Podcasts about zibby

Today, we're sharing a recent episode from the Webby Award-winning, daily podcast Totally Booked with Zibby. Hosted by Zibby Owens — the powerhouse bookstore owner and bestselling author dubbed "NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer" by Vulture — "Totally Booked" delivers interviews with the best, buzziest, and underrated authors to share work that's truly worth your time. In this episode, Adam Met — climate advocate, educator, and the “A” in the multi-Platinum band AJR — dives into his new book Amplify. Adam also reveals 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.  For more episodes, follow "Totally Booked with Zibby" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. New episodes are released daily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and celebrated White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz returns to the podcast to discuss AS A JEW: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. Sarah shares her personal journey of rediscovering Jewish tradition, explores the history and persistence of antisemitism, and explains why reclaiming Jewish identity on Jewish terms is essential today. Their conversation touches on resilience, nuance, and hope for the future, offering wisdom not just for Jews but for anyone seeking deeper understanding.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4gpMWQxShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews million-copy bestselling author Joanne Harris, who has returned to the world of CHOCOLAT with the long-awaited story of VIANNE, which begins six years before she opens her scandalous chocolaterie in the small French village of Lansquenet. Joanne discusses her novel's themes of grief, identity, motherhood, and transformation, and then touches on the healing power of food, the folklore and history of chocolate, memory as a way to keep loved ones alive, and her journey as a writer with synesthesia.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3JGPtJHShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with debut novelist Laura Dickerman about HOT DESK, a rollicking, sparkling, and utterly funny publishing-world satire with a romantic twist. Laura shares how a one-sentence idea from her brother sparked the story of two rival editors forced to share a desk, leading to unexpected competition, secrets, and… love. She also talks about her memories of interning at The Paris Review, her thoughts on humor in fiction, the surprising inner workings of the publishing industry, and what it feels like to debut with a novel after years of teaching, parenting, and writing in the margins.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4gdpA0kShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/467iwO6Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instant New York Times bestseller! Psychotherapist and social media star Meg Josephson joins Zibby to discuss ARE YOU MAD AT ME?, a groundbreaking, relatable, and binge-worthy guide to understanding chronic people-pleasing (or “fawning”). Meg shares how growing up in a volatile household shaped her instinct to people-please, how this unconscious coping strategy can be both protective and exhausting, and why so many women struggle with it. She and Zibby talk about generational patterns, social media's impact on anxiety and validation-seeking, and the importance of repairing relationships rather than striving for perfection.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4p2B3DNShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews debut novelist Esther Chehebar about SISTERS OF FORTUNE, a warm, perceptive, witty, and utterly enjoyable novel about three Syrian Jewish sisters navigating family, tradition, body image, and love in Brooklyn. Esther shares the inspiration behind the story, the unique dynamics of the Syrian Jewish community, and her own path from blogging and essays to fiction. She also opens up about the challenges of sisterhood, the humor and contradictions around food and body image, and the joy she hopes readers take away from the book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3JFs4bnShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with Rebecca Gardner, founder and creative director of the online shop Houses & Parties, about her dazzling new book, A SCREAMING BLAST: Exceptional Entertaining, a vibrant journey through twenty of her most fabulous parties. Rebecca shares stories from her South Texas upbringing and her path into event and interior design. She also talks about working with inspiring figures like Sofia Coppola, the influence of her grandmother's hospitality, and her philosophy that “celebrating is really, really important in life.”Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46bcxc4Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acclaimed author, actor, and singer-songwriter David Duchovny returns to the podcast to discuss ABOUT TIME, a deeply personal, existential, and insightful debut poetry collection. They dive into the paradox of poetry as both “useless” and deeply essential, exploring its power to connect, surprise, and give voice to grief, memory, and love. David shares moving poems about his late father and beloved dog, reflecting on loss, the beauty of language, and why poetry still matters in a world obsessed with utility.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45u0ir2Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raegan Revord, debut author and star of the CBS hit series Young Sheldon, chats with Zibby about her charming YA rom-com, RULES FOR FAKE GIRLFRIENDS. They discuss how the novel blends grief, love, friendship, and self-discovery through Avery's journey to England on a scavenger hunt left by her late mother. Raegan shares how her acting background informs her ability to capture emotion on the page and how she built a thriving book club community with Read with Raegan. She also opens up about growing up on Young Sheldon, the importance of found family both on screen and in her writing, and why storytelling has always been at the core of who she is.