Listen in to what Life of JEM is all about!! 

A special Halloween reading by three amazing horror writers, Christian Livermore, Kate Maruyama and Ryan Peña and a conversation with them moderated by JEM about what makes horror writing sing along with valuable tips for those burgeoning writers out there. Boo!! 

JEM and Writer Désirée Zamorano discuss her latest novel "Dispossessed" and how important it is to tell these stories about dispossession and disenfranchisement, and how she crafted her beautiful soul sustaining book. It's a must listen in conversation! 

This episode is JEM and Writer James Ducat, author of the blackout poetry collection, "A Field of Nopes" (Bamboo Dart Press, 2024). JEM and James have a fascinating conversation about his book and about inspiration, their writing process, music, & how one balances it all. It's a very cool and engaging conversation. Tune in!

This episode is JEM and Writer Carla Sameth, author of the luminous poetry collection, "Secondary Inspections" (Nymeria Publishing, 2024) and the beautiful memoir "One Day On The Gold Line" (reissued by Golden Foothills Press, 2022). JEM and Carla have a deep conversation about writing memoir & the transition to poetry. It's an insightful conversation filled with a discussion of craft. Tune in!

This episode is JEM and Writer (and lawyer) Elsa Valmidiano, author of the beautiful hybrid book "The Beginning of Leaving" published by Querencia Press (see https://www.querenciapress.com/the-beginning-of-leaving-by-elsa-valmidiano). JEM and Elsa are great friends who have a lot in common and they have a deep conversation about how to write about "home" and family, and they talk about the challenges one faces in writing a hybrid book, as well as about the "Motherland", agency and more! 

This episode is JEM and Writer James Coats, author of the powerful  poetry book "Midnight & Mad Dreams". JEM and James talk about how he uses poetry to illustrate racism and oppression in an attempt to change the world. They also talk about the "business" of writing and how to be a good literary citizen. And you'll hear a beautiful reading by James. Listen in!

This episode is JEM and Writer Xóchitl-Julisa Bermejo, author of the beautiful poetry book "Incantation: Love Poems for Battle Sites" (Mouthfeel Press). JEM and Xóchitl chat about how Xóchitl's writing merges poetry and social justice and how these gorgeously crafted poems bear witness and you'll hear a reading by Xóchitl. They also talk about the importance of community and Xóchitl's leadership as a co-creator and director of the nonprofit organization Women Who Submit! Listen in!! And get Xóchitl's book (if you listen in, you'll find out how to win a copy!).

This episode is JEM and Writer Romaine Washington, editor of the anthology "These Black Bodies Are . . . " and poet and author of "Purgatory Has An Address" and "Sirens In Her Belly". JEM and Romaine chat about how Romaine merges writing and activism and how she brought together this beautiful, soul sustaining multi-genre collection of writers writing about love, social justice, community and more. A must hear important conversation on writing! Listen in!! 

JEM and Writer Leticia Del Toro, author of the poetry chapbook "All We Are Told Not To Touch" (Finishing Line Press, 2023) are talking about writing, culture, language and community. A must listen to conversation on writing!

On speaking truth to power with guest Vincent Cooper. JEM is talking writing with Writer Vincent Cooper, author of "Infidelis", a powerful poetry collection about his military service.

JEM is talking writing with Writer Jo Scott-Coe, author of the acclaimed nonfiction book "Unheard Witness: the Life and Death of Kathy Leissner Whitman."

JEM is live with Writer and Macondista, Tisha Marie Reichle-Aguilera, author of the YA novel ”Breaking Pattern”, a story about a Chicana cowgirl set in the Inland Empire.

JEM is live with Writer, Andrea Ross, author of the memoir "Unnatural Selection, a memoir of adoption and wilderness"

JEM is live with Writer, Musician and Educator Adam D. Martinez, author of the award winning poetry collection "Remyth: A Postmodernist Ritual". 

JEM and Writer Christian Livermore discuss Christian's novel "The Very Special Dead" and how her book is a modern day gothic novel for the economically devastated. A must listen! 

JEM interviews Writer and Macondista Michelle Otero about her memoir "Vessels: A Memoir of Borders". They also talk about how writing a memoir can be healing and an act of bravery. 

JEM interviews Writer and Professor Emily Fernandez about her latest poetry collection, "Pliny and Other Problems". They talk about their many years of friendship, how writing poetry is an exercise in precision and how Emily uses her writing skills in her position as an English professor to inspire young creative minds. 

JEM interviews Tim Kirk, discussing his latest hysterical book about a puppet who loses faith called Christ Never Showed Up. 

JEM is live with Writer Angela Peñaredondo, chatting about her latest epic poetry collection: “nature felt but never apprehended.”  They talk about Angela's work as a professor at Cal State San Bernardino and why building community is key.   

JEM is live with Lynn Forney, discussing her memoir "Choosing Survival." They also talk about her work as a filmmaker and actress. 

JEM interviews Writer Victoria Waddle, author of the short story collection "Acts of Contrition" and the chapbook "The Mortality of Dogs and Humans" and how writing through grief can be restorative. 

JEM interviews Writer Hannah Sward about writing the hard family stories and they talk about her recovery through writing her acclaimed book, STRIP: A Memoir. 

JEM interviews Writer and retired Judge Mary Beth O'Conner about her inspiring memoir From Junkie to Judge and about her road to recovery and overcoming trauma. 

JEM interviews Writer Sean Pravica about focusing on language and editing in your writing and they discuss his gripping micro fiction book, Hold Still Fast.   

JEM interviews Dennis Callaci about his life as a writer, musician and publisher and how music inspires us to greater heights. They also discuss his recently released book Lost Reflection & his book 100 Cassettes.

JEM interviews Writer, Professor and former firefighter Ruth Nolan about her chapbook After the Dome Fire, a book about the California desert and the importance of writing about the environment. 

JEM interviews Writer and Musician Laurie Markvart about her writing, about mental health and how music plays a role in her memoir Somewhere in the Music I'll Find Me.

JEM interviews Bestselling Author Dave Pelzer about writing about the pandemic in his latest book, the memoir Return to the River: Reflections on Life Choices During A Pandemic.

JEM interviews Writer and Macondista Dr. Cecilia Caballero about her work as a writer in the community and her advice on marketing for writers.   

JEM interviews Toni Ann Johnson about her award winning autobiographical fiction book, Light Skin Gone to Waste, and her path from screenwriter to novelist.

JEM interviews Writer Christian Livermore about her moving memoir in essays about poverty, We Are Not Okay.

JEM interviews the amazing activist and Writer Minal Hajratwala about her work as a life coach and her Unicorn Authors Club and about her book Leaving India: My Family's Journey from Five Villages to Five Continents.

JEM interviews Writer Estela González about her gorgeous first novel, Arribada.

JEM interviews Writer Lynda Smith Hoggan about her beautiful memoir, Our Song A Memoir of Love and Race. 

JEM interviews Ruthie Marlenée over a shot of tequila discussing her latest novel Agave Blues. 

JEM interviews Writer (and former journalist) Dr. Mary Hill-Wagner about her memoir Girlz in the Hood on growing up in LA and about how to tell one's story. 

JEM interviews Writer Yasmin Ramirez about her lovely coming of age memoir ¡Ándale, Prieta!,.

JEM interviews Writer Allison Hedge Coke about her beautiful book Look at this Blue, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. 

JEM interviews bestselling author Reyna Grande about her latest epic novel “A Ballad of Love and Glory”

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.