Totally Booked with Zibby

Nigerian-American travel writer, speaker, photographer, and bestselling author Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström joins Zibby to discuss BITTER HONEY, a radiant, deliciously addictive family drama about a mother and daughter divided by long-buried secrets, struggling to understand each other as they forge their own paths. Lola reveals how navigating her own divorce informed the emotional depth of the book, and then delves into the story’s themes of generational trauma, fame, secrets, and addiction.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3MIMS3aShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews Rabbi Angela Buchdahl (Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue and the first Asian American rabbi) about her astonishingly beautiful, searing new memoir (and an instant New York Times bestseller), HEART OF A STRANGER: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging. Rabbi Buchdahl shares her extraordinary journey, from Seoul to New York City, weaving together personal stories, Jewish wisdom, and lessons on belonging, grief, empathy, and resilience. She even sings for the audience, which you don’t want to miss!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48lw5f5Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby welcomes former Dance Moms star Nia Sioux to the podcast to discuss her powerful new memoir, BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID: A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life. Joined by a few young fans (Zibby’s kids!), Nia answers heartfelt questions about growing up on reality TV, dealing with pressure and criticism, and learning to stay true to herself. She also opens up about stage fright, friendship, sibling dynamics, and managing her chronic pain disorder.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3MlxVUGShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby Publishing alert! Bestselling Israeli author Lihi Lapid chats with Zibby about I WANTED TO BE WONDERFUL, her gut-wrenching, lyrical, and sharply observed novel about marriage, motherhood, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Originally published in Israel as Woman of Valor, the novel intertwines fiction and memoir, portraying both a woman’s inner life and the complexities of family, love, and identity. Lihi shares the real-life inspiration behind the book, including her journey as a mother to a daughter with autism, her experience as the wife of a public figure, and the struggle to reclaim her own creative voice.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4rzqxVPShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Shawn Johnson joins Zibby to discuss his powerful new book, KISS THE FIRE: 7 Ways to get Back Up When You Want to Give Up. Shawn opens up about his diagnosis with an incurable brain disease, his lifelong struggles with anxiety and depression, and how faith and vulnerability helped him find purpose in pain. He and Zibby also discuss how vulnerability creates connection, why sharing our struggles can be freeing, and how even in life’s darkest moments, hope and purpose can emerge.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3XCtW8EShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews beloved New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean about her brilliant, high-spirited, exhilarating debut memoir, JOYRIDE. Susan reflects on the “reign of good fortune” that has shaped her career and personal life, from serendipitous early writing breaks to the heartbreaks and rebirths that followed. She also opens up about her complicated first marriage, a surprising post-divorce romance in Bhutan, and rebuilding her life after loss, from 9/11 to the California wildfires.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48vrNlDShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews journalist and New York Times bestselling author Marisa Meltzer about her dazzling and intimate new book, IT GIRL: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin. Together, they explore the iconic muse’s complex life beyond the famed Hermès bag, from her bohemian beginnings and creative triumphs to the deep personal losses that shaped her. Marisa shares what drew her to Birkin’s story, her research adventures in Paris, and what she’s learned from studying a woman who lived boldly, loved deeply, and refused to conform.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4iLkdquShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews economist Dr. Corinne Low about her groundbreaking new book, HAVING IT ALL: What Data Tells Us About Women’s Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours. Corinne shares how thinking like an economist can help women redefine what it truly means to “have it all”—not by maximizing achievement, but by maximizing utility: joy, meaning, and fulfillment over a lifetime. She opens up about her own life changes—from leaving a high-pressure job and a long commute to reshaping her marriage and motherhood—and offers data-driven insights on why modern women feel so squeezed, how to find balance, and what it really takes to create an equitable partnership at home and at work.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3KzrRHyShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish social media influencer and food blogger Melinda Strauss chats with Zibby about her debut cookbook, EAT JEWISH: Over 100 Recipes that Blend Jewish Heritage, Modern Flavors, and Family Traditions. Melinda shares how she found her voice online—celebrating Judaism, answering questions, and connecting through food—and how her social media community inspired this book. They also discuss family recipes (including her grandma’s famous Cornflake kugel!), how cooking became her creative outlet, and why EAT JEWISH is both a celebration of culture and a quiet act of fighting antisemitism through education and joy.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/47we0tkShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews neuroscientist Ben Rein about his exquisite and insightful new book, WHY BRAINS NEED FRIENDS: The Neuroscience of Social Connection. Ben explains complex neuroscience in an accessible, engaging way, sharing insights about how even small, everyday interactions boost mental health, creativity, and a sense of belonging. The two discuss everything from the neuroscience of empathy and “Zoom fatigue” to why dogs make us happier and how emojis can improve digital communication.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3KWxyiSShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World-famous designer, educator, and play advocate Cas Holman joins Zibby to discuss her radiant, provocative, and essential new book, PLAYFUL: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity. Cas—best known for her Netflix Abstract episode and her imaginative creations like Rigamajig—shares how decades of designing for children led her to explore why adults need play just as much. She and Zibby discuss the “three conditions” for rediscovering play, how play fosters creativity and connection, and why letting go of rules and expectations can help us live more authentically.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3JhkXWXShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3ITzQyEShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/43o4Rl3Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46X6EzVShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/4n4dsApShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/4n2bsITShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/47wEISDSticky Notes: https://bit.ly/4hhUKUSShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/3KLDb3aShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4q5OH9LShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/4nh6atrShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/46RwvJDShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews America’s favorite storyteller, Mitch Albom, about his new novel, TWICE, a magical and deeply moving story about regret, love, and second chances. Mitch shares how the idea came to him (in the shower!), the themes that drive his work, and how his own experiences with loss and his orphanage in Haiti inspired the book’s emotional core. Together, they discuss the novel’s time-bending premise, its detective storyline, the limits of love, and the lesson at its heart: if we were always given second chances, we’d never learn a thing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3IX5OK5Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, on the anniversary of the attacks of October 7th, I'm releasing my conversation with Eli Sharabi who I interviewed yesterday about his new book HOSTAGE. If you only read one book all year, read this one. HOSTAGE is a story detailing everything that happened to Eli from his being abducted from his home on October 7th to after his release at a time when he hit bottom and vowed to really live. The book -- and our short conversation were inspiring beyond measure. As we pray for the release of the hostages, two years later, Eli's calm, optimistic, practical, and utterly inspiring message will buoy our spirits. And during a time of incomprehensible societal division, Eli's words are the balm we all need. May his human story of overcoming the odds with the help of his massive intellect and dogged determination to survive help everyone navigate the challenges ahead. Never forget. Again.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48RiBbA** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbi Wendy I. Zierler joins Zibby to discuss her memoir GOING OUT WITH KNOTS: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry, a profound exploration of grief, faith, and resilience. Rabbi Wendy describes losing both parents within eleven months, navigating the demanding ritual of daily Kaddish, and finding solace through poetry, prayer, and teaching during the pandemic. She also reflects on her path to becoming an Orthodox rabbi and the feminist challenges within Jewish liturgy.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46LCE8MShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with award-winning Brazilian illustrator Gus Morais about TAYLOR SWIFT: Unofficial Search and Find Biographies, a visual exploration of the star’s groundbreaking music career, celebrating every album era and iconic outfit. Gus shares how he went from knowing little about Taylor Swift to immersing himself in her music, lyrics, and imagery to create a vibrant, detail-packed book that’s like Where’s Waldo for Swifties. He talks about the extensive research process, the hidden Easter eggs woven into each illustration, and why even non-Swifties can enjoy the book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4nWLkjtShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews bestselling author Alisha Fernandez Miranda about her fun, witty new novel, SOMEONE’S GOTTA GIVE. Alisha shares the inspirations behind her story of Lucia, a Venezuelan American fundraiser-turned-expat navigating motherhood, marriage, and the high-stakes world of philanthropy in London. She also talks about her “What If Year” of internships (that led her to writing her memoir, MY WHAT IF YEAR); the paradoxes of wealth and giving; and the challenges of balancing ambition with parenthood. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Ky7KcqShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Lily King about HEART THE LOVER, her magnificent and intimate new novel about literature, forgiveness, and the transformative bonds that shape our lives. Lily opens up about the long, winding path that led to the book, from a shelved murder mystery draft to a spark of inspiration after reading a friend’s manuscript. She shares how themes of love, loss, friendship, and time weave through the story, and how her personal history and family experiences shaped her sensitivity to life’s smallest details.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46KSQalShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef and New York Times bestselling author Jake Cohen joins Zibby to discuss his fun, unfussy, and inventive new cookbook, DINNER PARTY ANIMAL: Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration. Jake describes his shy childhood in Queens, how hosting early dinner parties helped him build confidence and community, and his journey from restaurant kitchens to cookbook success. He also discusses the joy and intimacy of gathering people around the table, the role of Shabbat in his life, a few of the fabulous recipes (such as brown butter Parker House rolls and tiramisu cake), and why hosting should feel fun rather than intimidating.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46t9aO5Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with journalist and author Nicole Madigan about her harrowing, compelling, and utterly enlightening book, TORN: Four Women’s Stories of Why They Left – or Why They Stayed, which explores the painful, confusing period of indecision after betrayal in a long-term relationship—when you’re caught between staying and leaving. Nicole shares her own experiences of love, loss, and resilience, as well as the deeply honest stories of four women who trusted her with their private struggles. Together, they discuss shame, secrecy, attachment, and what it means to navigate that limbo of not knowing what comes next.Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clea Shearer, cofounder of The Home Edit and New York Times bestselling author, joins Zibby to discuss her comforting, empowering, and beautifully written guide to living with breast cancer, CANCER IS COMPLICATED: And Other Unexpected Lessons I’ve Learned. Clea shares her journey from the shock of diagnosis to navigating surgeries, treatments, and the emotional aftermath, all while finding purpose in documenting her experience to help others. She opens up about the pivotal role her mother and husband played in her care, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, and the complicated mix of fear, resilience, humor, and unexpected moments of joy that came with her battle.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46rCBQpShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby welcomes legendary restaurateur Drew Nieporent to discuss his compelling, rollicking new memoir, I'M NOT TRYING TO BE DIFFICULT: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches. Drew reflects on his decades-long career shaping New York dining culture—from iconic spots like Tribeca Grill and Nobu to feeding workers after 9/11 and navigating the challenges of the pandemic. He also shares candid stories of success, setbacks, partnerships, and survival, along with deeply personal moments about his health, family, and resilience.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3V7C6VuShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews beloved New York Times bestselling author and host of the For the Love podcast, Jen Hatmaker, about her brutally honest, funny, and revealing new memoir, AWAKE. Jen opens up about the heartbreak of her 26-year marriage ending, the grief and disorientation that followed, and the slow, painful climb back toward wholeness. She and Zibby explore themes of love, loss, faith, resilience, healing, and the profound support of family and friends. Jen also shares why she chose to tell her story through raw, unpolished vignettes and how writing the book became both an act of truth-telling and a tribute to the people who loved her back to life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/469Q8uDShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beauty mogul and New York Times bestselling author Bobbi Brown joins Zibby to discuss her brilliant, raw, unfiltered new memoir, STILL BOBBI: A Master Class in Leading an Authentic Life. Bobbi describes her journey from creating her first lipstick shade in a kitchen experiment to building a global beauty empire, the challenges of corporate expansion, and her decision to walk away and start fresh with her new brand, Jones Road Beauty. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the importance of authenticity, her devotion to motherhood alongside her career, and how she continues to innovate well into her 60s.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lJ3TWOShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with author Jennifer Oko about JUST EMILIA, an imaginative, compassionate, quick-witted time-traveling tale of a woman who encounters three versions of herself—teen, midlife, and older—in a Washington, DC Metro elevator. Jennifer shares how the spark for the book came from being briefly stuck in an elevator, and how the story grew into a moving exploration of memory, identity, and the ripple effects of pivotal life moments. She also reflects on mother–daughter relationships, aging with compassion, her career shift from journalism to fiction, and the creative outlets that keep her inspired.