Podcast Summary: "Marianne The Maker" with Kelly Corrigan on Totally Booked with Zibby
Introduction
In the episode titled "Marianne The Maker," released on June 6, 2025, Zibby Owens, host of Totally Booked with Zibby, welcomes bestselling author Kelly Corrigan to discuss her latest children's book, Marianne the Maker. This in-depth conversation explores the inspiration behind the book, the importance of creativity in children's lives, and Kelly's personal journey as an author and a daughter coping with her father's illness.
Kelly Corrigan's Background
Zibby Owens begins by introducing Kelly Corrigan, highlighting her accolades and previous works. Kelly is recognized as "the voice of her generation” by O Magazine and “the Poet Laureate of the Ordinary” by The Huffington Post. Her notable books include New York Times bestsellers such as Tell Me More, The Middle Place, Lift, and Glittering Glue. Beyond writing, Kelly hosts the podcast "Kelly Corrigan Wonders," where she engages in intimate conversations about well-being, purpose, and impact.
Notable Quote:
"I'm Zibby Owens. Welcome to Totally Booked where I get to talk to my favorite authors and hopefully make them yours as well."
— Zibby Owens [03:01]
"Marianne The Maker": Overview
Marianne the Maker is Kelly's second children's book, co-authored with her daughter, Claire Corrigan. The book tells the story of Marianne, a young girl who resists being enrolled in soccer—a sport her father loves—and instead focuses on creating a flying machine called the "moodle boot" with her dog, Patrick Swayze. While the narrative is engaging for children, it carries a deeper message about the critical role of creativity in personal and societal well-being.
Notable Quote:
"It's like a really fun kids book about this girl who is sick of being sent to soccer practice... what's underneath it is this belief that we have abandoned this part of our nature and that it's causing problems."
— Kelly Corrigan [04:15]
Themes of Creativity and Mental Health
Kelly delves into the underlying themes of the book, emphasizing that creativity and making are solutions to two significant issues: declining mental health and stagnating societal progress. She references research from Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsman and Ivy Ross, highlighting how creative activities boost dopamine and serotonin levels while reducing cortisol, thereby improving mental health.
Notable Quote:
"Creating and also beholding offers the same set of physiological benefits. It triggers the same internal pharmacy that all of us carry around within us."
— Kelly Corrigan [08:24]
Kelly also discusses how structured creative activities in childhood, such as orchestra or shop class, have diminished, leading to a separation between manual and white-collar work. She advocates for re-integrating creativity into daily life as an essential component of overall well-being.
The Publishing Industry and Personal Journey
Transitioning into the publishing landscape, Kelly shares her experiences with writing and publishing. She reflects on the unpredictability of the success of books, noting that many great works were initially ignored while some popular titles may lack depth. Kelly emphasizes the importance of writing for personal fulfillment rather than solely chasing bestseller lists.
Notable Quote:
"There's just so much luck involved. You and I both know that, like, your book catches a little bit of wind from just the right person."
— Kelly Corrigan [12:11]
She recounts her decision to self-publish her first book during a deeply personal time when both she and her father were battling cancer. The motivation was to create something meaningful for her father, illustrating how personal experiences can drive creative endeavors.
Personal Reflections on Grief and Father
A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to Kelly’s personal life, particularly her relationship with her late father. She shares heartfelt memories and the emotional impact his passing had on her. Kelly discusses the challenges of writing about grief and the emotional toll it takes to publicly share such intimate experiences repeatedly.
Notable Quote:
"I have this podcast, I have this audience, and sometimes we have these zooms where 400 people will show up and we'll talk about something... half the time the thing I tried didn't work."
— Kelly Corrigan [12:07]
Kelly vividly describes moments that triggered memories of her father, such as their time in New York and his unwavering love for sports. These reflections underscore the profound influence her father had on her creative spirit and personal resilience.
Notable Quote:
"What I miss is the thrill of seeing him. He was out there... trying to scare up a tennis game with, like, a 30-year-old."
— Kelly Corrigan [26:00]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Zibby Owens expressing gratitude for Kelly Corrigan’s candid and inspiring conversation. Listeners are encouraged to explore Marianne the Maker and reflect on the vital role of creativity in nurturing mental health and advancing society.
Notable Quote:
"Marianne the Maker, like Storytel is curative unto itself. It will leave you better than it found."
— Kelly Corrigan [17:37]
Final Thoughts
Marianne the Maker serves as both a delightful children's story and a profound commentary on the necessity of creativity in our lives. Through her heartfelt discussion, Kelly Corrigan not only promotes her book but also advocates for a broader cultural shift towards valuing creative expression as a means to improve mental health and foster societal innovation.
Additional Resources
- Visit ZibbyMedia.com for more information about Totally Booked with Zibby.
- Follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens for updates and daily quizzes related to the June Listening Club.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and insights shared by Kelly Corrigan. For a deeper understanding and to experience the full conversation, listening to the episode is highly recommended.