Life of JEM

JEM interviews a repeat guest and one of her favorite people, Tim Kirk, a writer, filmmaker and producer. They talk about his brilliant latest novel "All His Damned Mother's Sons", which was just released by Pelekinesis & about how Tim had to kill Elvis in the book. They get deep into craft and discuss how to write realistic characters and dialogue, the power of music and myth and why genre writing is Tim's forte. Listen in! It's an epic episode that will draw you in and inspire creativity! And get his book!! 

JEM talks with poet and essayist Elizabeth Galoozis about her beautiful new poetry book "Law of the Letter" published recently by the Inlandia Institute. They discuss craft, process, how to blend music and pop culture into a collection and why poetry is always personal  for Elizabeth. Winner of the regional Hillary Gravendyk prize, this intimate conversation will illuminate and inspire! Listen in!!

JEM and Sezin talk all about her new book, "Much Ado About Keanu", a brilliant and mind blowing pop culture, philosophical nonfiction  explication of movie star and musician Keanu Reeves. JEM & Sezin talk about movies at length and they chat about their shared obsession for David Bowie, & about how their love of music impacts their literary lives. Sezin explains her writing process and craft, and about how River Phoenix started it all for Sezin. This is a must listen episode and Sezin is a pop culture aficionado expert. It is a wonderful conversation with a knowledgeable and engaging writer! Listen in! And go get "Much Ado About Keanu" from Chicago Review Press (2025).

JEM interviews Writer & Professor Alex Espinoza, author of The Sons of El Rey (Simon & Schuster, 2024), a sweeping family saga about a family of Mexican wrestlers Luchadoras. JEM talks with Alex about his writing process for this masterpiece of a novel and about writing compelling characters in first person, as well as the role of culture and language in his work, and how music and television plays a role in his inspiration. Tune in for a compelling conversation that will inspire you between JEM and one of her favorite writers and people! And go buy Sons of El Rey!! 

JEM interviews one of her favorite writers, Kate Maruyama, author of Alterations, an engrossing novel about three generations of women. They talk about the author's use of films and Hollywood history to create her fictional world and how she builds compelling characters, as well as her masterful use of multiple female perspectives and voices. JEM and Kate do a deep dive into craft and the editing process while emphasizing the joys and struggles of living a writing life. Kate is a fascinating guest and she discusses the decade it took her to bring her latest beautiful book to fruition and how she stays motivated to keep writing. Listen in! And get Kate's book Alterations (Running Wild Press, 2025).

JEM interviews Stephanie Elizondo Griest, an acclaimed writer, journalist, and professor, and the author of numerous books, the most recent being "Art Above Everything: One Woman's Global Exploration of the Joys and Torments of a Creative Life" (Beacon Press, 2025). 
Throughout her 20s and 30s, Stephanie Elizondo Griest could not help worrying if constantly prioritizing her writing over everything else--from postponing children to living nomadically to save on rent--was leading her to fulfillment or regret. After a break-up and serious health crisis in her early 40s, she decided to turn to other women artists for their perspectives on that perennial question: is art enough?
JEM's chat with Stephanie is an illuminating discussion about the price one pays to be a creative, but also the joys of writing and creating. Stephanie reads from her beautifully crafted book and JEM and Stephanie go deep and their thoughtful conversation will both sustain and inspire you. Listen in!

JEM interviews Hazel Kight Witham, author of the memoir in verse "the Truth about Secrets".  They talk about writing about secrets, and YA voice, and they chat about their favorite books and music (and a love of Madonna) and about being a LGBTQ ally, and of course, they get into craft. Hazel also reads from her beautiful book which takes place in middle school in the 1980s. Listen in! It's epic. 

JEM is pogo dancing with excitement about this interview of Writer, Professor and Punkera Michelle Cruz Gonzales (who is the former drummer & lyricist for the iconic, all female punk band Spitboy). Michelle and JEM talk about Michelle's latest dystopian novella, Marisolandia, a book which tackles and references some of the very issues of our day, immigration, language, forced assimilation, facism, racism, and loss. They talk about craft, about punk rock, about social justice and more. Go get Michelle's masterpiece of a book, it's available by WTAW Press, & then listen to this scintillating conversation!  

Listen in to this episode of JEM interviewing LA based Latinx Writer Nathan Castellanos. They talk about everything from punk rock & LA culture to blue collar writing and of course, about Nathan's novel, a scathing satire about gentrification. You will not be disappointed!! So check it out and get his book, "Salted Plastic: Tales of Gentrification".
 

This episode is a treat! JEM interviews poet and author Rose Bowen, author of the recently released beautiful poetry collection "Ink Blot Girl". They talk about overcoming writer's block, & about valuing your voice and overcoming imposter syndrome. They also talk about inspiration and using art to highlight issues surrounding social justice and mental health. Rose also reads from her collection.  This conversation is a must listen so listen in!