First, I have to thank Kristen Meinzer. Who knew becoming friends over bickering about movies at work would lead to all of this? You are an inspiration and you keep me grounded. Thank you for always being you and for telling stories with me.
Liz Parker, our agent, you plucked us out of obscurity and helped us achieve things I never even thought to dream of. Thank you for believing in us and fighting the good fight for us along with everyone else at Verve.
Cassie Jones, you are the best editor someone who knows nothing about writing books could ask for. Your gentle guidance and enthusiastic encouragement made this process a delight. And to everyone at William Morrow, thanks for taking a chance on a self-help reality show podcast—it’s been a dream come true.
To everyone who’s worked on By the Book from its inception to now, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Cameron Drews, Mia Lobel, and Laura Mayer: Because of you we got the most kick-ass start ever. Your input and storytelling chops shaped the show’s entire format and vibe. Nora Ritchie, Casey Holford, Chris Bannon, and the rest of the Stitcher team: You all have become our home away from home. Your expertise, craft, and hard work shine through in everything we make together. Lindsey Kratochwill, thank you for holding down the We Love You (And So Can You) fort while we write this. And Dean McRobie, thank you for supporting Kristen and me while letting us record how our projects disrupt your life. You are so giving and such a delight.
Thank you to the mentors I’ve had: Peter Novak, Ken Sonkin, Arwa Gunja, Ellen Frankman, Jay Cowit, Kevin Allison, and Charles Tuthill. Each of you took the time to see me, believe in me, teach me, and push me to do the best work possible. For this, I’ll always be grateful. And special thank-you shout-outs also go to Caroline and Rachelle.
To all of my friends, thank you. Especially those of you who’ve put up with me while I live by books or just while I was a hot mess: Elspeth Macmillan, Natalie Fish, Sasha Borodovsky, Peter Bean, Alex Harris, Melissa Callahan, Chloe Dixon, Erica Smith, Janna Emig, Chloe Hughes, Ben Lasser, Mattie Ettenheim, Courtney Byrne-Mitchell, Zac and Vicki Topkis, Amit Elhanan, Sophie Marks, Katie McNish, Chris Pappas, and Michelle Onufrak. Thank you for inspiring me, laughing at my jokes, and enduring whatever I’m obsessed with at the moment.
Thanks also to my family. To my aunts, uncles, and grandparents, thank you for believing in me and being there for me, especially recently. Suzanne Greenberg, thank you for being my biggest fan since the second you met me. You are my sunshine. I’m funny only because of you. Brad Mielke, thank you for knowing what I’m capable of even when I don’t. Without your love and enthusiasm, I probably wouldn’t have even started this project. And little Frank, you’re the best dog and home-office mate anyone could ask for.
Mostly I have to thank listeners of By the Book. This book is for you. Thank you for identifying with our stories and sharing your own. The By the Book community has become a magical place full of celebrations and support, and it’s a joy to be a part of. I hope this book does you proud.
This book never would have happened without the great Jolenta Greenberg. Jolenta, thank you for asking me years ago to host a wacky show about self-help books with you, and for being patient with me when it didn’t happen at first, and for being fantastic once it did. Working with you on By the Book, and on everything that’s spun off of it, has been a joy and the best kind of learning experience. You and the show have made my life better.
Thank you to our intrepid agent, Liz Parker, who hustles for us every day and who’s believed in us since she first learned about us way back in season one of By the Book. Liz, we so appreciate all you’ve done to turn our book-writing dreams into book-writing realities, and for always believing we’re worthy of going further and reaching higher.
Thank you to Cassie Jones, our brilliant and patient editor at William Morrow, who helps us to do our best work, always with good cheer and a level of organization that borders on nutty. Cassie, we are so grateful to you, as well as everyone on your hardworking team—from the talented people who designed our cover to the group that makes sure we’re on readers’ radars.
Huge thanks to all the producers who’ve worked tirelessly on By the Book and our other projects. Among them, our founding producer, Cameron Drews, whose insights and story instincts set a high bar for everyone to follow; Nora Ritchie, who bravely and brilliantly took the baton, and elevated us to new heights; Casey Holford, who helps us sound like audio angels; and Lindsey Kratochwill, the founding producer/writer/all-around superstar of We Love You (And So Can You). Thanks also to everyone at Panoply and Stitcher who’s believed in us and supported us in our shared podcasting endeavors: Laura Mayer, Mia Lobel, and Chris Bannon, to name just a few.
And, of course, thank you to our friends and families, who’ve supported our dreams, helped us through our tough moments, and allowed us to record conversations with them even when we’re all at our worst. First among them: my husband, Dean, who offers me the wisest advice, always. Dean, thank you for eternally being in my corner and never being judgmental. I learn, every day, to be a better person, through your support, love, and good example. And second, but not far behind: Brad. Brad, the joy and kindness you bring to By the Book and to Jolenta are gifts to all who love you both, including me. Thank you for your infinite patience and good sense of humor. In my book, you and Dean equally share the title America’s Favorite Husband.
Always and forever, thank you to my beloved Nanna and mother. In all I do, I hope to do you proud.
Last but not least, thank you to every listener who’s helped make our shows the successes that they are. Your stories, your questions, your criticisms, and above all, your support for us and our work are appreciated beyond measure. Thank you for letting us share our lives with you and thank you for sharing your lives with us.