Totally Booked with Zibby
Zibby Owens
In my daily show, I interview today’s latest, bestselling, buzziest, or underrated authors whose work I think is worth your time -- in 30 minutes or less. As a bookstore owner, publisher, author and (obviously) podcaster, I get a comprehensive look at everything that’s coming out and spend my time curating the best books so you don’t have to. Stay in the know, get insider insights, and connect with guests like I do. Every single day. With 2,000+ episodes to choose from, you'll never run out of book talk. For more information, go to zibbymedia.com and follow the show on Instagram at @totallybookedwithzibby. Please rate and review the show. And go buy the books! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 28, 2025 • 26min
Penn and Kim Holderness, ALL YOU CAN BE WITH ADHD
Kim and Penn Holderness, viral content creators and New York Times bestselling authors, discuss their new children's book about ADHD. They share how inspiration from families led them to create a kids' edition after their adult book's success. Penn opens up about his own undiagnosed ADHD and the book's potential impact on kids. The couple aims to help children feel seen and understood, while emphasizing the importance of representation. They also reflect on their writing process and how their son's ADHD diagnosis reshaped family conversations.
Nov 27, 2025 • 27min
Kelly Cervantes, THE LUCKIEST: A Memoir of Love, Loss, Motherhood, and the Pursuit of Self
Kelly Cervantes, a bestselling author and advocate, shares her heartfelt journey in navigating life as the mother of her medically complex daughter, Adelaide. She discusses the profound grief following Adelaide's passing and her transition from a career in acting to full-time caregiving. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of friendships, the challenges of maintaining a marriage under crisis, and the process of reclaiming her identity through advocacy and writing. Cervantes's insights into motherhood and loss are both poignant and empowering.
Nov 26, 2025 • 26min
Brisa Carleton, LAST CALL AT THE SAVOY
Brisa Carleton, a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and debut novelist, shares her journey from the stage to writing with her novel, Last Call at the Savoy. She dives into the life of Ada Coleman, a pioneering female mixologist, and discusses themes of sisterhood and grief through her characters' eyes. Brisa also explores her experience founding Literati Spirits, combining her love for literature and vodka, and offers insightful advice for aspiring writers. Plus, she dreams up adaptations for her charming story!
Nov 25, 2025 • 27min
Joe McGinniss Jr., DAMAGED PEOPLE: A Memoir of Fathers and Sons
In this episode, Joe McGinniss Jr., an author known for his poignant memoir 'Damaged People', opens up about his turbulent childhood as the son of bestselling author Joe McGinniss. He shares insights into the emotional distance caused by his father's fame and struggles with addiction. Topics of generational trauma, accountability versus the 'disease' narrative of addiction, and his own mental health journey highlight the complex dynamics of father-son relationships. Joe's reflections on parenting reveal both vulnerability and a quest for redemption.
Nov 24, 2025 • 23min
Eli Frankel, SISTERS IN DEATH: The Black Dahlia, The Prairie Heiress, and Their Hunter
Eli Frankel, an award-winning producer and true-crime researcher, dives into his groundbreaking book, Sisters in Death. He reveals how decades of research and a deep dive into overlooked documents led him to uncover a forgotten prime suspect in the notorious Black Dahlia case. Eli shares fascinating insights into his amateur detective journey, the brutal 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, and how his TV background shaped his investigative approach. He also emphasizes the importance of centering victims' stories, rejecting harmful narratives.
Nov 21, 2025 • 22min
Sophie Blackall, IF WE WERE DOGS
Sophie Blackall, a two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author, shares delightful insights about her new picture book, If We Were Dogs. She reveals heartwarming inspirations from real-life dogs and discusses how her creative process evolved during her husband's unexpected heart surgery. Sophie reflects on childhood friendships, the importance of picture books for emotional development, and her journey as a writer-illustrator. She also highlights her farm residency, Milkwood, fostering community among children's book creators.
Nov 20, 2025 • 22min
Tami Charles, TOGETHER, UNITED (An All Because You Matter Book)
Tami Charles, a talented children's author and former teacher, dives into the heart of unity and children’s voices in her latest work. She shares the origins of her trilogy amid the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of teaching empathy through literature. Tami recounts her unique journey from music to writing, co-authoring a book with her son about neurodivergence, and the challenges faced with her acclaimed title. Her passion for empowering kids to read and lead shines through, along with an exciting preview of her upcoming projects.
Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
Katie Sturino, SUNNY SIDE UP: A Novel
Katie Sturino, entrepreneur and debut novelist, dives into her romcom, SUNNY SIDE UP, inspired by her own post-divorce journey. She discusses portraying a confident, bigger-bodied woman in a dating landscape, challenging revenge body tropes. Highlighting the power of female friendships, she shares insights into her personal care brand, Megababe, tackling taboo body issues with humor. Katie also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on the importance of changing body narratives, underscoring a life lived beyond appearances.
Nov 18, 2025 • 25min
Nate Berkus, FOUNDATIONS: Timeless Design That Feels Personal
Nate Berkus, celebrated interior designer and author, delves into his book, FOUNDATIONS, sharing his 30 years of experience. He discusses how a client's closet can reveal their authentic style and the importance of personal, emotional design. Nate emphasizes using heirlooms to enrich homes with memories and recounts surviving the tsunami and losing his partner, which reshaped his purpose in life. He balances authenticity with commercial work, illustrating how personal pain can lead to meaningful design and grateful living.
Nov 17, 2025 • 25min
Penn Badgley, CRUSHMORE: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age
Penn Badgley, an actor, director, and author of "Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age," delves into his creative journey and the themes of adolescence. He explores how middle school is a rich storytelling phase and shares personal insecurities tied to fame and identity. Penn candidly discusses the pressures of celebrity culture, the responsibilities that come with fame, and the emotional complexities of parenthood. He offers insights on resilience and the hope found in raising twins, making for a heartfelt and thoughtful conversation.
