Intelligence Squared cover image

Intelligence Squared

Markus Zusak: From The Book Thief to Three Wild Dogs

Jan 31, 2025
Join Markus Zusak, the internationally bestselling author of The Book Thief, as he candidly discusses his new memoir, Three Wild Dogs (and the truth). He shares humorous and poignant stories about his loyal pets, particularly a dog named Frosty, and reflects on the chaos and joys of pet ownership. Hear about his writing routine, influenced by morning walks with his dog, and the balance between creative processes and daily life. Markus also delves into the emotional depth of nonfiction storytelling and how our pets shape our identities.
47:10

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Markus Zusak's memoir, 'Three Wild Dogs,' is a heartfelt exploration of the impact pets have on family dynamics and personal growth.
  • The connection between pet ownership and the creative writing process reveals how both pursuits involve embracing uncertainty and vulnerability.

Deep dives

The Journey to Writing 'Three Wild Dogs'

The motivation behind Marcus Zusak's memoir, 'Three Wild Dogs and the Truth,' stems from personal experiences and the urging of loved ones, especially his wife. Following the loss of their first dog, the inspiration to encapsulate his dogs' lives and their impact on his family grew stronger, culminating in a decade-long journey to complete the book. Zusak emphasizes the importance of documenting moments that might otherwise be forgotten, noting that storytelling can serve as a means to preserve cherished memories. This desire for remembrance propelled him through various attempts at writing until the arrival of their third dog reignited his passion to find the right voice for the memoir.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode