The Premise

Jeniffer & Chad Thompson
  • 4.9 (27)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. Caitlin Rother on her new book "Staged": Murder, Corruption, Journalism, and the Return of Katrina & Goode

    1d ago

    Caitlin Rother on her new book "Staged": Murder, Corruption, Journalism, and the Return of Katrina & Goode

    Today on The Premise, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome bestselling author Caitlin Rother back to the podcast to celebrate the release of Staged, the highly anticipated second installment in her Katrina and Goode thriller series. Picking up immediately after the events of Hooked, Staged dives deeper into corruption, suspicious deaths, investigative journalism, and the growing tension between reporter Katrina Sullivan and detective Ken Goode. Caitlin discusses her transition from award-winning investigative reporter to thriller writer, how real-life corruption cases inspire her fiction, the importance of journalistic ethics, and what readers can expect from future books in the series. In This Episode Why Staged can be enjoyed as a standalone novel despite being Book 2The challenge of balancing action and backstory in thriller writingHow modern publishing relies heavily on reader reviews, sales, and dataCaitlin's experience writing Books 3 and 4 before publication decisions are finalizedThe fascinating true story behind her bestselling memoir My Life DeletedWhy even accomplished authors continue learning through workshops, webinars, and beta readersHow experts—including prosecutors, detectives, and therapists—help ensure realism in her novelsThe real-world science behind genetic genealogy and DNA databasesThe influence of the Golden State Killer Investigation on the seriesSan Diego legends, including the famous "Munchkin Houses" of La JollaThe ethical dilemma at the heart of Katrina and Goode's relationshipJournalism ethics: why reporters don't date sources or assist investigationsLessons from Caitlin's years covering government, crime, and corruptionThe real San Diego political scandal known as "Strippergate" and how it inspired elements of the seriesWhy corruption is often harder to write than readers might expectHints about the escalating stakes in Books 3 and 4

    52 min
  2. Lisa See on Daughters of the Sun and Moon, Historical Memory, and the Women Behind Los Angeles' Hidden History

    Jun 9

    Lisa See on Daughters of the Sun and Moon, Historical Memory, and the Women Behind Los Angeles' Hidden History

    Episode Summary Bestselling author Lisa See joins Jeniffer and Chad Thompson to discuss her powerful new novel, Daughters of the Sun and Moon. Inspired by real women who lived in Los Angeles during the 1870s, the novel explores friendship, resilience, identity, racism, and survival against the backdrop of the largely forgotten Chinese Massacre of 1871. Lisa discusses how her deeply researched historical fiction emerged from personal questions and themes she was grappling with in her own life. She explores why Los Angeles' violent early history has largely disappeared from public memory and how court records, photographs, and other historical documents helped shape the novel. Throughout the conversation, Lisa reflects on the importance of confronting difficult histories and what can be lost when we choose to forget them. In This Episode: Lisa See's Literary Brand  How friendship, family, and women's relationships became recurring themes across Lisa's novels  Why authentic storytelling creates a lasting author brand  The importance of writing from personal curiosity rather than market trends The Inspiration Behind Daughters of the Sun and Moon  The true stories that inspired the novel's three main characters:  Dove, a young bride brought to Los Angeles in an arranged marriage  Moon, wife of a prominent Chinese physician  Petal, inspired by women sold into prostitution who fought relentlessly for freedom  Why Lisa wanted to tell this story through the eyes of women The Chinese Massacre of 1871  The little-known tragedy that serves as the novel's historical centerpiece  How 10% of Los Angeles' Chinese population was murdered during one night of violence  Why historians consider it one of the largest mass lynchings in American history A Different Los Angeles  Why 1870s Los Angeles was considered one of the most violent towns in the American West  How the city's leaders later worked to erase this history  Lisa's theory about why Hollywood's rise contributed to the public forgetting Los Angeles' violent past Researching the Novel  Examining original court documents at the Huntington Library  Discovering handwritten maps, trial transcripts, and historical records  Testing whether Chinese medicinal herbs could actually be grown on a windowsill, just as they are in the novel Chinese Medicine and Cultural Traditions  The role of traditional Chinese medicine in the story  Lisa's personal connection to Chinese medicine and acupuncture  The symbolic importance of immigrants carrying soil from their homeland Lisa See's Writing Process  Why she writes the final line of every novel before beginning chapter one  How the ending rarely changes, even when the journey does  Her unusual reading habit: reading the first chapter and the last chapter before continuing a book Themes of Memory and History  The importance of remembering difficult chapters of history  Connections between historical anti-Chinese violence and modern anti-Asian hate  Why societies continue to repeat patterns when history is forgotten Aphorisms, Wisdom, and Structure  How a poem by Lao Tzu shaped the structure of the novel  Lisa's lifelong fascination with aphorisms  The timeless wisdom that transcends culture and generations

