Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

By James Patterson

James Patterson—the world’s bestselling author—created Hungry Dogs to explore the minds of extraordinary people, from authors and musicians to actors and politicians. The podcast features in-depth vid... more

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FAQs about Hungry Dogs with James Patterson:

How many episodes does Hungry Dogs with James Patterson have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.

Hungry Dogs with James Patterson episodes:

March 25, 2026 How Viola Davis and James Patterson Wrote a Novel Together
Viola Davis and James Patterson join The New York Times' Sarah Lyall for a conversation about their new novel Judge Stone and the collaboration behind it.
They discuss how the project began, what it takes to build a story together, and how their different backgrounds shaped the book. For Viola, it was a return to collaboration after years of working independently in film, while for James it was about finding the right voice and emotional center for the story.
The conversation explores how they developed their characters, especially Nova and Judge Stone, and why it was so important to portray them with honesty and care. Viola shares how her own experiences informed the emotional core of the story, and James talks about the importance of voice, structure, and constantly refining scenes until they feel true.
They also talk about the challenges of writing about difficult subjects, the role of storytelling in exploring questions of power and justice, and why stories like this matter in moments when people are searching for clarity and meaning.
Special thank you to The 92nd Street Y, New York for making this conversation possible.

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50min
March 18, 2026 How Lee and Andrew Child Write Jack Reacher
Lee Child and Andrew Child join James Patterson for a conversation about the creation of Jack Reacher, their unconventional writing process, and how one of the most iconic characters in modern fiction continues to evolve.
Lee shares the story of getting fired at nearly 40 and how that moment pushed him to write his first novel, a turning point that ultimately led to the global success of the Reacher series.
They talk about how they write together and why they avoid outlines, relying instead on instinct and momentum to guide each scene. For them, writing is less about planning every detail in advance and more about discovering the story as it unfolds.
The conversation also explores the philosophy behind Jack Reacher as a character, their belief that writing is a job that requires showing up and doing the work, and how their upbringing shaped their approach to storytelling. They reflect on the transition from books to film and streaming, and what it means to adapt a character like Reacher for a new audience.

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38min
March 11, 2026 Erik Larson on the Story Behind Devil in the White City, Churchill & Why He Won't Tell You His Next Book
On this episode of Hungry Dogs, James Patterson sits down with Erik Larson, the bestselling author behind Devil in the White City, The Splendid and the Vile, and Thunderstruck.
Larson reveals how he stumbled onto the Devil in the White City story through an encyclopedia of murder and a PhD dissertation with incredible footnotes, and why he was convinced the book would end his career the night before it published. They get into why he does all his own research with no assistants, how he discovered secret diary entries about a heartbroken Churchill aide during the Blitz, and the family reunion where his sister told him she wasn't interested in reading his next book. Erik also discusses why Hollywood has optioned his work for over 20 years and still hasn't made the movie and the one rule he never breaks when it comes to upcoming projects.

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40min
March 04, 2026 Why Life Hacks Don't Work with Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg joins James Patterson for a conversation about habits, behavior change, communication, and why “life hacks” rarely lead to lasting transformation.
Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better, and Super Communicators, explains the science behind the cue–routine–reward loop and why nearly half of what we do each day isn’t a conscious decision; it’s a habit.
They discuss mental habits, deep thinking, storytelling, creativity, and how strong communication skills can combat loneliness and polarization. Duhigg also shares insights on productivity culture, why shortcuts fail, and what it really takes to change behavior for good.

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41min
February 25, 2026 Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Network with Vicky Ward
Vicky Ward joins James Patterson for a revealing conversation about Jeffrey Epstein, power, and the systems that allowed him to operate for decades. Ward, one of the first journalists to profile Epstein in 2003, reflects on the intimidation tactics she experienced firsthand and why Epstein’s influence extended far beyond what most people understood at the time.
They explore the psychology of Epstein’s world, the powerful figures who surrounded him, and how wealth and access can distort accountability. Ward also shares her perspective on Ghislaine Maxwell, former Prince Andrew, and the many unresolved questions that continue to shadow Epstein’s network.
James Patterson also discusses his reaction to being mentioned in the Epstein Files, including email exchanges between Epstein and author Michael Wolff connected to the release of James' 2016 book, Filthy Rich: The Jeffrey Epstein Story.

