Special re-release! To close out the year, we’re counting down the Top 10 most-listened-to episodes of 2025. Coming in at #10: Zibby’s interview with James Frey. Enjoy!

Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author James Frey about his darkly funny and razor-sharp new novel, NEXT TO HEAVEN. James opens up about writing a book that’s bold, dirty, and wildly entertaining—a murder mystery set in an insulated world of obscene wealth, swingers, and secrets. He discusses the real-life inspiration for his book (his town!) and reveals how people's reactions have ranged from admiration to offense, precisely the kind of impact he aims for. He also delves into his singular style (no quotation marks, no apologies), his views on truth versus fact, and his refusal to play by literary rules.

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

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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In this special episode of the podcast, Zibby interviews acclaimed producer/director Paul Feig at a press junket for THE HOUSEMAID, the highly acclaimed film adaptation of Frieda McFadden’s bestselling novel. The two dive deep into what makes a great book-to-screen adaptation, the art of misdirecting an audience, and the power of music, production design, and point of view. Paul also shares behind-the-scenes insights into shaping THE HOUSEMAID as a “Nancy Meyers movie that goes horribly wrong,” his love of twists, his admiration for McFadden’s writing, and his thoughts on creativity, movie theaters, and finding your own voice as an artist.

NOW PLAYING ONLY IN THEATERS! Get tickets.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45647BY

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Recorded live at Zibby’s Bookshop x Minnie Rose, grief expert Meghan Riordan Jarvis, founder of the Grieftastic Book Fair and author of END OF THE HOUR and CAN YOU TELL ME?, joins Zibby for a compassionate conversation about navigating grief, loss, and collective trauma, especially during the holidays. Meghan shares practical, science-backed tools for processing overwhelming news, managing stress in the body, and understanding how writing, movement, and creativity can support healing. Together, they also explore how grief shows up even when loss isn’t personal, how to care for ourselves without minimizing our pain, and how to truly show up for others who are grieving.

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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In this special, year-end episode of the podcast, Zibby chats with Sarah Gelman, Editorial Director for Books at Amazon, about Amazon’s Best Books of the Year! Together, they dive into the thinking behind the list, highlight standout fiction and nonfiction picks, and discuss buzzy discoveries, sleeper hits, and genre-spanning favorites. With behind-the-scenes insights into how the list is curated (before sales even begin) and a peek at Sarah’s most anticipated upcoming reads… this one’s a must-listen!

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from the Miami Book Fair, Zibby hosts a special panel celebrating three Read With Jenna authors: Emma Knight (THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE COMMON OCTOPUS), Ariel Sullivan (CONFORM), and Jessica Soffer (THIS IS A LOVE STORY). In front of a live audience, the writers discuss craft, love and relationships, beauty and art, motherhood, ambition, and the personal stories behind their novels—from dystopian romance to lifelong love stories and literary coming-of-age tales. A warm, candid, and inspiring conversation about what drives writers to create—and why stories still matter.

Purchase on Bookshop:

Emma Knight / The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus: https://bit.ly/4qfKfoi

Ariel Sullivan / Conform: https://bit.ly/4qczdzX

Jessica Soffer / This Is a Love Story: https://bit.ly/4s3EgEK

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at Zibby’s Bookshop in NYC, Zibby interviews fourth-generation Russ & Daughters co-owners and cousins Niki Russ Federman and Josh Tupper Russ about their gorgeous new cookbook, RUSS & DAUGHTERS: 100 Years of Appetizing. The two discuss the beautifully curated book, the meaning and history of the “appetizing” tradition, and their personal journeys back to a family business rooted in Jewish food, culture, and community. They also explore legacy, identity, immigration, and the delicate balance between preserving tradition while thoughtfully evolving a beloved New York institution.

Signed copies are available at Zibby's Bookshop x Minnie Rose (1019 Lexington Ave, on the corner of 73rd). Hurry before they sell out!

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/454mwix

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with author Iva-Marie Palmer about her adult debut, CHRISTMAS PEOPLE, an entertaining, witty, and sexy holiday rom com. Iva-Marie delves into holiday nostalgia, the chaos behind picture-perfect traditions, and the inspiration behind Jill, the delightfully reluctant “Lady Scrooge” heroine who finds herself trapped in a Hallmark-esque alternate reality. Iva-Marie also opens up about family, loss, writing across age groups, and the magic of unexpected creative breakthroughs.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48PQYOm

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the podcast, recorded live at Zibby’s Bookshop in LA, three extraordinary guests celebrate the acclaimed new film Train Dreams: writer-director Clint Bentley, actor Joel Edgerton, and Black Bear CEO (and Zibby’s brother!) Teddy Schwarzman. The conversation dives into the art of adaptation, the creative journey behind Train Dreams, and the deeply human themes at the heart of Denis Johnson’s beloved novella. From the challenges of translating a 116-page, time-jumping story for the screen to the emotional resonance of portraying an ordinary life with extraordinary dignity, this insightful discussion offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, storytelling, and collaboration.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4q7EJnz

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Zibby chats with children’s book co-authors Sarah Scheerger and Brent Camalich about DUDE. BE NICE, a gorgeously illustrated tale of good intentions and not-so-good outcomes, born from the viral kindness movement behind the Dude Be Nice platform. Brett shares how he left corporate America to spotlight everyday unsung heroes through uplifting videos that have been viewed more than 80 million times, while Sarah reflects on bringing those stories into schools. Together, they discuss the evolution of their beloved character “Dude,” the power of empathy and teamwork, and the hope of expanding the brand into TV and beyond.

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

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Leading health advocate and licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton joins Zibby to discuss her powerful new guide, WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS?: Unlearn the Habits Keeping You Stuck and Unhappy. Kati talks about people-pleasing, toxic empathy, the illusion of control, the emotional roots of our self-protective behaviors, and what real healing looks like. She also shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her work and her journey to becoming a YouTube mental health educator.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48Mf7FQ

Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.