The Open Book Podcast
with David Steinberger

A behind-the-scenes look at books and publishing

Join us for wide-ranging discussions with publishers, editors, authors, journalists, thinkers, executives, and other makers of culture, hosted by David Steinberger, CEO of Open Road Media and Chairman of the National Book Foundation.

Listen Now:

Name as Destiny

Madeline McIntosh

Co-Founder, CEO and Publisher of Authors Equity

Madeline McIntosh is a trailblazing publisher whose career spans leading roles at storied companies like Norton, Bantam Doubleday Dell, Amazon, and Penguin Random House. Madeline talks about her newest venture, Authors Equity, which just celebrated its first anniversary. Authors Equity uses a new kind of business model where publisher and author collaborate to drive a book’s success.

INTERVIEWED ON: March 6th, 2025

Books discussed:

Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

Learn how to overcome anxiety, self-doubt & self-sabotage without needing to rely on motivation or willpower. In this book, you'll discover the root cause of all psychological and emotional suffering and how to achieve freedom of mind to effortlessly create the life you've always wanted to live.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

In 1962, Madeleine L’Engle debuted her novel A Wrinkle in Time, which would go on to win the 1963 Newbery Medal. Bridging science and fantasy, darkness and light, fear and friendship, the story became a classic of children’s literature and is beloved around the world.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

#1 WORLDWIDE BESTSELLER • While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols.

Madeleine by Ludwig Bemelmens

Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years!