Shows
Life of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing Pain with special guest Writer Rose Bowen, author of Ink Blot GirlThis 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!
2025-03-191h 04Life of JEMA special bonus episode: JEM and her puppies, a storyListen in to hear a story about JEM and her 3 new puppies: Merry, Pippin and Princess Leia!
2025-03-1107 minLife of JEMRedemption: a true story by JEM told without notes inspired by the movie Sing SingA special bonus mini episode. This is a true story about redemption told by JEM live without notes (she is still working through her one woman show and this may be part of it one day). It's inspired by the movie Sing Sing and it's about JEM's journey from USC Law to corporate lawyer to coming home. JEM is really proud of this one so listen in!
2025-02-2510 minLife of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing Your True Self with special guest Barbara Marie Minney, author of A Woman in ProgressJEM 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.
2025-02-121h 02Life of JEMA special bonus episode: a short story by JEM about her waitressing dazeA special episode of JEM telling a story about her waitressing daze! This one is a doozy and has a lot to say about who JEM was and is. These special episodes are mini tales that JEM is working on for her one woman show in progress. She's not reading them. She's telling them extemporaneously. So listen in to get a taste of JEM's storytelling.
2025-02-0508 minLife of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing Your Neighborhood with Special Guest Ryane Nicole Granados, author of "The Aves"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.
2025-02-0251 minLife of JEMLIFE of JEM special episode: JEM tells a story without notesIn this episode, JEM tells a short 3 minute story without notes about a road trip in a Winnebago. She is working on a one woman show so this is JEM's way of practicing and letting you into her process. She also talks about a "note" she received regarding performing from the universe. Tune in to this special episode!
2025-01-2305 minLife of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing About Home with Special Guest David A. RomeroListen 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.
2025-01-231h 07Life of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing Through the Dark: JEM with Writer Yolanda NavaThis 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!
2024-11-2647 minLife of JEMBonus:The Plague Remedy Podcast Trailer!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!!
2024-11-0802 minLife of JEMLife of JEM: the Trailer!Listen in to what Life of JEM is all about!!
2024-11-0401 minLife of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing Horror: JEM with Christian Livermore, Kate Maruyama and Ryan Peña (the Halloween episode!)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!!
2024-10-281h 13Life of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing for the Dispossessed: JEM with Writer Désirée ZamoranoJEM 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!
2024-09-281h 05Life of JEMLife of JEM: On Writing & Inspiration with James DucatThis 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!
2024-05-271h 03Life of JEMOn Writing Memoir and Poetry with Carla SamethThis 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!
2024-04-151h 07Life of JEMOn Writing About "Home" with Elsa ValmidianoThis 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!
2024-04-051h 06Life of JEMOn Writing for Social Change: JEM with Writer James CoatsThis 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!
2024-03-251h 07Life of JEMOn Poetry and Social Justice: JEM with Writer Xóchitl-Julisa BermejoThis 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!).
2024-03-191h 06Life of JEMOn Writing Activism: JEM with Writer Romaine WashingtonThis 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!!
2024-03-011h 04Life of JEMOn Writing Culture: JEM with Writer Leticia Del ToroJEM 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!
2024-02-2256 minLife of JEMOn Writing Your Powerful Truth: JEM with Vincent Cooper, Author of InfidelisOn 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.
2024-01-301h 04Life of JEMOn Writing Nonfiction: JEM with Author Jo Scott CoeJEM is talking writing with Writer Jo Scott-Coe, author of the acclaimed nonfiction book "Unheard Witness: the Life and Death of Kathy Leissner Whitman."
2024-01-171h 14Life of JEMOn Writing Community: JEM with Writer Tisha Marie Reichle-AguileraJEM 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.
2023-12-141h 14Life of JEMOn Writing Nature: JEM with Writer Andrea RossJEM is live with Writer, Andrea Ross, author of the memoir "Unnatural Selection, a memoir of adoption and wilderness"
2023-12-071h 02Life of JEMOn Writing With Poetic Voice: JEM with Poet Adam D. MartinezJEM is live with Writer, Musician and Educator Adam D. Martinez, author of the award winning poetry collection "Remyth: A Postmodernist Ritual".
2023-11-141h 09Life of JEMOn Writing Darkness: JEM with Writer Christian LivermoreJEM 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!
2023-11-081h 03Life of JEMOn Writing Memoir: JEM with Writer Michelle OteroJEM 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.
2023-10-3158 minLife of JEMOn Writing Poetry with Precision: JEM with Writer Emily FernandezJEM interviews Writer and Professor Emily Fernandez about her latest poetry collection, "Pliny and Other Problems". They talk about their many years of friendship, how writing poetry is an exercise in precision and how Emily uses her writing skills in her position as an English professor to inspire young creative minds.
2023-10-311h 06Life of JEMOn Writing with Humor: JEM with Writer and Filmmaker Tim KirkJEM interviews Tim Kirk, discussing his latest hysterical book about a puppet who loses faith called Christ Never Showed Up.
2023-09-2559 minLife of JEMOn Writing with Beauty: JEM with Writer Angela PeñaredondoJEM is live with Writer Angela Peñaredondo, chatting about her latest epic poetry collection: “nature felt but never apprehended.” They talk about Angela's work as a professor at Cal State San Bernardino and why building community is key.
2023-09-251h 13Life of JEMOn Writing Survival: JEM with Writer Lynn Forney
JEM is live with Lynn Forney, discussing her memoir "Choosing Survival." They also talk about her work as a filmmaker and actress.
2023-09-241h 14Life of JEMOn Writing Loss and Love: JEM with Writer Victoria WaddleJEM interviews Writer Victoria Waddle, author of the short story collection "Acts of Contrition" and the chapbook "The Mortality of Dogs and Humans" and how writing through grief can be restorative.
2023-08-171h 09Life of JEMOn Writing the Hard Stories: JEM with Writer Hannah SwardJEM interviews Writer Hannah Sward about writing the hard family stories and they talk about her recovery through writing her acclaimed book, STRIP: A Memoir.
2023-08-031h 13Life of JEMOn Writing on Trauma and Recovery: JEM with Writer Mary Beth O’ConnorJEM interviews Writer and retired Judge Mary Beth O'Conner about her inspiring memoir From Junkie to Judge and about her road to recovery and overcoming trauma.
2023-06-091h 08Life of JEMOn Writing with Brevity: JEM with Writer Sean PravicaJEM interviews Writer Sean Pravica about focusing on language and editing in your writing and they discuss his gripping micro fiction book, Hold Still Fast.
2023-06-011h 08Life of JEMOn Writing Life: JEM with Writer & Musician Dennis CallaciJEM interviews Dennis Callaci about his life as a writer, musician and publisher and how music inspires us to greater heights. They also discuss his recently released book Lost Reflection & his book 100 Cassettes.
2023-05-311h 00Life of JEMOn Writing Your World: JEM with Writer Ruth NolanJEM interviews Writer, Professor and former firefighter Ruth Nolan about her chapbook After the Dome Fire, a book about the California desert and the importance of writing about the environment.
2023-05-111h 06Life of JEMOn Writing Your Musical Life: JEM with Writer & Musician Laurie MarkvartJEM interviews Writer and Musician Laurie Markvart about her writing, about mental health and how music plays a role in her memoir Somewhere in the Music I'll Find Me.
2023-05-011h 11Life of JEMOn Writing About the Pandemic: JEM with Writer Dave PelzerJEM interviews Bestselling Author Dave Pelzer about writing about the pandemic in his latest book, the memoir Return to the River: Reflections on Life Choices During A Pandemic.
2023-04-241h 04Life of JEMOn Writing about Marketing, Motherhood, and More: JEM with Dr. Cecilia CaballeroJEM interviews Writer and Macondista Dr. Cecilia Caballero about her work as a writer in the community and her advice on marketing for writers.
2023-04-191h 02Life of JEMOn Writing About Social Justice: JEM with Writer Toni Ann JohnsonJEM interviews Toni Ann Johnson about her award winning autobiographical fiction book, Light Skin Gone to Waste, and her path from screenwriter to novelist.
2023-04-101h 09Life of JEMOn Writing About Poverty: JEM with Writer Christian LivermoreJEM interviews Writer Christian Livermore about her moving memoir in essays about poverty, We Are Not Okay.
