Adam Conover Breaks Down Robert Moses’ Political Power System
Adam Conover built a career on dismantling popular misconceptions. However, his own worldview shifted radically after he read The Power Broker by Robert Caro. Before discovering this biography of Robert Moses, Conover viewed politics as simple electoral theater. The book revealed a hidden reality instead. It showed that true authority often resides in “unelected” infrastructure […]
Why BookTok Influences Reading Trends in 2026
BookTok has fundamentally changed how readers in the United States discover and consume literature. By 2026, the platform will have surpassed traditional marketing. Consequently, it is now the primary driver of the domestic publishing industry. This digital community turns obscure titles into viral sensations overnight. This influence stems from emotional storytelling and a sophisticated recommendation […]
The Story That Helped Me Embrace My True Self
When a book changes how you see yourself — and where you come from. In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins talks with Kimberly Ann Harrison — executive producer and showrunner (Friends, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, The Crossover). Kimberly shares how Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred […]
What Yertle the Turtle Teaches About Power and Grief Today
Success is often framed as an upward climb toward a better view. However, this conversation reveals a more complex reality: True leadership is defined by empathy, not height. In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, Valerie Bertinelli reflects on how Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss reshaped her understanding of authority, personal responsibility, […]
The Dr. Seuss Lesson Behind Valerie Bertinelli’s Voice
Valerie Bertinelli’s life in the public eye began with a role that made her “America’s Sweetheart.” Yet beneath the fame, a simple children’s story with a complex message guided her: Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss. Before finding her voice, Valerie navigated a childhood as a self-described “peacekeeper.” She grew up in a household that […]
Andrew and Jihi Bustamante on CIA Operations
We’re doing something brand new. In this special episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins welcomes Andrew—alongside his wife and partner, Jihi Bustamante. Like Andrew, Jihi is a veteran of the CIA and co-founder of EverydaySpy. Together, they’ve co-authored a powerful new spy thriller called Shadow Cell, and they’re here to talk […]
How Positivity and Persistence Shape Success
Success is often viewed as a series of lucky breaks. However, this conversation reveals a more gritty reality: Success begins with a mental pivot. In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, Lisa Rinna reflects on how The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale reshaped her understanding of persistence, resilience, and the […]
How The Power of Positive Thinking Shaped Lisa Rinna
Lisa Rinna’s journey to stardom began far from Hollywood. A specific mindset fueled her rise, which she later solidified through Norman Vincent Peale’s classic, The Power of Positive Thinking. Before her global fame, Rinna faced a “rude awakening” in Medford, Oregon. After moving from California at age seven, she became an outsider. School bullies teased […]
ND Stevenson Reflects on the Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the wildly talented ND Stevenson—author, illustrator, and creative force behind works like Scarlet Morning, Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and the Oscar-nominated adaptation of Nimona. ND shares how D.M. Cornish’s Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy profoundly influenced his creative […]
The Alchemist on Courage, Identity, and Purpose
Freedom often feels external. However, this conversation reveals something deeper: Freedom begins with permission. In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, David Archuleta reflects on how The Alchemist reshaped his understanding of courage, identity, faith, and personal agency. More importantly, he explains how questioning long-held beliefs transformed his life. About the Guest: David […]