her artistry in an all-new way. Judy reveals how the death of her son and recent loss of her husband inspired her writing—and how she channeled grief, memory, and music into 365 poems written over the course of a year. She also discusses her lifelong relationship with sobriety, spirituality, and creativity, as well as her reflections on fame, friendship, and art. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4kL3WksShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Melissa de la Cruz, WHEN STARS ALIGN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 22:34


    New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz chats with Zibby about her entertaining and poignant new novel, WHEN STARS ALIGN, published under Mindy Kaling's imprint at Amazon! Inspired by an iconic early-2000s photo of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Britney Spears, the book explores friendship, fame, and identity through the intertwined stories of three starlets navigating the dark side of celebrity. Melissa reflects on her prolific writing career—over 70 books!—her experience as an immigrant, her path into YA and middle grade, how outlining helps her balance creativity and productivity, and the pressures of success.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lDpbGiShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Scott Johnston, THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 18:40


    Zibby chats with author Scott Johnston about his provocative, satirical new novel, THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN. Set in the elite world of New York's Upper East Side, the story follows the unraveling of a seemingly perfect family as they collide with modern cultural and educational upheaval. Scott shares the inspiration behind the book—from viral blog posts about private school politics to real-life frustrations with the erosion of values in elite institutions. He and Zibby delve into themes of status, moral courage, parental pressure, and the societal obsession with optics.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3GONK3SShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Peter Brown, THE WILD ROBOT ON THE ISLAND

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 24:51


    Zibby is joined by beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Peter Brown to discuss THE WILD ROBOT ON THE ISLAND, a stunning new picture book that brings the origin story of Roz to life through full-color illustrations. Peter reflects on the evolution of The Wild Robot series—from his early doubts as a first-time novelist to the global phenomenon it has become, complete with a film adaptation and devoted readers of all ages. He shares the inspiration behind turning his beloved character into a picture book for younger audiences, the emotional undercurrents of Roz's journey, his creative process, the challenge of finding the right visual tone for each story, and how themes of community and connection shape his work.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lURTCeShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jo Piazza, EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU: A Thriller

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 29:02


    New York Times bestselling author Jo Piazza returns to the podcast, this time to discuss her explosive new #tradwife murder mystery, EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU. Jo describes her deep dive into the “trad wife” influencer phenomenon and shares how motherhood, friendship breakups, modern identity, and the glossy but unsettling world of social media shaped this novel. She also explores the blurred lines between performance and reality online, the unspoken rules of mom culture, and the personal cost of curating a perfect life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lQk0T1Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Amy Blumenfeld, SUCH GOOD PEOPLE: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 17:59


    Author Amy Blumenfeld returns to the podcast to discuss her new novel, SUCH GOOD PEOPLE, a masterfully crafted and nuanced story about a decades-long friendship tested by loyalty, justice, and the ripple effects of one life-altering decision. Amy shares her inspiration for this novel, from growing up with a criminal court judge father to uncovering story ideas in unlikely places (like a halfway house newsletter). She explores themes of friendship, moral ambiguity, journalism, and hidden truths in marriage, while also discussing her contributions to ON BEING JEWISH NOW, the anthology edited by Zibby, and her experiences navigating the publishing world as a Jewish writer today.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/44JfkHMShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Loretta Rothschild, FINDING GRACE: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 24:40


    Zibby interviews author Loretta Rothschild about her strikingly original and deeply moving debut, FINDING GRACE. The two discuss the book's intoxicating blend of sweeping love story and emotional thriller, its nuanced exploration of grief, motherhood, secrets, and identity, and the unforgettable narrator, Anna. Loretta opens up about her creative process, the long road to finishing the novel, and how day-to-day details and quiet observations shaped her storytelling.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lO7G5WShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jennifer Pastiloff, PROOF OF LIFE: Let Go, Let Love, and Stop Looking for Permission to Live Your Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 22:41


    Zibby chats with bestselling author Jennifer Pastiloff about her powerful and invigorating new book, PROOF OF LIFE: Let Go, Let Love, and Stop Looking for Permission to Live Your Life. Jennifer opens up about her progressive hearing loss, the emotional weight of shame, the importance of embracing imperfection, and the courage it takes to start over. Together, she and Zibby explore the magic of synchronicity, the myths of “the right path,” and the daily practice of aligning with what truly matters.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3IhTC69Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Adriana Trigiani, THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 23:10


