Episodes

  • 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
  • How Lee and Andrew Child Write Jack Reacher

    How Lee and Andrew Child Write Jack Reacher
    Mar 18 2026
    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 less about planning every detail in advance and more about discovering the story as it unfolds. The conversation also explores the philosophy behind Jack Reacher as a character, their belief that writing is a job that requires showing up and doing the work, and how their upbringing shaped their approach to storytelling. They reflect on the transition from books to film and streaming, and what it means to adapt a character like Reacher for a new audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Erik Larson on the Story Behind Devil in the White City, Churchill & Why He Won't Tell You His Next Book

    Erik Larson on the Story Behind Devil in the White City, Churchill & Why He Won't Tell You His Next Book
    Mar 11 2026
    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 family reunion where his sister told him she wasn't interested in reading his next book. Erik also discusses why Hollywood has optioned his work for over 20 years and still hasn't made the movie and the one rule he never breaks when it comes to upcoming projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Why Life Hacks Don't Work with Charles Duhigg

    Why Life Hacks Don't Work with Charles Duhigg
    Mar 4 2026
    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 takes to change behavior for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • 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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    39 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins