Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

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!

Actress and film producer Jennifer Love Hewitt chats with Zibby about INHERITING MAGIC, a heartfelt, candid chronicle of her grief and discovering she inherited her late mother’s “magic”—with family photos, recipes, holiday traditions, and foolproof strategies for adding magic to our everyday lives. Jennifer delves into the pain and surrealness of losing her mother while traveling and not being able to say goodbye. Then, she reveals how she makes everyday moments extraordinary for her children, inspired by her mom’s lessons on joy and celebration and her husband's tireless support. Finally, she describes her writing journey—difficult but cathartic—and a potential next project!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3YoCekqShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author Charles Bock to discuss I WILL DO BETTER, a tender and searingly honest memoir about parenting his infant daughter in the wake of his wife’s untimely death. Charles shares the heartbreaking story of losing his wife Diana to leukemia just days before their daughter Lily’s third birthday. He reflects on becoming a single father, navigating his grief while raising his toddler, and deciding to write this memoir, capturing both the humor and the pain of his journey. He also delves into his writing process, which was shaped by his experiences as a novelist.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4fhZJmgShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby chats with author Marian Schembari about her warm, astutely observed, incandescently written, and unexpectedly hilarious memoir, A LITTLE LESS BROKEN: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole. Marian shares how an autism diagnosis at age 34 changed her life and then talks about the concept of “masking,” how common neurodivergence is in our society, and how important it is to offer neurodivergent individuals support without judgment. She and Zibby bond over how drained they feel after social situations, and Marian delves into her writing process and her next project.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3UoA0AyShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!