Best Juanita E Mantz Podcasts (2025)

1
Life of JEM: on writing secrets with Writer Hazel Kight Witham 51:46

7h ago51:46

51:46

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 mi…

1
Life of JEM On Writing a Dystopian World with Writer Michelle Cruz Gonzales 50:20

8d ago50:20

50:20

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, i…

1
Life of JEM on Writing Satire with Writer Nathan Castellanos 53:12

22d ago53:12

53:12

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"…

1
Life of JEM with special guest Writer Rose Bowen, author of Ink Blot Girl 1:04:54

2M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

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 men…

1
Redemption: a true story by JEM told without notes inspired by the movie Sing Sing 10:30

3M ago10:30

10:30

A 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!…

1
Life of JEM with special guest Barbara Marie Minney, author of A Woman in Progress 1:02:14

4M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

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 transgend…

1
Life of JEM with Special Guest Ryane Nicole Granados, author of "The Aves" 51:07

4M ago51:07

51:07

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 discus…

1
Life of JEM with Special Guest David A. Romero 1:07:41

4M ago1:07:41

1:07:41

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 reju…

1
On Writing Through the Dark: JEM with Writer Yolanda Nava 47:16

6M ago47:16

47:16

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 epis…

1
Bonus:The Plague Remedy Podcast Trailer! 2:21

7M ago2:21

2:21

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!!By Juanita E Mantz

1
Life of JEM: the Trailer! 1:08

7M ago1:08

1:08

Listen in to what Life of JEM is all about!!By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Horror Fiction: JEM with Christian Livermore, Kate Maruyama and Ryan Peña (the Halloween episode!) 1:13:32

7M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

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!!By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing for the Dispossessed: JEM with Writer Désirée Zamorano 1:05:47

8M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

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!By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Inspiration with James Ducat 1:03:10

1y ago1:03:10

1:03:10

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!…

1
On Writing Memoir and Poetry with Carla Sameth 1:07:39

1y ago1:07:39

1:07:39

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 conversat…

1
On Writing About "Home" with Elsa Valmidiano 1:06:38

1y ago1:06:38

1:06:38

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 …

1
On Writing for Social Change: JEM with Writer James Coats 1:07:07

1y ago1:07:07

1:07:07

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.…

1
On Poetry and Social Justice: JEM with Writer Xóchitl-Julisa Bermejo 1:06:37

1y ago1:06:37

1:06:37

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 …

1
On Writing Activism: JEM with Writer Romaine Washington 1:04:15

1y ago1:04:15

1:04:15

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 writ…

1
On Writing Culture: JEM with Writer Leticia Del Toro 56:44

1+ y ago56:44

56:44

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!By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Your Powerful Truth: JEM with Vincent Cooper, Author of Infidelis 1:04:46

1+ y ago1:04:46

1:04:46

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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Nonfiction: JEM with Author Jo Scott Coe 1:14:38

1+ y ago1:14:38

1:14:38

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."By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Community: JEM with Writer Tisha Marie Reichle-Aguilera 1:14:53

1+ y ago1:14:53

1:14:53

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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Nature: JEM with Writer Andrea Ross 1:02:13

1+ y ago1:02:13

1:02:13

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

1
On Writing With Poetic Voice: JEM with Poet Adam D. Martinez 1:09:07

1+ y ago1:09:07

1:09:07

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

1
On Writing Darkness: JEM with Writer Christian Livermore 1:03:15

1+ y ago1:03:15

1:03:15

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!By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Memoir: JEM with Writer Michelle Otero 58:11

1+ y ago58:11

58:11

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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Poetry with Precision: JEM with Writer Emily Fernandez 1:06:58

1+ y ago1:06:58

1:06:58

JEM 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.…

1
On Writing with Humor: JEM with Writer and Filmmaker Tim Kirk 59:53

1+ y ago59:53

59:53

JEM interviews Tim Kirk, discussing his latest hysterical book about a puppet who loses faith called Christ Never Showed Up.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing with Beauty: JEM with Writer Angela Peñaredondo 1:13:12

1+ y ago1:13:12

1:13:12

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Survival: JEM with Writer Lynn Forney 1:14:12

1+ y ago1:14:12

1:14:12

JEM is live with Lynn Forney, discussing her memoir "Choosing Survival." They also talk about her work as a filmmaker and actress.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Loss and Love: JEM with Writer Victoria Waddle 1:09:00

2y ago1:09:00

1:09:00

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing the Hard Stories: JEM with Writer Hannah Sward 1:13:31

2y ago1:13:31

1:13:31

JEM interviews Writer Hannah Sward about writing the hard family stories and they talk about her recovery through writing her acclaimed book, STRIP: A Memoir.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing on Trauma and Recovery: JEM with Writer Mary Beth O’Connor 1:08:34

2y ago1:08:34

1:08:34

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing with Brevity: JEM with Writer Sean Pravica 1:08:15

2y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

JEM interviews Writer Sean Pravica about focusing on language and editing in your writing and they discuss his gripping micro fiction book, Hold Still Fast.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Life: JEM with Writer & Musician Dennis Callaci 1:00:15

2y ago1:00:15

1:00:15

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Your World: JEM with Writer Ruth Nolan 1:06:06

2y ago1:06:06

1:06:06

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Your Musical Life: JEM with Writer & Musician Laurie Markvart 1:11:07

2y ago1:11:07

1:11:07

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing About the Pandemic: JEM with Writer Dave Pelzer 1:04:14

2y ago1:04:14

1:04:14

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing about Marketing, Motherhood, and More: JEM with Dr. Cecilia Caballero 1:02:00

2y ago1:02:00

1:02:00

JEM interviews Writer and Macondista Dr. Cecilia Caballero about her work as a writer in the community and her advice on marketing for writers.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing About Social Justice: JEM with Writer Toni Ann Johnson 1:09:20

2y ago1:09:20

1:09:20

JEM interviews Toni Ann Johnson about her award winning autobiographical fiction book, Light Skin Gone to Waste, and her path from screenwriter to novelist.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing About Poverty: JEM with Writer Christian Livermore 1:02:34

2+ y ago1:02:34

1:02:34

JEM interviews Writer Christian Livermore about her moving memoir in essays about poverty, We Are Not Okay.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing & Finding Your Inner Creative: JEM with Writer Minal Hajratwala 1:10:31

2+ y ago1:10:31

1:10:31

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing as a Journey: JEM with Writer Estela González 1:04:20

2+ y ago1:04:20

1:04:20

JEM interviews Writer Estela González about her gorgeous first novel, Arribada.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing Your Love Story: JEM with Writer Lynda Smith Hoggan 1:02:20

2+ y ago1:02:20

1:02:20

JEM interviews Writer Lynda Smith Hoggan about her beautiful memoir, Our Song A Memoir of Love and Race.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing with Heat: JEM with Writer Ruthie Marlenée 56:31

2+ y ago56:31

56:31

JEM interviews Ruthie Marlenée over a shot of tequila discussing her latest novel Agave Blues.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Telling Your Personal Story: JEM with Dr. Mary Hill-Wagner 1:00:06

2+ y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

JEM 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.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing with Strength: JEM with Writer Yasmín Ramírez 1:05:35

2+ y ago1:05:35

1:05:35

JEM interviews Writer Yasmin Ramirez about her lovely coming of age memoir ¡Ándale, Prieta!,.By Juanita E Mantz

1
On Writing with Soul: JEM with Writer Allison Hedge Coke 1:01:57

2+ y ago1:01:57

1:01:57

JEM interviews Writer Allison Hedge Coke about her beautiful book Look at this Blue, which was a finalist for the National Book Award.By Juanita E Mantz