Totally Booked with Zibby

Zibby chats with author Rachel Cockerell about her dazzling, eclectic, genre-bending new book, MELTING POINT: Family, Memory, and the Search for a Promised Land. Blending family memoir with forgotten chapters of Jewish history, Rachel uncovers the extraordinary life of her great-grandfather, the early debates within Zionism, and the little-known Galveston Plan to resettle Jewish immigrants in Texas. She explains her innovative method of weaving together primary sources to create a vivid, novel-like narrative, and reflects on themes of assimilation, identity, and historical memory.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lAp4ubShare, 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.

Novelist and short story writer Marian Thurm joins Zibby to discuss I DON’T KNOW HOW TO TELL YOU THIS, a touching and quirkily humorous book about a family court judge navigating complex cases in the courtroom and the heartbreaking decline of her brilliant husband. Marian shares the deeply personal inspiration for the book, including her parents’ struggles with dementia, and opens up about the two decades it took to bring this novel to life. She also reflects on her early career, her first publication in The New Yorker, and the surprising role persistence, luck, and motherhood have played in shaping her journey.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45AXw1KShare, 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 renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity specialist, Dr. Vonda Wright, about her groundbreaking new book, UNBREAKABLE: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power. Dr. Wright shares her journey from working in sports medicine to becoming a leading advocate for women’s health, challenging the myth that aging means inevitable decline. She explains why women’s bodies age differently, how simple daily habits like walking and lifting can transform long-term health, and why mindset and self-worth are key to lasting change. Together, they discuss the empowering message behind Unbreakable: that women can remain strong, joyful, and resilient at every age.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fGXo5uShare, 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 award-winning author Ilana Kurshan about her luminous, heartfelt new book, CHILDREN OF THE BOOK: A Memoir of Reading Together. Ilana shares how reading aloud to her five children—from GOODNIGHT MOON to CHARLOTTE’S WEB—became deeply intertwined with her lifelong practice of reading from the Torah. She reflects on how books create a common family language, forge intimacy, and shift in meaning as we revisit them through different stages of life. She also opens up about raising her children in Jerusalem, the role of literature in calming fears, and how parenthood itself can feel like a sacred journey mirrored in biblical stories.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4oS9KfxShare, 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 Lauren Grodstein returns to the podcast to discuss her heartwarming, emotionally attuned, and intricately crafted new novel, A DOG IN GEORGIA. What begins as the story of a middle-aged woman impulsively traveling to the country of Georgia to help find a lost dog turns into a deeper exploration of marriage, midlife, identity, and the search for meaning. Lauren shares her love of animals, how her time in Georgia shaped the novel, and the ways humor, food, and even politics weave through the book. She and Zibby also dive into big questions about purpose, freedom, and what it means to live a meaningful life—while laughing about midlife chaos, martinis, and the irresistible pull of dog videos.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mQna9VShare, 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 Valerie Gilpeer and Emily Grodin, co-authors of I HAVE BEEN BURIED UNDER YEARS OF DUST, an evocative and affecting memoir by a mother and her autistic daughter who’d long been unable to communicate—until a miraculous breakthrough revealed a young woman with a rich and creative interior life. Valerie shares the extraordinary moment with Emily, after 25 years of struggling to communicate, typed her first words—unlocking a lifetime of thoughts and poetry. Together, they discuss the power of alternative communication technologies and the impact of finally finding Emily’s voice.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3UFwTntShare, 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.

Artist Kimberly Brooks joins Zibby to discuss 10 THINGS EVERY JEW SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THEY GO TO COLLEGE, a book she illustrated alongside co-authors Emily Schrader and Blake Flayton. Kimberly shares what inspired her to create a clear, accessible guide for students navigating antisemitism and distorted narratives on campus. She and Zibby discuss the importance of arming the next generation with facts, the role of Jewish education, and why this book feels like both a shield and a toolkit at such a critical time.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Uz5OlSShare, 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 speaks with playwright and author Sasha Salzmann about GLORIOUS PEOPLE, a remarkable, astute, and deeply empathic novel exploring the disintegration of the Soviet Union, told through mothers and daughters. Sasha shares how dinner table conversations with their mother’s friends inspired the book, what they discovered about motherhood, birth stories, and hidden family histories, and why they believe mothers are the unsung protagonists of political and cultural history. They also touch on their experience living as a Jewish writer in Germany, the role of friendship across communities, and how they choose between writing plays, novels, and essays.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45AfMscShare, 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 “the best tennis writer in America,” Giri Nathan, about THE CHANGEOVER, a gripping, scintillating account of the pivotal generational shift happening in men’s tennis. Giri shares his experience following rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner during the season that saw them split the four major titles, offering fans a rare inside look at their growth, challenges, and personalities. He also discusses the end of the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era and the pressures of fame on young athletes, and then shares how he balances reporting with new parenthood and what it’s like to cover the game he loves.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fDPJoCShare, 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.

