Life of JEM

JEM on “writing family” with Writer Nancie Laird Young. JEM speaks with Nancie about her memoir "Tea with Dad".

JEM on finding your creative voice with author Cati Porter. JEM talks to Cati about Cati's recent poetry chapbook "Novel" and about her work as director of The Inlandia Institute.

JEM talks about writing with magic with Writer Stephanie Barbe Hammer and they talk about Stephanie's latest novel "Pretend Plumber".

JEM on writing with fire with Poet Jose Hernandez Diaz and about his latest poetry collection "The Fire Eater".

JEM and writer & musician Allen Callaci talk about his books including the memoir "Heart Like a Starfish", about music and they discuss writing about nostalgia!

JEM and acclaimed writer Gina Frangello, author of “Blow Your House Down” chat about her book, about feminism & about writing one’s truth. A must see episode!  

JEM talks criminal defense with a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney Greg Rollins and his book Make Your Case.

In this episode, JEM interviews Tim Hatch, author of “My Bariatric Year” and “Wild Embrace”. They discuss family, trauma, forgiveness and how to write with heart.

In this episode, JEM speaks with her friend acclaimed poet Romaine Washington. They talk about how words are powerful, but how they can also be destructive. Romaine reads live from her two lovely poetry collections and they chat about writing about place and finding “home” in one’s creative writing

In this episode, JEM interviews her “wonder twin”, Dr. Jacqueline Mantz, who reads from her new book “Embracing Dawn” which she wrote as part of her work with the Prison Education Project. They both even wear faux fur vintage coats in the interview. It’s so much fun!   JEM also reads an excerpt from her new memoir “Tales of an Inland Empire Girl” & talks with her sister Jackie about the overla...

JEM reads three stories from her new book “Tales of an Inland Empire Girl” that was just released on January 7th. JEM talks about the time it took to write the book, over a decade in fact, and how it’s her perspective and story. Her truth.    JEM expresses her gratitude for her publishers, as well as her appreciation for all of her writing friends, her family, her listeners and her readers. 

Writer Peter Cherches calls in to talk with JEM about his amazing books including the recently published “Tracks, Memoirs From A Life With Music”, and they chat about musical memoirs, NYC, food, Beatlemania and the craft of writing. A must see episode! They even play one of Peter’s renditions of a Mercer tune!

In Episode 17, JEM interviews Hong-My Basrai, author of the epic memoir “Behind the Red Curtain”.  They talk about writing one’s history and how to write about traumatic events. Hong-My also reads a portion of her memoir which chronicles her young adult years under communist rule in South Vietnam in the 1970s and how Hong-My and her family survived being imprisoned. It’s an inspiring episode!   

In Episode 16, JEM interviews Isabel Quintero, award winning writer and author of the YA novel Gabi: A Girl in Pieces. They talk about writing in teenage voice, about having a positive body image and how they both love writing about the Inland Empire. Isabel also reads a portion of an epic essay and chats with JEM about her upcoming writing projects. It’s a must see episode!

JEM chats with writer and lawyer Elsa Valmidiano about Elsa’s new essay collection “We Are No Longer Babaylan”. Tune in for a soul sustaining discussion. JEM and Elsa talk about their mutual love of writing, how to write through grief and sadness and how writing is magic! JEM even does a giveaway of her new merch, a Life of JEM tee shirt! 

JEM talks life and writing with her good friend, acclaimed writer and Macondista Cecilia Balli, PHD. JEM and Cecilia talk about living in Houston, Cecilia’s writings on Texas and the border and how to change the narrative in one’s community. For a profound discussion tune in and watch! 

JEM reads a Bowie tribute story and interviews Shawna Perrin, the author of “Radio Waves: a Post Punk Novel”. They talk about their in common obsession for post punk music and about Shawna’s epic book which has a Joy Division theme. Tune in to hear JEM chat with Shawna about “Radio Waves”, as well as about music, writing and which character they would want to be in a John Hughes movie!

JEM reads her story about the recent political upheaval and speaks with her friend and fellow USC Law alum Courtney Stuart-Alban! They talk about the law, the current Constitutional crisis and how to be a powerful advocate and voice for the oppressed in these changing times.  

JEM reads her “Mantz Christmas Story” and expresses her thankfulness for all of the support this last year from her friends, fans and family in this special holiday episode. She also counts down her top 5 Christmas movies!

Episode 10 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about self care for the soul. JEM reads an essay about mental health and then talks with special guest and Renaissance woman Gina Duran who is an educator, an activist, a writer, a yoga instructor and a massage therapist. In this episode, JEM and Gina talk about how to take care of yourself in times like these. Gina also demonstrates a restor...

Episode 9 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about finding your writing tribe! In this episode, JEM interviews Lynda Hoggan who was part of JEM’s writing group for years. Lynda and JEM talk writing and how to find joy in the writing process and nurture that creativity within yourself and your friends! Readings by JEM and Lynda included! This is a must see episode about finding those writ...

Episode 8 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about memories. JEM reads her story “Memory Box” which is a tribute to her father and then interviews her friend and fellow Macondista, writer and educator liz gonzález, about the art of writing one’s memories. Then, liz reads from her book, “Dancing in the Santa Ana Winds”. It’s an episode that will enchant and enlighten you! Check it out!

Episode 6 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about having a magical life! JEM reads her story “Witchy Poo” about her high school transition from goody two shoes to goth witchy poo. She also interviews Gina D, her longtime friend who is an educator, a singer/songwriter and the owner of Blackbird Tarot. JEM chats with Gina D about the power of the tarot and how to create a positive, spirit...

Episode 7 of the Life of JEM live video podcast, is all about JEM’s waitressing days. JEM reads her story “Waitressing Daze” and then JEM and her producer April Duran talk about how they both worked as waitresses back in the day. JEM also talks about how she made the transition from waitress to lawyer and writer and what her waitressing days taught her about life! It’s a must see episode!

Episode 5 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about writing and JEM reads her story “Movie Time”.  JEM also interviews Christina Guillen, a writer and the programming director of the Inlandia Institute. They talk about the craft of writing and how to find your muse. Don’t miss this luscious literary episode! It is sure to inspire you to pick up a pen.