Life of JEM
Arts
Juanita E Mantz
”Life of JEM: writers on writing” is a podcast where Juanita E. Mantz (JEM), who is a writer herself, interviews many of her favorite writers. JEM loves interviewing and you’ll see why. Every show has a theme, but there’s always a focus on the craft of writing, as well as a love of the written word and JEM does a deep dive into many of her favorite books and authors. Check it out! You can listen in, but be sure to like JEM’s Facebook page for podcast extras! See https://www.facebook.com/LifeOfJem/ and her author page for live events https://juanitaemantz.com/
Twins in Faux Furs with Jacqueline Mantz Martinez
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 overlap in their writing and their perspectives as twins. Jackie also talks about her work as a teacher and how empathy plays a role. Come watch!
54:3026/01/2022
Write and Sing Your Life
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!
50:2827/07/2021
Writing Your History
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!
54:4615/06/2021
Teenage Angst
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!
01:00:3619/04/2021
Writing Grief
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!
51:0003/03/2021
Changing the Narrative
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!
55:5102/03/2021
Radio Waves
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!
51:2527/01/2021
These Strange Days
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.
51:1813/01/2021
Gratitude
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!
22:0409/12/2020
Self Care for the Soul
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 restorative yoga pose and reads from her upcoming poetry collection. Come watch! Namaste!
48:2917/11/2020
Finding Your Writing Tribe
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 writing friendships that will inspire you to greater heights.
44:5216/11/2020
Memory Box with Liz Gonzalez
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!
49:0223/10/2020
Waitressing Daze
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!
53:2628/08/2020
Witchy Poo
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, spiritual life practice! It’s a wicked (in a good way) episode my friends!
56:5128/08/2020
Movie Time
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.
45:3902/08/2020
TV Wasteland
Episode 4 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about 1970s and 1980s TV! JEM interviews her good friend Professor Samuel Autman who is writing a memoir structured around the television shows of his 1970s childhood. JEM reads her story “TV Wasteland” and Samuel reads from his upcoming memoir. With live calls from viewers! We talk all about The Brady Bunch, Facts of Life, What’s Happening and more! It’s Good Times!
45:5415/07/2020
Fast Food Memories
Episode 3 of the Life of JEM live video podcast, is all about fast food memories! JEM talks about her love and nostalgia for 1980s fast food and reads her radio story “Fast Food Memories”. This episode has a special live guest, JEM’s “Wonder Twin” sister Jacqueline Mantz, who has a doctorate in education and has mastered the art of a yelp review! It’s a fun, food filled episode! Check it out!
44:4401/07/2020
Being Belinda
Episode 2 of the Life of JEM live video podcast, is all about music! JEM reads her story “Being Belinda and Other Fantasies of Childhood” about her obsession with The Go-Go’s and her love of punk and post punk music! JEM takes phone calls from other music obsessed people and even does a giveaway! Tune in to hear JEM wax nostalgic about all her favorite bands! It’s really neat!
47:4624/06/2020
Girl Fight
In the pilot episode of the Life of JEM live video podcast, you meet Juanita E. Mantz aka JEM. JEM reads her 3 part short memoir story “Girl Fight” and talks about policing policies, back then and now! JEM also chats with her producer April Duran about her youthful escapades. Find out how JEM went from punk rock high school dropout to rock star lawyer and writer. It’s a must watch episode! This is where it all began my friends!
38:5217/06/2020