'Recess Therapy' host Julian Shapiro-Barnum discusses new book on growing up without “becoming a grown-up”

On Aug. 5, NPR published an interview segment in which A Martinez spoke with Julian Shapiro-Barnum, the host of the audio series “Recess Therapy,” about his new book, “How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown-Up.” The conversation centers on Shapiro-Barnum’s framing of what it means to grow, and how people can develop maturity without losing the qualities associated with youth, curiosity, or emotional openness, as reflected in the book’s title and themes discussed in the interview.

In the NPR segment, Martinez sits down with Shapiro-Barnum to talk about his approach to adulthood and development, including what he is trying to accomplish through the book format. The interview positions the publication as a companion to the thinking that listeners may recognize from “Recess Therapy,” a series identified in NPR’s report through Shapiro-Barnum’s role as host.

NPR’s description of the interview indicates that the discussion focuses on personal development rather than entertainment-focused plot details. Shapiro-Barnum is quoted in NPR’s report in connection with the central idea of the book’s premise, which is expressed in its long-form title: “How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown-Up.” The title itself indicates a distinction between maturation and a more fixed identity, and the interview segment is presented as an opportunity to hear Shapiro-Barnum explain that distinction.

The publication of the interview comes on the same day as NPR’s posting of the program page, dated Aug. 5, 2026. That timing matters for audiences following media releases tied to book promotion, since the interview functions as an outlet for readers who may be encountering the work first through broadcast and podcast-adjacent coverage rather than through bookstore discovery.

The NPR segment also reflects the publication’s culture coverage style, pairing a recognizable host and series creator with a journalist interview about the book’s goals. For listeners who already engage with “Recess Therapy,” the interview offers a direct bridge between the audio program and the authored work, while for new audiences it serves as an entry point to Shapiro-Barnum’s wider ideas about development.

While NPR’s report summarizes the conversation as centered on the new book, it does not, in the account provided, specify further publication details such as publisher, release date beyond the interview posting, or any chapter-by-chapter breakdown. As a result, readers looking for logistical information about the book’s format and availability may need to consult publisher listings or book retail catalog entries in addition to the NPR interview.

NPR’s interview with Martinez and Shapiro-Barnum is expected to continue circulating as an informational touchpoint for the book’s audience. For media observers, it underscores how creators tied to audio programming often extend their work into longer-form publishing, using established listener relationships and national journalism platforms to reach readers who may be seeking guidance on how people change over time.

For now, the verified record is limited to NPR’s report of the interview and the book’s title and premise as described. Any additional claims about specific arguments inside the book, other collaborators, or related projects would need to be confirmed through the book’s official publisher materials or direct statements by Shapiro-Barnum.