<p>Zibby chats with <strong>Ben Reeves</strong> about EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURT, an imaginative and deeply moving novel about finding beauty in the brevity of life, as narrated by the one who knows it best: Death. Zibby and Ben explore how a story about mortality ultimately becomes a celebration of life, love, family, and the fleeting moments that make our time meaningful. Ben shares the inspiration behind his unforgettable protagonist, reflects on how parenthood transformed his perspective on time and loss, and explains why thinking about death can help us live more fully.</p><br><p>New York Times bestselling author <strong>Ariel Sullivan</strong> returns to the podcast to discuss BENEATH, a gripping dystopian novel that explores grief, survival, rage, and the resilience of the human spirit. She opens up about how her own journey through postpartum depression and therapy shaped the novel's emotional core, why she wanted to write an unapologetically angry female protagonist, and the healing power of confronting shame rather than running from it.</p><p>** Want more? Become a part of my community! Sign up for <a href="www.zibbyowens.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zibby's Highlights</a>, which includes a free weekly newsletter, event livestreams, most anticipated book lists, personal essays, and a new essay platform with stories from all of you about what chapters you're in (inspired by my upcoming book <a href="https://zibbymedia.com/products/between-chapters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot</em></a><em>,</em> 9/22/26). And follow me on Instagram <a href="www.instagram.com/zibbyowens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@zibbyowens</a>. But really, keep listening here. If you love my show, please tell a friend! </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>