Books That Changed My Life: David Joseph Craig & How To Survive A Plague
Release Date: 08/14/2025
“He Made a Drum Machine Sound Human” – How Dilla Time Changed Morgan Cooper’s Life
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode, host Chris Collins sits down with Morgan Stevenson Cooper — writer, director, and creator of Bel-Air, the reimagining of the iconic Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A passionate storyteller and now the author of I CAN MAKE A MOVIE! (out this November), Morgan joins us to talk about the book that changed his life: Dilla Time by Dan Charnas. They dive deep into the genius of J Dilla, how he “made a drum machine sound human,” and why his story became a creative compass for Morgan — shaping his art, his mindset, and even his healing. From discovering Madvillainy at age 12 to...
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From Dance Moms to Finding Her Truth: Nia Sioux on ‘Untamed'
Books That Changed My Life
What book has truly changed your life? In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with multi-talented performer Nia Sioux — who has been entertaining audiences since she was nine years old. You may know her from Dance Moms, her films and documentaries, or her inspiring children’s book Today I Dance. Now, Nia steps into a new chapter with her powerful memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid, available now. Nia opens up about the book that shifted everything for her — Untamed by Glennon Doyle — and how it helped her rediscover who she really is beneath the...
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The Book That Taught Me To Live My Truth
Books That Changed My Life
When a book changes how you see yourself — and where you come from. In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins talks with Kimberly Ann Harrison — executive producer and showrunner (Friends, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, The Crossover). Kimberly shares how Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor helped her understand her grandmother’s past, her own identity, and the power of living her truth. Kimberly’s adaptation of Washington Black is streaming now on Hulu, and her debut novel Beyond the Paddock is available on Amazon.
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The Midnight Library Taught Me How To Live || Raegan Revord
Books That Changed My Life
In this inspiring episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with actor, author, and book club founder Raegan Revord () Known for their award-winning role on Young Sheldon and their debut novel Rules for Fake Girlfriends, published at just 15, Raegan brings a fresh, thoughtful perspective to how stories shape us. Today, they open up about the book that changed everything for them: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Raegan shares how the novel’s themes of regret, choice, and second chances helped them navigate both the pressure of young fame and the uncertainty of...
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Tembi Locke on The Sum of Our Days by Isabel Allende
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the extraordinary Tembi Locke — actor, author, TV writer and producer, host of the podcast LIFTED, and now, narrator of her brand-new audiobook memoir Someday, Now, available starting today. Tembi is also an amateur herbalist, photographer, and passionate collector of cookbooks — but today, she’s here in a different role: as a reader whose life was transformed by a single book. That book is The Sum of Our Days by Isabel Allende, a deeply personal memoir of love, grief, family, and resilience. In a warm and...
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Books That Changed My Life: Mercedes Morgan
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with visionary horror director Mercedes Bryce Morgan, whose latest film Bone Lake hits theaters today. Known for her distinct visual storytelling in films like Fixation and Spoonful of Sugar, Mercedes brings a love of the surreal and unsettling to the screen—but the book that changed her life might surprise you. Join us as Mercedes shares how Douglas Adams’ classic sci-fi comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy opened her mind to the absurdity of existence, the beauty of chaos, and the creative freedom that...
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Eric Benét on DUNE: Music, Religion, and the Environment
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Grammy-nominated R&B superstar, actor, and president of JBR Creative Group, Eric Benét—a man whose soulful voice is matched only by his deep love for literature. Today, Eric opens up about the sci-fi masterpiece that rocked his world: Dune by Frank Herbert. From the desert planet of Arrakis to the complex web of politics, power, and prophecy, Dune isn't just a book—it's a worldview. Eric shares how Herbert's legendary novel expanded his perspective on leadership, ecology, spirituality, and destiny, and...
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ND Stevenson on the Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with the wildly talented ND Stevenson—author, illustrator, and creative force behind works like Scarlet Morning, Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and the Oscar-nominated adaptation of Nimona. ND shares how D.M. Cornish’s Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy profoundly influenced his creative journey and artistic worldview. From richly imagined fantasy worlds to complex characters navigating identity and belonging, ND unpacks what makes this lesser-known series so powerful—and how it helped shape the...
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Books That Changed My Life: Brand New Espionage Memoir! THE SHADOW CELL with Andrew & Jihi Bustamante
Books That Changed My Life
In the last episode, former CIA officer Andrew Bustamante shared two books that changed his life—Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Today, we’re doing something brand new. In this special episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins welcomes Andrew back—this time alongside his wife and partner, Jihi Bustamante. Like Andrew, Jihi is a veteran of the CIA and co-founder of EverydaySpy. Together, they’ve co-authored a powerful new spy thriller called Shadow Cell, and they’re here to talk about the book, the writing process, and...
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Books That Changed My Life: Andrew Bustamante & Ender's Game & Thou Shall Prosper
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Andrew Bustamante—a former covert CIA officer, Air Force veteran, founder of EverydaySpy, and co-author of Shadow Cell—to talk about the books that shaped his worldview, career, and personal philosophy. But this time, it's not just one book. Andrew shares two powerful reads that left a lasting impact on his life: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card – A sci-fi classic that taught him about leadership, empathy, and strategic thinking under pressure—skills that translated directly into his work in military...
info_outlineIn this powerful episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with filmmaker and storyteller David Joseph Craig to discuss the book that profoundly reshaped his understanding of activism, community, and survival: How to Survive a Plague by David France.
David opens up about how this gripping chronicle of the AIDS epidemic and the resilience of those who fought for their lives resonated deeply with him—not only as a creative but as a gay man, husband, and father. Originally from Ohio, now based in Los Angeles, David reflects on how the book influenced his worldview and his artistic choices, including his and husband Brian Crano’s latest film I Don’t Understand You, now streaming on all platforms.
Between life with a five-and-a-half-year-old, two hound dogs, and his love of ceramics, David brings warmth, candor, and insight to this conversation about how stories—on the page and on the screen—can shape who we are and how we move through the world.