Hungry Dogs with James Patterson cover art

Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

By: James Patterson
Listen for free

About this listen

 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 leading voices from across a wide variety of industries, including books, music, film, television, politics and sports. The title is inspired by Patterson’s maternal grandmother. As Patterson says, “Nan used to always say, 'hungry dogs run faster.' And I’ve been running fast ever since.” Tune in each Wednesday for interviews with notable guests like Dolly Parton, BJ Novak, Kathy Bates, Stacy Abrams, David Baldacci, and many more. Art Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 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
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • 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
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • 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
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.