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Hungry Dogs with James Patterson
Hungry Dogs with James Patterson episodes
- 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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
41 min - 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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39 min - 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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
41 min - 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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32 min - 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 Intro01:04 The Harvard Happiness Course02:25 The Science of Happiness10:12 The Importance of Friendships15:59 Balancing Work and Family25:43 Understanding Intelligence Over Time30:02 Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence32:06 Disrupt Everything: Embracing Change36:06 Encouraging Writers to Finish Their Books42:56 Global Poverty and Economic Freedom44:52 Loving Your Enemies (Seriously)50:33 The Power of Storytelling and MemoryLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
58 min - 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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41 min - 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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min - Michael J. Fox on Optimism, Acceptance, and Moving Forward
James Patterson talks with Michael J. Fox about optimism, acceptance, and choosing how to move forward in the face of uncertainty. Fox reflects on writing his memoir Future Boy, why acceptance does not mean resignation, and how understanding what is allows you to keep going rather than give up.
They discuss living publicly with Parkinson’s, using humor as a survival tool, and why action matters more than false positivity. Fox also shares how the Michael J. Fox Foundation has helped transform Parkinson’s research, why skepticism is healthy but cynicism is corrosive, and how investing in people and science can create real, lasting change.
00:00 Intro
01:11 Acceptance and Resilience
02:12 Michael J. Fox's Writing Journey
07:19 Rock and Roll Fantasies
08:23 Friendship with Muhammad Ali
16:20 Parkinson's and Advocacy
20:12 Family and Personal Reflections
24:22 Living in New York
25:08 Career Reflections
26:17 Writing and Storytelling
28:25 Dealing with Bullies
29:58 Health Challenges and Optimism
34:40 Philanthropy and Research
40:20 Today's Politics
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48 min - James Clear on Atomic Habits, Identity, and Becoming the Person You Want to Be
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, joins James Patterson on today's episode of Hungry Dogs to talk about why habits matter more than motivation and how small actions shape who we become. Clear reflects on recovering from a life-changing injury, learning to value small wins, and why every habit is a vote for the type of person you want to be.
They discuss identity-based habits, the difference between motion and action, optimism versus cynicism, and how reading, environment, and consistency influence long-term success. Clear also shares practical insights on building better systems, parenting, education, and why five good minutes can be enough to reset a day.00:00 Intro00:59 The Atomic Habits Workbook02:30 James Clear's Personal Journey04:06 The Importance of Small Wins06:21 The Deeper Reason Habits Matter12:41 Disrupting the Norm: Positive Changes15:16 The Four Laws of Behavior Change17:54 Navigating the Job Market with Atomic Habits19:42 Identity Change Through Small Actions23:06 The Importance of Quality Content25:54 Applying Atomic Habits in Family Life32:35 The Value of Five Good Minutes33:10 Thinking Long Term, Acting Short TermLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
39 min - Tara Westover on Educated and the Challenge of Telling the Truth
James Patterson talks with author Tara Westover, known for her bestselling memoir Educated, about memory, self-education, and learning how to write truthfully about your own life. Westover reflects on growing up in a radical, isolated household in rural Idaho and how education became both her escape and her reckoning.
They discuss the challenge of writing about family when memories conflict, how she moved from academic writing to storytelling, and why short stories helped her find her voice. She also shares how her understanding of learning has changed over time and offers a glimpse into what she is exploring in her next book.
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43 min
About Hungry Dogs with James Patterson
From the publisher's feed
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 video interviews with leading voices from across a wide variety of industries, including books, music, film, television, politics and sports.
The title is inspired by Patterson’s maternal grandmother. As Patterson says, “Nan used to always say, 'hungry dogs run faster.' And I’ve been running fast ever since.”
Tune in each Wednesday for interviews with notable guests like Dolly Parton, BJ Novak, Kathy Bates, Stacy Abrams, David Baldacci, and many more.
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