Episode Summary: "Jo Piazza, EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU: A Thriller"
Totally Booked with Zibby hosts a compelling conversation with bestselling author Jo Piazza about her latest thriller, Everyone Is Lying to You. This detailed episode dives deep into the themes of influencer culture, personal relationships, authenticity in the digital age, and the intricate balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Introduction to Jo Piazza and Her Work
The episode begins with Zibby Owens welcoming Jo Piazza, an accomplished author known for her international bestselling We Are Not Like Them and the critically acclaimed podcast Under the Influence. Jo shares her excitement about discussing her new book, Everyone Is Lying to You.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [02:28]: "I'm so happy to be here. I always love talking to you. This was the highlight of my week."
Overview of "Everyone Is Lying to You"
Jo Piazza provides an in-depth synopsis of her thriller, highlighting its focus on the world of influencers. The story revolves around two estranged college friends, Lizzie, a struggling journalist, and Rebecca (Bex), a glamorous tradwife influencer living on a picturesque ranch. When Bex’s husband dies under mysterious circumstances and she disappears, Lizzie is thrust into a suspenseful quest to uncover the truth while navigating the deceptive facade of influencer lifestyles.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [03:55]: "If you see something, do you say something? Do you do something? What do you do with that information?"
Timestamp: 03:55
Exploring Influencer Culture
The conversation delves into the intricate world of influencers, with Jo discussing the constructed perfection displayed on social media. She explains how influencers often curate their lives meticulously, presenting an image that may starkly contrast their reality. Jo emphasizes the voyeuristic fascination society has with uncovering the "real" lives behind the glossy posts.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [04:39]: "I truly believe that influencers are our new celebrities. I mean, our attention is so focused on this small screen in our hand that it is just a perfect world for a thriller."
Timestamp: 04:39
The Dynamics of Friendship and Personal Struggles
Jo and Joe Piazza discuss the complexities of friendships, especially those strained by time and changing life circumstances. They explore how past wounds and unresolved emotions can impact both personal and professional relationships, as depicted in Jo’s novel. Jo shares her personal experiences with friend breakups, highlighting their lingering effects and the difficulty in overcoming them.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [07:28]: "I don't think that we have enough language to talk about friend breakups, to be honest. My friends are the backbone of my life."
Timestamp: 07:28
Money, Class, and the Illusion of Success
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the role of money and class in both the story and real life. Jo reveals that most influencers may not be earning exorbitant incomes, contrary to popular belief. She introduces the concept that only a small fraction achieve celebrity-like status, while many others are merely getting by. This theme is intricately woven into her narrative, showcasing how wealth can both offer what one lacks and simultaneously destroy relationships.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [27:57]: "What can money get you? And then actually, since it's Bex who has gotten all this money, but is not necessarily so happy, like, you can get what you've been missing and yet it can destroy everything as well."
Timestamp: 27:57
Authenticity and the Masks We Wear
The episode delves into the dichotomy of presenting an authentic self versus maintaining facades, especially on social media. Jo discusses the pressures of showcasing only the positive aspects of life online, leading to feelings of inadequacy among viewers. She advocates for greater honesty and vulnerability, both personally and within her book, to bridge the gap between perceived and actual realities.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [15:04]: "If we were able to view it just as pure media, we're looking at a digital magazine. We are looking at a TV show. I think there would be a lot less mom guilt and shame involved in it."
Timestamp: 15:04
The Intersection of Personal Life and Professional Roles
Jo shares how her personal experiences, such as her husband’s layoff, influenced the development of her characters and the story’s themes. She highlights the shifting dynamics within households and how economic changes can impact relationships and individual identities. This personal touch adds depth and relatability to her thriller.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [26:22]: "Full disclosure, my husband got laid off last April. And so we've been dealing with that switch to who is the primary parent and what does that look like in your household."
Timestamp: 26:22
The Demands of Modern Authorship and Marketing
The conversation shifts to the challenges authors face in the digital age, where marketing and social media presence have become as crucial as the writing itself. Jo candidly discusses her exhaustive efforts in promoting her books and the burnout that accompanies constant self-promotion. She encourages fellow authors to embrace these demands while acknowledging the toll it can take.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [30:25]: "If I didn't hustle on social media, I don't think I'd sell books, to be honest. It's just not going to happen unless you are shouting from the goddamn rooftops."
Timestamp: 30:25
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Zibby praises Jo’s ability to intertwine personal and societal issues within her thriller, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Jo expresses her gratitude and excitement for future collaborations, hinting at potential adaptations of her work into film.
Notable Quote:
Jo Piazza [33:19]: "We're working on it right now."
Joe Piazza [33:26]: "Thank you so much, Jo. Thank you. Okay, bye."
Timestamp: 33:19-33:26
Key Takeaways:
- Influencer Culture: Jo Piazza’s book offers a critical look at the curated lives of influencers, exposing the disparities between their online personas and real lives.
- Authenticity: The importance of genuine connections and honesty in both personal relationships and social media representations.
- Friendship Dynamics: Exploring how past relationships and unresolved issues can affect present interactions and professional endeavors.
- Financial Realities: Addressing the often-overlooked financial struggles behind the glamorous facade of influencer success.
- Modern Authorship: The evolving role of authors in the digital age, balancing creative work with relentless self-promotion.
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