Bestselling writing duo Ali Brady (a.k.a Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey) joins Zibby to celebrate their new pitch-perfect rom-com, BATTLE OF THE BOOKSTORES. They share the inspiration behind their rivals-to-lovers story set in dueling indie bookstores, the joys and challenges of co-writing, and how real booksellers helped shape the authentic behind-the-scenes details. The conversation also touches on the importance of independent bookstores, Jewish representation in fiction, and the balance of joy and creativity even in difficult times.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mHK5UGShare, 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.

Renowned Hollywood doula and author Carson Meyer chats with Zibby about her groundbreaking and empowering pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood guide, GROWING TOGETHER. Carson shares the inspiration behind her work, the importance of unpacking birth stories and fears, and the value of building supportive, judgment-free communities for mothers. She also explains the role of a doula, offers guidance for expectant parents and grandparents, and reflects on the boundaries and practices that can make early parenthood more peaceful.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lxHMmmShare, 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 Jennifer Trevelyan about A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY, a tense, gripping, exquisitely written coming-of-age mystery set on the Kāpiti Coast of New Zealand in 1985. They discuss sisterhood, the awkward threshold between childhood and adolescence, the lingering weight of grief, and the unsettling presence of a stranger next door. Jennifer also talks about her decade-long journey to publication, the discipline that kept her writing before dawn, and why some mysteries are best left a little bit unsolved...Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lC18XCShare, 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 bestselling author Jess Johnston about PERFECT IS BORING (AND IT TASTES LIKE KALE), a hilariously candid, refreshingly self-aware, and deeply heartfelt exploration of letting go of perfectionism and finding connection through honesty. Jess and Zibby discuss motherhood’s messiness, resisting the comparison trap, the power of supportive friendships, and the freedom that comes from showing up as you are.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ozhummShare, 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.

Actor-dancer Alyson Stoner chats with Zibby about their bold, incisive, and revelatory new memoir, SEMI-WELL-ADJUSTED DESPITE LITERALLY EVERYTHING, which weaves together stories from their life as a former child star with a sharp cultural critique of the entertainment industry. Alyson opens up about surviving exploitation, eating disorders, financial loss, and assault—and how those experiences fueled their work as a mental health advocate and industry reformer. Ultimately, Alyson shares practical tools for protecting young performers and explains why safeguarding children in a digital age should matter to everyone.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45cci03Share, 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 author and researcher Kate Price about THIS HAPPENED TO ME, an exquisitely rendered, haunting, and transformative memoir about how she broke free of the horror that defined her childhood and created a purpose-driven life and family, on her own terms. Kate shares how she survived years of sexual abuse and trafficking by her father, her journey through PTSD, and the extraordinary healing work she’s done with trauma specialist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. She also reflects on the solace she found in books, her decade-long investigation, and how she’s turned trauma into a groundbreaking career fighting child trafficking.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mu1xvLShare, 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.

Journalist and professor at UT Austin Mallary Tenore Tarpley joins Zibby to discuss her groundbreaking new book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery. Mallary describes her messy, nonlinear path to recovery from anorexia, sharing what it’s like to live in the “middle place” between sickness and full recovery. She reveals how she combined personal stories with research, immersive reporting, and cutting-edge science, touching on the emotional toll of revisiting her childhood journals and treatment records. Finally, they discuss identity, grief, motherhood, healing, and how Mallary is raising her own children with compassion and awareness.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4m8yrm5Share, 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 co-authors Brian Buckbee and Carol Ann Fitzgerald about their debut memoir, WE SHOULD ALL BE BIRDS, a charming and poignant story about chronic illness, unlikely friendship, and a pigeon named Two Step. Brian shares how his debilitating condition led to a transformative bond with a bird who literally landed in his hands, while Carol explains how a series of Facebook posts turned into a full-length book that is equal parts heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Together, they reflect on pain, connection, humor, and finding meaning in the smallest creatures.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4m2LComShare, 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.

