Paging Authors Podcast: David Sheff & Nic Sheff

03/11/09 • 22 min

1 Listener

I got a hold of Beautiful Boy and Tweak less than 24 hours before I had the chance to meet and interview David Sheff and his son Nic. And what an interesting 24 hours it was. I spent that time totally immersed in their story and felt like I was seeing old friends when they arrived at the office.

Although their books feel completely different and are geared to completely different audiences, they share the same story; Nic’s terrifying cycle of drug addiction, recovery and relapse.

As a parent, I related to what David was going through. These are smart, successful parents with smart and talented kids. I’m sure, like most of us, they never thought it could happen to them. Nic could have been my kid or yours. That’s the scary part.

Reading Nic’s story takes you away from the headlines and the statistics and gives a face and a humanity to the addiction. By turns I was angry at him, but then wanted to hug him and protect him just they way I know his father does.

I hope you will enjoy the interview and will get great meaning out of both of these incredible books.

Enjoy the interview, and click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast!

Although their books feel completely different and are geared to completely different audiences, they share the same story; Nic’s terrifying cycle of drug addiction, recovery and relapse.

I hope you will enjoy the interview and will get great meaning out of both of these incredible books.

Enjoy the interview, and click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast!

Previous Episode

Paging Authors Podcast: Jill Bolte Taylor

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor might be the only person you’ll meet who wouldn’t take back the massive stroke she suffered at age 37. In her book, My Stroke of Insight, she says the feelings of bliss and connection to the universe she experienced while her left brain shut down has taught her to appreciate life in the present moment more than ever.

In preparing to interview Dr. Taylor, I watched her 4 part special on Oprah’s Soul Series. Oprah referred to Jill as not a stroke survivor but a “stroke triumphant” and she truly is.

As a Harvard trained brain scientist, Dr. Taylor was able to observe and later write about the actual experience of having a stroke and the ensuing recovery. The book is her personal story along with the science behind stroke. She also gives us some incredible insight into her mind, the medical profession and ways we can all work to quiet the non-stop chatter in our left brains.

I was able to chat with Dr. Taylor on the phone just a couple hours after the historic inauguration of Barack Obama. It seemed a perfect time to talk to her about her book and her message of peace.

If you’re as fascinated with Dr. Taylor’s story as I am, of course you’ll want to listen to the podcast and you might also want to check out her famous TED talk.

Enjoy the interview, and click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast!

Next Episode

Better World Books Podcast: Stephen J. Cannell

I got a chance to talk to Stephen Cannell on the phone a couple of days before his visit to Atlanta on his book tour for ON THE GRIND. It was a Saturday morning at about 9AM my time, meaning 6AM for him and he had already been up writing for several hours.

I was a bit nervous for the call, knowing that in addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Stephen (I think we’re on a first name basis now) is also this uber famous and connected TV producer but truth be told, he couldn’t have been nicer or more gracious.

We talked about Stephen’s backround, and about the character of Shane Scully, his origins and where he may be headed next. And though I know you don’t always think of action packed detective stories as being about some of the today’s most pressing issues, this one certainly is.

Both police corruption and immigration issues are focused on in the book and in the interview, Stephen talks about why he highlights these issues and what he wants the reader to take away.

A couple of days after the phone interview, I went to meet Stephen in person at his appearance at The Margaret Mitchell House. In person, he was just as gracious as on the phone and he is a truly inspiring speaker. If you ever have the opportunity, I urge you to go and hear him speak.

Oh – and if you’re into TV, Stephen appeared with James Patterson on the pilot episode of Castle on ABC!

Enjoy the interview, and click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast page!