- New Venture: Bestselling author James Patterson is launching a new podcast, “Hungry Dogs,” on October 29, available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
- Star-Studded Lineup: The show will feature exclusive conversations with A-list figures, including Dolly Parton, Matthew McConaughey, Harlan Coben, and B.J. Novak.
- Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Patterson shares candid, personal anecdotes, including how Dolly Parton gave him the nickname “Jimmy James” and sang to him on his birthday.
- Dream Guest Revealed: While joking about wanting to interview Vladimir Putin, Patterson reveals his actual dream guest would be Pope Leo, to discuss hot dogs and basketball.
James Patterson Unleashes ‘Hungry Dogs’ Podcast
The literary world’s most prolific author, James Patterson, is adding a new title to his resume: podcaster. USA TODAY has exclusively revealed that Patterson is set to launch “Hungry Dogs,” a new podcast featuring in-depth conversations with some of the biggest names in entertainment, politics, and literature. The show is scheduled to premiere on October 29 on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
This new venture promises to give fans a different side of Patterson, moving from the written page to the airwaves to explore the stories behind the storytellers.
What’s Behind the ‘Hungry Dogs’ Name?
The podcast is an extension of Patterson’s Substack video series of the same name, which draws its inspiration from a powerful piece of advice from his grandmother. She was a fierce supporter of his writing and always told him, “Hungry dogs run faster.”
This mantra has guided Patterson throughout his career and now serves as the foundation for his podcast, where he will delve into the creative inspirations, personal journeys, and driving forces behind his successful guests. According to Diversion Audio, which is producing the show, listeners can expect conversations spanning sports, politics, and deeply personal stories.
An Unmissable Guest List
You won’t want to miss the incredible lineup Patterson has assembled. The first two episodes will feature country music legend Dolly Parton, with whom he co-authored the 2022 novel “Run, Rose, Run,” and “The Office” writer and actor B.J. Novak.
Other confirmed guests who will be joining Patterson include:
- Matthew McConaughey
- Kathy Bates
- Stacey Abrams
- Josh Gad
- David Baldacci
- Harlan Coben
Patterson shared that the biggest perk of the new show is simply getting to meet his guests and have fun with them, promising a candid and relaxed atmosphere.
Candid Moments with the Stars
Patterson offers a glimpse of the intimate conversations listeners can expect by sharing personal stories about his guests. He fondly recalls working with Dolly Parton, who gifted him an inscribed guitar that reads, “I will always love you,” and bestowed upon him the nickname “Jimmy James.” She even called and sang to him on his birthday.
He also recounted a chance encounter with B.J. Novak at a restaurant, where he encouraged the writer to pursue his talent. When they reunited for the podcast, Novak revealed he keeps Patterson’s words of encouragement written above his desk—a testament to the kind of impactful stories that will define the show.
The Ultimate Dream Interview
While Patterson insists he doesn’t get starstruck, he has one person he’d give anything to have on the show. After jokingly naming Putin “because he knows where all the bodies are buried,” he shared his real answer: Pope Leo. And the topics of discussion? Not theology, but hot dogs, Chicago, and Villanova basketball.
“Hungry Dogs is about chasing inspiration wherever it leads,” said Scott Waxman, CEO of Diversion Audio. With this new platform, James Patterson is set to expand the conversation, uncover new stories, and give millions of fans a reason to tune in.
Image Referance: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/10/28/james-patterson-podcast-hungry-dogs/86932365007/