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Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

Zibby Owens, author, podcaster, publisher, and mother of four, interviews authors about their work in this award-winning literary podcast.


Latest episode

  • 59. Suzanne Park, ONE LAST WORD

     26:43
    Zibby chats with Korean American writer and comedian Suzanne Park about ONE LAST WORD, a smart and breezy romp brimming with pitch-perfect humor, endearing insights, and lovably relatable characters. They delve into the novel's plot, which revolves around a new app that lets you send messages to anyone you want after you die… and the craziness that ensues for the protagonist when someone with the same name dies and her messages get mistakenly released. They also discuss VC funding bias and workplace dynamics. Finally, Suzanne describes her writing journey, from stand-up comedy to novel writing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Jf1vXlShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

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  • 58. Lisa Grunwald, THE EVOLUTION OF ANNABEL CRAIG

     24:54
    Author Lisa Grunwald joins Zibby to discuss THE EVOLUTION OF ANNABEL CRAIG, a sensitive and poignant novel about a young Southern woman who sets out on a journey of self-discovery after both her parents die, as the infamous 1925 Scopes Trial tests her faith and her marriage. Lisa delves into the significance of the Scopes “Monkey Trial” for her protagonist and for present-day society. She also touches on various aspects of writing historical fiction, from extensive research to authentic character development. Finally, she talks about her life with multiple sclerosis and the ways it influences her writing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/43RE9QMShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

  • 57. Lissa Soep, OTHER PEOPLE'S WORDS: Friendship, Loss, and the Conversations That Never End

     27:29
    Zibby speaks to author Lissa Soep about OTHER PEOPLE’S WORDS: Friendship, Loss, and the Conversations that Never End, an intimate, original, and profoundly generous look at the power of language to nurture our lives amid the wreckage of grief. Lisa shares the stories of her friends Christine and Jonnie, whose early and unexpected deaths deeply impacted her, and how she found solace in their words and memories. She and Zibby discuss the intricacies of friendship, the ways in which language keeps loved ones close after they’re gone, and the journey of publishing this deeply sentimental book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ar9z2RShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

  • 56. Nell Freudenberger, THE LIMITS

     21:29
    Award-winning author Nell Freudenberg joins Zibby to discuss THE LIMITS, a heart-wrenching and humane novel set in French Polynesia and New York City about three characters who undergo massive transformations when the pandemic hits. Nell reveals her fascination with the ocean and coral research (she even scuba-dived in Belize to authentically portray the underwater!) and then discusses her protagonist, a scientist torn between her love of science and her familial obligations. She also delves into the themes of unique family dynamics, step-parenting, and what happens to relationships under pressure while reflecting on some of her own experiences as a parent.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/43SL501Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

  • 55. Jane Bertch, THE FRENCH INGREDIENT: Making a Life in Paris One Lesson at a Time; A Memoir

     24:22
    Zibby is joined by cooking school owner and author Jane Bertch to discuss THE FRENCH INGREDIENT, the inspiring and delicious memoir of an American woman navigating innumerable cultural differences to build a life in Paris and open her cooking school, La Cuisine Paris. Jane delves into the challenges of opening her business (and triumphing over French naysayers!) and navigating several other personal and professional obstacles while living abroad. She also discusses the importance of community, the significance of food in connecting people from different backgrounds, and her journey as a writer. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ajfY09Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

  • 54. James Rhee, RED HELICOPTER: A Parable for Our Times: Lead Change with Kindness (Plus a Little Math)

     27:34
    James Rhee, a high school teacher, Harvard Law graduate, private equity investor, and the unexpected Chairman and CEO of Ashley Stewart, joins Zibby to discuss RED HELICOPTER—A PARABLE FOR OUR TIMES: Lead Change With Kindness (Plus a Little Math), a brilliant business handbook that elevates kindness, joy, and goodwill. James shares what he learned from his Korean immigrant parents and from the black women he worked with. He reflects on the challenges faced by Ashley Stewart, weaving in themes of race, gender, and systemic barriers. He also touches on grief and the importance of embracing emotions in the workplace.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3PT1tbiShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

  • 53. Neely Tubati Alexander, IN A NOT SO PERFECT WORLD

     22:50
    Neely Tubati Alexander returns to the podcast, this time to discuss IN A NOT SO PERFECT WORLD, a delightful Carribbean-set romp about a quirky video-game designer and the hot next-door neighbor who invites her on a luxurious vacation… to pose as his new girlfriend. Neely talks about the romance genre (and all the fun tropes!), her creative process (and the challenges of crafting dialogue and picking the perfect word!), the evolving landscape of publishing, and the impact of TikTok on book sales. She also offers valuable advice for writers seeking to connect with others and navigate the publishing industry. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/49qR9OwShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!