Emmy and Peabody Award–winning sports journalist Sarah Spain and celebrated football figure Deland McCullough join Zibby to discuss their remarkable new memoir, RUNS IN THE FAMILY: An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging. Deland, now a Super Bowl–winning coach, opens up about his journey from a difficult childhood in Youngstown, Ohio, through college football, fatherhood, and ultimately, the life-changing discovery he unearthed when unsealing his adoption records. Sarah, his co-author, shares how she brought nuance, research, empathy, and emotional insight to Deland’s story. Together, they discuss adoption, identity, chosen family, and the book’s broader message: that our past doesn’t define us, and healing and growth are always possible.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4mxwPSIShare, 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 bestselling author and speaker Amber Rae about her deeply intimate, raw, and courageous memoir, LOVEABLE: One Woman’s Path from Good to Free. Amber shares the emotional journey behind her decision to leave a “good on paper” marriage in pursuit of true connection and joy. (While building a home with her husband in Mexico, she met the man she knew she was meant to spend the rest of her life with.) She and Zibby unpack generational patterns, the difference between selfishness and self-honoring, navigating sexual insecurity, and how synchronicity and spirituality guided her toward a new life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/451lgx5Share, 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 bestselling author Emma Rosenblum about her delicious, addictive, and slyly observed new novel, MEAN MOMS. Known for her sharp wit and insider takes on elite social circles, Emma dives into the world of competitive moms at a NYC private school, where one mysterious new arrival shakes everything up. She and Zibby talk about writing satire with heart, the insanity of mom groups, and why sometimes entertainment is the message. Plus, Emma shares the scoop on her next novel—based on an idea Zibby gave her!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HePSlBShare, 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 anthology co-editors Lee Kofman and Tamar Paluch about RUPTURED, a powerful collection from thirty-six Australian Jewish women responding to the October 7 attacks and the surge of antisemitism that followed. Tamar shares the grassroots origins of the project, born from women-led activism, while Lee discusses her personal experience with doxing and the painful silencing of Jewish voices in creative and academic circles. Together, they reflect on intergenerational trauma, fear, resilience, and the urgent need to document Jewish experiences in their rawest, most authentic form.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3HcgxQ0Share, 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 debut author Kate Hash to discuss GRACIE HARRIS IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, a resplendent, moving love story that unfolds for tenderhearted Gracie—a mom of two and recent widow—as she navigates grief, reinvention, and second chances. The two dive into Kate’s unexpected journey to becoming a published author, the personal experiences that informed her portrayal of loss, and the book’s layered exploration of motherhood, fame, and healing. They also chat about the novel’s charming small-town setting, the meta experience of writing about writing, and the freedom found in starting over.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fb5NOqShare, 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.

Mary Catherine Starr, the artist behind the @momlife_comics Instagram account, chats with Zibby about her utterly hilarious and relatable illustrated memoir about modern motherhood, MAMA NEEDS A MINUTE! Mary opens up about the emotional toll of early parenthood, the sleep deprivation that rocked her first year as a mom, and the mental load that continues to weigh on mothers today. She also shares how her comics—born out of personal overwhelm—have struck a chord with women around the world, and how motherhood reshaped her marriage and creative life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ocFJXmShare, 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 acclaimed poet and debut novelist Yrsa Daley-Ward to discuss THE CATCH, a darkly whimsical, riveting tale of women daring to live and create with impunity—and the inaugural novel in the Well-Read Black Girl Books series. Yrsa delves into the story, which follows two estranged sisters whose lives are upended when one believes she sees their mother, who was long presumed dead. Yrsa touches on the book’s poetic structure and themes of identity, loss, imagination, and sisterhood, and then shares how the grief of losing her own mother in early adulthood inspired the novel’s emotional core. Finally, she offers powerful advice for aspiring writers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lHZrZkShare, 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.

