S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation

S11 E19: Ericka Hart, Leah Ruppanner, and Aiko Bethea

In this episode, meet sex educator and Hoodrat to Headwrap podcast co-host Ericka Hart, professor of sociology and founder of LightenLab Leah Ruppanner, and founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting Aiko Bethea. Hear Ericka Hart on the central place of race, class, and other elements of intersectionality in the field of sexual education. Tune in to hear Leah Ruppanner on why we need better language to understand the concept of “mental load.” And hear Aiko Bethea on the importance of providing a framework for ending rumination and finding the confidence to make life-changing decisions. Nasty Work by Ericka Hart https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705447/nasty-work-by-ericka-hart/9798217286546/ Drained by Leah Ruppanner https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762972/drained-by-leah-ruppanner-phd/9798217285662/ Anchored, Aligned, Accountable by Aiko Bethea https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747123/anchored-aligned-accountable-by-aiko-bethea/9780593950135/

S11 E18: Kate Bowler, Annie Leonard, Andre Carothers, and Libby Ward

In this episode, meet the host of the Everything Happens podcast Kate Bowler, co-authors Annie Leonard and Andre Carothers, and speaker and advocate Libby Ward. Tune in to hear Kate Bowler on accessing joy without having to be “fixed,” hear Annie Leonard and Andre Carothers on the civic concerns that prompted them to write their book on the power of protest, and hear Libby Ward on helping moms feel less alone and more whole in motherhood. Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/764086/joyful-anyway-by-kate-bowler/audio Protest by Annie Leonard and Andre Carothers: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/835338/protest-by-annie-leonard-and-andre-carothers/audio Honest Motherhood by Libby Ward: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/749972/honest-motherhood-by-libby-ward/audio

S11 E17: David Ariosto, Roxanne Khamsi, and Dr. Trisha Pasricha

In this episode, meet journalist and space industry analyst David Ariosto, science journalist Roxanne Khamsi, and physician and medical journalist Dr. Trisha Pasricha. Tune in to hear about the documentary filmmaking trip that inspired David Ariosto’s book, hear Roxanne Khamsi on how she prepared for her time in the recording studio, and learn the surprising statistics that inspired Dr. Trisha Pasricha’s research into better bowel movements for all. Open Space by David Ariosto https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708833/open-space-by-david-ariosto/9798217165711/ Beyond Inheritance by Roxanne Khamsi https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711682/beyond-inheritance-by-roxanne-khamsi/9798217281626/ You've Been Pooping All Wrong by Dr. Trisha Pasricha's https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776380/youve-been-pooping-all-wrong-by-trisha-pasricha-md-mph/9798217285686/

S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation

National Library Week 2026 is April 19-25, and it's the perfect time to share our love of libraries and our deep appreciation for the librarians who work to make them the vibrant and welcoming places that they are. In this special compilation episode of This Is the Author, hear Mychal Threets, Arthur C. Brooks, Tom Junod, Elizabeth Berg, Erin McGoff, Angela Buchdahl, Zachary Rubin, Dominic Hoffman, Chuck Klosterman, C .Thi Nguyen, and Susan Orlean share what they love most about their local libraries.

S11 E15: Nidhi Tewari, Arthur C. Brooks, and Julia Minson

In this episode, meet therapist Nidhi Tewari, professor Arthur C. Brooks, and professor and behavioral scientist Julia Minson. Tune in to hear the science behind Nidhi Tewari’s deep dive into workplace burnout, discover what Arthur C. Brooks is most excited for listeners to hear in his audiobook, and hear Julia Minson on the art of disagreement – and why she loves listening to audiobooks on a long drive. Working Well by Nidhi Tewari, MSW, LCSW: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788782/working-well-by-nidhi-tewari-msw-lcsw-foreword-by-amy-cuddy/audio The Meaning of Your Life by Arthur C. Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724315/the-meaning-of-your-life-by-arthur-c-brooks/audio How to Disagree Better by Julia Minson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774525/how-to-disagree-better-by-julia-minson/audio