The Premise
Episodes
Janell Strube - Author - Adélaïde Painter of the Revolution
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Grant Ginder - So Old, So Young
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting live episode of the Premise host Jennifer Thompson welcomes acclaimed author Grant Ginder to discuss his latest novel, "So Old, So Yo...
Bridget Crocker - Author The River's Daughter
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Bridget Crocker, an inspiring author and trailblazer in women's empowerment within the outdoor ind...
Katie Brooks - Buona Pasta Club
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Ryan Zummallen - Publisher - Carrara Media
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's riches in the niches!Jeniffer and Chad talk publishing and cars with Ryan ZumMallen founder/publisher/editor of Carrara Media.
Paula McLain NYT Bestselling Author Skylark
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Caitlin Rother - New York Times bestselling author - Hooked
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome acclaimed author Caitlin Rother to discuss her latest thriller, Hooked, the first i...
Bonnie Comfort - Author - Staying Married is the Hardest Part
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Deb Rudell - Author of Grit & Grace: The Transformation of a Ship & a Soul
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this captivating episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome Deborah Rudell, a college professor and author, who shares her remarkable journey of t...
Judy Reeves - Author - When Your Heart Says Go
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Richard T. Williams - Unlocking the Secrets of Book Distribution!
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode, we welcome Richard T. Williams, Vice President of Business Development at Independent Publishers Group (IPG), to discuss the...
Season 6 Trailer - Unveiling the Secrets of Storytelling and Publishing
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode, hosts Jeniffer and Chad Thompson kick off their sixth season by delving into the fascinating world of publishing. They explo...
Dennis James Sweeney - Author - Teacher
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Susan Casey - Adventurer- Author of The Underworld
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeniffer speaks with Susan Casey, adventurer and author, via Warwick’s to talk about her experiences studying, observing and interacting with the my...
Keith Rosson author of Fever House and Devil by Name
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
Patty Lin - Author - End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood - Writer: Freaks and Geeks, Friends, Desperate Housewives, and Breaking Bad
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Patty Lin was a successful television writer for hit shows from Friends and Desperate Housewives to Freaks and Geeks and Breaking Bad. Many people dre...
Susan Lieu - Playwright - Author of The Manicurist’s Daughter
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the darker topics of generational trauma and tragic, unnecessary death, this episode is humorous, quirky, and full of energy. This is likely b...
Matt Coyle - Author of the Rick Cahill Series
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In another San Diego Writers Festival-related episode, Jeniffer talks with local San Diego author, Matt Coyle. He shares his process in character and ...
John Jennings - Author - The Uncertainty Solution: How to Invest with Confidence in the Face of the Unknown
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 entertain...
Téa Obreht - Author The Morningside, Inland, The Tiger's Wife
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pass...
Swan Huntley - Author - I Want You More and You're Grounded: An Anti-Self-Help Book to Calm You the F*ck Down
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Zibby Owens - Founder of the Zibby Media empire, book influencer and author of Blank
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, a...
Anastasia Zadeik & Bethanne Patrick - Writing Through Darkness: Mental Health Narratives
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, mem...
Tommy Orange - Beyond the Pages: Exploring Identity and Inheritance
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Belo Cipriani - Oleb Books - Digital Inclusion Strategist, Author, and Teacher
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Alice Hoffman - Author The Invisible Hour
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Smith Publicity
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 shar...
Sophie Mackintosh - Author - Cursed Bread
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sophie Mackintosh’s debut novel, The Water Cure, was nominated for the 2018 Man Booker Prize. Now, her latest novel, Cursed Bread, inspired by a mas...
Shelby Stanger - Journalist, Speaker, Podcaster, Adventurer TEDxSanDiego Speaker
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby Stanger is another podcaster, author, and big adventurer. Truly. She adventures for a living pretty much. And she inspires others to find their...
KishaLynn Moore Elliott - Author - TEDxSanDiego speaker
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Words are KishaLynn Elliot’s superpower. She uses that superpower to tell stories, educate, and inspire. She’s an author, speaker and Vice Preside...
Jesse Leon - Author TEDx Speaker
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse Leon is a San Diegan, TED X speaker, Harvard graduate, consultant and survivor. Jeniffer speaks to him about his memoir, I’m Not Broken, and t...
Gina Simmons Schneider, Ph.D. - Author - Frazzlebrain
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gina Simmons Schneider, PhD, is a Psychotherapist and expert in coping skills. And she used this expertise to write a book about dealing with the comm...
