Chris Colfer Wasn’t Ready for Fame. Carrie Fisher Saved Him.
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris “Bulldog” Collins sits down with actor, singer, and author Chris Colfer to discuss the book that changed his life: Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher. We chart Chris’s career, from his early success on Glee to the dozens of books he’s authored. He speaks candidly about the impact of fame, dealing with rampant homophobia, and navigating the anxieties of public life. Through it all, Carrie Fisher’s comedy set-turned-memoir served as a reminder to find levity in the darkness. This heartfelt conversation between two Chrises serves...
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The Book That Helped Nikki DeLoach Take Back Her Life
Books That Changed My Life
Actress, writer, and producer Nikki DeLoach sits down with Chris Collins for one of the most powerful and vulnerable conversations ever featured on Books That Changed My Life. In this episode, Nikki opens up about the book that transformed everything for her, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and how its message helped her confront childhood trauma, reclaim her voice, and navigate some of the most intense moments of her life. This episode blends courage, healing, faith, and the power of books to wake us up to our truest selves. If you’ve ever felt lost, silenced, or unsure of who you’re supposed...
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Googoosh: Iran's Biggest Pop Star Banned for 21 Years
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with global pop icon and fearless Iranian artist Googoosh to explore the book that profoundly shaped her life. With a legendary career spanning six decades — from Madison Square Garden to the Royal Albert Hall — Googoosh opens up about the unimaginable: being banned from singing for 21 years after the Iranian Revolution, losing her identity, and fighting to reclaim her voice. Now, with the release of her memoir Googoosh: A Sinful Voice, she reflects on the book that guided her through her darkest years… and...
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She Read “The Bluest Eye” at 11 — And It Changed Everything
Books That Changed My Life
In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with CC Rice, a classically trained actor, voice and dialect coach, body language analyst, producer, communication expert, and author of the new book The Root of Awareness. CC shares how The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison profoundly shaped her understanding of herself and her place in the world. Through an honest and powerful conversation, Chris and CC explore how Morrison’s storytelling reflects the experiences of young Black girls, how trauma and identity shape the voice and the body, and why The Bluest Eye remains...
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“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...
info_outlineWhen 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.