Life of JEM

On Writing Memoir and Poetry with Carla Sameth

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!

On Writing About "Home" with Elsa Valmidiano

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! 

On Writing for Social Change: JEM with Writer James Coats

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!

On Poetry and Social Justice: JEM with Writer Xóchitl-Julisa Bermejo

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!).

On Writing Activism: JEM with Writer Romaine Washington

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!! 

On Writing Culture: JEM with Writer Leticia Del Toro

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 Writing Your Powerful Truth: JEM with Vincent Cooper, Author of Infidelis

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.

On Writing Nonfiction: JEM with Author Jo Scott Coe

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."

On Writing Community: JEM with Writer Tisha Marie Reichle-Aguilera

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.

On Writing Nature: JEM with Writer Andrea Ross

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