Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

Zibby chats with author Nikkya Hargrove about MAMA, a searing, heart-filled memoir about a young Black queer woman fresh out of college who adopts her baby brother after their incarcerated mother dies, determined to create the kind of family she never had. Nikkya shares what it was like to raise her half-brother, Jonathan, delving into the challenges of balancing her own aspirations with the serious responsibility of caring for him. She and Zibby also discuss the memoir's themes of generational struggle, complex family dynamics, societal judgment, resilience, self-discovery, and finding your voice.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3AALzOfShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Writer and playwright Cherry Lou Sy chats with Zibby about LOVE CAN’T FEED YOU, a beautiful, tender, searing debut novel that follows a young woman who immigrates to the United States from the Philippines to reunite with her mother and finds herself adrift between familial expectations and her own burning desires. While discussing the themes of identity, sacrifice, and the disillusionment of the American dream, Cherry delves into her own immigration story. She also reflects emotionally on her father’s recent death and shares her excitement for a new writing project inspired by him.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Av8Z7EShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby is joined by Meredith Seacrest Leach to discuss THE MAKE-BELIEVERS, the delightful picture book she co-wrote with her brother, America’s favorite host and media personality, Ryan Seacrest. Meredith reveals that her daughter, Flora, inspired the story, which explores the surprising strengths of a child’s wild, wonderful imagination. She also touches on the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which provides creative outlets for hospitalized children, helping them escape and express themselves.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fyAlsjShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby interviews venture capitalist, political strategist, philanthropist, and founder of the Mobile Voting Project, Bradley Tusk, about his deeply informative and timely analysis of the American voting system, VOTE WITH YOUR PHONE. Bradley shares his passion for improving democracy and making voting more accessible through mobile voting, revealing he has invested $20 million to create secure voting technology. He also discusses his advocacy for other issues, from regulating social media to fighting food insecurity. Finally, he talks about his contribution to Zibby’s latest anthology, ON BEING JEWISH NOW, and the importance of being openly and proudly Jewish. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ef6XGvShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Author Lotte Bowser joins Zibby to discuss BITTERSWEET, a raw, brave, and deeply moving memoir about true love, the darkness of grief, and finding your way back into the light. Lotte shares the story of her relationship with Ben—a profound love (and happy, adventurous life) that was cut short by his battle with cancer amid the COVID pandemic. She delves into their whirlwind romance, Ben’s diagnosis, the struggle of being his caregiver, and the grief, isolation, and healing that followed his passing. Finally, she and Zibby reflect on the power of writing through trauma, and Lotte discusses the new platform she is building for grievers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4eaXnVbShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby chats with Nikki Schreiber, the editor and founder of the popular social media brand @humansofjudaism, about her new book, HUMANS OF JUDAISM—a heartwarming collection of stories filled with joy, bravery, community, perseverance, and unyielding hope. Nikki shares how her Instagram page began as a tribute to her father and evolved over ten years into a community that celebrates Jewish identity. She shares how the book expands on this with stories from familiar and unknown Jewish figures, from fashion icons and Hollywood stars to Holocaust survivors, aiming to preserve and elevate Jewish narratives.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3NJn6t0Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby is joined by #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron to discuss his charming and heartfelt new novel, MY THREE DOGS—his 36th published book! Bruce reveals how a car ride conversation with his now-wife Cathryn Michon (who was just on the podcast!) inspired A DOG’S PURPOSE, the first novel that launched him into the “dog book” niche and transformed his life. He describes how all his stories highlight the deep, emotional bonds humans share with their pets—and his belief that love is eternal and can come back to us in different forms. Finally, he shares his best advice for aspiring writers. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4hsDoUUShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

TODAY Show cohost and America’s favorite weatherman, Al Roker, and his daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, join Zibby to discuss AL ROKER’S RECIPES TO LIVE BY: Easy, Memory-Making Family Dishes for Every Occasion. The father-daughter duo discuss the joys (and challenges) of working together on this project and then delve into the sentimental value behind the recipes and the nostalgia tied to their favorite foods—like apple butter! Courtney highlights her experiences as a chef, recipe developer, and new mom, while Al reflects on food as both a celebration and a family bonding experience.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/40iasJ4Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby is joined by the renowned founder of Well-Read Black Girl, Glory Edim, to discuss her inspiring memoir of family, community, resilience, and literature, GATHER ME: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me. Glory reflects on the books that were a refuge and guiding force throughout her life, especially in her childhood when her mother struggled with depression. She also highlights the authors that shaped her development, influencing how she approaches relationships, love, and activism. Finally, she describes her journey as a mother, from passing on her Nigerian traditions to surrounding her son with books—although all he can think about are monster trucks!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ecv6haShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!