    56 min
  3. Stephen P. Kiernan on Pollock’s Last Lover, Women in Art, and the Power of Storytelling

    May 20

    Stephen P. Kiernan on Pollock’s Last Lover, Women in Art, and the Power of Storytelling

    In this episode of The Premise, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson sit down with bestselling author Stephen P. Kiernan to discuss his forthcoming novel, Pollock’s Last Lover—a layered story about art, deception, power, and the women surrounding legendary painter Jackson Pollock. Stephen shares the surprising inspiration behind the novel, why he abandoned an early draft after 180 pages, and how the story ultimately became less about Pollock himself and more about the women navigating power, ambition, sexuality, and survival across two different eras. The conversation explores:  The real-life inspiration behind Ruth Kligman  Writing complex female characters as a male author  The emotional intensity of Pollock’s art and legacy  Researching the New York art world and auction houses  How symbolism (including watch advertisements set to 10:10) found its way into the novel  Stephen’s writing process, revision philosophy, and life as a former journalist turned novelist This episode is a deep dive into creativity, historical fiction, gender dynamics, and the mysteries of artistic genius.

    56 min
  4. Author Sasha Abramsky - Power, Propaganda, and the Human Cost of Policy

    May 13

    Author Sasha Abramsky - Power, Propaganda, and the Human Cost of Policy

    The Premise Podcast — Episode Show Notes Guest: Sasha Abramsky Hosts: Jeniffer Thompson & Chad Thompson Topic: Power, propaganda, and the human cost of political systems Episode Overview In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Jeniffer and Chad sit down with journalist and author Sasha Abramsky to unpack the political, emotional, and human realities shaping America today. The discussion centers on Abramsky’s latest book, American Carnage, which explores how systemic government disruption impacts real lives—and what it reveals about power, democracy, and accountability. From the illusion of normalcy in everyday life to the dismantling of institutions behind the scenes, this episode connects the big-picture political landscape with deeply personal stories. Featured BookAmerican Carnage: How Trump, Musk, and Doge Butchered the U.S. Government

    56 min
  5. Getting “Naked in the Now” with Marijke McCandless

    May 7

    Getting “Naked in the Now” with Marijke McCandless

    Episode Overview What does it really mean to be present—and why does it feel so hard? In this episode, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson 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 Guest Marijke 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.

    53 min
  6. Kelly Conroy - Author, Duck Scientist, Rally Racer

    Apr 17

    Kelly Conroy - Author, Duck Scientist, Rally Racer

    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.

    59 min
  7. Emma Grey - Bestselling Author "Start at the End"

    Apr 10

    Emma Grey - Bestselling Author "Start at the End"

    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.

    54 min
  8. Annabelle Gurwitch - Author "The End of My Life is Killing Me"

    Apr 3

    Annabelle Gurwitch - Author "The End of My Life is Killing Me"

    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

    57 min
See All (119)

4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeniffer & Chad Thompson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    119
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©Monkey C Media

You Might Also Like