As libraries across the United States grapple with funding challenges and a rise in book-ban efforts, a national art contest is putting creativity to work in support of local library systems. Books That Changed My Life, the YouTube show and podcast hosted by author and book advocate Chris Collins, recently announced the winners of its […]
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, we sit down with actor, producer, and former White House staffer Kal Penn. He opens up about his fascinating transition from Hollywood comedy to Washington politics, the power of systemic storytelling, and how an epic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel fundamentally resonated with his personal and artistic trajectory. […]
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, actor, author, and former White House aide Kal Penn explores how a thick, historical novel cracked open his emotional landscape. For Kal Penn, discovering “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay“ by Michael Chabon was not just a literary milestone—it became a deeply personal mirror. Read […]
In this week’s episode of Books That Changed My Life, we sit down with platinum-selling Canadian singer-songwriter Ruth B. She opens up about her whirlwind journey in the music industry, overcoming intense introversion, and how a short Japanese novel reframed her entire outlook on love, loss, and the art of letting go. Ruth’s perspective on […]
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, singer-songwriter Ruth B sits down to discuss how an unexpected literary discovery in New York City fundamentally reshaped her perspective on love, detachment, and success. For an artist whose career famously exploded overnight, finding “The Guest Cat“ by Takashi Hiraide served as a necessary checkpoint to […]
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Josh Hawkins—a husband, father, and entrepreneur who runs his own repair shop. Josh shares how reading I AM LEADER by Chris Collins transformed the way he leads his business, connects with his family, and defines success. Discover the powerful lessons […]
In this week’s episode of Books That Changed My Life, we are joined by Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and new mom Tori Kelly. She opens up about the powerful intersection of creative passion, mental stillness, and faith, sharing how a deep dive into performance culture literature fundamentally shifted her everyday habits. Tori’s journey into reclaiming her […]
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, singer-songwriter Tori Kelly sits down to explore how a single text reshaped her internal rhythm right as she stepped into the complex harmonies of motherhood and creative evolution. For Kelly, who has spent her life navigating the high-speed demands of the music industry, discovering The Ruthless […]
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Michele Wong McSween — 4th generation Chinese American, FIDM graduate, and former Old Navy designer — to talk about the book that deeply shaped her perspective: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. Michele shares how Tan’s groundbreaking novel helped […]
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, we sit down with former NFL athlete, content creator, and author Andrew East. He shares how a deep dive into psychological performance literature transformed his perspective on success and high achievement, paving the way for his own creative endeavors. Andrew’s exploration of mindset shifts and personal […]
