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This Is the Author

Penguin Random House Audio
Audiobooks
Audiobook Narration
Audiobook Recording
Mental Health
Creativity
Parenting
New York City
Motherhood
Personal Growth
Audiobook Production
Education
ADHD
Identity
Libraries
Penguin Random House Audio
Racism
How To Winter
Winter
Climate Change
Integrity

A podcast about authors reading their audiobooks from Penguin Random House Audio.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes508Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for This Is the Author

Latest Episodes

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 r... more

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 Leo... more

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’... more

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... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

David Ariosto
Author and journalist, space industry analyst
Author of Open Space, From Earth to Eternity, The Global Race to Explore and Conquer the Cosmos
Episode: S11 E17: David Ariosto, Roxanne Khamsi, and Dr. Trisha Pasricha
Roxanne Khamsi
Science journalist
Author of Beyond Inheritance, Our Ever Mutating Cells and a New Understanding of Health
Episode: S11 E17: David Ariosto, Roxanne Khamsi, and Dr. Trisha Pasricha
Dr. Trisha Pasricha
Physician and medical journalist
Author of You've Been Pooping All Wrong
Episode: S11 E17: David Ariosto, Roxanne Khamsi, and Dr. Trisha Pasricha
Mychal Threets
Author
Episode: S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation
Arthur C. Brooks
Author
Episode: S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation
Tom Junod
Author
Episode: S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation
Elizabeth Berg
Author
Episode: S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation
Erin McGoff
Author
Episode: S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation
Angela Buchdahl
Author
Episode: S11 E16: 2026 National Library Week Special Compilation

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 23 ratings
  • OBSESSED

    As an author that is about to record her audio book...this has made me feel way more confident aka it's ok to misprounce words and not be perfect. Binging on this today...so cool!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JMurney
    United States5 years ago
  • Insightful View Into The Creative Process

    I’ve always wondered what exactly goes into the recording of an audiobook (especially when the author is given the opportunity to read their own work, how they intended it). This podcast provides an interesting glimpse into the types of creative decisions authors make when reading their work, as well as what goes through their minds when they set out to record. Lots of cool behind-the-scenes info!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nmcnallen
    United States10 years ago
  • Fun idea for a book podcast!

    So interesting to think about author's telling their stories out loud and all that goes into recording an audiobook! Also a clever way of getting authors to talk about their personal stories and not just what the book is about. Lots of great "behind the scenes" moments!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NRD984
    United States10 years ago
  • Cool and useful!

    This Is The Author is a great tool to listen to authors talk about their podcast! Gives you an inside look into their audio books.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    emilyrockksss2492o3wef
    United States10 years ago
  • Great insider look at audiobook recordings!

    This podcast gives snippets into the behind the scenes of an audiobook. Really helpful to get a feel for the audiobook and now I have greater appreciation for the author reading his/her own story. Who knew it could be such a challenge?!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    VTC728
    United States10 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans note the intimate, craft-focused conversations
Audiences value practical tips for narration and production
Reviewers highlight the breadth of authors and topics covered
Listeners praise the behind-the-scenes access to narration choices and author storytelling
Listeners appreciate the emotional honesty and studio anecdotes

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S10 E3: Irvin Weathersby Jr., Tao Leigh Goffe, and Adam Chandler
Q: What preparation did you do before recording your audiobook?
I focused on hydration and listening to audiobooks to get in the right mindset.
S10 E3: Irvin Weathersby Jr., Tao Leigh Goffe, and Adam Chandler
Q: Who would be your dream narrator if you hadn't recorded your audiobook yourself?
I would choose someone from New Orleans like Wendell Pierce or Anthony Mackie.
S9 E10: Anne Lamott, Ashley Hetherington, and Elizabeth Orr
Q: If you had to record this book again, what would you bring into the studio with you that you didn't have this time?
I would actually bring my dad because I love my dad and he is a great narrator himself.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Is the Author

What is This Is the Author about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show surveys the craft and emotional terrain of recording audiobooks through conversations with authors. Listeners get behind-the-scenes details on narration choices, voice, pacing, and how reading aloud shapes a writer's relationship to their work. Episodes span pandemic-era writing, personal storytelling, and the myriad challenges of bringing a book to life through voice, with a recurring emphasis on the intimate connection between narrator and listener. The format spotlights practical insights for authors, aspiring narrators, and publishing professionals, often mixing technical production notes with human, vulnerability-filled moments from the studio.

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Which podcasts are similar to This Is the Author?

These podcasts share a similar audience with This Is the Author:

1. The Book Review
2. Thanks For Asking
3. Hidden Brain
4. Radiolab
5. This American Life

How many episodes of This Is the Author are there?

This Is the Author launched 10 years ago and published 508 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on This Is the Author?

Recent guests on This Is the Author include:

1. David Ariosto
2. Roxanne Khamsi
3. Dr. Trisha Pasricha
4. Mychal Threets
5. Arthur C. Brooks
6. Tom Junod
7. Elizabeth Berg
8. Erin McGoff

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