Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

Zibby welcomes back author Jacqueline Friedland to discuss COUNTING BACKWARDS, a bold, gripping, and timely dual-timeline novel about how women’s bodies have been used against them in American society, both past and present. The book follows a young attorney who takes on a pro bono immigration case, only to uncover a shocking pattern of medical abuse at a detention center. Jaqueline shares the real-life inspirations behind the story, including her background as a lawyer and her deep fascination with the history of eugenics. The conversation also dives into the novel’s exploration of marriage, infertility, trauma, and personal resilience.Purchase on Bookshop: bit.ly/3G47YWsShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Debut novelist Meredith Turits joins Zibby to discuss JUST WANT YOU HERE, a riveting, honest, and incisive novel about love, lust, self-discovery, and the complications of youth. Meredith reveals the inspiration behind her protagonist, Ari, who navigates heartbreak, an impulsive move to Boston, and a complicated entanglement with her boss and his wife. She also reflects on her unexpected career path (she was the founding editor of Bustle!), her ten-year journey to publication, and the novel that almost was.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3RCjT09Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby chats with former casting executive Tess Sanchez (who is married to actor and past podcast guest Max Greenfield!) about WE’VE DECIDED TO GO IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION, a moving and witty essay collection about career upheaval, identity, and resilience. Tess reflects on a pivotal two-year period in her life that was filled with unexpected setbacks. She opens up about the shock of losing a career that had defined her for two decades, the struggle to reframe her sense of self beyond work, and the unexpected humor that emerged from this moment of crisis. She also touches on her experience navigating her father’s aphasia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis—and how grief and humor often exist side by side.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3FQRSiVShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby Publishing author alert! Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling and Thurber Prize-winning author John Kenney to discuss his razor-sharp, darkly comedic, and emotionally piercing new novel, I SEE YOU’VE CALLED IN DEAD. John delves into the story, which follows an obituary writer who accidentally publishes his own death notice, sparking chaos and unexpected self-discovery. John shares the deeply personal inspiration behind this book, touching on loss, the complexities of grief, and how humor helps us navigate life’s toughest moments. The conversation also delves into male friendship, office culture, and the impact of writing. With wit and warmth, John and Zibby explore what it means to truly live while grappling with loss.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/41UiCYzShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Journalist turned novelist Sarah Harman joins Zibby to discuss her biting, twisty, utterly delightful thriller, ALL THE OTHER MOTHERS HATE ME, which follows a washed-up girl band star turned reluctant mom detective at the center of a missing child investigation. Sarah talks about her unconventional writing process, the challenges of creating an unlikable yet relatable protagonist, and balancing creative ambition and motherhood. She also talks about the pressures of “Plan B” careers, her experience adapting her book for FX, and the eternal question of what it really means to be a “good mom.”Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4cdEUImShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Zibby interviews Jenny Fielding, one of the most active global pre-seed investors, about her new book, VENTURE EVERYWHERE. Jenny shares her experiences traveling to over 100 countries to profile global entrepreneurs who are starting innovative companies far from Silicon Valley’s spotlight. She explores the entrepreneurial archetypes, from bold risk-takers to resilient thinkers, and then shares her unconventional path—from JP Morgan to launching her first startup inspired by the high cost of international calls. She offers practical advice on pursuing big ideas incrementally, making space for innovation even while juggling a day job. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/42j9T24Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

British-American actress, writer, and podcaster Sonya Walger joins Zibby to discuss LION, a stunning autobiographical novel full of drama, love, and tragedy. Together, they explore the blurred line between fiction and reality, with Sonya describing her book as “a work of fiction in which everything happened.” She shares poignant stories of her charismatic, risk-taking father—once a Formula One driver, polo player, and skydiver—and reflects on how he shaped her own parenting, choices, and identity. She talks about memory, family, her marriage, writing as a way to detangle personal truths, and the chaos of losing her home shortly after this book’s release. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3FD0rxVShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Emmy Award-winning television host, veteran journalist, and bestselling author Tamron Hall returns to the podcast to discuss her delightful children’s book, HARLEM HONEY: The Adventure of a Curious Kid. Inspired by Tamron’s real-life son and his adventure visiting Harlem’s most iconic spots, the book’s protagonist navigates a bustling new neighborhood. Zibby and Tamron discuss the themes of patience, presence, curiosity, and the power of slowing down and appreciating first-time experiences.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4j5JCtTShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

Emmy award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal joins Zibby to discuss her must-read guide, HOW TO MENOPAUSE. Tamsen opens up about her unexpected health crisis during a live news broadcast in 2019, which led to her shocking discovery that she was in menopause. She talks about her pivot from decades of TV journalism to creating a documentary, The End Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, and writing this book to help women navigate this often misunderstood stage of life. She and Zibby discuss everything from perimenopause symptoms and hormonal shifts to self-advocacy in the doctor’s office and the beauty and freedom that emerge from embracing midlife changes. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4hExVcsShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!