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3K6gQwRShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with #1 New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, about his groundbreaking new book, THE BEAUTY MOLECULE: Introducing Neuroceuticals, the Breakthrough for Ageless Beauty. Dr. Perricone shares insights from decades of research on the anti-inflammatory diet, the science behind the “beauty molecule,” and practical ways to extend health, beauty, and cognitive function. He also shares what it’s like to see his once-radical ideas become mainstream, recounts the famous three-day diet that took Oprah’s audience by storm, and explains the promise of hydrogen water and GLP-1 medications in reducing inflammation and slowing aging.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46zlFGPShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acclaimed photographer Stacy Bass joins Zibby to discuss her deeply personal new book, LIGHTKEEPER: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss. Stacy shares the story of losing her father in a tragic seaplane accident that also claimed the lives of her cousins, and the complicated family grief that followed. She reflects on how writing—and later sharing memories of her parents and loved ones—helped her process decades of silence. Zibby and Stacy also discuss family bonds, the power of storytelling, signs from those we’ve lost, and how grief can transform but never truly disappear.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45VZc7IShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you raise kids who can handle our topsy-turvy world? Not by coddling them, that’s for sure. No, you want to cultivate grit in your children—the kind of resilience they’ll need to absorb whatever shocks may come their way. To help with that, we’ve got some insights from science journalist Melinda Wenner Moyer, who’s written a new book called Hello, Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.This episode comes from a show we love called The Next Big Idea Daily. For more mini masterclasses from the best new nonfiction, follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/487FtmNShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews leading behavioral scientist and author Dr. Zelana Montminy about FINDING FOCUS: Own Your Attention in an Age of Distraction, a wake-up call to take back your mind—and your life! They dive into the modern epidemic of distraction, how our attention is constantly hijacked by devices and cultural noise, and why focus—not time—is our most valuable resource. Dr. Montminy shares practical ways to reclaim clarity, rebuild mental fitness, and reconnect with what matters most—without shame or overwhelm.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3UY0ysjShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debut author Sam Sussman joins Zibby to discuss BOY FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, a searingly tender mother-son story, and Zibby’s Book Club pick for October. Inspired by the author’s own uncertain celebrity paternity, the book follows Evan, a young man grappling with love, loss, and the mystery of his father’s identity—rumored to be Bob Dylan—while caring for his mother during her final months. Sam reveals how the novel draws deeply from his own life and his late mother’s story, weaving together themes of grief, inheritance, art, and the many forms of love.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HTy7J2Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby welcomes Emma Heming Willis to discuss her deeply personal and compassionate new book, THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path. Emma opens up about her role as caregiver to her husband, Bruce Willis, following his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia, and the challenges of navigating ambiguous loss, parenting young children, and living in the public eye. She shares how she’s learned to prioritize self-care, build community, and advocate for others facing a similar journey. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3IjJgTwShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and celebrated White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz returns to the podcast to discuss AS A JEW: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. Sarah shares her personal journey of rediscovering Jewish tradition, explores the history and persistence of antisemitism, and explains why reclaiming Jewish identity on Jewish terms is essential today. Their conversation touches on resilience, nuance, and hope for the future, offering wisdom not just for Jews but for anyone seeking deeper understanding.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4gpMWQxShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews million-copy bestselling author Joanne Harris, who has returned to the world of CHOCOLAT with the long-awaited story of VIANNE, which begins six years before she opens her scandalous chocolaterie in the small French village of Lansquenet. Joanne discusses her novel’s themes of grief, identity, motherhood, and transformation, and then touches on the healing power of food, the folklore and history of chocolate, memory as a way to keep loved ones alive, and her journey as a writer with synesthesia.