This Is the Author

In this special episode of This is the Author we asked, "What’s your recipe for a good story?" Hear Markus Zusak, Kate Inglis, Tyler Reagin, Khalida Brohi, George Packer, Sam Anderson, Ryan North, Beth Comstock, and Glory Edimshare their vital ingredients for a good story.

In this episode, meet CEO of Menlo Innovations, Richard Sheridan—although you may want to refer to him as Chief Joy Officer—therapist and meditation teacher, Ralph De La Rosa, and journalist Hamish McKenzie. From stories of joyful leadership to why we need a more joyful meditation practice, you’ll be inspired by the fascinating lessons and research these authors have to share.

Chief Joy Officer by Richard Sheridan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557539/chief-joy-officer/

The Monkey Is the Messenger by Ralph De La Rosa: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576131/the-monkey-is-the-messenger/

Insane Mode by Hamish McKenzie: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549834/insane-mode/

In this inspiring, love-filled episode of This is the Author, hear from Bishop Michael Curry, who delivered his sermon on the redemptive power of love at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; meet the charismatic cast of Netflix’s Queer Eye (otherwise known as the Fab Five), who strive to help all of us celebrate our best lives; and listen to United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who shares the bold and brave stories of women suffragists as well as those of personal family members who taught her to be strong and courageous.

The Power of Love by Michael Curry: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/604756/the-power-of-love/

Queer Eye by Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown and Jonathan Van Ness: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/601971/queer-eye/

Bold & Brave by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566148/bold-and-brave/

In this special compilation of This is the Author, we asked authors to reveal their recipes for a great story. Hear Torrey Maldonado, Heather Won Tesoriero, Jedidiah Jenkins, Marcellus Wiley, Sam Maggs, KJ Dell'Antonia, Daniel Siegel, Cristen Conger, Caroline Ervin, Tom O'Bryan, and Matt de la Peña reveal their secret ingredients, whether that be radical truth-telling or a pinch of metaphorical salt. Thinking of cooking up some stories yourself? Have a listen, and let the creative mixing begin!

In this episode, meet former NFL player Marcellus Wiley, cofounder of MBAs Across America, Casey Gerald, and staff writer for The New Yorker Bill Buford. Football—the American and British variety—plays an important role in each of these authors’ lives. Speaking from their personal experiences, they share musings, lessons, and expertise that may make you think about how sports and society’s expectations have affected your own life. And, hear why narrating is surprisingly more difficult than “a triple day training camp practice”.

Never Shut Up by Marcellus Wiley: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/572553/never-shut-up/

There Will Be No Miracles Here by Casey Gerald: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549841/there-will-be-no-miracles-here/

Among the Thugs by Bill Buford: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/20946/among-the-thugs/

In this episode, meet writer Jessica Brody, author and entrepreneur James Clear, and speaker and sales expert Anthony Iannarino. From how to write a novel to how to change your habits to how to be a great salesperson, you’ll be guided to motivation.

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/554039/save-the-cat-writes-a-novel/

Atomic Habits by James Clear: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/543993/atomic-habits/

Eat Their Lunch by Anthony Iannarino: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/585767/eat-their-lunch/

In this episode, meet journalist Gary Pomerantz, writer George Packer, and popular science writer Steven Johnson. Using the lens of sports, culture, technological innovation, and family, these authors explain why journeying to the past is necessary in order to see the present in a new light. And, find out which Hollywood legend is one author’s dream narrator.

The Last Pass by Gary Pomerantz: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553223/the-last-pass/

Blood of the Liberals by George Packer: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/580451/blood-of-the-liberals/

How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/538407/how-we-got-to-now/

In this episode meet podcast hosts of Unladylike, Cristen Conger & Caroline Ervin, director and writer, Jill Soloway, creator of the groundbreaking and award-winning TV series Transparent, and founder of Well-Read Black Girl, Glory Edim. You’ll be prepared to smash (glass) ceilings, defy gender roles, and support diverse voices after listening to these authors share both their own inspiring stories – and those of other rabble rousers and role models. And, find out which author’s narration experience taught her that she needs to do a few more core strength exercises.

Unladylike by Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558376/unladylike/

She Wants It by Jill Soloway: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/259082/she-wants-it/

Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576456/well-read-black-girl/

In this episode meet motivational speaker and coach Alexia Vernon, writer Mya Spalter, and blogger Rachel Marie Martin. Listen in as these experts lead you on a path of transformation and empowerment whether you’re seeking professional, spiritual or personal advice and inspiration. And, find out why one author’s dream narrator would actually be a full cast of wonderful, strong women.

Step Into Your Moxie by Alexia Vernon: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/574482/step-into-your-moxie/

Enchantments by Mya Spalter: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565183/enchantments/

The Brave Art of Motherhood by Rachel Marie Martin: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565671/the-brave-art-of-motherhood/

In this episode meet travel writer Jedidiah Jenkins, author and advice columnist Heather Havrilesky, and CEO Scott Harrison. They address the big questions so many of us ask ourselves every day: What is my purpose? Who am I meant to be? And how can I lead a meaningful life that positively impacts others? The personal stories shared in this episode will leave you thinking about positive ways to make change and feel good about yourself. Not to mention, find out which author’s dream narrator pick has a voice that’s “buttery and dangerous.”

To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557260/to-shake-the-sleeping-self/

What If This Were Enough? by Heather Havrilesky: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557733/what-if-this-were-enough/

Thirst by Scott Harrison: http://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/562193/thirst/