2023-02-211h 02Life of JEMOn Writing & Finding Your Inner Creative: JEM with Writer Minal HajratwalaJEM interviews the amazing activist and Writer Minal Hajratwala about her work as a life coach and her Unicorn Authors Club and about her book Leaving India: My Family's Journey from Five Villages to Five Continents.
2023-02-021h 10Life of JEMOn Writing as a Journey: JEM with Writer Estela GonzálezJEM interviews Writer Estela González about her gorgeous first novel, Arribada.
2023-01-201h 04Life of JEMOn Writing Your Love Story: JEM with Writer Lynda Smith HogganJEM interviews Writer Lynda Smith Hoggan about her beautiful memoir, Our Song A Memoir of Love and Race.
2022-12-191h 02Life of JEMOn Writing with Heat: JEM with Writer Ruthie MarlenéeJEM interviews Ruthie Marlenée over a shot of tequila discussing her latest novel Agave Blues.
2022-12-0556 minLife of JEMOn Telling Your Personal Story: JEM with Dr. Mary Hill-WagnerJEM interviews Writer (and former journalist) Dr. Mary Hill-Wagner about her memoir Girlz in the Hood on growing up in LA and about how to tell one's story.
2022-11-151h 00Life of JEMOn Writing with Strength: JEM with Writer Yasmín RamírezJEM interviews Writer Yasmin Ramirez about her lovely coming of age memoir ¡Ándale, Prieta!,.
2022-10-241h 05Life of JEMOn Writing with Soul: JEM with Writer Allison Hedge CokeJEM interviews Writer Allison Hedge Coke about her beautiful book Look at this Blue, which was a finalist for the National Book Award.
2022-09-231h 01Life of JEMOn Writing with Glory: JEM with Writer Reyna GrandeJEM interviews bestselling author Reyna Grande about her latest epic novel “A Ballad of Love and Glory”
2022-08-291h 02Life of JEMOn Writing Family: JEM with Writer Nancie Laird YoungJEM on “writing family” with Writer Nancie Laird Young. JEM speaks with Nancie about her memoir "Tea with Dad".
2022-08-1958 minLife of JEMOn Writing in Your Creative Voice: JEM with Writer Cati PorterJEM on finding your creative voice with author Cati Porter. JEM talks to Cati about Cati's recent poetry chapbook "Novel" and about her work as director of The Inlandia Institute.
2022-07-271h 05Life of JEMOn Writing with Magic: JEM with Writer Stephanie Barbe HammerJEM talks about writing with magic with Writer Stephanie Barbe Hammer and they talk about Stephanie's latest novel "Pretend Plumber".
2022-06-131h 07Life of JEMOn Writing with Fire: JEM with Poet Jose HernandezJEM on writing with fire with Poet Jose Hernandez Diaz and about his latest poetry collection "The Fire Eater".
2022-06-0356 minLife of JEMOn Writing About Nostalgia: JEM with Writer Allen CallaciJEM and writer & musician Allen Callaci talk about his books including the memoir "Heart Like a Starfish", about music and they discuss writing about nostalgia!
2022-05-111h 10Life of JEMOn Writing Your Own Truth: JEM with Writer Gina FrangelloJEM and acclaimed writer Gina Frangello, author of “Blow Your House Down” chat about her book, about feminism & about writing one’s truth. A must see episode!
2022-04-121h 02Life of JEMOn Writing and Making Your Case: JEM with Lawyer and Writer Greg RollinsJEM talks criminal defense with a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney Greg Rollins and his book Make Your Case.
2022-04-0147 minLife of JEMOn Writing with Heart: JEM with Writer Tim HatchIn this episode, JEM interviews Tim Hatch, author of “My Bariatric Year” and “Wild Embrace”. They discuss family, trauma, forgiveness and how to write with heart.
2022-02-251h 09Life of JEMOn Writing Words with Power: JEM with Poet Romaine WashingtonIn this episode, JEM speaks with her friend acclaimed poet Romaine Washington. They talk about how words are powerful, but how they can also be destructive. Romaine reads live from her two lovely poetry collections and they chat about writing about place and finding “home” in one’s creative writing
2022-01-271h 18Life of JEMTwins in Faux Furs with Jacqueline Mantz MartinezIn 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!
2022-01-2654 minLife of JEMTales of an Inland Empire Girl Book LaunchJEM 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. 2022-01-2637 minLife of JEMWrite and Sing Your LifeWriter 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!
2021-07-2750 minLife of JEMWriting Your HistoryIn 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!
2021-06-1554 minLife of JEMTeenage AngstIn 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!
2021-04-191h 00Life of JEMWriting GriefJEM 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!
2021-03-0351 minLife of JEMChanging the NarrativeJEM 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!
2021-03-0255 minLife of JEMRadio WavesJEM 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!
2021-01-2751 minLife of JEMThese Strange DaysJEM 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.
2021-01-1351 minLife of JEMGratitudeJEM 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!
2020-12-0922 minLife of JEMSelf Care for the SoulEpisode 10 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about self care for the soul. JEM reads an essay about mental health and then talks with special guest and Renaissance woman Gina Duran who is an educator, an activist, a writer, a yoga instructor and a massage therapist. In this episode, JEM and Gina talk about how to take care of yourself in times like these. Gina also demonstrates a restorative yoga pose and reads from her upcoming poetry collection. Come watch! Namaste!
2020-11-1748 minLife of JEMFinding Your Writing TribeEpisode 9 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about finding your writing tribe! In this episode, JEM interviews Lynda Hoggan who was part of JEM’s writing group for years. Lynda and JEM talk writing and how to find joy in the writing process and nurture that creativity within yourself and your friends! Readings by JEM and Lynda included! This is a must see episode about finding those writing friendships that will inspire you to greater heights.
2020-11-1644 minLife of JEMMemory Box with Liz GonzalezEpisode 8 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about memories. JEM reads her story “Memory Box” which is a tribute to her father and then interviews her friend and fellow Macondista, writer and educator liz gonzález, about the art of writing one’s memories. Then, liz reads from her book, “Dancing in the Santa Ana Winds”. It’s an episode that will enchant and enlighten you! Check it out!
2020-10-2349 minLife of JEMWitchy PooEpisode 6 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about having a magical life! JEM reads her story “Witchy Poo” about her high school transition from goody two shoes to goth witchy poo. She also interviews Gina D, her longtime friend who is an educator, a singer/songwriter and the owner of Blackbird Tarot. JEM chats with Gina D about the power of the tarot and how to create a positive, spiritual life practice! It’s a wicked (in a good way) episode my friends!
2020-08-2856 minLife of JEMWaitressing DazeEpisode 7 of the Life of JEM live video podcast, is all about JEM’s waitressing days. JEM reads her story “Waitressing Daze” and then JEM and her producer April Duran talk about how they both worked as waitresses back in the day. JEM also talks about how she made the transition from waitress to lawyer and writer and what her waitressing days taught her about life! It’s a must see episode!
2020-08-2853 minLife of JEMMovie TimeEpisode 5 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about writing and JEM reads her story “Movie Time”. JEM also interviews Christina Guillen, a writer and the programming director of the Inlandia Institute. They talk about the craft of writing and how to find your muse. Don’t miss this luscious literary episode! It is sure to inspire you to pick up a pen.
2020-08-0245 minLife of JEMTV WastelandEpisode 4 of the Life of JEM live video podcast is all about 1970s and 1980s TV! JEM interviews her good friend Professor Samuel Autman who is writing a memoir structured around the television shows of his 1970s childhood. JEM reads her story “TV Wasteland” and Samuel reads from his upcoming memoir. With live calls from viewers! We talk all about The Brady Bunch, Facts of Life, What’s Happening and more! It’s Good Times!
2020-07-1545 minLife of JEMFast Food MemoriesEpisode 3 of the Life of JEM live video podcast, is all about fast food memories! JEM talks about her love and nostalgia for 1980s fast food and reads her radio story “Fast Food Memories”. This episode has a special live guest, JEM’s “Wonder Twin” sister Jacqueline Mantz, who has a doctorate in education and has mastered the art of a yelp review! It’s a fun, food filled episode! Check it out!
