Life of JEM

This is another special mini episode!! JEM reads a lil story from her substack titled "We Are All Young" a story about one of her favorite bands The Replacements! Take a listen and then subscribe to her substack! Be pleased to meet me!! 

This is a special mini episode! Professor, Writer, and extraordinary person and my friend Jo Scott-Coe, reads from her sublime recently published story titled "Daughters for Liberty", appearing in the Flowersong Press anthology "The White Picket Fence: Stories of Individuality as Rebelliousness" (curated & edited by Gina Rae Duran). Listen in. And get the anthology from Flowersong Press!!

This is a special mini episode! Writer Thomas A. Davila reads a short excerpt from his recently published story "A Day in the Life", about a person overcoming his disability to thrive, a story appearing in the Flowersong Press anthology "The White Picket Fence: Stories of Individuality as Rebelliousness" (curated & edited by Gina Rae Duran). Listen in. And get the anthology from Flowersong Press which contains many writers including JEM!   

This is such an important touchstone of an episode! JEM interviews her twin sister, Writer Dr. Jacqueline Mantz Rodriguez (aka Jackie), whose epic book "Hey Miss: Unveiling Learning's Promise" (909 Books, 2026) will drop on April 6, 2026 (available for preorder now!). This is the last episode before JEM goes on an extended year hiatus!! In their fascinating conversation, Jackie & JEM talk about teaching as Jackie's life purpose, and about what happened when they met David Sedaris together. Then, they chat about sequencing & about a special troll named Emo who is in one of the stories in Jackie's book, and how empathy and hope led Jackie on a path from chaos to redemption and giving back, and much more!! Jackie reads from her beautiful & inspiring book! Available now for preorder!! Please order! And share!!

JEM is super excited to post this mini episode of Tomas Baiza whose book "Mexican Teeth: Stories and Artifacts from an Errant Chicanidad" won the Inlandia Institute's Eliud Martinez prize!! JEM was the judge and she can tell you that his voice is everything, and it cuts through! It's brilliant, compelling and all voice! Epic!! So listen in for a treat with his reading of the story "Thieves". 

Listen in to this special mini episode by Inland Empire poet Michelle Gonzalez who reads poetry for us from her just rereleased collection "Morning in the House by the Field". As I say in my blurb, "Michelle paints a much needed portrait of what it means to be a Mexican American Inland Empire girl..."  Go get her book and take a listen!!

JEM reads a piece from her recovery substack, a story inspired by X's song "Because I Do"! Check out her substack: https://lifeofjem.substack.com/p/because-i-do?r=7cq4g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHudOl0tQuBQ6nVgMKuAHlor4Sq0uq9MP1hS2psT4-E9JukBTGV5nmQX_EUUd_aem_-9aVT6BgBn4XhHOw0Txyqg&triedRedirect=true

JEM interviews David A. Romero, a writer with multiple books of poetry and prose. They talk about his first novel, the epic noir mystery thriller The Enemy Sleeps (El Martillo Press, 2026). Published to critical acclaim, The Enemy Sleeps is must read fiction and David reads from a chapter and he and JEM talk about the novel's genesis and how David used his novel to speak on issues of identity, colonialism, immigration and race. This is a must read novel that will both inspire and entertain you. So check out this beautifully wrought book that both entertains you and makes you think. Listen in to the podcast and get his book. Available everywhere books are sold!! 

Stephanie Barbé Hammer reads from her latest book, "The Warbler School Chronicles". In this unforgettable flash fiction series of eleven stories, the narrator attends an elite private girls’ school in New York City during the sixties making magical and memorable encounters. Go get her book available on Bamboo Dart Press (and where all books are sold). Dropping March 9th but listen in for a sneak sassy peek!!

JEM interviews Writer, Poet and Painter Lavina Blossom about her new book of poetry just published by Bamboo Dart Press titled "Here to be Remade". They talk about her process of creating this collection of poems by using books of poems taken from her bookshelf. They also talk about Lavina's paintings that are interspersed among the poems and the intersection between painting and poetry. It is an inspirational and enlightening conversation, so listen in and go get this book available everywhere (and on the bamboo dart website)! 

