The Premise

Cassandra Neyenesch on Writing, Publishing & A Little Bit Bad What does it take to write—and finally let go of—a novel that took ten years to complete? On this episode of The Premise , Jeniffer and Chad Thompson talk with Brooklyn-based writer, activist, and curator Cassandra Neyenesch , author of A Little Bit Bad , a darkly funny novel about desire, marriage, motherhood, obsession, and murder...

Episode Overview What happens when a successful artist and educator looks at the publishing industry and decides there has to be a better way? In this episode of The Premise , Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with Nathan Bond , artist, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Fair Share Publishing , an independent children's book publisher built around a simple idea: creators deserve a fairer sha...

The Art of Writing Crash Into Me In this episode, we sit down with the author of Crash Into Me for an intimate conversation about writing, beauty, identity, aging, relationships, and the creative life. Crash Into Me follows Cecilia Chen, a Jamaican Chinese photographer who has spent 20 years living in Paris before moving with her French filmmaker husband and their children to Los Angeles. Her new...

Episode Summary In this thought-provoking episode of The Premise , Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome award-winning author, educator, and cultural critic Susan Osborn  to discuss her groundbreaking book, She's Such a Liar: Incest, Knowledge and Power—A Manifesto . Drawing on decades of research, Osborn explores how language, institutions, and cultural narratives have historically silenced survivor...

What if working harder isn't the answer? Award-winning science writer Elizabeth Svoboda joins The Premise to discuss her new book, The Art of Pacing: A Guide to Balancing Short-Term Demands with Long-Term Thriving . Together, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson explore America's hustle culture, why traditional time management often fails, and how learning to manage your energy—not just your schedule—can he...

Episode Summary This week, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome bestselling author, editor, and publishing veteran Christine Pride to discuss her solo debut novel, All the Men I've Loved Again . Christine shares the real-life inspiration behind the story, her journey from editor to author, the power of lifelong friendships, and what it means to trust yourself—in love, writing, and life. The conversa...

Today on The Premise , Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome bestselling author Caitlin Rother back to the podcast to celebrate the release of Staged , the highly anticipated second installment in her Katrina and Goode thriller series. Picking up immediately after the events of Hooked , Staged dives deeper into corruption, suspicious deaths, investigative journalism, and the growing tension between r...

Episode Summary Bestselling author Lisa See joins Jeniffer and Chad Thompson to discuss her powerful new novel, Daughters of the Sun and Moon . Inspired by real women who lived in Los Angeles during the 1870s, the novel explores friendship, resilience, identity, racism, and survival against the backdrop of the largely forgotten Chinese Massacre of 1871. Lisa discusses how her deeply researched his...

In this episode of The Premise , Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with bestselling author Stephen P. Kiernan to discuss his forthcoming novel, Pollock’s Last Lover —a layered story about art, deception, power, and the women surrounding legendary painter Jackson Pollock. Stephen shares the surprising inspiration behind the novel, why he abandoned an early draft after 180 pages, and how the story...

The Premise Podcast — Episode Show Notes Guest: Sasha Abramsky Hosts: Jeniffer Thompson & Chad Thompson Topic: Power, propaganda, and the human cost of political systems Episode Overview In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Jeniffer and Chad sit down with journalist and author Sasha Abramsky to unpack the political, emotional, and human realities shaping America today. The discussio...

Episode Overview What does it really mean to be present —and why does it feel so hard? In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with author and mindfulness coach Marijke McCandless to explore her book Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present . Marijke shares how we can gently reconnect with ourselves, release pressure and expectations, and rediscover the small, meaningful...

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with the inspiring Kelly Conroy, a writer and matrescens educator, to discuss her debut book, Your Mom Races Rally . Kelly shares her journey of navigating motherhood, grappling with societal expectations, and ultimately embracing her passion for rally racing. Through vulnerability and humor, she recounts her experiences of overcoming shame and...

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome author Emma Gray, whose latest book, Start at the End , delves into the complexities of grief, love, and the beauty of life. Emma shares her personal experiences that inspired her writing, including the profound impact of losing her husband. Join us as we explore the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the 'what if' scenarios that shape our...

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad talk to author, activist, and former Dinner and a Movie host, Annabelle Gurwitch about her latest book, The End Of My Life Is Killing Me . It’s a cancer memoir, and—spoiler alert—she lives.  The End Of My Life Is Killing Me is not your typical cancer survivor story, and though there is  abundant humor, she doesn’t attribute her survival to the power of positive t...

In this exciting live episode of the Premise host Jennifer Thompson welcomes acclaimed author Grant Ginder to discuss his latest novel, "So Old, So Young." They delve into the intricacies of storytelling, the evolution of friendships, and the passage of time as depicted through a series of parties over two decades. Tune in as Grant shares his writing process, the challenges he faced while crafting...

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Bridget Crocker, an inspiring author and trailblazer in women's empowerment within the outdoor industry. They discuss Bridget's memoir, "The River's Daughter," which beautifully intertwines her experiences with water, family dynamics, and personal growth. Join us for an engaging conversation about storytelling, the healing power of nature, and th...

In this episode, we embark on a delightful culinary journey as our guest shares a unique experience of making pasta at 30,000 feet. Discover the art of pasta-making, including tips on achieving the perfect consistency and keeping the dough hydrated. Join us for a light-hearted discussion about creativity in unexpected places and how to turn a stressful situation into a relaxing one.

There's riches in the niches! Jeniffer and Chad talk publishing and cars with Ryan ZumMallen founder/publisher/editor of Carrara Media. 

In this episode, Jeniffer Thompson welcome celebrated author Paula McLain to discuss her latest novel Skylark , which explores the intertwining stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Set against the backdrop of Paris and its hidden underground tunnels, McLain shares her creative process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the significance of storytelling in times of di...

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome acclaimed author Caitlin Rother to discuss her latest thriller, Hooked, the first in a new series featuring investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and homicide detective Ken Good. Caitlin shares her journey from investigative journalism to fiction writing, touching on themes of ethics, corruption, and the changing landscape of journalism. Join us...

In this captivating episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Deborah Rudell, a college professor and author, who shares her remarkable journey of transformation in her memoir, Grit and Grace: The Transformation of a Ship and Soul . Join us as Deborah recounts her experiences building a sailboat, navigating the tumultuous waters of life, and exploring her spiritual path. Discover how two intertw...

In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad welcome the talented Judy Reeves to discuss her poignant memoir, When Your Heart Says Go . Judy shares her journey of grief, travel, and self-discovery, exploring how writing can serve as a powerful tool for processing emotions. With heartfelt insights and beautiful prose, Judy reflects on her experiences and the connections she made along the way, inviting liste...

In this exciting episode, we welcome Richard T. Williams, Vice President of Business Development at Independent Publishers Group (IPG), to discuss the ins and outs of book distribution. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities for small publishers and indie authors in today’s evolving market. From the importance of understanding target audiences to the realities of distribution model...