Episodes

  • Senator John Kennedy on the Comedy of Washington

    Senator John Kennedy on the Comedy of Washington
    May 13 2026
    In this episode, James Patterson and Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana discuss the Senator’s new book, How to Test Negative for Stupid. Senator Kennedy shares stories from his upbringing in Zachary, Louisiana, his time at Vanderbilt and Oxford, and his experiences as a substitute teacher. They delve into the critical importance of literacy and education reform, as well as the absurdity of federal bureaucracy. Senator Kennedy breaks down why "common sense" is the rarest commodity in the nation's capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • James & Sue Patterson: Secrets to Writing, Marriage, and 40 Years of Success

    James & Sue Patterson: Secrets to Writing, Marriage, and 40 Years of Success
    May 6 2026
    We're doing something special on this episode of Hungry Dogs in honor of Mother's Day: James Patterson and his wife, Sue Patterson, share the story of their 40-year journey from their first meeting at an ad agency to becoming bestselling co-authors. They dive into the creative process behind their best-selling collaborations, Big Words for Little Geniuses, Things I Wish I Told My Mother, and The Mother-Daughter Book Club. They also give their advice on parenting, their competitive golf rituals, and why constant communication is the secret to their long-lasting bond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Dana Perino on Why We Should Learn to Listen

    Dana Perino on Why We Should Learn to Listen
    Apr 29 2026
    James Patterson interviews Fox News anchor Dana Perino about her transition from White House Press Secretary to fiction writer. They discuss her new political rom-com, Purple State, and explore whether personal chemistry can bridge deep ideological and political divides. Perino shares expert communication strategies, including her "read it twice" rule for dealing with criticism, and the vital importance of being a good listener. Dana and James also provide career and relationship advice for young professionals, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process required to pen a bestselling novel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Freida McFadden on Why Great Thrillers Need Cringe

    Freida McFadden on Why Great Thrillers Need Cringe
    Apr 22 2026
    Freida McFadden joins James Patterson for a conversation about twist endings, suspense, and what makes a thriller impossible to put down. The bestselling author of The Housemaid talks about the “cringe factor” she loves in fiction, how she thinks about reader expectations, and why the best twists only work when they feel surprising and inevitable at the same time. They also discuss McFadden’s path from practicing doctor to breakout thriller writer, how she balances medicine and fiction, and the role authenticity plays in books that draw from real experiences. The conversation touches on outlines, dictation, Hollywood adaptations, pen names, and the strange mix of luck, timing, and craft behind a breakout bestseller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Patrick Radden Keefe on How He Turns True Stories into Thrillers

    Patrick Radden Keefe on How He Turns True Stories into Thrillers
    Apr 15 2026
    Patrick Radden Keefe joins James Patterson for a conversation about storytelling, journalism, and how nonfiction can carry the suspense of a thriller. Keefe, the acclaimed author of Say Nothing, Empire of Pain, and London Falling, talks about finding stories in unexpected places, building narrative from real events, and why facts alone are not enough to hold a reader. They discuss Keefe’s path from Boston and law school to the New Yorker, the art of reporting deeply without inventing, and the challenge of turning complicated subjects like the Troubles, the opioid crisis, organized crime, and human smuggling into gripping books. The conversation also explores Hollywood adaptations, research, and what makes a true story feel impossible to put down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • The Wildest Story Maury Povich Ever Saw on His Show

    The Wildest Story Maury Povich Ever Saw on His Show
    Apr 8 2026
    Maury Povich joins James Patterson for a wide-ranging conversation about his unexpected path from serious journalist to one of the most recognizable figures in television history. Before becoming a cultural icon, Maury was covering some of the biggest moments in American history, including the Kennedy assassination, the civil rights movement, and Watergate. He reflects on those early years in journalism and how they shaped his instincts as a storyteller. They also get into the evolution of his talk show, how it shifted over time, and what it was really like behind the scenes of the moments that defined it. Maury shares stories from the show, including one of the most unbelievable paternity results he ever revealed, and explains why he never wanted to know the outcome before opening the envelope on air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • How to Handle Disruption in a Changing World with Dr. Patrick Leddin

    How to Handle Disruption in a Changing World with Dr. Patrick Leddin
    Apr 1 2026
    James Patterson sits down with Dr. Patrick Leddin to talk about disruption and why it has become a constant part of modern life. From rapid changes in technology to shifting expectations at work and at home, they explore why so many people feel like they are simply trying to keep up. Drawing from their book Disrupt Everything and Win, they explain why disruption itself is not the problem, but how people respond to it. Instead of avoiding change or reacting out of fear, they argue that individuals and organizations can learn to use disruption as a tool for growth and improvement. Plus, James Patterson gives away $1,000 to one lucky Hungry Dogs fan. To enter, just leave a comment with what you would do with the money (keep it short and sweet). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • How Viola Davis and James Patterson Wrote a Novel Together

    How Viola Davis and James Patterson Wrote a Novel Together
    Mar 25 2026
    Viola Davis and James Patterson join The New York Times' Sarah Lyall for a conversation about their new novel Judge Stone and the collaboration behind it. They discuss how the project began, what it takes to build a story together, and how their different backgrounds shaped the book. For Viola, it was a return to collaboration after years of working independently in film, while for James it was about finding the right voice and emotional center for the story. The conversation explores how they developed their characters, especially Nova and Judge Stone, and why it was so important to portray them with honesty and care. Viola shares how her own experiences informed the emotional core of the story, and James talks about the importance of voice, structure, and constantly refining scenes until they feel true. They also talk about the challenges of writing about difficult subjects, the role of storytelling in exploring questions of power and justice, and why stories like this matter in moments when people are searching for clarity and meaning. Special thank you to The 92nd Street Y, New York for making this conversation possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins