Life of JEM
”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/
Episodes

Feb 12, 2025
Feb 12, 2025
1 hr 2 min
JEM interviews Writer Barbara Marie Minney, author of multiple poetry collections, the most recent is a chapbook titled "A Woman in Progress". Barbara reads many of her gorgeous and powerful poems and she and JEM have an inspiring and illuminating conversation about craft, poetry as memoir and the importance of Barbara's poetic voice as a transgender woman. This discussion is a must listen.

Feb 2, 2025
Feb 2, 2025
51 min
JEM interviews Writer Ryane Nicole Granados, author of the beautiful award winning YA novella "The Aves" (Leapfrog Press, 2024). Ryane reads from her lovely book and they have a deep, soul sustaining conversation about community, craft, the importance of writing as activism and the joys of writing about your own neighborhood. Listen in. This discussion will move you and inspire you, lifting you up in these difficult times.

Jan 23, 2025
Jan 23, 2025
1 hr 7 min
Listen in to my interview with spoken word artist, poet, writer, & publisher, David A. Romero. A true multi-hyphenate, David reads from his new collection, "Diamond Bars 2" (Moon Tide Press, 2024). We talk about craft, performance, how to make it financially as a writer and performer, and about writing about home. This episode will inspire and rejuvenate you and remind us why we write.

Nov 26, 2024
Nov 26, 2024
47 min
This episode is JEM and acclaimed writer, journalist and Chicana icon Yolanda Nava, author of the memoir, "Writing Through The Dark". JEM and Yolanda have an intimate and insightful conversation about Yolanda's memoir and talk about her descent into sudden blindness and how she navigated her path to a more joyful life. This is a must listen to episode. Find her book on Amazon now and get a copy!

Nov 7, 2024
Nov 7, 2024
2 min
Check out another podcast on writing! I'll be on his show soon. Stephen Sacco has on a wide range of writers covering a host of literary topics! Check it out! It's epic!!

Nov 4, 2024

Oct 28, 2024
Oct 28, 2024
1 hr 13 min
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!!

Sep 27, 2024
Sep 27, 2024
1 hr 5 min
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!

May 27, 2024
May 27, 2024
1 hr 3 min
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!

Apr 15, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
1 hr 7 min
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!







