In this episode of Impostor Hour, Liz and Greg sit down with the incomparable Elizabeth Stein, bestselling ghostwriter, editor, and playwright, as well as the secret weapon behind some of today’s most powerful books, for a raw, funny, and deeply thoughtful conversation about creativity, identity, and the emotional truth at the heart of great storytelling.

They trace Stein’s unique journey from growing up in a storied publishing dynasty to quietly shaping bestsellers from behind the curtain. She opens up about the emotional toll and privilege of ghostwriting someone else’s trauma, how editorial culture has shifted over the years, and why imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear with success—it just changes shape. They also discuss the experience of writing her stunning and heartbreaking Modern Love column, and what it means to share your own story after years of telling everyone else’s.

From playwriting and grief to audience connection and creative resilience, this episode is full of heart, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by the magic, vulnerability, and behind-the-scenes grit of making stories that matter.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with acclaimed author Karen Dukess for a rich, honest conversation about creativity, confidence, and the winding path of a writer’s life.

Karen reflects on the success of her debut novel, The Last Book Party—a critically praised coming-of-age story steeped in literary nostalgia—and how that experience shaped both her confidence and her expectations moving forward.

They dive into her newest novel, Welcome to Murder Week, a sharp, atmospheric mystery inspired by the haunting beauty of the English countryside. Along the way, Karen opens up about grappling with imposter syndrome, the emotional aftermath of rejection, and the challenges of writing her ambitious novel set in Russia.

She discusses the process of unlearning habits from her journalism background in order to embrace the fluidity of fiction, and how she’s found joy in balancing the “highbrow” with the purely entertaining.

This candid, insightful episode explores what it means to keep growing as a writer—even after success—and how to stay grounded in your voice when self-doubt creeps in.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with bestselling author Kaira Rouda for a candid and compelling conversation about the intersections of ambition, storytelling, and self-discovery. Kaira shares her unique path from the business world to bestselling fiction, unpacking the recurring themes of perfection, deception, and female empowerment that define her work. Together, they explore the craft of writing, the emotional truth behind character development, and the importance of authenticity in both life and literature.

We do a deep dive into Kaira’s newest novel, Jill Is Not Happy, a sharp and timely exploration of marriage, image, and the stories we tell ourselves. Along the way, Kaira opens up about genre experimentation, navigating the shifting tides of publishing, and the sustaining power of the creative community—especially during the isolating days of the pandemic. With warmth and insight, she encourages writers to lean into their voices, embrace imperfection, and write through the dark to reach the light.