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39min
February 18, 2026 Brad Meltzer Was Rejected 24 Times Before His First Break
Brad Meltzer joins James Patterson for a wide ranging conversation about rejection, resilience, and the unpredictable path to success. Meltzer reflects on receiving 24 rejection letters before publishing his first novel and why those early setbacks shaped his career far more than any instant success story.
They discuss how comic books helped turn them both into lifelong readers, the hidden lessons inside failure, and the mindset required to keep going when nothing seems to be working. Meltzer also shares remarkable personal stories, including honoring veterans, throwing out a first pitch at a Major League Baseball game, and the unforgettable experience of reading to President George H. W. Bush near the end of his life.
The conversation also touches on Meltzer’s latest thriller, The Viper, along with storytelling, persistence, and the moments that quietly define a writer’s career.

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41min
February 11, 2026 James Patterson Interviews Alex Cross
James Patterson sits down with Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins, the star and showrunner of Amazon’s Cross, to talk about bringing Alex Cross from the page to the screen. They discuss what it means to reinterpret one of fiction’s most iconic detectives, why the series focuses on new stories rather than direct adaptations, and how Cross is written as a father, partner, and human being first.

Catch the premiere of Season 2 of Cross today on Prime Video!

00:00 Intro
01:09 Discussing Season Two of Cross
02:47 Character Complexity and Realism
05:43 The Evolution of Alex Cross
07:11 Behind the Scenes: Writer's Room Insights
12:33 Comparing TV Shows and Movies
14:03 Creating New Stories Beyond the Books
16:03 Character Development and Flaws
17:07 Acting and Watchmaking
19:51 The Art of Television Writing
22:02 Exciting Twists in Season Two
25:07 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

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32min
February 04, 2026 Arthur Brooks on Why Happiness Requires Struggle
James Patterson sits down with author and Harvard professor Dr. Arthur Brooks for a conversation about happiness, suffering, and what actually makes life meaningful. Brooks explains why true happiness requires pain, why eliminating struggle leads to dissatisfaction, and how learning from failure is essential to growth. They discuss the science behind happiness, the difference between success and meaning, the importance of relationships, and how our priorities shift as we age. Drawing from Brooks’ research, teaching, and writing, this episode explores how to build a life rooted in purpose rather than chasing constant pleasure.
00:00 Intro
01:04 The Harvard Happiness Course
02:25 The Science of Happiness
10:12 The Importance of Friendships
15:59 Balancing Work and Family
25:43 Understanding Intelligence Over Time
30:02 Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence
32:06 Disrupt Everything: Embracing Change
36:06 Encouraging Writers to Finish Their Books
42:56 Global Poverty and Economic Freedom
44:52 Loving Your Enemies (Seriously)
50:33 The Power of Storytelling and Memory

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58min
January 28, 2026 Daniel Kehlmann on Complicity, Moral Choice, and How History Repeats Itself
James Patterson speaks with acclaimed novelist Daniel Kehlmann about literature, history, and the quiet decisions that shape moral responsibility. Kehlmann discusses growing up between Germany and the United States, differences in reading culture and education, and why habits of reading matter more than ever.
They explore Kehlmann’s novel The Director, which examines how ordinary people become complicit inside authoritarian systems, and why evil rarely arrives as a single defining moment. The conversation touches on moral judgment, censorship, artistic responsibility, comedy in dark times, and how small, defensible choices can slowly lead societies down dangerous paths.

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41min
January 21, 2026 Peggy Noonan on Why Certainty Is Dangerous in History
James Patterson sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Peggy Noonan for a wide-ranging conversation about history, uncertainty, and writing in divided times. Noonan reflects on her decades-long career at The Wall Street Journal, her years inside the Reagan White House as a speechwriter, and what she learned watching leadership up close during a pivotal moment in American history.
They discuss how writers observe power from the outside, what leadership looks like when character is tested, and why moments of absolute certainty are often the most dangerous in public life. Drawing on her time writing for Ronald Reagan and later reflecting on his presidency, Noonan shares lessons about decency, civic life, political courage, and what it means to remain intellectually honest when the country feels unsettled.

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28min

FAQs about Hungry Dogs with James Patterson:

How many episodes does Hungry Dogs with James Patterson have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.