Totally Booked with Zibby

Zibby speaks to author Kim Coleman Foote about Coleman Hill, a remarkable, heartbreaking story of two American families whose fates become intertwined in the wake of the Great Migration, inspired by the author’s own family legend, historical record, and fervent imagination. Kim provides insights into her writing process, describing how the voices of different family members, the discovery of old photographs, and her passion for history influenced the narrative. The two also discuss themes of trauma, abuse, resilience, and the impact of migration on African-American families. Finally, Kim describes her exciting publishing journey with Zando and shares her best advice for aspiring writers. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/47ZgrTTShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Aomawa Shields joins Zibby to discuss LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS, a stunning and inspiring memoir about her life as an astronomer, classically-trained actor, mother, and Black woman in STEM. Dr. Aomawa describes how she fell in love with astronomy and acting (it involves the movie SpaceCamp and randomly auditioning for a play) and how she grappled with both career paths. She and Zibby also talk about identity, grind culture, the pressures of productivity, and the importance of rest and community. Finally, Dr. Aomawa shares her best advice for aspiring writers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/47Toe5LShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Kimberly Shannon Murphy, one of the most successful stuntwomen in Hollywood, about GLIMMER: A STORY OF SURVIVAL, HOPE, AND HEALING, a raw and honest memoir about surviving her traumatic childhood, marked by sexual abuse at the hands of her grandfather. Kimberly reflects on how her professional choices have been influenced by her past experiences. She also discusses the healing process, the importance of acknowledging pain, and the impact of family dynamics on her trauma. Despite the challenges, Kimberly's story is one of resilience, emphasizing self-worth, love, and hope. She plans to adapt her memoir into a film and continues to find peace and gratitude in life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3uV4fFeShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews bestselling author Sonali Dev about LIES AND OTHER LOVE LANGUAGES, a tender and compelling novel about three women navigating families, friends, careers, and the web of secrets that ties them together. The story is set against the backdrop of a surrogacy arrangement and delves into themes of motherhood, fear, loss, and the impact of DNA testing on relationships. Sonali discusses the diverse voices and perspectives of her characters, her writing process, her travel experiences, and her love for cooking. She also shares her excitement about her upcoming book, which centers around a woman's journey of self-discovery after finding a lost ring.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3GACPXUShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Wendy Walker about AMERICAN GIRL, an exquisitely rendered small-town thriller about a 17-year-old autistic girl who becomes embroiled in a murder case in rural Pennsylvania. Wendy describes her protagonist's character development, highlighting her unique perspective and exceptional analytical skills. She also discusses her past experiences, including aspirations to become an Olympic figure skater and working in a sandwich shop. Finally, she talks about her upcoming projects and offers advice to aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of continuous skill development and understanding reader engagement.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3uRUpnIShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews venture capitalist, political strategist, philanthropist, and writer Bradley Tusk about OBVIOUS IN HINDSIGHT, a funny, eye-opening political satire about a campaign to legalize flying cars in major American cities, featuring a flying car startup and its various opposition groups (including Uber, socialists, transit workers, and the Russian mob). Bradley provides a fascinating look into the real workings of politics and technology, drawing from his extensive experience in both fields. The interview also touches on Bradley's venture capital work, where he helps startups navigate regulatory challenges, his personal bookstore venture, P&T Knitwear, and his broad interest in reading, particularly contemporary fiction.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48aXihyShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Richard Hurowitz about IN THE GARDEN OF THE RIGHTEOUS: THE HEROES WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES TO SAVE JEWS DURING THE HOLOCAUST, a moving and powerfully illuminating tribute to ten non-Jewish individuals and groups who risked their lives to rescue Jews during World War II. Richard, who was inspired by a trip to the Holocaust Museum and subsequent research on the rescuers, discusses the rarity of such acts of heroism. He also shares insights into the characteristics and motivations of the rescuers, emphasizing the impact of early childhood experiences and the influence of religion and exposure to different cultures. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/41iGsuXShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Alli Webb, founder of the world-famous blowout salon chain, Drybar, about her empowering and insightful memoir, THE MESSY TRUTH: HOW I SOLD MY BUSINESS FOR MILLIONS BUT ALMOST LOST MYSELF. Alli shares what it was like to start a business that took off seemingly overnight. She also discusses the struggles she faced in her marriage and with her teenage son, who had to enter rehab, and how she eventually spiraled into a deep depression. She emphasizes the importance of transparency and the impact of sharing her story with others, especially other women who might be going through similar experiences. Finally, she describes her current projects, which include a new massage concept (Squeeze) and a humidifier company (Canopy).Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3TdJkHtShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews book publisher and bestselling author Kristen McGuiness about LIVE THROUGH THIS, a modern-day western about a mass shooting and a woman who must face her complicated grief in order to avenge her husband's death. The story is inspired by McGuiness' connection to gun violence and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. It explores themes of trauma, love, marriage, motherhood, and female friendship, aiming to emotionally galvanize readers against gun violence in America. McGuiness also discusses her career trajectory, including working in traditional book publishing, ghostwriting, and eventually starting her own independent publishing house, Rise Books. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/41blZs5Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Caitlin Shetterly about her gripping, tender, big-hearted debut novel, PETE AND ALICE IN MAINE. The story, inspired by the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, intimately explores a fractured marriage and the struggles of modern parenthood. Caitlin shares her writing process, which was influenced by her observations of the pandemic and the complexities of human relationships during crises. She also discusses juggling writing with motherhood and homeschooling her children, offering insights into her creative approach, which includes jotting down ideas in notebooks and writing in short, spontaneous sessions.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/486kUnyShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.