Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

Actor Ramón Rodríguez joins James Patterson to share how a basketball trick at a Nike competition unexpectedly helped kick-start his acting career. Plus, the Will Trent star opens up about what drew him to the character, the importance of his signature three-piece suits, and why even a pair of beat-up shoes can tell a story. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjY...

Legendary political strategist James Carville Joines James Patterson to discuss his upbringing in Louisiana, his service in the Marine Corps, and his experience inside Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. Carville and Patterson also examine the core realities of American politics, the supreme importance of winning elections, and the current challenges facing the Democratic Party. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4XY5u ABOUT TH...

CNN's Jake Tapper joins James Patterson to unpack his wild career, from navigating the chaotic dumpster fire of political debates to his unexpected stint defending Hooters as a rookie PR rep, to his latest page-turners. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4XY5u ABOUT THE SHOW James Patterson—the world’s bestselling author—created Hungry Dogs to explore the minds of extraordinary...

TJ Newman shares her unique journey from Broadway hopeful to bookseller to flight attendant to bestselling author. She talks about the pain of facing 41 rejections to the joy of finally landing a publishing deal. Newman also explains how everyday experiences and real-world anxieties from her past professions sparked the terrifying, high-stakes plots of her page-turning novels. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4...

Journalist Jim Acosta joins James Patterson to discuss his transition from CNN to independent media, and the dangers political attacks on the press pose to democracy. The two also touch on Acosta's Cuban heritage, memorable career moments, concerns over artificial intelligence, and corporate media leadership. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4XY5u ABOUT THE SHOW James Patterson—the world’s bestselling...

In this episode, best-selling crime author, Michael Connelly, talks with James Patterson about his background as a Florida police reporter and how it directly shaped his fiction. The authors debate whether or not writing with an outline hinders spontaneity, and share thoughts on navigating Hollywood, and the importance of emotional support between authors. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4XY5u ABOUT TH...

Iconic Saturday Night Live alum, Cecily Strong, chats with James Patterson about her early love of drama theater, to her time as a SNL lynchpin, as well as her memoir, This Will Be Over Soon. The two share personal stories about navigating grief and loss, and how finding humor and connection can light up life's darkest moments. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4X...

In this episode of Hungry Dogs, bestselling authors Kwame Alexander joins James Patterson to discuss overcoming massive early career rejections, their shared passion for poetry, and their collaboration on the Muhammad Ali book Becoming Muhammad Ali. The two writers also share personal insights on fatherhood, the impact of inspirational mentors, and their strong stance against book banning in schools. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kH...

As a tribute to Dolly Parton, we’re re-airing James Patterson’s interview with her from last year. The two reflect on their time writing Run, Rose, Run together, the meaning of “horse sense,” turning down Elvis Presley’s request to record “I Will Always Love You,” and much more. Start a free trial, and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core Tier with code PATTERSON at https://www.monarch.com/ ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Hungry Dogs to discuss her book True Gretch, and she shares g insights on crisis management, effective leadership, and the power of listening to constituents. Governor Whitmer also talks about how grass-roots engagement and empathy empowers individuals to drive real political change. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4XY5u ABOUT THE SHOW James Patterson—the world’s...

Bestselling author Kristin Hannah joins James Patterson to discuss her journey from practicing law to writing historical fiction. She details her disciplined writing habits, her collaborative feedback process with fellow authors, and the extensive research required to bring historical events to life, specifically focusing on the struggles of combat nurses in Vietnam featured in her acclaimed novel, The Women.

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In this episode of Hungry Dogs with James Patterson, author Liane Moriarty talks about growing up in a family of storytellers, her conflicted feelings about personal branding, and the experience of writing Big Little Lies and watching it become a hit series. She also discusses following that story with Big Little Truths, and how performers like Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman shaped the way she thought about returning to those characters. 📚 Liane Moriarty's book, Big Little Truths (Available August 25th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760976/big-little-truths-by-liane-moriarty/ ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4B...

James Patterson chats with two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead about his expansive literary career. Whitehead opens up about his love for genre-bending storytelling, navigating reader expectations across horror and crime fiction, and how childhood influences shaped his craft.

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▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x

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ESPN analyst Adam Schefter joins James Patterson to discuss sports journalism, the art of building long-term professional trust, and some bold predictions for the upcoming NFL season. They also discuss sports news like the lopsided Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers NBA trade, the future of international NFL expansion, and the challenges of balancing a hectic career with quality family-time. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kH...

Actor Tom Pelphrey joins James Patterson to discuss his acting journey, from his high school beginnings in New Jersey to his training in London and his success on hit series like Banshee, Ozark, and Task. Pelphrey shares his love for live theater and explains how the stage serves as the ultimate equalizer for a performer. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4XY5u...

James Patterson chats with Carley Fortune, bestselling author of Every Summer After, about her journey from journalism to fiction. She discusses how career burnout and the pandemic supercharged her ambition to be an author. Carley also shares how her new book found inspiration from the classic Little Women, how setting shapes a story, the importance of finishing a first draft (even if it’s messy), and why writers should break rules. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po...

James Patterson sits down with the author Elin Hilderbrand to discuss why there is no such thing as a "guilty pleasure." Elin also shares behind-the-scenes details about the Netflix adaptation of her book, THE PERFECT COUPLE, and what kind of discipline it takes to not only write a book, but most importantly, to finish it. ▶️ Watch more Hungry Dogs episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNQ8uIfN4qtL1RjSgs4BfXxFG5WNs0wR&si=HMzWpnWPuT-A8k3x 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hungry-dogs-with-james-patterson/id1845905844 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3n2kHgP1PRv4XjYeI4XY5u...

James Patterson talks with retired four-star Navy SEAL, Admiral William McRaven about leadership in the armed forces and beyond. McRaven discusses his early days in Navy SEAL training camp all the way up to overseeing the bin Laden raid. McRaven shares how his journey from a college journalism major to a university chancellor shaped his view on communication, resilience, and dealing with failure.
ABOUT THE SHOW James Patterson—the world’s bestselling author—created Hungry Dogs to explore the minds of extraordinary people, from authors and musicians to actors and politicians. The podcast features in-depth video interviews with leadin...

James Patterson talks with legendary journalist Bob Woodward about his history making career, and how he gets his interviewees to open up. Woodward reflects his career-defining coverage of the Watergate scandal, and his extensive interviews with figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. The two authors also delve into philosophies on family, the importance of humility, and their experience with philanthropy.

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James Patterson talks with former President Bill Clinton about life after the White House and how the two of them came to collaborate on bestselling novels like The President Is Missing, The President’s Daughter, and The First Gentleman.

President Clinton also reflects on the lasting impact of the Clinton Foundation, the importance of finding common ground with political rivals, and the lessons that have shaped his work since leaving office.

He also shares stories about advice from Nelson Mandela that inspired his efforts to combat the global AIDS crisis, and how he once used a...

Bestselling author Nicholas Sparks joins James Patterson to talk about love, grief, storytelling, and the creative process . Sparks reflects on the enduring impact of books like The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Dear John, discussing how personal loss shaped his writing and why great love stories often contain tragedy. They discuss Nicholas’ collaboration with M. Night Shyamalan on the book and upcoming film, Remainm and they discuss the challenges of adapting novels for Hollywood. The conversation also explores publishing in the age of AI, and Sparks' deeply moving personal story about helping his son overcome developmental challenges.

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James Patterson and legendary guitarist, songwriter, producer, and actor Stevie Van Zandt discuss the explosive cultural impact of the 1960s, the rise of rock and roll on the Jersey Shore, songwriting, politics, creativity, and his unforgettable role as Silvio Dante on The Sopranos. Van Zandt reflects on being inspired by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, working alongside Bruce Springsteen, and using art as a vehicle for political and social change.

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James Patterson sits down with Oscar-winning actor Brendan Fraser to discuss his incredible Hollywood journey from Encino Man toThe Whale. Fraser shares behind-the-scenes insights into his latest historical drama film, Pressure, where he takes on the challenging role of General Dwight D. Eisenhower during the high-stakes lead-up to D-Day. He reflects on the power of leadership, the importance of empathy in storytelling, and how his unique global upbringing shaped his perspective as an actor. 

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Bestselling romance author Lucy Score joins James Patterson for a candid conversation about writing, fame, creativity, and building one of the most loyal fanbases in publishing. Lucy opens up about using a pen name, growing up in a book-obsessed family, balancing privacy with success, and how her upbringing shaped her emotionally rich, funny, and addictive novels. James and Lucy also discuss storytelling, the allure of romance books, sometimes intrusive fan encounters, and the process behind creating unforgettable characters readers can’t put down.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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 bo...

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...

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...

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...

Lee Child and Andrew Child join James Patterson for a conversation about the creation of Jack Reacher, their unconventional writing process, and how one of the most iconic characters in modern fiction continues to evolve.

Lee shares the story of getting fired at nearly 40 and how that moment pushed him to write his first novel, a turning point that ultimately led to the global success of the Reacher series.

They talk about how they write together and why they avoid outlines, relying instead on instinct and momentum to guide each scene. For them, writing is...

On this episode of Hungry Dogs, James Patterson sits down with Erik Larson, the bestselling author behind Devil in the White City, The Splendid and the Vile, and Thunderstruck. Larson reveals how he stumbled onto the Devil in the White City story through an encyclopedia of murder and a PhD dissertation with incredible footnotes, and why he was convinced the book would end his career the night before it published. They get into why he does all his own research with no assistants, how he discovered secret diary entries about a heartbroken Churchill aide during the Blitz, and the...

Charles Duhigg joins James Patterson for a conversation about habits, behavior change, communication, and why “life hacks” rarely lead to lasting transformation. Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better, and Super Communicators, explains the science behind the cue–routine–reward loop and why nearly half of what we do each day isn’t a conscious decision; it’s a habit. They discuss mental habits, deep thinking, storytelling, creativity, and how strong communication skills can combat loneliness and polarization. Duhigg also shares insights on productivity culture, why shortcuts fail, and what it really take...

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 shad...

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...

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 Char...

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 Sc...

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.

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