The Stories Behind the Stories: Featured Speakers at Wanderlust Puerto Vallarta 2026

Wanderlust Puerto Vallarta 2026 features some amazing writers and authors, and this October, we’re inviting you to come hear the stories behind the stories.

Our featured speaker program brings together established authors, emerging writers, comedians and storytellers for comedy, talks, readings and more, hosted by Puerto Vallarta radio and television personality Jessy Ruiz of Asphalt Radio.

It’s an opportunity to hear writers share their work and experiences live, and to discover some of the people who make Puerto Vallarta’s literary community, and the wider world of books, so interesting.

Valerie Branch

Valerie Branch knows a thing or two about telling a good story. Her career has included both stand-up comedy and radio in the San Francisco Bay Area, and she is now a co-author of Expats: Living the Dream, sharing her story of leaving California and embracing a new life in Mexico.

After moving to Puerto Vallarta in 2025, Valerie settled in Yelapa, where she has developed a particular interest in gathering the stories and intergenerational wisdom of the people around her. Her work brings together storytelling, community, humour and the adventure of starting over abroad.

Vincent Traughber Meis

With ten novels and the short-story collection Far from Home to his name, Vincent Traughber Meis brings a wealth of writing experience to the Wanderlust stage.

His novels Tio Jorge, Down in Cuba and Deluge received Rainbow Awards, while The Mayor of Oak Street and First Born Sons earned Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards. His work extends well beyond novels: over the course of his career, he has also written plays, short stories, travel articles, poetry and book reviews. Vincent divides his time between Oakland, California and Puerto Vallarta.

Ilana Long

Get ready for some laughs when Ilana Long takes the stage.

Ilana is the author of the romantic comedies Pickleballers and Pickle Perfect, published by Berkley Publishing in 2024 and 2025. She is also a stand-up comic, sketch comedy writer and actress who studied and performed improv at The Second City in Chicago.

Her writing also includes the picture book Ziggy’s Big Idea, and her essays have appeared in multiple Chicken Soup for the Soul collections. She lives in Bellevue, Washington and Puerto Vallarta.

Jodi Bradbury

Jodi Bradbury is a writer, culinary professional and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef originally from Boston and now based in Puerto Vallarta.

She is currently working on a memoir exploring identity, grief and reinvention and is an active member of Puerto Vallarta's Plumas Azules writers' group. The work Jodi will share at Wanderlust has an interesting beginning of its own: it started as a timed writing prompt at Plumas Azules.

Seth Davenport

Seth Davenport is a recent Puerto Vallarta transplant who moved here with his wife in search of new adventures.

A member of the Plumas Azules Writers' Group, Seth's passions include writing, storytelling, social justice advocacy, running and video games. At Wanderlust, he looks forward to sharing stories exploring liberation, Afrofuturism and science fiction.

Michèle Favarger

Canadian non-fiction author Michèle Favarger writes about everything from health and Stoicism to Mexican culture and rescue dogs, both under her own name and the pen names Summer Fitchley and Casey Rowan.

She is also a certified Nonviolent Communication trainer and Hispanic Studies graduate who has presented workshops in Canada and abroad. Since 2019, Michèle has spent part of each year in Mexico, helping extranjeros better understand the culture she now calls home.

María Velázquez Ammerman

Southern California native and dual U.S.-México citizen María Velázquez Ammerman is another of the contributors to Expats: Living the Dream, sharing her personal story of moving to Mexico and embracing life abroad.

Now based in Puerto Vallarta, María's interests and activities are as varied as the city itself, from voiceover work, travel and home improvement to volunteering with her church and animal-welfare causes, beachcombing with her rescue dogs and searching for the next great street taco.

Hosted by Jessy Ruiz of Asphalt Radio

Bringing it all together will be Jessy Ruiz, Guest Host for the featured author and speaker presentations.

Jessy is a bilingual radio and television host and community advocate based in Puerto Vallarta. She is the creator and host of ASPHALT: Vallarta's Own Local All-English Radio Show and co-host of CPS News with Jessy and Brent. Through her work with CPS Media and Asphalt Radio, she covers local news, businesses and community events while connecting residents, expats and visitors throughout Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas.

Come Hear the Stories Behind the Stories

The featured speakers are just one part of Wanderlust Puerto Vallarta 2026 — A Literary & Community Gala.

Join us for books, authors, comedy, talks, readings, live music by Shadrack, a book fair, author signings, a silent auction and our book drive in support of Vallarta School for Girls.

Sunday, October 25, 20264:00–9:30 PM

Oscar's Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta

General Admission: $250 MXN | Students Free Want to join us for a VIP Dinner? Details here: Wanderlust-Gala 2026 | Clipston Publishing