All Episodes

Pandemic grooming, the romance of rocks, and of course a whole lot of information on the publishing world via agent, writer, still-licensed attorney, and practicing Buddhist, Jeff Ourvan.

Hindsight is 20/20. Eilene Zimmerman, Journalist, and author of the new memoir, Smacked, used this realization to confront and expose a hidden reality that she personally faced when her ex-husband died of a drug overdose. Her story will have you thinking about the types of things we never suspect, or expect.

In this mini-episode Jeniffer is joined once again by Julie Slavinsky, Director of Events, at La Jolla's boutique bookstore, Warwick's. They chat about the effects of COVID-19, cancelled author events, and the hottest books of the moment. If you're a reader who loves to stay on top of the what's what and who's who in the literature scene you've gotta listen to this bonus episode.

Jeniffer and Chad talk to Elise about what the heck an agent does, how they help authors, and how the proposal process differs from fiction to nonfiction. We also explore what it looks like to take a project from inception to getting it published.

When we talk about pursuing our passion, it can tend to seem cliché. But when we think of it on a smaller level, and the many ways we can go about it, it just seems necessary. Audio Book Narrator Tavia Gibert's story will inspire you to pursue your own passions and maybe spark some ideas for new ways to go about it.

Is creativity an innate gift of a lucky few? Or can we learn it? Dr. Gloria Chance is a Creativity Expert, and she says there's not only a way to learn creativity, but it's essential to our well-being and success. And it turns out, creativity isn't only learnable, it can be contagious.

We always admire someone who forges their own path, and doesn't take, 'No', for an answer. Because that's kind of what it takes to make it— in the world of publishing and beyond. This is especially true when you're a woman. So that's what Brooke Warner did. After seeing so many women's stories left untold, she founded a publishing company dedicated to giving voice to the voiceless.

Is face licking appropriate behavior in today's climate? How do you make food in someone's mouth? What are Despair vampires? Is Chad the best Chad? This episode with Broadway performer, playwright, and Television actor, Susan Blackwell covers all that and more.

Sometimes the small act of delving into your past can open whole new worlds. In the case of Lisa See, her curiosity lead her to explore, research and write her first book about her family history. It started as a project she imagined would only be seen by her relatives, but that lead to so much more.

Do you know what a publicist actually does? Don't feel bad if you don't. Most people have no real idea either. And it's not like you see in the movies and on TV. If you want to know what it's really like in PR, or a how a publicist can help you and your book, this episode is for you.

Ever wondered how your life would change if you lost your sight? Author, Entrepreneur and Advocate, Belo Cipriani offers a fascinating glimpse into that possibility.

Joe Ide, author of the bestselling IQ series, sits down with The Premise for a discussion about his repeated failures, rejection, and ultimate triumph. It's a quick 15 minutes that'll have you asking WTF?

Today's guest is Mara Altman, author of Gross Anatomy and Thanks for Coming. Jeniffer, Chad, and Mara jump right into fart talk in this one and discuss all those things that are perfectly normal yet get labeled as "gross." Mara is a writer who feels putting shame on the page diffuses the stigma, and she does it in hilarious and empowering ways. She talks about all the things no one talks about but everyone will identify with, and you should definitely check her out! For those listening with kids, please know that this episode has some adult content.

Dr. Nan Wise, Neuroscientist, Sex Therapist, Glamour Columnist, and author of the newly released book, Why Good Sex Matters: Understanding the Neuroscience of Pleasure for a Smarter, Happier, and More Purpose-Filled Life, talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her years of research on sexual functioning, the brain-body connection and how sex is a window into our relationship with pleasure. Dr. Nan explains how good sex, and pleasure in general, are essential to our core emotional functioning, yet our puritanical tendencies and modern distractions tend to interfere with our sense of joy, play and fun. This one has some fascinating and important information everyone needs to hear!

In this episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Laura Cathcart Robbins & Scott Slaughter of the podcast, The Only One in the Room. They discuss everything from the origins of their podcast to life as a podcasting couple. Plus they share their favorite episodes and biggest challenges, and talk movies, inspiration and the true meaning of equity. There's even a meet-cute in there.

This episode's guest is Marni Freedman, Writing Coach and co-founder of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association and the San Diego Writers Festival. They talk about her and Jeniffer pulling off a major writing festival against the odds and their other co-projects as partners in almost-crime. They discuss crafty ways to sneak true intentions and cultural signifiers past Hollywood gatekeepers, how rough times can bring the brightest kinds of inspiration, and finding paths to our true callings in unexpected ways. And of course, the all important question: Which Muppet are you? Marni wears a lot of hats, some of which are actual hats, but she’s a lady that is doing a lot of powerful things in the San Diego writing community.

In this mini-episode Jeniffer ventures out to join Julie Slavinsky, Director of Events, at La Jolla's boutique bookstore, Warwick's. They chat about the store's history, its upcoming events, and the hottest books of the moment. If you're a reader who loves to stay on top of the what's what and who's who in the literature scene you've gotta listen to this high-energy mini.

Jeniffer and Chad talk with Lee Wind, Director of Marketing & Programming at IBPA, about his mission to write the books he wishes he'd read as a gay youth. They discuss Lincoln, examining history in closer detail to reveal the true selves of historical figures, and how it can create new role models and new perspectives. You'll also hear from Lee about his writing process, his ups and downs in the publishing world, and the wild tale of a rogue agent( the literary kind).

If you haven’t heard of Gill Sotu yet, you’re missing out. In this Episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with playwright, poet, musician, positivity advocate and prolific hugger, Gill Sotu. They discuss the level of hustle involved in “making it” as an artist, the many things that make up his work, the support and inspiration he gets from his family, and his mission to spread the love by reaching towards the things that scare us. Oh, and also that time that he was seasick for 3 years straight. You’ll learn a lot about what makes Gill tick and there may even be a hug at the end.