Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

Harlan Coben, bestselling thriller novelist behind Tell No One, discusses his new co-authored book Gone Before Goodbye and collaborating with Reese Witherspoon. He talks about adapting novels for Netflix and international film success. He also recalls his writing origins, college years, and how outlining and knowing endings shape his stories.

Kathy Bates joins Hungry Dogs with James Patterson for a discussion about artistic roots, the long path a creative career requires, and Bates’ experiences and thoughts while filming ‘Matlock’ on CBS. Kathy talks about her first opportunities at SMU in Texas and then in New York, off-Broadway, and how they helped catapult her stage and screen career. They share some of the ways they’ve kept their artistic spark lit, and to Kathy that sometimes means “negotiating with yourself”. She also discusses her takeaways from working with director Rob Reiner on the movie adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery, and how her love of reading and words informs her work as an actor.  Follow James Patterson: https://.jamespatterson.com/ https://jamespatterson.substack.com/ https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/james-patterson/ https://www.instagram.com/realjamespatterson/ 00:00 Intro 01:08 Matlock and Career Choices 08:04 Finding Humanity in Characters 12:29 Reflections on Aging and Career Longevity 13:49 Collaborations and Future Projects 20:18 Kathy’s Theater Beginnings 22:48 The Value of Storytelling 24:22 Challenges and Triumphs in Acting 25:40 Lessons from Misery 29:32 American Horror Story and Historical Research 32:23 Directing Experiences and Overcoming Cancer 38:53 The Importance of Reading and Education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BJ Novak joins James Patterson on Hungry Dogs for a conversation about ambition, burnout, and storytelling. The Office star and author of The Book With No Pictures reflects on turning down the role of showrunner during the show’s peak, what he learned from doing stand-up comedy, and how working with Quentin Tarantino on Inglourious Basterds shaped his creative outlook. They also dig into the craft of writing and directing, why audience humility matters, and the difference between chasing success and finding meaning in your work. 00:00 Intro 01:10 The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak 05:52 Turning Down The Office Showrunner Offer 08:19 Lessons from Mel Robbins, Bill Clinton, and George Bush 13:31 Working with Quentin Tarantino 17:31 Directing and Writing Vengeance 20:08 Directing Advice and the Importance of Tone 22:35 Challenges of Screenwriting in Hollywood 26:48 The Art of Outlining Stories 29:27 Character Development in Writing 31:06 New Projects and Ideas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dolly Parton joins James Patterson for the first episode of Hungry Dogs in an intimate, funny, and inspiring conversation about hustle, heart, and staying hungry. Dolly opens up about her early days in Nashville, the meaning of “horse sense,” and turning down Elvis Presley’s request to record “I Will Always Love You.” She and Patterson also reflect on their collaboration on Run, Rose, Run, the power of storytelling in country music, her hit film 9 to 5, her Broadway musical Dolly: An Original Musical, and what keeps her driven after decades of success. 00:00 Intro 1:27 Run, Rose, Run Reminiscing 02:27 Musical Influences and Family 04:38 Dolly's Instrumental Journey 06:11 Moving to Nashville 09:59 James and Dolly First Impressions 15:06 Dolly's Business Acumen 17:27 Dolly vs. Elvis' Manager 18:21 Nine to Five with Burt Reynolds 19:52 An Unexpected Birthday Serenade 21:42 Rock and Roll Collaborations 23:14 The Making of 'Dolly: the Musical' 28:50 Upcoming Projects 31:27 James' Birthday Gift from Dolly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Patterson—the world’s bestselling author—created Hungry Dogs to explore the minds of extraordinary people, from authors and musicians to actors and politicians. New episodes every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices