Books That Changed My Life: Chris Collins in Conversation with Kelsey Grammer & E.A Hanks

In an era dominated by fleeting digital trends and bite-sized content, Chris “Bulldog” Collins is bringing something refreshingly sincere back into the spotlight: the transformative power of literature. The author of two best-selling books, his latest release I Am Leader, is an actionable guide that begins with one core principle: leadership starts from within. Through his rising YouTube show and podcast Books That Changed My Life, Collins invites public figures—from Hollywood legends to rising literary voices—to share the written works that have left an indelible mark on their lives. The conversations are deeply personal, often emotional, and always illuminating.

Each episode, from grief to ambition, from loss to breakthrough, opens a window into someone’s inner world through literature. These aren’t promotional interviews or polished PR moments. They’re honest, often emotional conversations about identity, growth, grief, and self-discovery—anchored by a shared love of reading.

Kelsey Grammer: Revisiting Loss

One of the most poignant episodes features Emmy-winning actor Kelsey Grammer, who joins Collins to discuss his book Karen: A Brother Remembers, which he wrote about the sister he lost to a tragic and violent crime. The book evolved into a deeply personal and cathartic work, taking shape over the course of three years. Written in a stream-of-consciousness style, it deliberately breaks from conventional storytelling, allowing raw emotion and unfiltered thought to guide the narrative.

The interview is raw and reflective, offering a side of Grammer not often seen in the media. Through his words, the book becomes more than a tribute—it’s a vehicle for healing. For listeners, it’s a rare moment of public vulnerability grounded in literary reflection. “I always saw my own life, especially since Karen was killed, as an obligation to live it fully—that I owed her that because her life was taken,” Grammer explains. Rather than surrender to victimhood, Kelsey chose to live life fully, in honor of his sister’s memory.

“It’s a piece of art,” Collins declares, praising the book’s vulnerability and hypnotic structure, akin to Pulp Fiction. Collins’ gift as a host is how he allows guests like Grammer the space to tell their stories without interruption or sensationalism. A story of enduring love and strength serves as a guidepost in the conversation, but it’s the honesty that makes it unforgettable. Collins handled the conversation with the kind of respect and presence that has become a hallmark of the series.

E.A. Hanks: Finding Her Narrative Voice

Another standout episode comes from author and acclaimed journalist E.A. Hanks (Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post). During the conversation, Hanks delves into her debut book, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her transformative journey.

Hanks emphasized the importance of storytelling in healing, stating, “Writing The 10 was like shaking off dust in a beautifully empty room.” She revealed how her cross-country road trip along Interstate 10 through the American Southwest inspired her to confront and understand her mother’s mental illness and addiction. A journey driven not only by the need to uncover the truth about the harrowing violence that may have befallen her late mother, but also by a deeper desire to look inward and understand where her mother’s story ends and her own begins. Her conversation with Chris not only shed light on the universal themes of her memoir, but also underscored the enduring power of books in shaping personal narratives and fostering resilience.

Reflecting on the profound impact of literature she highlighted Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell among her cherished reads that profoundly influenced her perspective on storytelling. For Hanks, Cloud Atlas was more than just a novel—it was a turning point in how she understood power, human dignity, and the illusion of a “natural order.” The book’s intricate, time-hopping structure offers a lens through which to examine the deep roots of societal hierarchies and systemic injustice. “It gave me a language to describe what I see wrong with the world,” Hanks reflects, pointing to the novel’s unflinching look at exploitation and moral accountability as a profound influence on her own worldview.

Hanks and Chris’ engaging conversation spans topics from the dangers of romanticizing dysfunction to the vital role of curiosity in questioning societal norms. Hanks shares personal stories that shed light on how her turbulent childhood helped form her outlook on life and creativity. She opens up about breaking through a twelve-year creative block, crediting The Artist’s Way and a renewed commitment to reading as essential parts of her recovery. Her honest reflections on vulnerability, the creative process, and resilience strike a powerful chord, offering encouragement and insight to anyone navigating their own artistic path.

Finding Meaning, One Page at a Time

We all have that one book—that one chapter—that helped us see the world differently.

At the heart of Books That Changed My Life is a belief that books matter—not just as stories, but as tools of transformation. Collins brings his own deep respect for literature to each compelling episode, asking thoughtful questions and allowing moments of silence, reflection, and insight to emerge.

Now entering its third season, the show continues to grow its audience, drawing in listeners and viewers who are hungry for depth in a culture that often values speed over substance. His acclaimed series is a quiet revolution—inviting authors, actors, artists, creators and thinkers to reflect on the books that didn’t just entertain them, but changed them.

Chris’ series is essential for book enthusiasts, writers or anyone craving thoughtful, meaningful dialogue. He remains focused on the core idea; using books as a lens to understand the human experience. In every episode the message is clear: books don’t just tell us who others are—they remind us of who we are, too.

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Books That Changed My Life is available on YouTube, Spotify and other major podcast platforms.

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