Podcast Summary: "Judy Blume, LIVE at the Streicker Center!"
Episode Title: Judy Blume, LIVE at the Streicker Center!
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Introduction to Judy Blume
In this special live episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes the legendary author Judy Blume to the stage at the Streicker Center. Owens provides a comprehensive overview of Blume's illustrious career, highlighting her extensive bibliography, numerous awards, and significant contributions to both children's and adult literature.
Notable Quotes:
- Zibby Owens [02:10]: "For those of you who aren't familiar with Judy Blume, she is a legend. Her 29 books have sold more than 92 million copies in 40 languages."
Early Life and Relationship with Faith
The conversation delves into Judy Blume's childhood, exploring her Jewish upbringing and the impact of her family's religious practices on her personal faith. Blume shares poignant memories of her grandmothers and the emotional burden she carried from a young age, particularly concerning her father's health.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [05:56]: "My relationship with God was very, very personal. And I think it really started when I was separated from my father... I made bargains with God, and I had certain prayers that I invented that I had to say a certain number of times every day."
- Zibby Owens [09:58]: "But then the worst did end up happening with your father right before your wedding. And I'm so sorry."
Discovering Her Writing Talent
Blume recounts her journey into writing, beginning with her early attempts at creating rhyming picture books during college. Despite initial rejections, her perseverance led her to enroll in a creative writing course at NYU, where she found invaluable support that fueled her determination to continue writing.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [12:43]: "I started writing rhyming picture books, and I was going to be the next Dr. Seuss... I just kept going and going and going."
- Zibby Owens [15:08]: "That's so amazing."
Transition to Adult Literature
Blume discusses the shift from writing exclusively for children to crafting stories for adults. This transition was marked by her desire to explore deeper, more complex narratives, culminating in her acclaimed novel Forever. She reflects on the challenges of finding the right voice and tone for her adult audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [15:16]: "It was a very, very tough. It took three months to get a tone that was wifey."
- Zibby Owens [16:49]: "Wait, what does a woman who doesn't want to read a naughty book look like?"
Personal Life and Long-lasting Marriage
Blume opens up about her personal relationships, including her multiple marriages and the secrets to her enduring 45-year marriage. She attributes the longevity of her marriage to humor, resilience, and the ability to navigate life's challenges together.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [18:10]: "The secret is you're just a lot smarter."
- Zibby Owens [18:55]: "Well, speaking of secrets, I also wanted to know what the secrets are to aging so beautifully."
Health and Wellness
The discussion shifts to Blume's approach to health and fitness. She reminisces about her passion for tap dancing and how staying active has been integral to her well-being, even adapting her routines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [19:07]: "Tap dancing is wonderful. It's great for your spine. It's great for everything."
- Zibby Owens [22:21]: "So now these came right. Everything comes right to my door."
Life as a Bookstore Owner
Blume and Owens explore the joys and challenges of owning a bookstore. Blume shares insights into the book-buying process, the importance of staff recommendations, and the satisfaction of introducing readers to new and underrated authors.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [26:37]: "Our customers are mainly tourists... They come in and they buy books."
- Zibby Owens [28:42]: "Maybe after this discussion, it will hit the bestseller list as a result, just of this."
Advocacy Against Book Banning
A significant portion of the conversation addresses Blume's long-standing advocacy against book banning. She highlights the current climate of censorship, particularly in her home state of Florida, and emphasizes the critical role of advocacy groups in combating these threats.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [36:05]: "What's happening today in this country makes that look like, you know, nothing. It is so bad, it is so dangerous."
- Zibby Owens [39:15]: "Let's keep our fingers crossed."
Motherhood and Its Influence
Blume reflects on her role as a mother, acknowledging the challenges and growth she experienced through her children's divorces and eventual family stability. She underscores the importance of being a happy parent and the positive impact it has on her children.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [39:34]: "I'm a better mom now. I didn't know what I was doing."
- Zibby Owens [40:28]: "But you're being a happy mom informs."
Insights for Aspiring Authors
Blume imparts valuable advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing perseverance, the importance of reading, and the necessity of continuous writing. She candidly discusses handling criticism and the resilience required to succeed in the literary world.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [42:54]: "Don't give up. And that determination may be as important as talent."
- Judy Blume [43:54]: "You learn to write because you read and then you write, write, write."
Reflections on Her Works and Adaptations
Blume shares her thoughts on the adaptations of her books into films and series, expressing pride in how her stories have reached new audiences. She discusses her involvement (or lack thereof) in these adaptations and her hopes for future projects.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [33:04]: "I loved the movie. I'm the only writer who ever went out on, like, a tour and said to everybody, that movie is better than my book."
- Judy Blume [34:27]: "I hope so. I want Summer Sisters."
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, Blume reflects on her career's impact and the joy of connecting with readers. She expresses gratitude for the enduring relationship she has with her audience and the meaningful interactions that continue to inspire her.
Notable Quotes:
- Judy Blume [35:04]: "Lucky I am, and that my book meant something and means something to readers."
- Zibby Owens [46:25]: "Could we please give Judy a standing ovation? Yay. Thank you much."
Conclusion
This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Judy Blume's life, her unwavering passion for writing, and her steadfast commitment to advocating for intellectual freedom. Blume's candid storytelling and heartfelt reflections provide invaluable inspiration for both readers and aspiring authors alike.
Stay Connected:
For more insights and to connect with Judy Blume and other authors, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.