Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

James Patterson sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Peggy Noonan for a wide-ranging conversation about history, uncertainty, and writing in divided times. Noonan reflects on her decades-long career at The Wall Street Journal, her years inside the Reagan White House as a speechwriter, and what she learned watching leadership up close during a pivotal moment in American history.

They discuss how writers observe power from the outside, what leadership looks like when character is tested, and why moments of absolute certainty are often the most dangerous in public life. Drawing on her time writing for Ronald Reagan and later reflecting on his presidency, Noonan shares lessons about decency, civic life, political courage, and what it means to remain intellectually honest when the country feels unsettled.
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James Patterson talks with Michael J. Fox about optimism, acceptance, and choosing how to move forward in the face of uncertainty. Fox reflects on writing his memoir Future Boy, why acceptance does not mean resignation, and how understanding what is allows you to keep going rather than give up.

They discuss living publicly with Parkinson’s, using humor as a survival tool, and why action matters more than false positivity. Fox also shares how the Michael J. Fox Foundation has helped transform Parkinson’s research, why skepticism is healthy but cynicism is corrosive, and how investing in people and science can create real, lasting change.

00:00 Intro

01:11 Acceptance and Resilience

02:12 Michael J. Fox's Writing Journey

07:19 Rock and Roll Fantasies

08:23 Friendship with Muhammad Ali

16:20 Parkinson's and Advocacy

20:12 Family and Personal Reflections

24:22 Living in New York

25:08 Career Reflections

26:17 Writing and Storytelling

28:25 Dealing with Bullies

29:58 Health Challenges and Optimism

34:40 Philanthropy and Research

40:20 Today's Politics

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James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, joins James Patterson on today's episode of Hungry Dogs to talk about why habits matter more than motivation and how small actions shape who we become. Clear reflects on recovering from a life-changing injury, learning to value small wins, and why every habit is a vote for the type of person you want to be.

They discuss identity-based habits, the difference between motion and action, optimism versus cynicism, and how reading, environment, and consistency influence long-term success. Clear also shares practical insights on building better systems, parenting, education, and why five good minutes can be enough to reset a day.

00:00 Intro
00:59 The Atomic Habits Workbook
02:30 James Clear's Personal Journey
04:06 The Importance of Small Wins
06:21 The Deeper Reason Habits Matter
12:41 Disrupting the Norm: Positive Changes
15:16 The Four Laws of Behavior Change
17:54 Navigating the Job Market with Atomic Habits
19:42 Identity Change Through Small Actions
23:06 The Importance of Quality Content
25:54 Applying Atomic Habits in Family Life
32:35 The Value of Five Good Minutes
33:10 Thinking Long Term, Acting Short Term
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James Patterson talks with author Tara Westover, known for her bestselling memoir Educated, about memory, self-education, and learning how to write truthfully about your own life. Westover reflects on growing up in a radical, isolated household in rural Idaho and how education became both her escape and her reckoning.

They discuss the challenge of writing about family when memories conflict, how she moved from academic writing to storytelling, and why short stories helped her find her voice. She also shares how her understanding of learning has changed over time and offers a glimpse into what she is exploring in her next book.
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Matthew McConaughey returns for Part Two of his conversation with James Patterson on Hungry Dogs. He reflects on how looking back while writing Greenlights helped him better envision the future he wanted. They also discuss the beauty of college sports, possible paths forward for higher education, and why investing in people and communities matters far beyond immediate results.

00:00 Intro

02:49 Exploring Poetry and Literature

08:29 What Does Faith Mean to You?

10:47 The Beauty of College Sports

14:59 The Importance of Public Service

22:28 Would Matthew McConaughey Ever Write a Novel?

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