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45Msog7Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby welcomes author Rebecca Wolf to discuss her debut novel, ALIVE AND BEATING. Inspired by the true story of Rebecca's close friend, who was killed in a 1995 suicide bombing in Israel, the novel imagines the lives of the six people who will receive organ transplants from the victim. Rebecca shares how she wove together multiple perspectives to honor her friend's legacy, the diversity of Jerusalem, and our shared humanity. She also reflects on the challenges of writing such a personal story, the research that went into capturing medical and cultural details, and how the book became both a tribute and a cathartic process. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fTn137Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with author Rachel Cockerell about her dazzling, eclectic, genre-bending new book, MELTING POINT: Family, Memory, and the Search for a Promised Land. Blending family memoir with forgotten chapters of Jewish history, Rachel uncovers the extraordinary life of her great-grandfather, the early debates within Zionism, and the little-known Galveston Plan to resettle Jewish immigrants in Texas. She explains her innovative method of weaving together primary sources to create a vivid, novel-like narrative, and reflects on themes of assimilation, identity, and historical memory.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lAp4ubShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novelist and short story writer Marian Thurm joins Zibby to discuss I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TELL YOU THIS, a touching and quirkily humorous book about a family court judge navigating complex cases in the courtroom and the heartbreaking decline of her brilliant husband. Marian shares the deeply personal inspiration for the book, including her parents' struggles with dementia, and opens up about the two decades it took to bring this novel to life. She also reflects on her early career, her first publication in The New Yorker, and the surprising role persistence, luck, and motherhood have played in shaping her journey.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45AXw1KShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity specialist, Dr. Vonda Wright, about her groundbreaking new book, UNBREAKABLE: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power. Dr. Wright shares her journey from working in sports medicine to becoming a leading advocate for women's health, challenging the myth that aging means inevitable decline. She explains why women's bodies age differently, how simple daily habits like walking and lifting can transform long-term health, and why mindset and self-worth are key to lasting change. Together, they discuss the empowering message behind Unbreakable: that women can remain strong, joyful, and resilient at every age.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fGXo5uShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews award-winning author Ilana Kurshan about her luminous, heartfelt new book, CHILDREN OF THE BOOK: A Memoir of Reading Together. Ilana shares how reading aloud to her five children—from GOODNIGHT MOON to CHARLOTTE'S WEB—became deeply intertwined with her lifelong practice of reading from the Torah. She reflects on how books create a common family language, forge intimacy, and shift in meaning as we revisit them through different stages of life. She also opens up about raising her children in Jerusalem, the role of literature in calming fears, and how parenthood itself can feel like a sacred journey mirrored in biblical stories.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4oS9KfxShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Lauren Grodstein returns to the podcast to discuss her heartwarming, emotionally attuned, and intricately crafted new novel, A DOG IN GEORGIA. What begins as the story of a middle-aged woman impulsively traveling to the country of Georgia to help find a lost dog turns into a deeper exploration of marriage, midlife, identity, and the search for meaning. Lauren shares her love of animals, how her time in Georgia shaped the novel, and the ways humor, food, and even politics weave through the book. She and Zibby also dive into big questions about purpose, freedom, and what it means to live a meaningful life—while laughing about midlife chaos, martinis, and the irresistible pull of dog videos.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mQna9VShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3UFwTntShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artist Kimberly Brooks joins Zibby to discuss 10 THINGS EVERY JEW SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THEY GO TO COLLEGE, a book she illustrated alongside co-authors Emily Schrader and Blake Flayton. Kimberly shares what inspired her to create a clear, accessible guide for students navigating antisemitism and distorted narratives on campus. She and Zibby discuss the importance of arming the next generation with facts, the role of Jewish education, and why this book feels like both a shield and a toolkit at such a critical time.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Uz5OlSShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!JOIN ME! I'm hosting four events on September 19, 25th and 30th in NYC and on October 4th in Greenwich, CT. Get your tickets here! (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby speaks with playwright and author Sasha Salzmann about GLORIOUS PEOPLE, a remarkable, astute, and deeply empathic novel exploring the disintegration of the Soviet Union, told through mothers and daughters. Sasha shares how dinner table conversations with her mother's friends inspired the book, what she discovered about motherhood, birth stories, and hidden family histories, and why she believes mothers are the unsung protagonists of political and cultural history. She also touches on her experiences living as a Jewish writer in Germany, the role of friendship across communities, and how she chooses between writing plays, novels, and essays.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45AfMscShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews “the best tennis writer in America,” Giri Nathan, about THE CHANGEOVER, a gripping, scintillating account of the pivotal generational shift happening in men's tennis. Giri shares his experience following rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner during the season that saw them split the four major titles, offering fans a rare inside look at their growth, challenges, and personalities. He also discusses the end of the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era and the pressures of fame on young athletes, and then shares how he balances reporting with new parenthood and what it's like to cover the game he loves.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fDPJoCShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mHK5UGShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Zibby interviews debut novelist Jennifer Trevelyan about A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY, a tense, gripping, exquisitely written coming-of-age mystery set on the Kāpiti Coast of New Zealand in 1985. They discuss sisterhood, the awkward threshold between childhood and adolescence, the lingering weight of grief, and the unsettling presence of a stranger next door. Jennifer also talks about her decade-long journey to publication, the discipline that kept her writing before dawn, and why some mysteries are best left a little bit unsolved...Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lC18XCShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with bestselling author Jess Johnston about PERFECT IS BORING (AND IT TASTES LIKE KALE), a hilariously candid, refreshingly self-aware, and deeply heartfelt exploration of letting go of perfectionism and finding connection through honesty. Jess and Zibby discuss motherhood's messiness, resisting the comparison trap, the power of supportive friendships, and the freedom that comes from showing up as you are.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ozhummShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45cci03Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mu1xvLShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and professor at UT Austin Mallary Tenore Tarpley joins Zibby to discuss her groundbreaking new book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery. Mallary describes her messy, nonlinear path to recovery from anorexia, sharing what it's like to live in the “middle place” between sickness and full recovery. She reveals how she combined personal stories with research, immersive reporting, and cutting-edge science, touching on the emotional toll of revisiting her childhood journals and treatment records. Finally, they discuss identity, grief, motherhood, healing, and how Mallary is raising her own children with compassion and awareness.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4m8yrm5Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with co-authors Brian Buckbee and Carol Ann Fitzgerald about their debut memoir, WE SHOULD ALL BE BIRDS, a charming and poignant story about chronic illness, unlikely friendship, and a pigeon named Two Step. Brian shares how his debilitating condition led to a transformative bond with a bird who literally landed in his hands, while Carol explains how a series of Facebook posts turned into a full-length book that is equal parts heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Together, they reflect on pain, connection, humor, and finding meaning in the smallest creatures.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4m2LComShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today, we are sharing Chelsea’s recent interview on the Webby Award-winning daily podcast Totally Booked with Zibby. Hosted by Zibby Owens – the powerhouse bookstore owner and bestselling author dubbed "NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer" by Vulture – Totally Booked delivers interviews with the best, buzziest, and underrated authors to share work that’s truly worth your time. In this specific episode, you’ll hear all about Chelsea’s recent New York Times bestselling book I’ll Have What She’s Having, in addition to her takes on relationships, independence and solitude, and handling criticism. She also shares unforgettable life moments – from a transformative encounter with Jane Fonda to skiing in Whistler to an unexpected visit to Kennebunkport, where three edibles helped her keep her cool. For more episodes, follow Totally Booked with Zibby on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. New episodes are released daily!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring you a conversation with my friend Zibby Owens on her podcast Totally Booked. Taped in front of a life studio audience, we discuss my new book, Secrets of Adulthood, the beauty of frameworks, and why you should label your next email "confidential." Resources & links related to this episode: Zibby Owens Totally Booked Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.