Here on The Premise Jeniffer and Chad Thompson talk to storytellers of all types. From authors to musicians, poets, screenwriters, and comedians we get down to the tiny grain of sand that becomes a pearl—getting to the story behind the storyteller.
Episode OverviewWhat does it really mean to be present—and why does it feel so hard?In this episode, Jennifer and Chad sit down with author and mindfulness coach Marijke McCandless to explore her book Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present. Marijke shares how we can gently reconnect with ourselves, release pressure and expectations, and rediscover the small, meaningful moments that make life feel alive.Through storytelling, humor, and practical insights, this conversation reframes mindfulness as something approachable, playful, and deeply human—not another task on your to-do list.About the GuestMarijke McCandless is a writer, mindfulness coach, and “playfulness instigator.” She leads the popular online writing practice Right Now Mind and is the author of multiple works, including her memoir More: Journey to Mystical Union Through the Sacred and the Profane. Her work helps people reconnect with themselves through presence, curiosity, and authentic expression.
5/7/26 • 52:53
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with the inspiring Kelly Conroy, a writer and matrescens educator, to discuss her debut book, Your Mom Races Rally. Kelly shares her journey of navigating motherhood, grappling with societal expectations, and ultimately embracing her passion for rally racing. Through vulnerability and humor, she recounts her experiences of overcoming shame and fear, and how they fueled her desire to pursue something uniquely her own. This episode explores the intersections of motherhood, personal growth, and the unexpected joys found in the thrill of motorsports. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates resilience, community, and the transformative power of fun.
4/17/26 • 59:14
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome author Emma Gray, whose latest book, Start at the End, delves into the complexities of grief, love, and the beauty of life. Emma shares her personal experiences that inspired her writing, including the profound impact of losing her husband. Join us as we explore the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the 'what if' scenarios that shape our lives. This heartfelt conversation is a journey through the messiness of life and the hope that can emerge from it.
4/10/26 • 53:44
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad talk to author, activist, and former Dinner and a Movie host, Annabelle Gurwitch about her latest book, The End Of My Life Is Killing Me. It’s a cancer memoir, and—spoiler alert—she lives. The End Of My Life Is Killing Me is not your typical cancer survivor story, and though there is abundant humor, she doesn’t attribute her survival to the power of positive thinking. Instead of dramatically seizing the day, Annabelle decided to approach life by examining the small moments and taking opportunities as they came. One such opportunity, which they discuss in detail, was going on a European tour as a merch girl for a heavy metal band. They also discuss the wellness industry, and magical thinking, her volunteer work, and how her book cover, which she imagined having a Daphne and Apollo theme, ended up featuring a baby chick doing yoga. You don’t want to miss this delightfully funny and insightful episode. There’s even a Muppet-y bonus at the outro. You can find out more about Annabelle and buy The End Of My Life is Kiling Me, and her other books on her website. www.annabellegurwitch.com
4/3/26 • 57:24
The show producer has not yet provided a description for this episode.
3/26/26 • 59:53
In this exciting live episode of the Premise host Jennifer Thompson welcomes acclaimed author Grant Ginder to discuss his latest novel, "So Old, So Young." They delve into the intricacies of storytelling, the evolution of friendships, and the passage of time as depicted through a series of parties over two decades. Tune in as Grant shares his writing process, the challenges he faced while crafting his book, and the importance of capturing the essence of life’s messy beauty. Don't miss this engaging conversation!
3/18/26 • 47:53
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Bridget Crocker, an inspiring author and trailblazer in women's empowerment within the outdoor industry. They discuss Bridget's memoir, "The River's Daughter," which beautifully intertwines her experiences with water, family dynamics, and personal growth. Join us for an engaging conversation about storytelling, the healing power of nature, and the journey of forgiveness. Don't miss this captivating episode!
3/13/26 • 60:14
In this episode, we embark on a delightful culinary journey as our guest shares a unique experience of making pasta at 30,000 feet. Discover the art of pasta-making, including tips on achieving the perfect consistency and keeping the dough hydrated. Join us for a light-hearted discussion about creativity in unexpected places and how to turn a stressful situation into a relaxing one.
3/3/26 • 55:13
There's riches in the niches!Jeniffer and Chad talk publishing and cars with Ryan ZumMallen founder/publisher/editor of Carrara Media.
2/27/26 • 60:24
In this episode, Jeniffer Thompson welcome celebrated author Paula McLain to discuss her latest novel Skylark, which explores the intertwining stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Set against the backdrop of Paris and its hidden underground tunnels, McLain shares her creative process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the significance of storytelling in times of distress. Join us for an enlightening conversation about resilience, beauty, and the power of words.
2/24/26 • 58:13
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome acclaimed author Caitlin Rother to discuss her latest thriller, Hooked, the first in a new series featuring investigative reporter Katrina Chopin and homicide detective Ken Good. Caitlin shares her journey from investigative journalism to fiction writing, touching on themes of ethics, corruption, and the changing landscape of journalism. Join us as we explore the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the challenges of the publishing world.
2/17/26 • 46:22
The show producer has not yet provided a description for this episode.
5/29/25 • 47:52
In this captivating episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Deborah Rudell, a college professor and author, who shares her remarkable journey of transformation in her memoir, Grit and Grace: The Transformation of a Ship and Soul. Join us as Deborah recounts her experiences building a sailboat, navigating the tumultuous waters of life, and exploring her spiritual path. Discover how two intertwined narratives—her physical journey at sea and her spiritual awakening—come together in a profound exploration of grit, grace, and self-discovery.
5/15/25 • 71:43
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad welcome the talented Judy Reeves to discuss her poignant memoir, When Your Heart Says Go. Judy shares her journey of grief, travel, and self-discovery, exploring how writing can serve as a powerful tool for processing emotions. With heartfelt insights and beautiful prose, Judy reflects on her experiences and the connections she made along the way, inviting listeners to embrace their own stories and the magic of writing.
5/8/25 • 63:29
In this exciting episode, we welcome Richard T. Williams, Vice President of Business Development at Independent Publishers Group (IPG), to discuss the ins and outs of book distribution. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities for small publishers and indie authors in today’s evolving market. From the importance of understanding target audiences to the realities of distribution models, Richard shares invaluable insights drawn from his extensive experience in the publishing industry. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that dives into the good, the bad, and the ugly of book distribution!Richard T. Williams is the Vice President, Business Development, at IPG, where he oversees new and existing business for the IPG distribution program, as well as for clients seeking extended publishing services and licensing opportunities. He is a former sales manager at IPG, the former director of the Small Press United program, and was once an operations manager at an independent publisher, where he earned firsthand experience on the publishing side.
4/2/25 • 49:33
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with the insightful author Dennis James Sweeney to discuss his book, How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses. Dennis shares his journey through the often daunting process of getting published, emphasizing the importance of community and personal connections in the literary world. With practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes, he inspires writers to embrace their unique paths to publication. Don't miss this conversation filled with empathy, creativity, and actionable insights!In this episode, we talk about Dennis's wife (also a writer) Thirii Myo Kyaw Myint—you can learn more about her work here.
3/28/25 • 58:52
Jeniffer speaks with Susan Casey, adventurer and author, via Warwick’s to talk about her experiences studying, observing and interacting with the mysterious deep ocean. Since 2005, Susan has been writing about subjects such as giant waves and those who chase them and the creatures that live in the depths beneath them in an approachable and captivating way.In this episode she discusses not only her experience in this largely alien world, and the life that inhabits it, but also the implications of exploring it. This is a must listen for anyone who is curious, in search of wonder, and wanting to learn more about the profound importance of this largely unexplored part of our world. Susan is the author of The Devil’s Teeth, Voices in the Ocean, The Wave, and others. Her latest book is The Underworld: Journeys To The Depths Of The Ocean. Susan’s website: https://susancasey.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanlcasey/
10/8/24 • 62:56
Keith Rosson is a living testament to how hard work and taking the long road can pay off. He’s the author of several novels, and the award-winning short story collection, Folk Songs For Trauma Surgeons, all published through Meerkat Press. His latest novels, Fever House and The Devil By Name, are published through Random House. And he got an endorsement from Stephen King! No big deal, right? Though this recent duology is in the horror genre, these novels are character-driven and contain crime thriller elements and punk rock vibes, leaving them almost undefinable. Genre-defying, some may say. Keith talks to Jeniffer and Chad about his rise into the world of the Big Five and the differences between working with a huge publisher vs a small press. They discuss negotiations, marketing, and the work that goes into all of it. He tells them about how he developed his characters and his writing process, and how punk rock and the city of Portland shaped his vision. If you like horror, crime fiction, punk rock, or just a good success story, you’ll love this episode. You can find out more about Keith and buy his books through the links below. Keith’s Website: https://www.keithrosson.com/Instagram: @rossonkeithTwitter/X: @keith_rosson
9/24/24 • 49:35
Patty Lin was a successful television writer for hit shows from Friends and Desperate Housewives to Freaks and Geeks and Breaking Bad. Many people dream of this. She dreamed of it. But Patty was trapped in a sunk cost fallacy. She wanted out.She finally did get out and now has a memoir, entitled, End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood. This episode was recorded live at the San Diego Writers Festival and Patty talks to Jeniffer about the difference between writing for yourself and writing for Hollywood and how she ended up doing both. She also gives her opinion on whether she thinks the industry has changed, or ever will. Bonus: There’s a Q&A with the festival crowd at the end. https://www.pattylin.com/https://www.instagram.com/virtualpattylin
9/10/24 • 62:49
Despite the darker topics of generational trauma and tragic, unnecessary death, this episode is humorous, quirky, and full of energy. This is likely because the guest, Susan Lieu, is so fun. She is also a performer, public speaker, playwright and Harvard graduate! She talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her memoir, The Manicurist's Daughter, which explores her and her family's experience as Vietnamese refugees navigating 1980's California, and processing the death of her mother through the lens of the American dream. https://www.tiktok.com/@susanlieuofficialhttps://www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial/https://www.susanlieu.me/https://www.instagram.com/susanlieu/
8/27/24 • 70:33
In another San Diego Writers Festival-related episode, Jeniffer talks with local San Diego author, Matt Coyle. He shares his process in character and story building and discusses his Rick Cahill series. He also talks about his inspiration for wanting to write Crime fiction. If you're a fan of his work or just Crime fiction in general, you won't want to miss his insights on the genre. Matt's BioMatt Coyle is the bestselling author of the Rick Cahill crime series. His books have won the Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, Ben Franklin Silver, Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Silver, and San Diego Book Awards, and have accrued nominations for the Macavity, Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, WRONG LIGHT, his latest novel and came out in December and has been nominated for the Lefty Award and been named a Bookreporter.com Top Pick for 2018. Matt lives in San Diego with his yellow Lab, Angus, where he is writing the sixth Rick Cahill novel.https://mattcoylebooks.com/https://x.com/coylemhttps://www.instagram.com/mcoyle044/https://www.facebook.com/matt.coyle.77https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1248617.Matt_Coyle
8/14/24 • 53:03
John Jennings is the author of The Uncertainty Solution, which is a book on investing. But it’s anything but boring. It’s actually super entertaining and insightful, much like John himself. He also did everything you’re supposed to if your goal is to write a nonfiction book to build your brand.First, he wrote on a topic that sells, and has a unique point of view.But where he really excelled was in his process: He had a purpose and intent. He made sure he had a quality product. He takes advantage of marketing opportunities. He’s written, and plans to write, other books. He’s published articles. He has a popular blog. The list goes on…This episode will entertain you even if you’re not interested in investing and finance. It also works as a roadmap to follow if you want to succeed in writing a book to build your brand.John's website, where you can find his book, his blog, and many other things a good author website will have: https://johnmjennings.com/
7/23/24 • 68:51
In this episode, Jeniffer speaks with Téa Obreht at Warwick's Books. If you're a fan of her other novels, you'll love listening to Téa read a passage from her latest, The Morningside. She talks with Jeniffer about what inspired her to write it, and all the details about how it came about too. Téa also shares details about her writing process and what it all means to her.
6/26/24 • 61:53
Jeniffer and Chad chat with Swan Huntley about her latest novel, I Want You More. The novel follows Zara Pine, a ghostwriter who becomes absorbed into the life of a celebrity chef over a summer in East Hampton. It's a tale of love, mystery, and the complexities of losing oneself in a relationship.Swan shares the inspiration behind the novel, her unique writing process, and how she transforms her observations and ideas into intriguing narratives. Whether you're a fan of Huntley's or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of book writing, this episode is a must-listen!Bio: Swan Huntley is the author of the novels Getting Clean With Stevie Green, The Goddesses, and We Could Be Beautiful. She is also the writer and illustrator of the journal-style mini-tomes The Bad Mood Book and You’re Grounded (Summer 2024). Swan earned an MFA at Columbia University and has received fellowships from MacDowell and Yaddo, where she was the 2019 recipient of The LeSage-Fullilove Residency. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.Instagram: @swanhuntley Twitter: @swanhuntleyFacebook: @swanhuntleyWebsite: www.swanhuntley.com
6/20/24 • 44:43
Zibby Owens is truly a book lover. So much so that she has a book empire of sorts. She owns a bookstore in Santa Monica, started a publishing house, and founded Zibby Media. She also hosts the podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and is an author herself. Jeniffer and Chad talk with her about all this, her novel, Blank, and how she has time to do it all!Zibby's Website
6/12/24 • 60:06
In this episode of The Premise, Jennifer and Chad talk with Anastasia Zadeik, author of the novel The Other Side of Nothing, and Bethanne Patrick, memoirist of Life B, to explore their nuanced experiences of dealing with and writing about mental health issues through their respective works. Anastasia discusses how her inspiration was drawn from personal family experiences and the intricate research that shaped her novel, while Bethanne opens up about her journey with double depression and the importance of finding the right diagnosis and treatment.The episode showcases the honesty and compassion in both authors' narratives, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. The conversation touches on the challenges of writing about such sensitive topics, the intersection of personal and fictional storytelling, and the vital need for both education on the topic and for support systems to be put in place.Whether you are personally affected by mental health issues or are seeking to broaden your perspective, this discussion is a must-listen.Bethanne Patrick's WebsiteAnastasia Zadeik's Website
6/4/24 • 90:59
In this episode, Jennifer sits down at Warwick's Books with Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Tommy Orange. He is the author of There There, and most recently, Wandering Stars. Tommy is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and writes about the contemporary Native American landscape.Tommy shares insights into his writing practice, the challenges of balancing life as a father with his creative pursuits, and the profound influence music has on his craft. The title, Wandering Stars, was actually inspired by Portishead lyrics. You'll find his discussion on identity, representation, and the nuanced experience of being a Native American in contemporary society both enlightening and moving. Tommy also speaks about the future of his writing and hints that an original screenplay and a third novel are in the works. This episode is not just an interview; it's a masterclass in the power that fiction holds in shaping our understanding and empathy. It's a testament to Tommy Orange's unique voice in American literature.
5/28/24 • 55:00
In this first episode of the fifth season Jeniffer and Chad welcome Belo Cipriani for his second interview with them. This episode was timed to air on Global Accessibility Awareness Day because Belo is not only an author and advocate but a digital inclusion strategist. This conversation will expose you to just how much the lack of accessibility is hidden from those that don’t require it. You’ll learn a lot! Belo also talks about all the ways the world is becoming more accessible and what he’s doing to help with that.https://olebacademy.com/https://olebbooks.com/https://belocipriani.com/
5/16/24 • 70:48
Jeniffer is joined via Warwick’s Books by prolific writer Alice Hoffman. Hoffman is most known for her book, Practical Magic, which was made into a film of the same name. The Invisible Hour is her latest novel and she talks about how it came about. You’ll learn how her own past has informed the stories she tells, and how that shapes the women that populate her fiction. You’ll also learn a little bit of history and discover how it can repeat itself.
11/7/23 • 39:00
The guests so nice, we had them twice! Because their last episode was one our most listened to, Dan and Sandy from Smith Publicity are back. They share inside information on the publishing world and discuss the new tools and processes that have come about in the changing digital landscape of the industry.Learn more about Smith Publicity here.
10/31/23 • 54:44
