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.

Love the podcast? Want to suggest a topic? Share your feedback with us at openbook@openroadmedia.com.

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The First 100 Days

Greg Greeley

CEO, Simon & Schuster

Greg Greeley was named CEO of Simon & Schuster a little more than 100 days ago, with a career that spans aerospace engineering, Sun Microsystems, and nearly two decades at Amazon—where he held senior leadership roles including heading up Amazon Prime. In this episode, Greg talks about how he spent his first 100 days at S&S, how he’s approaching his new role, and why he took the job in the first place.

INTERVIEWED ON: July 7th, 2026

Books discussed:

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity that the New York Times called a “word-of-mouth smash hit.”

Regime Change by Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan

A riveting, intimate, and revelatory account of the most radical and consequential presidency of our time, “Regime Change is exceptional” (David Remnick, The New Yorker).

1776 by David McCullough

America’s beloved and distinguished historian presents, in a book of breathtaking excitement, drama, and narrative force, the stirring story of the year of our nation’s birth, 1776.

Angel Down by Daniel Kraus

The critically acclaimed author of the “crazily enjoyable” (New York Times) Whalefall returns with an immersive, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about five World War I soldiers who stumble upon a fallen angel that could hold the key to ending the war.

Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of global sensation Lessons in Chemistry returns with an irresistible, delightful, and tender literary novel set in the publishing world of 1980s New York City.