Totally Booked with Zibby

Pulitzer Prize-finalist Tommy Tomlinson discusses human-dog connections at the Westminster Dog Show and his memoir about overcoming weight issues in America. He shares raw reflections on addiction, societal factors, and personal impact, offering insights on health and resilience.

Caroline Leavitt, bestselling author, discusses her gripping drama about mothers and daughters torn apart by a crime, inspired by a real-life experience. Themes of forgiveness, identity, and the search for truth are explored. She shares personal anecdotes about the Upper East Side elite, struggles with adoption, and supporting fellow authors.

Zibby interviews Pinky Cole, the founder of the wildly successful restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, about her honest and inspiring advice book, I HOPE YOU FAIL. Pinky shares the inspiration behind her unconventional guide, drawing from her own challenges and failures and her philosophy to view them as opportunities for growth. She opens up about her journey as an entrepreneur and overcoming countless obstacles (including lawsuits against her). She touches on the importance of friendship, resilience, and authenticity. Finally, she reveals what she is working on next.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4di6tA6Share, 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.

Courtney Preiss discusses her novel 'Welcome Home Caroline Kline' with themes of returning home, nostalgia, and personal transformations. The podcast explores cosmic forces, childhood memories, and the bittersweet process of moving forward. An intriguing discussion on writing processes, community support, and the impact of COVID on creativity.

Zibby is joined by author Steve Almond to discuss his wonderfully wise, irreverent, and inspiring new book for writers, TRUTH IS THE ARROW, MERCY IS THE BOW. Steve touches on the technical aspects of storytelling (like plot and character development) and then delves into the roots of storytelling, inspiration, and the importance of confronting inner demons, vulnerabilities, and societal expectations in the writing process. He also shares anecdotes and advice for those experiencing writer’s block, self-doubt, rejection, vulnerability, and, ultimately, creative breakthroughs.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Uw6rNYShare, 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.

Cartoonist Denise Dorrance discusses her graphic memoir 'POLAR VORTEX' capturing the chaos of caring for her ailing mother in Iowa during a literal polar vortex. She explores elder care complexities, family dynamics, and her evolution as an artist, making emotional decisions and sharing her creative process.

Zibby chats with Korean American writer and comedian Suzanne Park about ONE LAST WORD, a smart and breezy romp brimming with pitch-perfect humor, endearing insights, and lovably relatable characters. They delve into the novel's plot, which revolves around a new app that lets you send messages to anyone you want after you die… and the craziness that ensues for the protagonist when someone with the same name dies and her messages get mistakenly released. They also discuss VC funding bias and workplace dynamics. Finally, Suzanne describes her writing journey, from stand-up comedy to novel writing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Jf1vXlShare, 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.

Author Lisa Grunwald joins Zibby to discuss THE EVOLUTION OF ANNABEL CRAIG, a sensitive and poignant novel about a young Southern woman who sets out on a journey of self-discovery after both her parents die, as the infamous 1925 Scopes Trial tests her faith and her marriage. Lisa delves into the significance of the Scopes “Monkey Trial” for her protagonist and for present-day society. She also touches on various aspects of writing historical fiction, from extensive research to authentic character development. Finally, she talks about her life with multiple sclerosis and the ways it influences her writing.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/43RE9QMShare, 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 speaks to author Lissa Soep about OTHER PEOPLE’S WORDS: Friendship, Loss, and the Conversations that Never End, an intimate, original, and profoundly generous look at the power of language to nurture our lives amid the wreckage of grief. Lisa shares the stories of her friends Christine and Jonnie, whose early and unexpected deaths deeply impacted her, and how she found solace in their words and memories. She and Zibby discuss the intricacies of friendship, the ways in which language keeps loved ones close after they’re gone, and the journey of publishing this deeply sentimental book.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ar9z2RShare, 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.

Award-winning author Nell Freudenberger discusses 'THE LIMITS', a novel focusing on deep ocean research, unique family dynamics, and relationships under pressure during the pandemic. She shares her scuba-diving experience for authenticity and reflects on her own parenting journey. The conversation touches on themes of science, step-parenting, and personal transformations.