New York Times bestselling author and bookstore owner Peter H. Reynolds joins Zibby to discuss his simple, witty, and marvelously illustrated new children’s book, THE DOT. Peter delves into his creative journey, from illustrating JUDY MOODY to founding International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity and confidence now honored in 190 countries. He also shares the moving story that inspired this book, the importance of encouraging imagination in children (and adults!), and his mission to make the world a kinder, more creative place through books, art, and community.

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby chats with Tiffany Graham Charkosky about her honest and unflinching new memoir, LIVING PROOF: How Love Defied Genetic Legacy. Tiffany shares the difficult journey that began when she discovered she might carry Lynch syndrome, a genetic mutation linked to early-onset cancers—the same condition that likely caused her mother’s death when Tiffany was just 11. Tiffany opens up about grief, motherhood, and resilience, as well as what it means to live in a body that feels suddenly unfamiliar. She and Zibby also discuss writing through trauma, finding empathy for our younger selves, and learning to accept help—both medically and emotionally.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/43o4Rl3

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Social media star, author, and activist Molly Burke joins Zibby to discuss her vulnerable, honest, and darkly humorous new memoir, UNSEEN: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice. Molly opens up about losing her vision at 14, facing depression and bullying, and ultimately rebuilding her life. She shares the shocking story of being exploited by a manipulative speaking organization, the emotional toll of disability and societal bias, and how she turned pain into purpose—building a global platform of over 5 million followers.

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby is joined by Newbery Medalist and beloved, bestselling middle-grade author Rebecca Stead to discuss THE EXPERIMENT, an extraterrestrial coming-of-age novel about identity and change. Rebecca discusses her unexpected path from public defender to acclaimed writer, how she captures the emotional truth of childhood, and why she believes in letting kids read (and reread) whatever they love. She and Zibby also talk about friendship, family, creativity, and the quiet bravery it takes to write.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4n4dsAp

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby interviews Pushcart Prize-winning author Karen Palmer about her searingly honest, heart-pounding, illuminating new memoir, SHE’S UNDER HERE. Karen opens up about escaping an abusive marriage by changing her identity and disappearing overnight with her children and new husband, then grappling with the lifelong consequences of that decision. She and Zibby also discuss the many forms of domestic violence, the loss and rediscovery of self, and the healing power of storytelling.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4n2bsIT

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby chats with New York Times bestselling author and middle school teacher Matt Eicheldinger about HOLES IN MY UNDERWEAR, his wildly entertaining new collection of 100+ funny and thoughtful poems and illustrations, and STICKY NOTES, a collection of short, moving stories from his years in the classroom. Matt shares how his journey from sixth-grade teacher to New York Times bestselling author began with printing stories on the school copier, his belief in the power of small moments, the joys and challenges of teaching, and the lessons he’s learned from his students about kindness, resilience, and listening.

Purchase on Bookshop:

Holes in My Underwear: https://bit.ly/47wEISD

Sticky Notes: https://bit.ly/4hhUKUS

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby chats with TikTok sensation Eli Rallo about her candid, funny, and deeply relatable new collection, DOES ANYONE ELSE FEEL THIS WAY?: Essays on Conquering the Quarter Life Crisis. Eli opens up about finding her voice online, navigating the isolation and uncertainty of post-grad life, and turning her popular podcast and Substack into a meaningful writing career. She and Zibby also discuss the pressures young women face on social media, the realities of growing up, and why your twenties are not your peak. Finally, Eli offers advice for aspiring writers: don’t stop, stay delusional, and keep creating.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3KLDb3a

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Live from the Streicker Center! Zibby interviews political writer and podcaster Molly Jong-Fast about HOW TO LOSE YOUR MOTHER, a mesmerizing, intimate, wise, heartbreaking, instant New York Times bestselling memoir about an intense mother–daughter relationship, a sometimes chaotic upbringing with a fame-hungry parent, and the upheavals that challenge our hard-won adulthood. Together, they explore the complexities of caring for aging parents while raising children, the legacy of her mother Erica Jong’s fame, and finding humor—even joy—in life’s most difficult moments.

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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New York Times bestselling author and journalist Beth Macy chats with Zibby about PAPER GIRL: A Memoir of Hope and Family in a Fractured America, an essential, searingly poignant reckoning with the changes that have rocked her beloved small Ohio hometown. Beth describes her mother’s final days after the 2020 election and her journey back home to understand how division, disinformation, and economic decline tore families and communities apart. She also delves into what’s left of local journalism, how education and opportunity have eroded for working-class Americans, and what it takes to rebuild trust, compassion, and hope in a polarized nation.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4nh6atr

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews two-time Oprah’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling author Jane Hamilton about her first novel in nearly a decade, THE PHOEBE VARIATIONS (which is published by Zibby Publishing!). Jane shares the inspiration behind Phoebe’s story, an exploration of girlhood, friendship, identity, and found family set in 1970s Oak Park. She and Zibby also discuss motherhood, regret, creative persistence, and what it means to hold a book close to one's heart.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46RwvJD

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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