    New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani returns to the podcast to discuss her effervescent and big-hearted new book, THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO. The two dive into the novel's surprising New Jersey setting (yes, that Lake Como) and the emotional journey of protagonist Jess Capodimonte Baratta, an Italian-American woman rebuilding her life and identity after divorce, family loss, and unearthed secrets. They explore themes of self-love, legacy, and the delicate strength of women—likened to marble that can endure anything but shatter with one wrong tap (Adriana even shares some insights on the Italian marble trade).Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4eEOMfmShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Christine Pride, ALL THE MEN I'VE LOVED AGAIN: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 20:21


    Bestselling author Christine Pride returns to the podcast, this time to discuss her dazzling, unputdownable solo debut novel, ALL THE MEN I'VE LOVED AGAIN, which follows a woman in the impossible situation of being in love with the same two men who won her heart in her early 20s… as she nears 40. Christine delves into the novel's themes of lost love, second chances, friendship, grief, and identity. She also discusses the joys and challenges of writing solo after co-authoring with Jo Piazza, the real-life roots of her novel's premise, and her close relationship with her father, who inspired a central character in the book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3GlHu3dShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tamara Yajia, CRY FOR ME, ARGENTINA: My Life as a Failed Child Star

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 25:27


    Zibby chats with Argentine-American writer, comedian, and ex-child star Tamara Yajia about her wildly unhinged, hilarious, and vulnerable debut memoir, CRY FOR ME, ARGENTINA: My Life as a Failed Child Star. They dive into Tamara's raw, no-holds-barred memoir chronicling her tumultuous upbringing between Argentina and the U.S., her chaotic family dynamics, her early brushes with fame, and the emotional toll of codependency and abuse. She also reflects on her childhood, chosen family, shocking moments of isolation, therapy, how writing this book helped her process lifelong trauma, and even her surreal summer hanging out with Brad Pitt!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/44nVIsqShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ziggy Marley, PAJAMMIN'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 19:24


    In this special episode (a live podcast at Zibby's Bookshop!), Zibby welcomes Grammy Award-winning musician, author, and father of seven, Ziggy Marley, to discuss his latest children's book, PAJAMMIN'. Inspired by the playful songs he created for his own children at bedtime, PAJAMMIN' turns nightly routines into musical adventures. Ziggy shares his philosophy on parenting by example, the deeper purpose behind his work for children, and his lifelong commitment to spreading love. They also discuss his upcoming tour with reggae legend Burning Spear, a re-released documentary about his iconic father, Bob Marley, and the powerful lessons he has learned along the way.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/44hywvTShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dr. Erin Nance, LITTLE MISS DIAGNOSED: A Surgeon's Guide to Breaking Bones and Bending Rules Erin Nance MD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 28:04


    Zibby interviews renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Erin Nance, about her thought-provoking and revealing debut essay collection, LITTLE MISS DIAGNOSED: A Surgeon's Guide to Breaking Bones and Bending Rules, which offers a raw, unfiltered look into the exhilarating but complicated world of healthcare. Dr. Erin Nance shares her journey in medicine, from her first day on the job treating her brother after a life-altering accident to exposing the power imbalances, burnout, and ethical dilemmas doctors face behind closed doors. She also discusses patient advocacy, the gendered challenges of medical training, and the unexpected power of TikTok storytelling!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3I0SrrHShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Morgan Pager, THE ART OF VANISHING: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 23:50


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews debut author (and creative force behind @nycbookgirl), Morgan Pager, about THE ART OF VANISHING, a wildly inventive and deeply moving love story between a museum employee and the man in a masterpiece hanging on the walls. Morgan delves into her journey from Broadway assistant to publishing professional, balancing social media, a day job, and her creative life online. She also shares how her childhood summers studying art with her grandmother helped spark her imagination, and then delves into the book's enchanting premise—stepping into paintings and falling in love inside them—as well as themes of visibility, growing up, art, and self-doubt.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4k4ZVqUShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Miranda Cowley Heller, WHAT THE DEEP WATER KNOWS: Poems

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 23:30


    Zibby Publishing author alert! Zibby chats with #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE PAPER PALACE, Miranda Cowley Heller, about her breathtaking and intimate debut poetry collection, WHAT THE DEEP WATER KNOWS. They discuss how the poems, written over 15 years, unintentionally form a powerful narrative arc about womanhood, motherhood, marriage, heartbreak, and self-reclamation. Miranda reflects on her early love of poetry, her literary lineage, and how poetry ultimately led her to fiction. She also opens up about her personal life—including the dissolution of her marriage—and how writing helped her find clarity and healing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4niL12XShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Karen Dukess, WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 22:06


