Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

Author Susan Rieger joins Zibby to discuss LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER, an enthralling novel about three generations of strong-willed women unknowingly shaped by the secrets buried in their family’s past. Susan describes how her own family secrets and complex relationship with her mother inspired this story and its central character, Lila, a brilliant, career-focused executive editor at a major newspaper who feels inherently unsuited for motherhood. Susan also talks about her journey through psychoanalysis, the power of introspection, and her journey from law to writing. Finally, she shares the news of a TV adaptation—and who she hopes will be cast as Lila!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3CjYtACShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby chats with beloved actress Judy Greer about THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, the new Christmas comedy-drama film based on the classic 1972 children’s book by Barbara Robinson. Judy delves into her role (the mom!), describing how her own mother’s work ethic, resilience, and community involvement have shaped her personally and on set. She and Zibby also talk about her career—particularly her shift from character actor (often playing “the friend”) to leading roles. Finally, Judy talks about her nightly reading ritual, her favorite recent reads, and how she finds comfort in bookstores wherever she travels. Buy tickets here: https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

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!