Episodi

  • Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Network with Vicky Ward

    Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Network with Vicky Ward
    Feb 25 2026
    Vicky Ward joins James Patterson for a revealing conversation about Jeffrey Epstein, power, and the systems that allowed him to operate for decades. Ward, one of the first journalists to profile Epstein in 2003, reflects on the intimidation tactics she experienced firsthand and why Epstein’s influence extended far beyond what most people understood at the time. They explore the psychology of Epstein’s world, the powerful figures who surrounded him, and how wealth and access can distort accountability. Ward also shares her perspective on Ghislaine Maxwell, former Prince Andrew, and the many unresolved questions that continue to shadow Epstein’s network. James Patterson also discusses his reaction to being mentioned in the Epstein Files, including email exchanges between Epstein and author Michael Wolff connected to the release of James' 2016 book, Filthy Rich: The Jeffrey Epstein Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    Non ancora noto
  • Brad Meltzer Was Rejected 24 Times Before His First Break

    Brad Meltzer Was Rejected 24 Times Before His First Break
    Feb 18 2026
    Brad Meltzer joins James Patterson for a wide ranging conversation about rejection, resilience, and the unpredictable path to success. Meltzer reflects on receiving 24 rejection letters before publishing his first novel and why those early setbacks shaped his career far more than any instant success story. They discuss how comic books helped turn them both into lifelong readers, the hidden lessons inside failure, and the mindset required to keep going when nothing seems to be working. Meltzer also shares remarkable personal stories, including honoring veterans, throwing out a first pitch at a Major League Baseball game, and the unforgettable experience of reading to President George H. W. Bush near the end of his life. The conversation also touches on Meltzer’s latest thriller, The Viper, along with storytelling, persistence, and the moments that quietly define a writer’s career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 min
  • James Patterson Interviews Alex Cross

    James Patterson Interviews Alex Cross
    Feb 11 2026
    James Patterson sits down with Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins, the star and showrunner of Amazon’s Cross, to talk about bringing Alex Cross from the page to the screen. They discuss what it means to reinterpret one of fiction’s most iconic detectives, why the series focuses on new stories rather than direct adaptations, and how Cross is written as a father, partner, and human being first. Catch the premiere of Season 2 of Cross today on Prime Video! 00:00 Intro 01:09 Discussing Season Two of Cross 02:47 Character Complexity and Realism 05:43 The Evolution of Alex Cross 07:11 Behind the Scenes: Writer's Room Insights 12:33 Comparing TV Shows and Movies 14:03 Creating New Stories Beyond the Books 16:03 Character Development and Flaws 17:07 Acting and Watchmaking 19:51 The Art of Television Writing 22:02 Exciting Twists in Season Two 25:07 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 min
  • Arthur Brooks on Why Happiness Requires Struggle

    Arthur Brooks on Why Happiness Requires Struggle
    Feb 4 2026
    James Patterson sits down with author and Harvard professor Dr. Arthur Brooks for a conversation about happiness, suffering, and what actually makes life meaningful. Brooks explains why true happiness requires pain, why eliminating struggle leads to dissatisfaction, and how learning from failure is essential to growth. They discuss the science behind happiness, the difference between success and meaning, the importance of relationships, and how our priorities shift as we age. Drawing from Brooks’ research, teaching, and writing, this episode explores how to build a life rooted in purpose rather than chasing constant pleasure. 00:00 Intro 01:04 The Harvard Happiness Course 02:25 The Science of Happiness 10:12 The Importance of Friendships 15:59 Balancing Work and Family 25:43 Understanding Intelligence Over Time 30:02 Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence 32:06 Disrupt Everything: Embracing Change 36:06 Encouraging Writers to Finish Their Books 42:56 Global Poverty and Economic Freedom 44:52 Loving Your Enemies (Seriously) 50:33 The Power of Storytelling and Memory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 min
  • Daniel Kehlmann on Complicity, Moral Choice, and How History Repeats Itself