Tune in as JEM interviews Lucrecia Guerrero, author of numerous books including her most recent, an engrossing fiction, character driven book set in Ohio with a Latina protagonist. The book is "On The Mad River" published by Mouthfeel Press and it is a fantastic and thrilling read! They have an engrossing conversation on writing time specific fiction set in a geographically unique place and Lucrecia gives tips on how to write compelling characters and they talk about the challenges of writing and how to get your book to publication through perspiration and perseverance! So tune in! And go get her book!! Available everywhere books are sold!

JEM interviews one of her favorite writers, the acclaimed, prize winning author Toni Ann Johnson. JEM talks with Toni Ann about Toni Ann's most recent book, a brilliant and beautiful linked story collection titled But Where’s Home?, which was just published by Screen Door Press. They have a fascinating, in-depth conversation on the line between memoir and auto fiction, and discuss the process of writing about familial characters and the ways in which this latest book is a reconciliation.  Tune in and please go get Toni Ann Johnson's book which is available nationwide!     This is a must listen episode which will inspire you both as a writer and a reader. 

JEM & Stevo Lution (aka Steve Lossing) have a chat of epic proportions about Stevo's latest book, a collaboration with the late great poet Johnny Bender, aka Brutus Chieftain, titled "The Gospel According to Bombastus" (Bamboo Dart Press, 2025). They chat about the book's genesis, about punk life in the 1980s, about sequencing and Bowie, about Poets in Distress & the venue called Pondwater. Listen in and find out how Stevo's political art sticker ended up on Jane Wiedlin's guitar! One of JEM's favorite conversations to date! Listen in and get The Gospel According to Bombastus now!!   

JEM interviews Suzanne Weerts, author of the just released "Champagne Girl in a Budweiser Family, a memoir in stories". They talk about blue collar life growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, writing in young adult voice, memorializing the nostalgia inherent in childhood and how performance and narrative storytelling played a role in Suzanne's process of writing this memoir. A must listen to conversation on theme and craft that will both educate and inspire! Listen in and get Suzanne's book! Available via all retailers!!!

JEM reads her story that was just published in the Inlandia journal. It's a Christmas themed piece inspired by bell hooks. Find the Inlandia journal here: https://inlandiajournal.net/fall-2025-vol-16-juanita-e-mantz-jem/

JEM is gifting you a special story episode for her favorite holiday, Halloween! This story is on her blogspot (see http://wwwlifeofjemcom-jemmantz.blogspot.com/?m=1) and details her  interaction with a mime! It's called "The Mime & Me". Enjoy! 

Listen in to JEM highlight "Not Your Papi's Utopia: Latinx Visions of Radical Hope", an anthology recently released by Mouthfeel Press. She interviews editor Sara Rivera, and then three amazing writers from the anthology read an excerpt aloud, Lesley Téllez, Joy Castro & Rolando Lopez. Then, they all chat about the readings. A must listen to conversation about a book you must read. It's an anthology for the times! Listen in and get this book! 

JEM reads her most recently published story aloud, a story appearing in the upcoming Flowersong Press anthology "The White Picket Fence: Stories of Individuality as Rebelliousness" (curated & edited by Gina Duran). JEM's story is an intimate true tale titled "Wonder Twins Reactivated: a search for connection" & about her relationship with her twin sister.  Listen in. 

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!

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.

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. 

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. 

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! 

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!! 

Listen in to what Life of JEM is all about!! 

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!! 

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! 

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!

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!

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! 

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!

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!).

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!! 

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 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.

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."

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.

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

JEM is live with Writer, Musician and Educator Adam D. Martinez, author of the award winning poetry collection "Remyth: A Postmodernist Ritual". 

JEM and Writer Christian Livermore discuss Christian's novel "The Very Special Dead" and how her book is a modern day gothic novel for the economically devastated. A must listen! 

JEM interviews Writer and Macondista Michelle Otero about her memoir "Vessels: A Memoir of Borders". They also talk about how writing a memoir can be healing and an act of bravery.