Cecile Pin - Author - Wandering Souls
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode comes to you via Warwick’s Books. Jeniffer speaks with the author of Wandering Souls, Cecile Pin. Her much praised debut novel was long...
Madhushree Ghosh - Author - Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory and Family
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
San Diego author, social justice activist, and Pushcart nominee Madhushree Gosh is today’s guest. She talks with Jeniffer and Chad not only about he...
Susanna Hoffs - The Bangles, Author- This Bird Has Flown
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For all you Gen X folks out there, this week's guest doesn't really need an introduction. Because she's Susanna Hoffs! But did you know Susanna is a...
Walter Green - Founder - Say it Now Movement
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Walter Green is a man on a mission. He’s the author of, This Is The Moment, a mentor, lecturer and is involved in many nonprofits. He’s all about ...
True Crime Author Deborah Holt Larkin
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jeniffer and Chad are joined by guest Deborah Larkin. Deborah is the author of A Lovely Girl. The novel is part true crime drama, part...
Author Tom Rob Smith talks about his novel Cold People
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Rob Smith speaks with Jeniffer via Warwick’s books about his latest novel, Cold People. Tom is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and crea...
Laura Cathcart Robbins - Author - Stash: My Life in Hiding
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Cathcart Robbins is back! Laura has been on The Premise before to talk about her own podcast, The Only One in the Room. You can check it out her...
Mike Rothschild - Author - The Storm is Upon Us
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark is an expert on the wacky world of conspiracies and bunk science, but his background is in theater, which is apropos since today’s conspiracies...
Suzanne Allain - Author/Screenwriter Mr. Malcolm's List
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Suzanne is another writer who was working in an entirely different field before she decided to take a chance and try her hand at something she’d alw...
Mona Awad - Author - All's Well
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Although there’s an obvious nod to Shakespeare in All’s Well, the protagonist of Awad’s latest novel was inspired by her own experience with pai...
Authors Eve Chase & Rosie Walsh
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eve and Rosie both get a chance to discuss their writing processes, note the similarities and differences, and realize there’s really no wrong way t...
Anastasia Zadeik - Author Blurred Fates
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anastasia Zadeik is a writer, editor, and storyteller. Dedicated to helping writers bring their stories to the page, stage, and screen. She serves as ...
Jane Friedman - Editor of The Hot Sheet
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Jane Friedman about how she got started doing what she does. And she does a lot! Mostly, she’s an expert...
Laura L. Engel - Author - You'll Forget This Ever Happened
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On Wednesday, May 18th at 7:30pm Warwick's hosted Laura L. Engel as she discussed her new book, You'll Forget This Ever Happened: Secrets, Shame, and ...
Mark Gottlieb - Literary Agent - Trident Media Group
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark talks with Jeniffer and Chad about his long history in the publishing world, his point of view as a current agent for one of the top literary age...
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney - Author of The Nest and Good Company - Live at Warwick's Books
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cynthia’s second novel, Good Company, had the misfortune of coming out in the midst of the pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped its success! It just ...
How to get your books into bookstores - Warwick's Book Buyers
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jeniffer and Chad chat with Warwick’s Director of Events, Julie Slavinsky and Book Buyer, Adrian Newell. They share insider knowledge and some fun a...
Joe Ide Talks His Latest Novel - The Goodbye Coast
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Ide’s latest novel is a departure from his IQ series. The Goodbye Coast puts Raymond Chandler’s classic detective protagonist, Philip Marlowe,...
Adrienne Brodeur - Award Winning Author of Wild Game
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wild Game details Adrienne being brought into her mother’s secret adult world at the age of fourteen, and the years that followed as she took her pl...
Swan Huntley - Author of Getting Clean With Stevie Green + The Goddesses + We Could Be Beautiful
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stevie Green is an organizing and decluttering guru whose own life is a total mess, which makes her relatable. And if her character seems very real, m...
Rick Ridgeway Author of Life Lived Wild, Environmentalist, Adventurer
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jeniffer and Chad speak with Rick about his book, Life Lived Wild, and how it’s more than just a memoir of his adventures. Rick expl...
Lee Wind - Author of Red and Green and Blue and White
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As you may guess from the title, the delightful children's book Lee recently wrote is about holiday magic and the ways the holidays are celebrated. As...
Peter Heller discusses his new book, The Guide
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's not surprising that Peter Heller is able to bring elements of suspense to his latest thriller novel, The Guide. After all, he's quite the adventu...