    Daniel Kehlmann on Complicity, Moral Choice, and How History Repeats Itself
    Jan 28 2026
    James Patterson speaks with acclaimed novelist Daniel Kehlmann about literature, history, and the quiet decisions that shape moral responsibility. Kehlmann discusses growing up between Germany and the United States, differences in reading culture and education, and why habits of reading matter more than ever. They explore Kehlmann’s novel The Director, which examines how ordinary people become complicit inside authoritarian systems, and why evil rarely arrives as a single defining moment. The conversation touches on moral judgment, censorship, artistic responsibility, comedy in dark times, and how small, defensible choices can slowly lead societies down dangerous paths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 min
  • Peggy Noonan on Why Certainty Is Dangerous in History

    Peggy Noonan on Why Certainty Is Dangerous in History
    Jan 21 2026
    James Patterson sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Peggy Noonan for a wide-ranging conversation about history, uncertainty, and writing in divided times. Noonan reflects on her decades-long career at The Wall Street Journal, her years inside the Reagan White House as a speechwriter, and what she learned watching leadership up close during a pivotal moment in American history. They discuss how writers observe power from the outside, what leadership looks like when character is tested, and why moments of absolute certainty are often the most dangerous in public life. Drawing on her time writing for Ronald Reagan and later reflecting on his presidency, Noonan shares lessons about decency, civic life, political courage, and what it means to remain intellectually honest when the country feels unsettled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 min
  • Michael J. Fox on Optimism, Acceptance, and Moving Forward

    Michael J. Fox on Optimism, Acceptance, and Moving Forward
    Jan 14 2026
    James Patterson talks with Michael J. Fox about optimism, acceptance, and choosing how to move forward in the face of uncertainty. Fox reflects on writing his memoir Future Boy, why acceptance does not mean resignation, and how understanding what is allows you to keep going rather than give up. They discuss living publicly with Parkinson’s, using humor as a survival tool, and why action matters more than false positivity. Fox also shares how the Michael J. Fox Foundation has helped transform Parkinson’s research, why skepticism is healthy but cynicism is corrosive, and how investing in people and science can create real, lasting change. 00:00 Intro 01:11 Acceptance and Resilience 02:12 Michael J. Fox's Writing Journey 07:19 Rock and Roll Fantasies 08:23 Friendship with Muhammad Ali 16:20 Parkinson's and Advocacy 20:12 Family and Personal Reflections 24:22 Living in New York 25:08 Career Reflections 26:17 Writing and Storytelling 28:25 Dealing with Bullies 29:58 Health Challenges and Optimism 34:40 Philanthropy and Research 40:20 Today's Politics Try Novelium today and get your first month free at https://novelium.so/ with code PATTERSON Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 min
  • James Clear on Atomic Habits, Identity, and Becoming the Person You Want to Be

    James Clear on Atomic Habits, Identity, and Becoming the Person You Want to Be
    Jan 7 2026
    James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, joins James Patterson on today's episode of Hungry Dogs to talk about why habits matter more than motivation and how small actions shape who we become. Clear reflects on recovering from a life-changing injury, learning to value small wins, and why every habit is a vote for the type of person you want to be. They discuss identity-based habits, the difference between motion and action, optimism versus cynicism, and how reading, environment, and consistency influence long-term success. Clear also shares practical insights on building better systems, parenting, education, and why five good minutes can be enough to reset a day. 00:00 Intro 00:59 The Atomic Habits Workbook 02:30 James Clear's Personal Journey 04:06 The Importance of Small Wins 06:21 The Deeper Reason Habits Matter 12:41 Disrupting the Norm: Positive Changes 15:16 The Four Laws of Behavior Change 17:54 Navigating the Job Market with Atomic Habits 19:42 Identity Change Through Small Actions 23:06 The Importance of Quality Content 25:54 Applying Atomic Habits in Family Life 32:35 The Value of Five Good Minutes 33:10 Thinking Long Term, Acting Short Term Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 min