Life of JEM

Tales of an Inland Empire Girl Book Launch

JEM reads three stories from her new book “Tales of an Inland Empire Girl” that was just released on January 7th. JEM talks about the time it took to write the book, over a decade in fact, and how it’s her perspective and story. Her truth. 
 
JEM expresses her gratitude for her publishers, as well as her appreciation for all of her writing friends, her family, her listeners and her readers. 

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!

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!

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! 
 

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!

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! 

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! 

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!

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.
 

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!