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3JGPtJHShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with debut novelist Laura Dickerman about HOT DESK, a rollicking, sparkling, and utterly funny publishing-world satire with a romantic twist. Laura shares how a one-sentence idea from her brother sparked the story of two rival editors forced to share a desk, leading to unexpected competition, secrets, and… love. She also talks about her memories of interning at The Paris Review, her thoughts on humor in fiction, the surprising inner workings of the publishing industry, and what it feels like to debut with a novel after years of teaching, parenting, and writing in the margins.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4gdpA0kShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Kitty Zeldis, a pseudonym drawn from her maiden name and college nickname, joins Zibby to discuss her new historical novel ONE OF THEM. Set at Vassar in the late 1940s, the book explores the complexities of identity, friendship, prejudice, and assimilation through the story of two young Jewish women navigating very different choices about how openly to live their Jewishness. Kitty shares how her own experiences shaped the novel, reflects on changing perceptions of Jewish identity on college campuses and beyond, and opens up about her writing process, career journey, and earlier works.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/467iwO6Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instant New York Times bestseller! Psychotherapist and social media star Meg Josephson joins Zibby to discuss ARE YOU MAD AT ME?, a groundbreaking, relatable, and binge-worthy guide to understanding chronic people-pleasing (or “fawning”). Meg shares how growing up in a volatile household shaped her instinct to people-please, how this unconscious coping strategy can be both protective and exhausting, and why so many women struggle with it. She and Zibby talk about generational patterns, social media’s impact on anxiety and validation-seeking, and the importance of repairing relationships rather than striving for perfection.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4p2B3DNShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews debut novelist Esther Chehebar about SISTERS OF FORTUNE, a warm, perceptive, witty, and utterly enjoyable novel about three Syrian Jewish sisters navigating family, tradition, body image, and love in Brooklyn. Esther shares the inspiration behind the story, the unique dynamics of the Syrian Jewish community, and her own path from blogging and essays to fiction. She also opens up about the challenges of sisterhood, the humor and contradictions around food and body image, and the joy she hopes readers take away from the book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3JFs4bnShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with Rebecca Gardner, founder and creative director of the online shop Houses & Parties, about her dazzling new book, A SCREAMING BLAST: Exceptional Entertaining, a vibrant journey through twenty of her most fabulous parties. Rebecca shares stories from her South Texas upbringing and her path into event and interior design. She also talks about working with inspiring figures like Sofia Coppola, the influence of her grandmother’s hospitality, and her philosophy that “celebrating is really, really important in life.”Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46bcxc4Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acclaimed author, actor, and singer-songwriter David Duchovny returns to the podcast to discuss ABOUT TIME, a deeply personal, existential, and insightful debut poetry collection. They dive into the paradox of poetry as both “useless” and deeply essential, exploring its power to connect, surprise, and give voice to grief, memory, and love. David shares moving poems about his late father and beloved dog, reflecting on loss, the beauty of language, and why poetry still matters in a world obsessed with utility.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45u0ir2Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raegan Revord, debut author and star of the CBS hit series Young Sheldon, chats with Zibby about her charming YA rom-com, RULES FOR FAKE GIRLFRIENDS. They discuss how the novel blends grief, love, friendship, and self-discovery through Avery’s journey to England on a scavenger hunt left by her late mother. Raegan shares how her acting background informs her ability to capture emotion on the page and how she built a thriving book club community with Read with Raegan. She also opens up about growing up on Young Sheldon, the importance of found family both on screen and in her writing, and why storytelling has always been at the core of who she is.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45Msog7Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby welcomes author Rebecca Wolf to discuss her debut novel, ALIVE AND BEATING. Inspired by the true story of Rebecca’s close friend, who was killed in a 1995 suicide bombing in Israel, the novel imagines the lives of the six people who will receive organ transplants from the victim. Rebecca shares how she wove together multiple perspectives to honor her friend’s legacy, the diversity of Jerusalem, and our shared humanity. She also reflects on the challenges of writing such a personal story, the research that went into capturing medical and cultural details, and how the book became both a tribute and a cathartic process. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fTn137Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.