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cover art for Cody Rigsby, XOXO, CODY: An Opinionated Homosexual's Guide to Self-Love, Relationships, and Tactful Pettiness

Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

Cody Rigsby, XOXO, CODY: An Opinionated Homosexual's Guide to Self-Love, Relationships, and Tactful Pettiness

Season 18, Ep. 58

Zibby (and Zibby Books author Alisha Fernandez Miranda) interview New York Times bestselling author and beloved Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby about XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual’s Guide to Self-Love, Relationships, and Tactful Pettiness, an inspiring memoir that chronicles his journey from a childhood of poverty in the South to fitness stardom in New York City. Cody talks about being his mother’s caregiver at a young age, losing his best friend to addiction, practicing self-love and honesty in his life (and in this book), and what success means to him. (The episode ends with a hilarious game of literary smash or pass.)


Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46Lk535


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