Bill Clinton and James Patterson discuss new political thriller
Bill Clinton and James Patterson present “First Gentleman,” using Clinton's White House experience to shape their third political thriller.
James Patterson is a busy man, and just this year he's released a book about fatherhood, a third political thriller with former President Bill Clinton, an investigation into a murder at the University of Idaho, and a guide to workplace habits. Weeks before thieves broke into the Louvre, he began promoting an upcoming jewelry heist novel that has now emerged from the headlines.
This is only superficial.
His next project is the podcast “Hungry Dogs,” which will feature conversations with big names like Dolly Parton, Harlan Coben and Matthew McConaughey. Episodes will air weekly on all major podcast platforms and YouTube starting October 29, USA TODAY can exclusively reveal.
Across genres and mediums, this motto guides Patterson on new projects: “My time here is short, what's the most beautiful thing I can do?” Patterson told USA Today.
James Patterson launches 'Hungry Dog' podcast
Patterson's podcast is an extension of his Substack video series of the same name, inspired by Patterson's grandmother. She was a strong supporter of his writing, telling him, “Hungry dogs run faster.”
On the Diversion Audio podcast, Patterson plans to discuss conversations about sports, politics, personal stories and creative inspirations. Patterson said meeting guests and having fun with them is the biggest perk.
The first two episodes starred Parton and BJ Novak. Other guests include Kathy Bates, Stacey Abrams, Josh Gad and David Baldacci. Many of his guests are former collaborators, such as Patton, the co-author of his 2022 novel “Run, Ross, Run.”
Patterson has fond memories of working with Parton on the novel. She gave him a nickname (“Jimmy James”) and an inscribed guitar (“I Will Always Love You”). She called him on his birthday and sang to him on the phone.
As he approached the screenwriter for “The Office,” he met Novak at a restaurant and told him he loved his book and apologized for disturbing him. But then Novak told him he'd taken Patterson's masterclass. Patterson said he told Novak, “I want you to leave the restaurant. Go home because you're wasting your talent, and you're such a good writer.” When they reunited on the podcast, Patterson said Novak told him he wrote Patterson's words of encouragement above the table.
When you talk to Patterson, these stories sink in easily. It was a glimpse into the candid nature he would continue to maintain on the podcast.
Who would be your dream guest on the James Patterson Podcast?
Patterson insists he is not starstruck and has rubbed shoulders with presidents and celebrities. But who would he offer anything to be on his show?
“Putin,” he joked. “Because he knew where all the bodies were buried.”
He clarified that his real answer was Pope Leo. He wanted to talk about hot dogs, Chicago and Villanova basketball.
“'Hungry Dogs' is all about chasing inspiration, wherever it leads,” Diversion Audio CEO Scott Waxman said in a statement. “Through the podcast, James Patterson is expanding the conversation, bringing in new voices, discovering new stories, and leveraging the expertise of (marketing firm) Gemini XIII to create partnerships that help the show grow and thrive.”
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's books reporter, where she covers hot books, chats with authors and dives into reading culture. find her on Instagramsubscribe to our weekly newsletter book newsletter Or tell her what you're reading [email protected].