Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

James Clear on Atomic Habits, Identity, and Becoming the Person You Want to Be

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara Westover on Educated and the Challenge of Telling the Truth

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew McConaughey on Looking Back to See the Future (Part Two)

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? Try Novelium today and get your first month free at https://novelium.so/ with code PATTERSON Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew McConaughey on Writing, Belief, and Finding the Right Rhythm (Part One)

Matthew McConaughey joins James Patterson for a wide-ranging conversation about writing, belief, and living with intention. McConaughey discusses his books Greenlights and Poems and Prayers, why he thinks of writing as music, and how finding the right rhythm can unlock both storytelling and life. They talk about skepticism versus cynicism, faith and responsibility, and why belief is different from hope. McConaughey reflects on resisting labels like the “rom-com guy,” choosing disruption with values, and why education, reading, and practical experience matter more than rigid systems. They also touch on college sports, leadership, and what it means to stand for something without preaching. Try Novelium today and get your first month free at https://novelium.so/ with code PATTERSON Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Gad on Olaf, Robin Williams, and Learning to Live with Anxiety

James Patterson talks with actor and comedian Josh Gad about comedy, anxiety, and finding warmth in the cold. Best known as the voice of Olaf in Disney’s Frozen, Gad opens up about living with anxiety, using humor to cope, and how performing helped him support his family and himself through hard times. He reflects on his friendship with Robin Williams, what he learned from working with legends like Mel Brooks, and the deeply personal stories in his new memoir In Gad We Trust. Gad shares how writing the book helped him rethink fear, grief, and identity, and why vulnerability has become his greatest strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices