Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

In this episode, James Patterson and Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana discuss the Senator’s new book, How to Test Negative for Stupid. Senator Kennedy shares stories from his upbringing in Zachary, Louisiana, his time at Vanderbilt and Oxford, and his experiences as a substitute teacher. They delve into the critical importance of literacy and education reform, as well as the absurdity of federal bureaucracy. Senator Kennedy breaks down why "common sense" is the rarest commodity in the nation's capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're doing something special on this episode of Hungry Dogs in honor of Mother's Day: James Patterson and his wife, Sue Patterson, share the story of their 40-year journey from their first meeting at an ad agency to becoming bestselling co-authors. They dive into the creative process behind their best-selling collaborations, Big Words for Little Geniuses, Things I Wish I Told My Mother, and The Mother-Daughter Book Club. They also give their advice on parenting, their competitive golf rituals, and why constant communication is the secret to their long-lasting bond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Patterson interviews Fox News anchor Dana Perino about her transition from White House Press Secretary to fiction writer. They discuss her new political rom-com, Purple State, and explore whether personal chemistry can bridge deep ideological and political divides. Perino shares expert communication strategies, including her "read it twice" rule for dealing with criticism, and the vital importance of being a good listener. Dana and James also provide career and relationship advice for young professionals, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process required to pen a bestselling novel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freida McFadden joins James Patterson for a conversation about twist endings, suspense, and what makes a thriller impossible to put down. The bestselling author of The Housemaid talks about the “cringe factor” she loves in fiction, how she thinks about reader expectations, and why the best twists only work when they feel surprising and inevitable at the same time. They also discuss McFadden’s path from practicing doctor to breakout thriller writer, how she balances medicine and fiction, and the role authenticity plays in books that draw from real experiences. The conversation touches on outlines, dictation, Hollywood adaptations, pen names, and the strange mix of luck, timing, and craft behind a breakout bestseller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Radden Keefe joins James Patterson for a conversation about storytelling, journalism, and how nonfiction can carry the suspense of a thriller. Keefe, the acclaimed author of Say Nothing, Empire of Pain, and London Falling, talks about finding stories in unexpected places, building narrative from real events, and why facts alone are not enough to hold a reader. They discuss Keefe’s path from Boston and law school to the New Yorker, the art of reporting deeply without inventing, and the challenge of turning complicated subjects like the Troubles, the opioid crisis, organized crime, and human smuggling into gripping books. The conversation also explores Hollywood adaptations, research, and what makes a true story feel impossible to put down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maury Povich joins James Patterson for a wide-ranging conversation about his unexpected path from serious journalist to one of the most recognizable figures in television history. Before becoming a cultural icon, Maury was covering some of the biggest moments in American history, including the Kennedy assassination, the civil rights movement, and Watergate. He reflects on those early years in journalism and how they shaped his instincts as a storyteller. They also get into the evolution of his talk show, how it shifted over time, and what it was really like behind the scenes of the moments that defined it. Maury shares stories from the show, including one of the most unbelievable paternity results he ever revealed, and explains why he never wanted to know the outcome before opening the envelope on air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Patrick Leddin, Army vet, Vanderbilt professor and researcher behind Disrupt Everything and Win. He explores why disruption is constant and how to harness it for growth. Stories range from family breakthroughs to purpose-driven businesses. Practical roles and small moves for positive change are highlighted in short, actionable conversations.

Viola Davis, Academy Award–winning actress and author, reflects on turning life and theater instincts into fiction. Sarah Lyall, New York Times critic, steers the conversation with sharp questions. They discuss how the collaboration began, shaping Nova and Judge Mary Stone, balancing trauma and voice, courtroom drama in a small town, and the moral stakes that drive the story.

Lee Child, creator of Jack Reacher, shares origins of Reacher and adapting him for screen. Andrew Child, his brother and co-writer, explains their collaboration and modernizing Reacher for cyber threats. They discuss instinct-driven, scene-by-scene writing, daily work ethic, and how upbringing and outsider perspective shape their storytelling.

Erik Larson, bestselling narrative historian behind The Devil in the White City and The Splendid and the Vile, discusses his hands-on archival research and why he never invents dialogue. He tells how chance discoveries sparked dual narratives, recounts finding hidden Churchill diary entries, and explains his rule about keeping upcoming projects secret.