Marlena Fiol & Ed O'Connor Author
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Called is a novel about fighting for what you believe in, no matter the cost. And though this particular version is fiction, it’s based very much in...
How to Pitch a Literary Agent with Elise Capron
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Check out the San Diego Writers Festival July 17 and July 31 (2 full days) it's virtual and free on Facebook heresandiegowritersfestival.com
Scott Myers - Screenwriter (K-9, Alaska) Black List screenwriting blog
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Meyers is a cornucopia of knowledge of screenwriting and he helps others learn it via classes at DePaul University, his workshops, and his highl...
Eric Nguyen - Author Things We Lost to the Water
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Things We Lost to the Water is Eric Nguyen’s first novel, but you would never know by reading it. It’s a multilayered, beautifully written story o...
Mike Ayers - Author One Last Song
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jeniffer and Chad talk with Journalist Mike Ayers about how he came up with the idea for his book, One Last Song, and how asking such a specific, and ...
Chris Bohjalian - Bestselling Author Hour of the Witch
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chris describes his novel as suspense; a slow burn. But it’s much more than that. Jeniffer and Chris talk about what went into crafting his historic...
Sue Monk Kidd - Author The Book of Longings
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sue Monk Kidd is no stranger to controversy. From the topics of her books, to deciding she wanted to be a writer in a place and time where that was ju...
Donna Leon - Author of the Guido Brunetti Mystery series
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donna Leon is the author of the Brunetti Mysteries, and in this episode she tells Jeniffer about her process, and how real life is always inspiring ne...
Laraine Newman - Original SNL cast member - author of May You Live in Interesting Times
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Laraine, despite her mother’s pleas to not go into show business, of course, went into show business. Which, you may have guessed, turned out pretty...
Gregory Brown - Author of The Lowering Days
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Russo called Gregory Brown’s debut novel, “...a lush, almost mythic portrait of a very specific place and time…” and you’ll get a go...
043 - Angela Bole - CEO Independent Book Publishers Association
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Angela Bole is the CEO of the IBPA, and she tells Jeniffer and Chad a little about the history and purpose of the organization. They discuss how the I...
042 - Clare Beams - Author of The Illness Lesson
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Illness Lesson is historical fiction that takes place in the 19th century, and was inspired by true events. Namely, a mysterious mass illness. Cl...
041 - Chris Whitaker - Author of We Begin at the End
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Whitaker’s most recent novel, We Begin at the End, was actually conceived of very early in his writing journey. Like few other authors, Chris ...
040 - Olga Grushin - Author of The Charmed Wife
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Olga Grushin wrote her first story at just seven years old, and it happens to have been a fairy tale. She discusses why she chose to write in English,...
039 - Stephanie Plymale - Author American Daughter
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Her memoir has been called harrowing, and her childhood was unimaginably traumatic. But today, Stephanie is a successful author, the CEO of Heritage S...
038 - Sally Collings, Book Proposal Expert
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sally Collings is a Book Proposal Expert, Ghostwriter and former Assistant Editor at Harper Collins and she knows her stuff. Jeniffer and Chad talk wi...
037 - Ghostwriter Derek Lewis
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest, Derek Lewis, is a business ghostwriter and author in his own right. Contrary to popular belief, the ghostwriter doesn't just write a bo...
036 - Dan & Sandra Smith - Smith Publicity
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode’s guests are Dan Smith, founder of Smith Publicity, and President, Sandy Smith. No, the last name isn’t a coincidence—they’re mar...
035 - Byron Lane & Steven Rowley Authors: A Star is Bored / The Editor
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Both The Editor and A Star is Bored have young, gay, male protagonists who find mentors in older, more powerful, albeit very different women. Both boo...
034 - Bill Clegg Agent/Author of The End of the Day and Did You Ever Have a Family
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In another partnership with San Diego’s Warwick’s Books, Jeniffer talks with Literary Agent andAuthor, Bill Clegg. In this episode, they discuss h...
033 - Linda Olson Author of Gone: A Memoir of Love, Body, and Taking Back My Life
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Linda Olson was in her late twenties, newly married, and a doctor when she was in a horrible accident while on vacation with her family. The aftermath...
032 - Justin Scheck - WSJ Reporter and Coauthor of Blood and Oil
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. In this episode, Wall Street Journal reporter, Justin Scheck talks with Jeniffer about his experience...
031 - Simon Stephenson - Author of Set My Heart to Five: A Novel - Pixar Screenwriter
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Set My Heart To Five is a book that examines the oddities of human behavior by observing them from the outside, via an Android named Jared. It's set i...
030 - Sigrid Nunez - Author - The Friend, What Are You Going Through
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sigrid Nunez is what may be considered a writer's writer, and she references other writers and the art itself often in her newest book, What Are You G...
029 - Ann Gonzales - Children's Book Author
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ann Gonzales is the creator and facilitator of Easel Does it-Art and Recovery workshops and author of the magnificent children's book, Beloved and the...
028 - John Vorhaus - Author
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jeniffer and Chad talk with John Vorhaus about what it takes to be a good comic writer and how some of those things may be inborn. They discuss everyt...
027 - Jan Eliasberg - Director, Screenwriter, & Author of Hannah's War
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jan Eliasberg has written and directed for theater, film, and television, including shows like Miami Vice, Criminal Minds, and Nashville. In this epis...
026 - Sara Schaefer Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Schaefer is an Emmy winning stand up comedian and comedy writer who's been featured on too many comedy shows to mention. If you don't already kno...
025 - Charles Rosenberg Alternative Fiction Author, Lawyer, Professor
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Charles Rosenberg is not only the author of several novels based on imagined history, but a Law professor and script consultant for several Prime Time...
024 - Brad Thor - New York Times Bestselling Author
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You might suspect Brad Thor's background hosting the TV series Traveling Lite had something to do with his interest in international espionage and adv...
Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black, is interviewed by Marni Freedman.
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The San Diego Writers Festival was born out of a passion to unite our community through storytelling and to give a voice to those who often feel voice...
023 - Elliot Ackerman - Author Red Dress in Black & White
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode goes into detail about how and why Ackerman wrote his latest novel, Red Dress in Black and White. You’ll hear how his work is info...
022 - Carlos De Los Rios - Screenplay Writer, Author, Poet
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode Jeniffer and Chad talk with Carlos De Los Rios about Hollywood insider stuff, how he came into screenwriting, and some of the wor...
021 - Jason Stanley - Philosopher, Author - How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is a conversation in partnership with Warwick’s Books. Jeniffer talks with Jason Stanley about his latest book, How Fascism Works:...
020 - Mark Coker - Founder of Smashwords and Author
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Coker, founder of the ebook publishing and distribution platform, Smashwords talks with Jeniffer and Chad about the world of Indie publishing. He...
019 - Keith Rosson - Author - Road Seven
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Author and Artist, Keith Rosson chats with Jeniffer and Chad about his latest novel, Road Seven; a genre-bending mix of character driv...
018 - Creativity in the Time of COVID-19 with Marni Freedman
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Marni Freedman, writing coach and co-founder of the San Diego Writer's Festival joins Jeniffer and Chad to discuss how physical distancing and Covid-1...
017 - Jerry Yudelson - Author - The Godfather of Green: An Eco-Spiritual Memoir
22 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on The Premise Chad and Jeniffer talk to Jerry Yudelson about his role in the first Earth Day, his newest book, "The Godfather of Green", and ...
016 - Jeff Ourvan - Literary Agent, Author, Writing Coach, and Attorney (but we'll let that last one slide)
15 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jeniffer and Chad talk with Jeff Ourvan in this episode. Jeff is currently a literary agent, writer and writing coach. They talk about his past as a c...
015 - Eilene Zimmerman - Author Smacked: A Story of White-Collar Ambition, Addiction, and Tragedy
08 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Eilene Zimmerman, long-time journalist and contributor to The New York Times talks with Jeniffer and Chad about her new memoir, Smacked:A Story of Whi...
Bonus Episode - Warwick's Bookstore Hot Picks for the Lock Down
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While Warwick's may have canceled their in-house author events, they're still shipping books. Help independent bookstores and keep yourself safe and e...
014 - Elise Capron - Agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
01 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Elise is most interested in well-written narrative non-fiction (particularly trade-friendly history, cultural studies, and science) as well as charact...
013 - Tavia Gilbert - Audio Book Narrator, Writer, Producer and Performer
25 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jeniffer and Chad talk to Audio Book Narrator, Writer and Performer Tavia Gilbert. They discuss her background in theater and how one ah-ha moment spa...
012 - Dr. Gloria Chance - Psychologist, Author, Innovation & Creativity Expert
18 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Gloria Chance is a Creative/Expressive Arts and Peak Performance Psychologist and the Founder, CEO The Mousai Group. In this episode Jeniffer and ...
011 - Brooke Warner - Founder She Writes Press
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc. and the author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light You...