This Is the Author

S6 E49: In this episode, meet children’s author Melissa Wiley. Hear Melissa talk with her audio director, Christina Rooney, about the inspiration behind her stories and her experiences as a homeschool mom. Plus, discover the joys of reading aloud together with Melissa’s favorite family audiobooks and her recommended summer listens for kids.

The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/214333/the-nerviest-girl-in-the-world/

S6 E50: In this episode, meet author Akwaeke Emezi, entrepreneur Poppy Jamie, and meditation teacher Susan Piver. These authors are thinking about some of the biggest questions in life, from identity to relationships. Tune in to hear Akwaeke Emezi on the experience of recording autobiographical stories, Poppy Jamie on the power of thought flexibility, and Susan Piver on the biggest questions about marriage.

Dear Senthuran by Akwaeke Emezi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/656282/dear-senthuran/

Happy Not Perfect by Poppy Jamie: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/652047/happy-not-perfect/

The Hard Questions by Susan Piver: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/293017/the-hard-questions/

S6 E48: In this episode, meet businessman and diplomat Matthew Barzun, co-host of Pod Save the World Ben Rhodes, and reporter and MLB analyst Andy Martino. Step into the recording booth and find out why it was important to these authors to write their books—as well as narrate them.

The Power of Giving Away Power by Matthew Barzun: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602163/the-power-of-giving-away-power/

After the Fall by Ben Rhodes: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/609428/after-the-fall/

Cheated by Andy Martino: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/658290/cheated/

S6 E47: In this episode of This Is the Author, we welcome listeners to a special conversation between author Cameron Lund and narrator Rachel L. Jacobs about the Young Adult audiobook, Heartbreakers and Fakers. Listen along as Cameron and Rachel dive into the writing process and explore the inspiration behind the story. Enjoy this intimate behind-the-mic chat!

Heartbreakers and Fakers by Cameron Lund; read by Rachel L. Jacobs and Cameron Lund:

https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/611603/heartbreakers-and-fakers/

S6 E46: In this episode, meet educator, RN, and poet Joyce Scott, DACA Dreamer and teacher Areli Morales, and author and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Listen in as each of these authors describe the inspiration behind their children’s books and why it’s important to share stories to inspire and engage all children.

Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott, Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588891/unbound-the-life-and-art-of-judith-scott/

Areli Is a Dreamer by Areli Morales: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/605958/areli-is-a-dreamer/

Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574524/becoming-vanessa/

S6 E44: In this episode, meet actor and activist Chella Man, author and musician Joseph Bruchac, and artist and author Tyler Feder. Tune in to hear these authors talk about writing for kids and teens and the importance of visibility, body positivity, and how we can better learn to care for both ourselves and others within a community.

Continuum by Chella Man: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/639768/continuum/

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/669818/rez-dogs/

Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/647974/bodies-are-cool/

S6 E45: In this episode, meet writer, performer, and educator Leona Godin, TV writer and podcast host Danielle Henderson, and Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez, the husband and wife duo behind the band Johnnyswim. Discover why each author decided to write about personal subjects and what it was like recording them.

There Plant Eyes by M. Leona Godin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/611683/there-plant-eyes/

The Ugly Cry by Danielle Henderson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/573439/the-ugly-cry/

Home Sweet Road by Johnnyswim: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/654088/home-sweet-road/

S6 E43: In this episode, meet author Steven Rowley, poet Amit Majmudar, and author A.S. King. Listen in to learn what it was like for these authors to bring the characters and rhythms of their books to life, and how "the voices in their heads" translated into their narrative styles. Plus, behind-the-scenes insights, delightful mispronunciations, and from-the-heart audiobook recommendations.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608011/the-guncle/

What He Did in Solitary by Amit Majmudar: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607733/what-he-did-in-solitary/

Switch by A.S. King: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588594/switch/

S6 E42: In this episode, meet biologist Jonathan Balcombe, author and PBS host Steven Johnson, and journalist Michael Easter. This is an episode for curious minds: discover the essential role flies (yes, flies) play in our ecosystem, the reasons behind why we're living longer, and how to leverage the power of discomfort to improve health and happiness. Plus, hear what it was like for these inquisitive authors to record their audiobooks.

Super Fly by Jonathan Balcombe: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606176/super-fly/

Extra Life by Steven Johnson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/594501/extra-life/

The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/634446/the-comfort-crisis/

S6 E41: In this episode, meet New York Times bestselling author John Green, New York Times best-selling biographer Ronald C. White, and veteran journalist and author Daniel Barbarisi. Listen in to discover what it was like for these authors to voice their work out loud (even when that means capturing President Lincoln's unique vocal cadence). Plus, get the delightfully detailed low-down on one very cozy home recording space.

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/672554/the-anthropocene-reviewed/

Lincoln in Private by Ronald C. White:

https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606646/lincoln-in-private/

Chasing the Thrill by Daniel Barbarisi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/604063/chasing-the-thrill/