    Bestselling author Karen Dukess returns to the podcast to discuss her delightful and heartfelt new novel, WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK, which was inspired by a trip to the English countryside with her sister, her love of British mysteries, and a desire to write something purely fun! The novel follows a reserved 34-year-old American woman who travels to a small British town after discovering tickets her estranged late mother had purchased for an immersive murder mystery simulation. Karen explores themes of grief, complicated mother-daughter relationships, the loneliness of feeling like an orphan in adulthood, unexpected friendships, how travel can shake up one's identity, and ultimately, the process of healing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3ZOADpDShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dina Alvarez & Dina Aronson, MIDLIFE PRIVATE PARTS: Revealing Essays that Will Change the Way You Think About Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 29:44


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews Dina Alvarez and Dina Aronson (as well as 10 other contributors!) about MIDLIFE PRIVATE PARTS, a soulful and revealing collection of essays on what it really feels like to move through the world as a midlife woman and beyond. Zibby, a contributor herself, moderates the conversation on the complexities, challenges, and liberation that come with aging. Touching on shifting identities, raging hormones, sexual awakenings, skin-tightening treatments, menopause, medical gaslighting, empty-nesting, and societal invisibility, each contributor shares a candid, often humorous, and deeply moving reflection on midlife.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/43YpoxrShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Edward Hirsch, MY CHILDHOOD IN PIECES: A Stand-Up Comedy, a Skokie Elegy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 14:44


    Zibby chats with award-winning poet Edward Hirsch about his memoir, MY CHILDHOOD IN PIECES: A Standup Comedy, where dark comic microbursts of prose relate a childhood in an aspiring middle-class Jewish family in the 50s and 60s. Edward discusses the book's innovative structure—told in punchy, titled snippets that blend humor and heartbreak—and how it allowed him to unpack long-buried memories of a complex, often painful childhood. He reflects on memory, identity, and growing up with sharp-tongued parents and blended family dynamics, and then delves into how comedy and poetry became tools of survival and storytelling.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45yTqZPShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Joanna Sokol, A REAL EMERGENCY: Stories from the Ambulance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 26:14


    Zibby chats with writer Joanna Sokol about A REAL EMERGENCY, an introspective, richly layered, and surprisingly hopeful memoir about the best and worst parts of her career as a paramedic. Joanna shares gripping insights into the realities of 911 calls, the broken systems behind emergency medical services, and the emotional toll and camaraderie that define life in the ambulance. They discuss everything from the beauty of always showing up—no matter who calls or why—to the burnout and low pay that plague the profession. Finally, Joanna shares how this memoir came to be, after years of collecting stories and needing to get them out of her system.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45DaTQXShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bridget Crocker, THE RIVER'S DAUGHTER

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 27:18


    Zibby is joined by legendary whitewater rafting guide and debut author Bridget Crocker to discuss THE RIVER'S DAUGHTER, a vivid, propulsive, and deeply insightful memoir about finding courage and meaning in a life outdoors. Bridget shares the decades-long journey of writing her story, which traces her turbulent upbringing in Wyoming, her profound connection to rivers and nature, and her path to healing from trauma, addiction, anxiety, and generational cycles of abuse. She also reflects on her years as an international river guide and the resilience she gained through listening—both to the natural world and her inner voice.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/40mkB6DShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Amy Bloom, I'LL BE RIGHT HERE: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 22:46


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Amy Bloom about I'LL BE RIGHT HERE, a sweeping multigenerational story that begins in occupied Paris and spans 50 years. She reflects on her signature themes (family, love, sex, and death), the moral complexity of her writing, and her fascination with found families, marginalized characters, and hidden histories. She also touches on the impact of her memoir, IN LOVE, which tells the story of her late husband's Alzheimer's and death.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3IaM7h4Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hannah Brown, THE FOUR ENGAGEMENT RINGS OF SYBIL RAIN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 27:31


    Hannah Brown, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and The Bachelorette star, joins Zibby to discuss her sparkling new rom-com, THE FOUR ENGAGEMENT RINGS OF SYBIL RAIN, which she describes as White Lotus meets Sex and the City meets Mamma Mia. Hannah delves into her novel's themes of self-worth, identity, love, and embracing one's true self, and then shares how her characters often mirror her own struggles and breakthroughs (oh, and how her real-life romance influenced her fictional love interest!). Finally, she shares her future writing plans for the “core four” friend group, her dreams of adapting the book for film or TV, and what it's like to launch a book right before her own wedding.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HMMOgwShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Marie Benedict & Courtney Sheinmel, THE SECRETS OF LOVELACE ACADEMY

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 23:08


    Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HIrqsNShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Virginia Evans, THE CORRESPONDENT: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 26:42