2020-07-0144 minLife of JEMBeing BelindaEpisode 2 of the Life of JEM live video podcast, is all about music! JEM reads her story “Being Belinda and Other Fantasies of Childhood” about her obsession with The Go-Go’s and her love of punk and post punk music! JEM takes phone calls from other music obsessed people and even does a giveaway! Tune in to hear JEM wax nostalgic about all her favorite bands! It’s really neat!
2020-06-2447 minLife of JEMGirl FightIn the pilot episode of the Life of JEM live video podcast, you meet Juanita E. Mantz aka JEM. JEM reads her 3 part short memoir story “Girl Fight” and talks about policing policies, back then and now! JEM also chats with her producer April Duran about her youthful escapades. Find out how JEM went from punk rock high school dropout to rock star lawyer and writer. It’s a must watch episode! This is where it all began my friends!
2020-06-1738 min
Life of JEM: my life in the inland empireCocoonAbout JEM’s mom and her mom’s love of JEM’s dad, a cowboy!2020-04-1608 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireMeeting David Sedaris and other celebrity interactionsHear JEM tell her tale of meeting her idols including Mister T!!!2020-04-1505 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireKlutzJEM details how being a klutz can be cool2020-04-1303 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireCountry GirlAn episode about how JEM finally found a fondness for her dad’s music2020-04-1205 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireTV WastelandJEM talks about the television shows that she loved as a kid and the way the shows captured blue collar life in the 1970s and 1980s2020-04-1105 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireBreakfast at Benji’sThis episode tells a scary story of waitressing and walking home late at night as only JEM can tell it!2020-04-0808 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireJunior College DazeJEM tells a story about her first job as a writer working on her junior college newspaper and the feel of a warm freshly pressed newspaper in her hand...2020-04-0706 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireSing Your Life!An episode about JEM’s many music obsessions, and of course, it includes a piece on her love for The Smiths!2020-04-0506 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireSweet and tender hooligansJEM details her exploits and adventures as a teen growing up in the IE! Named after a Smiths song!2020-04-0305 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireMemory BoxA take about JEM’s father Big John who grew up poor, dirt poor, in Montana and how he met her mom Judy. True stories from JEM!2020-04-0105 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireHere’s to you Melinda T!A story about JEM’s bestie since elementary school! There’s a prom story in it, kinda like 16 Candles but JEM’s date was no Jake Ryan!!!2020-03-3005 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireFourth of JulyAn episode of JEM’s YA years with melancholy memories of backyard barbecues and fireworks in the IE!2020-03-2905 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireA Girl’s HungerJEM takes you down nosalgia lane with a chronicle of her favorite food memories!!2020-03-2808 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireDrunkerella: JEM tries to redeem herself at the annual Public Defender Gala!JEM in true rockstar fashion, doubles down at the Public Defender Gala! Her exploits are truly outrageous and the music at the end, wowza!2020-03-2608 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireBeing Belinda and other fantasies of childhoodAs a kid, JEM was obsessed with wanting to be Belinda Carlisle (of the all girl band the Go-Go’s). Listen to the sweet memories she has of rocking out to their music in her living room with her sisters.2020-03-2305 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireA Mantz Christmas StoryJEM tells a tale of a Christmas long long ago... and her Barbie dream house. Dedicated to her dad, John W. Mantz, jr., who loved Christmas2020-03-2306 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireWhy one should not do the sprinkler dance at the public defender galaJEM is many drinks in at a work party and makes the mistake of getting on the dance floor2020-03-2303 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireGirl Fight: a trilogy of lil stories about JEM and the theme is “girl fight”.JEM has a mouth way too big for her britches! Thank goodness she’s a twin!2020-03-2207 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireThis is not a love song-inspired by a PIL song...how JEM met her soulmate!A true love story, as only JEM can tell it!2020-03-2107 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireMy fair inland empire girl- JEM leaves Cali for Texas!JEM leaves her home for large law firm life in Texas, but it’s not all she thought it would be...2020-03-2006 minLife of JEM: my life in the inland empireTrailer for Life of JEM-my life in the inland empireAbout a girl from the inland empire who left the inland empire only to return to the inland empire2020-03-2000 min