Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

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!

Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge about ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, a riveting, emotionally gripping novel about a woman who runs away from her abusive husband and reinvents herself in a peaceful California town—a tenuous sanctuary that brings her new friendships and romance. Eileen shares her own experience of being in an emotionally abusive relationship and the difficult transition of moving across the country with limited resources—all of which inspired this story. She also highlights her novel’s themes of overcoming trauma, the resilience it takes to start anew, and the importance of supportive friendships at all stages in life. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3NxUymlShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

NSYNC superstar Lance Bass joins Zibby to discuss TRICK OR TREAT ON SCARY STREET, a quirky and surprising children’s book inspired by his love for Halloween. Lance shares how trick-or-treating was an adventurous, magical experience for him and his friends—and how spooked they were by a mysterious, dark house in the neighborhood! He shares the real motivation for this book—creating content that his kids will love!—and then delves into his plans for the season, from elaborate family costumes to immersive pop-up book events. Finally, he touches on his creative process, the challenge of balancing creativity and parenthood, and his dreams of bringing another childhood project to life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3UfwSGQShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby chats with author Samantha Greene Woodruff about THE TRADE OFF, a captivating 1920s historical novel about an ambitious woman who fights for her place on Wall Street, inspired by the true story of a pioneering investment legend. Samantha delves into her protagonist, who, as a poor Jewish woman, faces societal barriers and has to support her brother as the “woman behind the man.” She touches on the siblings’ toxic relationship, the looming stock market crash, and the novel’s Jewish components. Finally, she discusses her essay contribution to Zibby’s latest anthology, ON BEING JEWISH NOW, and shares how the current climate has deepened her connection to her heritage.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4h29QNwShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!