Picture a storyteller who spins tales of sisterhood, wit, and modern womanhood with a side of humor—meet Lian Dolan! A bestselling novelist, award-winning podcaster, and vibrant voice in women’s media, Dolan has charmed readers and listeners alike with her sharp insights and warm storytelling. From her Los Angeles Times bestselling novels like Helen of Pasadena to her beloved Satellite Sisters podcast, she’s a master at blending heart and hilarity.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Dolan’s journey to literary and podcasting stardom is as colorful as her stories. With a knack for finding humor in life’s chaos, she’s become a beacon for women navigating the complexities of family, career, and self-discovery. Let’s dive into the world of Lian Dolan and discover why her work resonates so deeply.
The Making of Lian Dolan
Lian Dolan grew up in a lively family of five sisters in Fairfield, Connecticut, a dynamic that would later inspire her signature podcast. A Classics major at Pomona College, she developed a love for storytelling rooted in history and human connection. After college, Dolan dove into media, writing columns for magazines like O, The Oprah Magazine and Working Mother. Her early career also included stints in radio and TV, but it was her creation of Satellite Sisters in 2000 with her sisters that skyrocketed her influence. The syndicated radio show turned podcast became a cultural touchstone for women seeking authentic, uplifting conversation.
Lian Dolan’s Unforgettable Stories
Dolan’s novels are like a good chat with a witty friend—smart, funny, and full of heart. Her debut, Helen of Pasadena (2010), follows a widowed mom reinventing herself in the quirky, elite world of Pasadena. A Los Angeles Times bestseller, it’s a rom-com with a touch of history, inspired by Dolan’s Classics background and her knack for social satire. Elizabeth the First Wife (2013) is another gem, blending Shakespearean flair with a modern love story about a professor navigating her ex-husband’s Hollywood fame.
The Sweeney Sisters (2020) dives into family secrets and sisterhood, with three siblings uncovering a hidden fourth after their father’s death. Her latest, The Marriage Sabbatical (2024), a USA Today bestseller, explores a couple’s unconventional break from marriage, earning praise as a People Magazine Pick of the Week. Dolan’s style is conversational yet insightful, weaving themes of resilience, relationships, and reinvention with a humorous edge that keeps readers hooked.
Beyond novels, Dolan’s Satellite Sisters podcast, co-hosted with her sisters, has been a trailblazer since its radio days. Winning 13 Gracie Allen Awards and a 2017 Podcast Pioneer Award, it’s a pep talk for modern women, covering everything from travel to family dynamics. Her columns and speaking engagements further amplify her voice, making her a go-to for women’s book clubs and literary festivals.
Why Lian Dolan Matters
Lian Dolan’s impact lies in her ability to make women feel seen and celebrated. Her stories and podcast episodes resonate with readers and listeners navigating life’s ups and downs, offering humor and hope in equal measure. By championing sisterhood and self-discovery, she’s carved a unique space in women’s fiction and media, inspiring countless fans to embrace their own stories. Her work’s authenticity and warmth have earned her a loyal following, from book clubs to podcast listeners worldwide.
- Born: Connecticut, USA
- Key Works: Helen of Pasadena, The Sweeney Sisters, The Marriage Sabbatical
- Awards: 13 Gracie Allen Awards, 2017 Podcast Pioneer Award
- Education: Pomona College, Classics
Snag The Marriage Sabbatical or tune into Satellite Sisters and dive into Lian Dolan’s witty, heartfelt world! Whether you’re a fan of women’s fiction or just need a pep talk, her stories are the perfect companion.