    Bestselling debut author Virginia Evans joins Zibby to discuss THE CORRESPONDENT, a charming, intriguing, and witty novel in the form of letters and emails exchanged by a divorced and retired woman with her friends, family, and foes. Virginia shares the long journey to publication—nearly 20 years and nine novels in the making! She also discusses the power of the epistolary form, the influence of 84, Charing Cross Road, the real-life loss that informed the story's emotional depth, and the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4l8aSIWShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Elliot Cosgrove, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS: On Being Jewish Today

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 26:59


    Zibby is joined by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, a leading voice in modern Judaism, to discuss FOR A TIME SUCH AS THIS, a poignant exploration of what it means to be Jewish today. Rabbi Cosgrove shares the urgent circumstances under which the book was written following the October 7th attacks in Israel, and how it explores the complex dynamics of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and solidarity in a time of crisis. The conversation also touches on the renewed sense of communal belonging among Jews worldwide, the moral clarity and challenges that emerged after the attacks, the many faces of antisemitism (overt violence vs. more subtle exclusionary forms), and the rising tensions both outside and within the Jewish community. When asked if he feels hopeful, Rabbi Cosgrove admits it's difficult in the short and medium terms, but affirms that to be Jewish is to hold on to hope.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4jUMsluShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Julia DeVillers, MEET ME AT WONDERLAND

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 27:14


    Zibby chats with author Julia DeVillers about MEET ME AT WONDERLAND, a charming middle-grade rom-com set at an amusement park, inspired by Julia's real-life teen job at Chuck E. Cheese and moose-suit meet-cute that changed everything. Julia describes how a life-threating cancer diagnosis in 2022 unexpectedly led to this book's creation. She also discusses crafting authentic tween and teen voices, writing a dual POV, and the importance of showing strong, supportive relationships. Finally, she shares her personal connection to the On Being Jewish Now anthology and the joy of including a bonus chocolate mousse recipe (courtesy of Allie Rosen) in her novel.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4n6HQeyShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Elyce Arons, WE MIGHT JUST MAKE IT AFTER ALL: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 29:18


    Zibby interviews Elyce Arons, the cofounder of Kate Spade and CEO and cofounder of Frances Valentine, about WE JUST MIGHT MAKE IT AFTER ALL, a moving portrait of her decades-long best friendship and business journey with Kate Spade. Elyce describes their early days as broke college students, the scrappy beginnings of their brand, and how they turned a simple handbag idea into a cultural phenomenon and multi-billion-dollar fashion company. She shares how she is honoring Kate's legacy with Frances Valentine, with vintage-inspired, colorful designs. Finally, she reflects on her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, the importance of community and friendship, and how writing this book was a fulfilling and emotional experience.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4nknEX0Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Shannon Watts, FIRED UP: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 24:15


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews activist and author Shannon Watts about FIRED UP: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, which chronicles her journey from suburban mom to founder of Moms Demand Action, the nation's leading grassroots movement for gun safety. Shannon shares how the tragedy at Sandy Hook ignited her activism, the personal cost of taking on the gun lobby, and how she ultimately redefined her own life. Reflecting on her divorce, burnout, and the power of community, she offers a roadmap to help women live more authentically and boldly.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4nbnpgWShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    James Frey, NEXT TO HEAVEN: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 28:13


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author James Frey about his darkly funny and razor-sharp new novel, NEXT TO HEAVEN. James opens up about writing a book that's bold, dirty, and wildly entertaining—a murder mystery set in an insulated world of obscene wealth, swingers, and secrets. He discusses the real-life inspiration for his book (his town!) and reveals how people's reactions have ranged from admiration to offense, precisely the kind of impact he aims for. He also delves into his singular style (no quotation marks, no apologies), his views on truth versus fact, and his refusal to play by literary rules. Finally, he reflects on living the life he has always dreamed of—chaotic, creative, and unapologetically his.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3FZjLFVShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Leslie Gray Streeter, FAMILY & OTHER CALAMITIES

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 28:38


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews award-winning journalist Leslie Gray Streeter about her vibrant and heartfelt new novel, FAMILY AND OTHER CALAMITIES. They reflect on Leslie's memoir, BLACK WIDOW, which candidly captures the raw, messy early days of widowhood, and then dive into the new novel, touching on themes of loss, regret, second chances, humor, and the way decisions made in youth can reverberate throughout life. Leslie also shares personal stories of grief and how she has embraced her late husband's Jewish traditions, finding unexpected community and belonging.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HH8eM0Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Nina Stibbe, WENT TO LONDON, TOOK THE DOG: The Diary of a 60-Year-Old Runaway

