We can’t all completely start our lives over again. But Cece Downing, down on her luck, tries to do just that. An intriguing neighbor catches her attention. Antics ensue. Soon Wiley captures the interior life of a woman’s mind with brilliance (how does he do it?!) and depicts a turning point with literary prowess. We spoke about his upcoming move, his stage of life, the inspiration for the book, and more. 

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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I spoke to Sarah Vaughan about her riveting new novel, Based on a True Story (think: cliffside manor, a matriarch at her 70th birthday party, a secret, a threat). Her prior novel Anatomy of a Scandal was made into a Netflix show in 2022. But Sarah opened up about far more than the book. For the real true story, listen in. 

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Dr. Elisa Port, chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai and one of the nation's leading breast cancer specialists, joins Zibby to discuss her compassionate new guide, The Breast Advice. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and the stories of real patients, Dr. Port shares the latest advances in breast cancer screening and treatment, dispels common myths, offers practical advice for reducing risk, and explains how friends and loved ones can provide meaningful support. Tune in!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Kate Doerge is a FORCE. When her daughter Penny passed away, Kate channeled her overwhelming grief into community building, giving back, and even her much-needed workouts. She opened up her home, even when Penny was dying, for all her teenage friends and family friends, to be a part of it. And that's when they saw the angel light in the driveway. Written in collaboration with past podcast guest Sara Bliss, Reimagining Grief is the guide book, clarion call, and bible to living with pain and forging ahead. Kate founded Penny's Flight in honor of Penny to help others. We were honored to host Kate at Zibby's Bookshop in conversation with Jennifer Levi, who launched the Live Like Braun Foundation, in honor of her late son, just before the book hit the USA Today bestseller list. You can watch that conversation on our Substack here.

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Elizabeth Jannuzzi and I spoke about her journey from being a high-functioning alcoholic who managed to hide her addiction from her family to a "sober mom." Liz shares her most shameful moments, the affair that almost blew up her marriage, and how she turned her life around.

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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I’ve been a fan of Justin Halpern’s for years and have read all his hilarious, heartbreaking, original stories. His debut novel Get Lost is a new take on some themes he’s been writing about all along. And it’s funny! We talked about his screenwriting and how an encounter with Quinta Brunson on a studio lot changed everything. You can also watch his hilarious event at Zibby's Bookshop here!!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Well, he said it. Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham opens up about his formative relationships as he teaches the reader what great writing looks like. I read his unforgettable novel The Hours for a now-defunct book club years ago. I couldn’t wait to discuss! A professor, Michael shares in the book and on the podcast, what his secrets are. By including sample paragraphs throughout, we pick up his vast knowledge. He then intersperses his own story including a chapter that . . . you never would have guessed. Loved this conversation! 

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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August Book Club Pick!! You might know bestselling author Matthew Quick from his blockbuster hit Silver Linings Playbook, which became an Academy Award-winning film. Now we not only get a behind-the-scenes look at his personal life, but also his professional struggles, something most accomplished authors don’t open up about.

Matthew shares what happened after Hollywood lost interest and how he dealt with it. He faced many demons in his attempts to cope with his difficult childhood, particularly his volatile relationship with his father, from alcohol to excessive exercise. The writing is exceptional. The honesty? Next level. It's midlife reinvention at its finest.

Join us for a virtual Q&A book club on August 13th at 7:00 pm. Register here!

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Obsessed. Super obsessed. Can’t stop talking about this book and recommending it. I have to admit, my mother is the one who finally got me to read it. Apparently, Oprah selecting it last year paled in comparison to my mom! Culpability raises all sorts of questions about ethics, secrets, AI, family loyalties, success, and love. Bruce Holsinger and I discussed all of it, including how he completely rewrote this novel based on one car ride. 

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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I can’t stop thinking about my interview with #1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva. Not only did we discuss the themes in his latest book Ransom (and his wife!), but we covered how he feels about the fact that men aren’t reading anymore. He discusses how women are all over the bestseller list right now and his concern going forward. Curious what you all think! 

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

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Jean Kwok ventured into writing fantasy after her own divorce, which we discuss, in addition to how she grew up working in sweatshops in Chinatown and ended up at Harvard. Jean, a Read with Jenna pick, is one of the most effusive, lovely authors who is constantly lifting others up. 

** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for Zibby's Highlights, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.