Live from Zibby Retreat: Tommy Tomlinson, DOGLAND: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show + THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: One Fat Man's Quest to Get Smaller in a Growing America
May 2, 2024
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Pulitzer Prize-finalist Tommy Tomlinson discusses human-dog connections at the Westminster Dog Show and his memoir about overcoming weight issues in America. He shares raw reflections on addiction, societal factors, and personal impact, offering insights on health and resilience.
Deep connection between humans and dogs explored through the Westminster Dog Show, emphasizing bonding and companionship.
Author's raw reflections on addiction and obesity shed light on societal factors contributing to the epidemic, offering insights into personal struggles and overcoming obstacles.
Deep dives
Change in Podcast Episode Schedule
The podcast announces a return to five episodes per week due to an overwhelming number of interviews scheduled, ensuring authors don't face long delays. Listeners are encouraged to enjoy one episode a week during daily routines. A special discount for Mother's Day is promoted at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Moon Pig for personalized cards. The guest, Tummy Tomlinson, discusses his book 'Dogland,' focusing on the deep connection between humans and dogs over thousands of years.
Understanding Dog Happiness
Tummy explores the happiness of dogs in the show environment, presenting a philosophical view on what constitutes their happiness. He delves into the intricate grooming process at dog shows and expresses insights on the evolving bond between humans and dogs, emphasizing the reciprocated love and understanding between the two species.
Personal Journey to Health
Tummy shares his personal journey to health and well-being, discussing his book 'The Elephant in the Room' about his weight struggles and decision to confront them. He candidly reveals his internal battles, family losses, and the emotional triggers that led him to address his obesity, emphasizing the complex interplay of personal history, genetics, and societal influences.
Writing Process and Vulnerability
Tummy opens up about the emotional vulnerability in his writing, reflecting on the challenging process of sharing personal struggles. He discusses the impact of his book on readers who found solace in his story, highlighting the universal themes of addiction, depression, and overcoming obstacles. Tummy offers advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of starting to write and navigating the journey from initial drafts to final revisions.
In this special episode (a live recording at Zibby’s Asheville Retreat!!), Zibby interviews Pulitzer Prize-finalist Tommy Tomlinson about his new book, DOGLAND, and his previous memoir, THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. First, Tommy shares insights into the connection between humans and dogs (through the lens of the Westminster Dog Show) and discusses themes of bonding and companionship. Then, he talks about his memoir, which tells the story of his life as an overweight man in America. He offers raw and vulnerable reflections on his addiction and subsequent health problems, the broader societal factors contributing to this epidemic, and how it has impacted him and the people he loves.