Bestselling author Katie Sise returns to the podcast to discuss YOU MUST BE NEW HERE, a dark and twisty suspense novel about a friendship that is put to the test when a young woman disappears from a quiet community. Katie dives into her novel’s themes of intoxicating, magnetic friendships; motherhood; divorce; and the emotional weight of raising a medically fragile child. She also shares how her own family’s experiences with loss and illness shaped the story, as well as her improvisational writing style, love of teen characters, and commitment to telling emotionally resonant, twisty stories.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/40FTx2xShare, 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 debut author Kate Broad about her stunning, fast-paced, atmospheric novel, GREENWICH. The story centers on Rachel, a 17-year-old navigating a pivotal summer in the opulent world of Greenwich, Connecticut, where a terrible accident forces her to make a life-altering decision. Kate discusses the book’s themes of girlhood, class, moral ambiguity, and family loyalty, as well as the emotional isolation that spans generations. She also opens up about her long road to publication, sharing advice for aspiring writers and the persistence it takes to bring a novel to life. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4f2rJuWShare, 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 Adam Met—musician, climate activist, academic, and now author—to discuss his powerful new book AMPLIFY: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World. Best known as a member of the band AJR, Adam shares how his journey from indie musician to arena headliner taught him the secrets of building a passionate fanbase, which he now applies to activism, advocacy, and policy change. He and Zibby dive into how entertainment strategies like gamification, community-building, and storytelling can power social movements, how to find your role in the causes you care about, and why local action is more powerful than most people realize.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lLQKgGShare, 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 Emma Pei Yin chats with Zibby about her remarkable and harrowing new novel, WHEN SLEEPING WOMEN WAKE. Set in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong during WWII, the book follows the gripping journey of a mother, daughter, and maid as they struggle to reunite after being torn apart by the war. Emma shares the personal family history that inspired the novel, including stories from her grandfather, a long estrangement from her grandmother, and her own journey toward reconnection and healing. She also shares her path to writing, the challenges of moving to Australia alone at 19, and how her desire to honor silenced female voices shaped her storytelling.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4o2JwGBShare, 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 internationally renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. David I. Sandberg about BRAIN AND HEART, a warm, brilliant, and unforgettable memoir that captures the medical and emotional intensity of pediatric neurosurgery. David touches on navigating difficult conversations with families, his experiences performing surgery in low-resource countries like Haiti, and the toll—and joy—of a life spent caring for children in crisis. He also opens up about his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, his difficult decision to step away from surgery, and his plans to pursue a new path in social work.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lBpzoBShare, 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.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins joins Zibby to discuss SOMETIMES IT’S HEAVEN: Poems of Love, Loss, and Redemption, a timeless, bold, and vulnerable collection of poetry that captures the ethereal and inspiring nature of her artistry in an all-new way. Judy reveals how the death of her son and recent loss of her husband inspired her writing—and how she channeled grief, memory, and music into 365 poems written over the course of a year. She also discusses her lifelong relationship with sobriety, spirituality, and creativity, as well as her reflections on fame, friendship, and art. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4kL3WksShare, 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 Melissa de la Cruz chats with Zibby about her entertaining and poignant new novel, WHEN STARS ALIGN, published under Mindy Kaling’s imprint at Amazon! Inspired by an iconic early-2000s photo of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Britney Spears, the book explores friendship, fame, and identity through the intertwined stories of three starlets navigating the dark side of celebrity. Melissa reflects on her prolific writing career—over 70 books!—her experience as an immigrant, her path into YA and middle grade, how outlining helps her balance creativity and productivity, and the pressures of success.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lDpbGiShare, 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 Scott Johnston about his provocative, satirical new novel, THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN. Set in the elite world of New York’s Upper East Side, the story follows the unraveling of a seemingly perfect family as they collide with modern cultural and educational upheaval. Scott shares the inspiration behind the book—from viral blog posts about private school politics to real-life frustrations with the erosion of values in elite institutions. He and Zibby delve into themes of status, moral courage, parental pressure, and the societal obsession with optics.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3GONK3SShare, 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 beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Peter Brown to discuss THE WILD ROBOT ON THE ISLAND, a stunning new picture book that brings the origin story of Roz to life through full-color illustrations. Peter reflects on the evolution of The Wild Robot series—from his early doubts as a first-time novelist to the global phenomenon it has become, complete with a film adaptation and devoted readers of all ages. He shares the inspiration behind turning his beloved character into a picture book for younger audiences, the emotional undercurrents of Roz’s journey, his creative process, the challenge of finding the right visual tone for each story, and how themes of community and connection shape his work.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lURTCeShare, 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 Jo Piazza returns to the podcast, this time to discuss her explosive new #tradwife murder mystery, EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU. Jo describes her deep dive into the “trad wife” influencer phenomenon and shares how motherhood, friendship breakups, modern identity, and the glossy but unsettling world of social media shaped this novel. She also explores the blurred lines between performance and reality online, the unspoken rules of mom culture, and the personal cost of curating a perfect life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lQk0T1Share, 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 Amy Blumenfeld returns to the podcast to discuss her new novel, SUCH GOOD PEOPLE, a masterfully crafted and nuanced story about a decades-long friendship tested by loyalty, justice, and the ripple effects of one life-altering decision. Amy shares her inspiration for this novel, from growing up with a criminal court judge father to uncovering story ideas in unlikely places (like a halfway house newsletter). She explores themes of friendship, moral ambiguity, journalism, and hidden truths in marriage, while also discussing her contributions to ON BEING JEWISH NOW, the anthology edited by Zibby, and her experiences navigating the publishing world as a Jewish writer today.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/44JfkHMShare, 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 author Loretta Rothschild about her strikingly original and deeply moving debut, FINDING GRACE. The two discuss the book’s intoxicating blend of sweeping love story and emotional thriller, its nuanced exploration of grief, motherhood, secrets, and identity, and the unforgettable narrator, Anna. Loretta opens up about her creative process, the long road to finishing the novel, and how day-to-day details and quiet observations shaped her storytelling.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4lO7G5WShare, 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 bestselling author Jennifer Pastiloff about her powerful and invigorating new book, PROOF OF LIFE: Let Go, Let Love, and Stop Looking for Permission to Live Your Life. Jennifer opens up about her progressive hearing loss, the emotional weight of shame, the importance of embracing imperfection, and the courage it takes to start over. Together, she and Zibby explore the magic of synchronicity, the myths of “the right path,” and the daily practice of aligning with what truly matters.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3IhTC69Share, 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 Adriana Trigiani returns to the podcast to discuss her effervescent and big-hearted new book, THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO. The two dive into the novel’s surprising New Jersey setting (yes, that Lake Como) and the emotional journey of protagonist Jess Capodimonte Baratta, an Italian-American woman rebuilding her life and identity after divorce, family loss, and unearthed secrets. They explore themes of self-love, legacy, and the delicate strength of women—likened to marble that can endure anything but shatter with one wrong tap (Adriana even shares some insights on the Italian marble trade).Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4eEOMfmShare, 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.

Bestselling author Christine Pride returns to the podcast, this time to discuss her dazzling, unputdownable solo debut novel, ALL THE MEN I’VE LOVED AGAIN, which follows a woman in the impossible situation of being in love with the same two men who won her heart in her early 20s… as she nears 40. Christine delves into the novel’s themes of lost love, second chances, friendship, grief, and identity. She also discusses the joys and challenges of writing solo after co-authoring with Jo Piazza, the real-life roots of her novel’s premise, and her close relationship with her father, who inspired a central character in the book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3GlHu3dShare, 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 Argentine-American writer, comedian, and ex-child star Tamara Yajia about her wildly unhinged, hilarious, and vulnerable debut memoir, CRY FOR ME, ARGENTINA: My Life as a Failed Child Star. They dive into Tamara’s raw, no-holds-barred memoir chronicling her tumultuous upbringing between Argentina and the U.S., her chaotic family dynamics, her early brushes with fame, and the emotional toll of codependency and abuse. She also reflects on her childhood, chosen family, shocking moments of isolation, therapy, how writing this book helped her process lifelong trauma, and even her surreal summer hanging out with Brad Pitt!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/44nVIsqShare, 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 (a live podcast at Zibby’s Bookshop!), Zibby welcomes Grammy Award-winning musician, author, and father of seven, Ziggy Marley, to discuss his latest children’s book, PAJAMMIN’. Inspired by the playful songs he created for his own children at bedtime, PAJAMMIN’ turns nightly routines into musical adventures. Ziggy shares his philosophy on parenting by example, the deeper purpose behind his work for children, and his lifelong commitment to spreading love. They also discuss his upcoming tour with reggae legend Burning Spear, a re-released documentary about his iconic father, Bob Marley, and the powerful lessons he has learned along the way.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/44hywvTShare, 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 renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Erin Nance, about her thought-provoking and revealing debut essay collection, LITTLE MISS DIAGNOSED: A Surgeon’s Guide to Breaking Bones and Bending Rules, which offers a raw, unfiltered look into the exhilarating but complicated world of healthcare. Dr. Erin Nance shares her journey in medicine, from her first day on the job treating her brother after a life-altering accident to exposing the power imbalances, burnout, and ethical dilemmas doctors face behind closed doors. She also discusses patient advocacy, the gendered challenges of medical training, and the unexpected power of TikTok storytelling!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3I0SrrHShare, 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 debut author (and creative force behind @nycbookgirl), Morgan Pager, about THE ART OF VANISHING, a wildly inventive and deeply moving love story between a museum employee and the man in a masterpiece hanging on the walls. Morgan delves into her journey from Broadway assistant to publishing professional, balancing social media, a day job, and her creative life online. She also shares how her childhood summers studying art with her grandmother helped spark her imagination, and then delves into the book’s enchanting premise—stepping into paintings and falling in love inside them—as well as themes of visibility, growing up, art, and self-doubt.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4k4ZVqUShare, 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 author alert! Zibby chats with #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE PAPER PALACE, Miranda Cowley Heller, about her breathtaking and intimate debut poetry collection, WHAT THE DEEP WATER KNOWS. They discuss how the poems, written over 15 years, unintentionally form a powerful narrative arc about womanhood, motherhood, marriage, heartbreak, and self-reclamation. Miranda reflects on her early love of poetry, her literary lineage, and how poetry ultimately led her to fiction. She also opens up about her personal life—including the dissolution of her marriage—and how writing helped her find clarity and healing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4niL12XShare, 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.

Bestselling author Karen Dukess returns to the podcast to discuss her delightful and heartfelt new novel, WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK, which was inspired by a trip to the English countryside with her sister, her love of British mysteries, and a desire to write something purely fun! The novel follows a reserved 34-year-old American woman who travels to a small British town after discovering tickets her estranged late mother had purchased for an immersive murder mystery simulation. Karen explores themes of grief, complicated mother-daughter relationships, the loneliness of feeling like an orphan in adulthood, unexpected friendships, how travel can shake up one's identity, and ultimately, the process of healing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3ZOADpDShare, 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 Dina Alvarez and Dina Aronson (as well as 10 other contributors!) about MIDLIFE PRIVATE PARTS, a soulful and revealing collection of essays on what it really feels like to move through the world as a midlife woman and beyond. Zibby, a contributor herself, moderates the conversation on the complexities, challenges, and liberation that come with aging. Touching on shifting identities, raging hormones, sexual awakenings, skin-tightening treatments, menopause, medical gaslighting, empty-nesting, and societal invisibility, each contributor shares a candid, often humorous, and deeply moving reflection on midlife.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/43YpoxrShare, 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 poet Edward Hirsch about his memoir, MY CHILDHOOD IN PIECES: A Standup Comedy, where dark comic microbursts of prose relate a childhood in an aspiring middle-class Jewish family in the 50s and 60s. Edward discusses the book’s innovative structure—told in punchy, titled snippets that blend humor and heartbreak—and how it allowed him to unpack long-buried memories of a complex, often painful childhood. He reflects on memory, identity, and growing up with sharp-tongued parents and blended family dynamics, and then delves into how comedy and poetry became tools of survival and storytelling.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45yTqZPShare, 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 writer Joanna Sokol about A REAL EMERGENCY, an introspective, richly layered, and surprisingly hopeful memoir about the best and worst parts of her career as a paramedic. Joanna shares gripping insights into the realities of 911 calls, the broken systems behind emergency medical services, and the emotional toll and camaraderie that define life in the ambulance. They discuss everything from the beauty of always showing up—no matter who calls or why—to the burnout and low pay that plague the profession. Finally, Joanna shares how this memoir came to be, after years of collecting stories and needing to get them out of her system.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/45DaTQXShare, 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 legendary whitewater rafting guide and debut author Bridget Crocker to discuss THE RIVER’S DAUGHTER, a vivid, propulsive, and deeply insightful memoir about finding courage and meaning in a life outdoors. Bridget shares the decades-long journey of writing her story, which traces her turbulent upbringing in Wyoming, her profound connection to rivers and nature, and her path to healing from trauma, addiction, anxiety, and generational cycles of abuse. She also reflects on her years as an international river guide and the resilience she gained through listening—both to the natural world and her inner voice.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/40mkB6DShare, 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 New York Times bestselling author Amy Bloom about I’LL BE RIGHT HERE, a sweeping multigenerational story that begins in occupied Paris and spans 50 years. She reflects on her signature themes (family, love, sex, and death), the moral complexity of her writing, and her fascination with found families, marginalized characters, and hidden histories. She also touches on the impact of her memoir, IN LOVE, which tells the story of her late husband’s Alzheimer’s and death.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3IaM7h4Share, 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.