

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

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h
Brooke Shields, BROOKE SHIELDS IS NOT ALLOWED TO GET OLD: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman
In this special episode (a live event for the Streicker Center sponsored by Zibby Media!), award-winning actor, model, and New York Times bestselling author Brooke Shields chats with SiriusXM's Jessica Shaw about her new memoir, BROOKE SHIELDS IS NOT ALLOWED TO GET OLD, an intimate and empowering portrait of a woman embracing the prime of her life by bucking the narrative about women and aging. The two touch on outdated myths, refusing to recede into the shadows, and writing your own midlife story.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4hbsty9Share, rate, & review the podcast,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.

Jan 29, 2025 • 35min
Jennifer Grey, OUT OF THE CORNER: A Memoir
Special re-release: In support of authors who have lost their homes in the tragic LA fires, we will be resharing their podcast episodes.Zibby is joined by the star of Dirty Dancing and other hit films, Jennifer Grey, to talk about her debut memoir, OUT OF THE CORNER, which she says was one of the best experiences of her life. The two discuss how Jennifer came to terms with her anxiety as well as with her chronic pain, what it was like for her to recall long-buried memories, and how her relationship with her family has evolved throughout her life and career. Jennifer also shares some of the kind things her daughter told her after reading (and annotating) the book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/42vAzNAShare, 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.

Jan 28, 2025 • 28min
Gina Yashere, CACK-HANDED: A Memoir
Special re-release: In support of authors who have lost their homes in the tragic LA fires, we will be resharing their podcast episodes.Although Gina Yashere’s path to comedy wasn’t easy, writing her memoir, CACK-HANDED, in her own voice allowed her to work through some things she thought she had left behind. Now a legend in the comedy world, with a CBS sitcom that she created and stars in, Gina is reflecting on how she got to where she is. She shares what growing up as the daughter of two Nigerian immigrants in the U.K. was like in the 1980s, why she turned to comedy as a way to mitigate some of the racialized violence she experienced, and how writing this book helped her understand her mother in a brand-new way.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3E7L8fGShare, 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.

Jan 27, 2025 • 26min
Laura Diamond, SHELTER US: A Novel
Special re-release: In support of authors who have lost their homes in the tragic LA fires, we will be resharing their podcast episodes.Laura Nicole Diamond joins to discuss her 2015 bestselling novel, SHELTER US, and how it changed her life. Laura tells Zibby about jumping from working as a civil rights lawyer to being a novelist, as well as what she did to hold herself to the commitment of writing it. Laura also shares how including a Guatemalan character in the novel led her family to foster a young Guatemalan refugee seeking asylum, what she learned from her experience volunteering with the houseless community in LA, and why she’s currently working on a memoir.Purchase on Bookshop: bit.ly/3x4z61bShare, 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.

Jan 24, 2025 • 28min
Natasha Sizlo, ALL SIGNS POINT TO PARIS: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Destiny
Natasha Sizlo, author of the memoir *All Signs Point to Paris*, shares her adventurous quest to find her astrological soulmate, a man born in Paris on November 2, 1968. She opens up about how personal challenges, including loss and divorce, fueled her journey of self-discovery. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as she discusses her skepticism about astrology, the strong online community she built, and the deepened bond with her sister during their travels. Plus, Natasha drops hints about exciting upcoming book developments!

Jan 23, 2025 • 29min
Tom Rosshirt, CHASING PEACE: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience
In this episode, Tom Rosshirt, author of *Chasing Peace*, shares his inspiring journey from the depths of chronic illness, anxiety, and depression to a breakthrough using neuroscience. He explains the transformative concept of self-directed neuroplasticity, which allowed him to reshape his relationship with pain and fear. Tom delves into the toll of perfectionism on self-identity and advocates for confronting suppressed feelings as a path to emotional and physical healing. His insights offer invaluable tools for anyone seeking a more fulfilled and peaceful life.

Jan 22, 2025 • 23min
Nancy Reddy, THE GOOD MOTHER MYTH: Unlearning Our Bad Ideas about How to Be a Good Mom
Zibby chats with author Nancy Reddy about THE GOOD MOTHER MYTH, an incisive, meticulously researched, and beautifully written book that blends science, cultural criticism, and memoir to challenge the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers and advocate for a more compassionate, community-driven approach to parenting. Nancy unpacks the damaging "supermom" ideal and explains why understanding motherhood as a shared, relational experience—rather than a solo performance—is key to parental well-being and children's development. Nancy offers wisdom on navigating early parenthood, letting go of perfectionism, and embracing the power of asking for help.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3CjBhCWShare, 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.

Jan 21, 2025 • 31min
Alison Wood Brooks, TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves
Alison Wood Brooks, O'Brien Associate Professor at Harvard Business School, is a leading authority on conversation science. She discusses the critical elements of meaningful dialogue, emphasizing the roles of kindness and humor. The conversation explores effective techniques like open-ended questions and personal anecdotes that strengthen interpersonal connections. Brooks highlights the importance of using names in conversations to foster closeness and advocates for teaching conversational skills in schools, promoting emotional intelligence in children.

Jan 20, 2025 • 27min
Sarah Mlynowski, UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC and WHATEVER AFTER series
Sarah Mlynowski, a New York Times bestselling author known for her beloved series like 'Whatever After' and 'Upside-Down Magic,' shares her fascinating journey from adult chick lit to children's literature. She discusses her disciplined writing strategy and the integration of humor and magic into her stories. Mlynowski emphasizes empowering young female characters in modern fairy tales and reflects on how her personal experiences influence her writing. She also explores balancing parenting with her creative ambitions and her aspirations to embrace new genres.

Jan 17, 2025 • 31min
Samantha Ettus, THE PIE LIFE: A Guilt-Free Recipe for Success and Satisfaction
Samantha Ettus, a bestselling author and Harvard MBA, joins the discussion to share insights from her influential guide, THE PIE LIFE. She encourages women to nurture all areas of their lives while rejecting guilt, emphasizing that both moms and dads can equally share parenting responsibilities. Samantha tackles the evolving narrative of work-life balance and the importance of financial independence for women. Her personal experiences remind us to cherish joyful moments amid life's challenges and the power of community.


