Zibby Owens is truly a book lover. So much so that she has a book empire of sorts. She owns a bookstore in Santa Monica, started a publishing house, and founded Zibby Media. She also hosts the podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and is an author herself.

Jeniffer and Chad talk with her about all this, her novel, Blank, and how she has time to do it all!

Zibby's Website

In this episode of The Premise, Jennifer and Chad talk with Anastasia Zadeik, author of the novel The Other Side of Nothing, and Bethanne Patrick, memoirist of Life B, to explore their nuanced experiences of dealing with and writing about mental health issues through their respective works. Anastasia discusses how her inspiration was drawn from personal family experiences and the intricate research that shaped her novel, while Bethanne opens up about her journey with double depression and the importance of finding the right diagnosis and treatment.

The episode showcases the honesty and compassion in both authors' narratives, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. The conversation touches on the challenges of writing about such sensitive topics, the intersection of personal and fictional storytelling, and the vital need for both education on the topic and for support systems to be put in place.

Whether you are personally affected by mental health issues or are seeking to broaden your perspective, this discussion is a must-listen.

Bethanne Patrick's Website
Anastasia Zadeik's Website

In this episode, Jennifer sits down at Warwick's Books with Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Tommy Orange. He is the author of There There, and most recently, Wandering Stars. Tommy is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and writes about the contemporary Native American landscape.

Tommy shares insights into his writing practice, the challenges of balancing life as a father with his creative pursuits, and the profound influence music has on his craft. The title, Wandering Stars, was actually inspired by Portishead lyrics.
You'll find his discussion on identity, representation, and the nuanced experience of being a Native American in contemporary society both enlightening and moving.

Tommy also speaks about the future of his writing and hints that an original screenplay and a third novel are in the works. This episode is not just an interview; it's a masterclass in the power that fiction holds in shaping our understanding and empathy. It's a testament to Tommy Orange's unique voice in American literature.