Everything In Conversation: Novel Writing, Men Who Won't Grow Up & Sally Rooney with Jem Calder

From Everything Is Content by Beth, Ruchira & Oenone

June 17, 2026 · 45 min · Season 2 · Episode 170

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Jem Calder discussing his debut novel and themes of modern relationships.

Happy Wednesday EICrickets! In today's episode we're joined by writer and novelist Jem Calder, whose debut novel I Want You To Be Happy was released last month. The three of us all separately recommended the book on the pod, and we're in good company as fans. Andrew O'Hagan called Jem his "new favourite writer" and Sally Rooney said it was an "irresistible novel that asks complex questions about contemporary life and refuses easy answers. I couldn't stop reading." The book follows the unfurling, complicated relationship between Chuck, a 35-year-old copywriter working at a large ad agency, and Joey, a 23-year-old barista living payday to payday who nurtures a quiet ambition of becoming a poet. We talk to Jem about the themes of his novel- don't worry, no spoilers- plus the writing process, what he thinks about modern dating, dating apps, men who refuse to grow up and being "discovered" by Sally Rooney. Plus plenty of book recs & writing advice. Thanks so much for listening! See you Friday! B, O, R x -------- Penguin - Switzy by Emma Cline Waterstones - I Want You To Be Happy by Jem Calder Faber & Faber - Reward System by Jem Calder Dazed Digital - I Want You to Be Happy…

People in this episode

Hosts: Beth, Ruchira, Oenone

Guest: Jem Calder

Topics covered

novel writing
modern dating
book recommendations
writing advice
contemporary life

Keywords

Jem Calder
I Want You To Be Happy
Sally Rooney
novel writing
modern dating
book recommendations
writing advice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Penguin, Waterstones, Faber & Faber, Dazed Digital

Books & works: I Want You To Be Happy, Reward System