Meet the Author

When McSweeney's contributor Dan Kennedy lands himself a job at a major label, he finds himself in way over his head. Kennedy's hilarious memoir, Rock On, is a power ballad to office life and rock 'n' roll.

The authors of Our Dumb World: Atlas of the Planet Earth (and editors of The Onion) give a guided tour of the most important reference work ever written. Note: This episode is presented as a slideshow. Be sure to enjoy the visual component of this enhanced podcast.

Acclaimed suspense writer James Patterson stops by the Apple Store, SoHo in New York City for a discussion of his latest book, some of his most memorable characters, and his life as a writer of popular fiction.

George R.R. Martin, the best-selling author of the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, is also an award-winning writer of short fiction in a variety of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and horror. In this exclusive interview, Martin discusses Dreamsongs, the author's collection of short stories from the past 30-plus years. He also discusses favorite characters, the influence of Hollywood, the meaning of "the heart in conflict," and more.

Stephen Colbert captivates a standing room only crowd at the Apple Store in SoHo. After he shares choice sections from his new book, I Am America (And So Can You!), Colbert sits down with radio host Jesse Thorn for an insightful conversation.

Alan Alda's new memoir, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself looks at the critical points in his life--his first Broadway show, September 11, a near-death experience on a Chilean mountaintop--and wonders whether there's any one thing that leads to a life of meaning.