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 23:05


    Zibby is joined by beloved British author and National Book Award winner Nina Stibbe to discuss WENT TO LONDON, TOOK THE DOG, an endlessly funny, blissfully gossipy, and enviably well-observed memoir of a woman changing her life at 60. Nina shares the story behind her sabbatical in London (prompted by an empty nest and the need for creative renewal!), and explains how her private diary turned into this funny and vulnerable book about midlife, marriage, motherhood, and reinvention. The two also discuss the emotional risk of writing a memoir and the often-dismissed importance of women's inner lives. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3TkRvAyShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Anna Mitchael, THE WILL TELL YOU THE WORLD IS YOURS: On Little Rebellions and Finding Your Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 17:53


    Zibby chats with writer Anna Mitchael about her lushly written and emotionally resonant collection of vignettes, THEY WILL TELL YOU THE WORLD IS YOURS, which traces a woman's life from birth through midlife, capturing the subtle and seismic ways the world shapes her—and how she eventually pushes back. Anna reflects on the origins of her vignettes, many of which were inspired by personal memories or images, like a childhood Easter photo, and then delves into themes of motherhood, relationships, and the tension between creativity and productivity in a content-hungry world. She also talks about her years as a columnist and editor in Texas, and shares how embracing her “weirdness” ultimately led to her most authentic work yet. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3ZtBV9xShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Susan Choi, FLASHLIGHT: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 26:09


    Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby chats with National Book Award-winning author Susan Choi about FLASHLIGHT, a gorgeous, ferociously smart, and impossibly heartbreaking novel that traces a father's disappearance across time, nations, and memory. Susan discusses the emotional and structural complexity of the book—how it was written out of order and quilted together with research and imagination. She delves into themes of family, grief, and cultural identity, and shares why she champions complex, even unlikeable characters. Finally, she reflects on her writing journey, from childhood stories and struggling through grad school to eventually working at The New Yorker and writing her first novel.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4dV88wcShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, THE CREATIVITY CHOICE: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas Into Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 28:35


    Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4e2uHzhShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Christie Brinkley, UPTOWN GIRL: A Memoir

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 23:57


    Supermodel and New York Times bestselling author Christie Brinkley joins Zibby to discuss her bighearted, jaw-dropping, and beautifully crafted memoir of resilience and self-discovery, UPTOWN GIRL. Christie reflects on the dazzling highs and devastating lows of her life—from her iconic modeling career and moments of glamour to battles with grief, trauma, stalkers, heartbreak, and motherhood in the public eye. With remarkable humility and humor, she opens up about aging in the spotlight, raising children under scrutiny, divorcing a narcissist, and why she waited until 70 to share her story.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4kuquXwShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Wally Lamb, THE RIVER IS WAITING: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 24:35


    Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4jBY6l1Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tiffany Jenkins, A CLEAN MESS: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 26:36


    Zibby chats with bestselling author Tiffany Jenkins about her raw and unflinchingly honest new memoir, A CLEAN MESS: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb. Tiffany delves into the challenges of early sobriety, reentering society after incarceration, navigating a volatile marriage, and confronting postpartum depression. She thanks the woman who first hired her after she was released from jail, emphasizing how vital second chances are to those in recovery—her dad's unwavering support saved her life! Finally, they touch on Tiffany's rapid rise to internet fame and discuss her plans to pivot toward helping others in recovery.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HqWbSOShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, CLIMBING IN HEELS: A Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 27:04


    Zibby interviews Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, longtime film and TV producer and agent to some of Hollywood's biggest stars, about her debut novel, CLIMBING IN HEELS, a smart, sexy, and entertaining story about the rise of three secretaries at the hottest agency in 1980s Hollywood. Elaine reflects on her own experience navigating the cutthroat world of Hollywood, her transition from agent to writer, and the wild stories—both real and imagined—that shaped her fiercely ambitious protagonist, Beanie Rosen. They discuss personal reinvention, women's friendships, the background players in fame, the influence of mothers, and the long journey to owning one's creative voice.  Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HszLAIShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Josie Balka, I HOPE YOU REMEMBER: Poems on Loving, Longing, and Living

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 24:15


    Zibby welcomes viral TikTok poet Josie Balka to discuss I HOPE YOU REMEMBER, a breathtaking poetry collection about love, loss, envy, hope, relationships, body image, nostalgia, and the universal longings that live deep in our souls. Josie shares how a therapist's advice to open her heart completely changed her perspective on life. She also reflects on her creative process (it's mostly spontaneous and done in her iPhone Notes app!) and emphasizes the power of simple, conversational writing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4kK9agNShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Claim Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel