Writer, Journalist and Political Commentator, Molly Jong-Fast, discusses her upbringing and career: from the impact of her mother, Erica Jong, and her involvement in Second Wave Feminism; to her grandfather Howard Fast’s links to McCarthyism. Jong-Fast shares how these familial figures have shaped her life and her work, from her journalistic output to her commentary on Trumpism in America.
00:00 Introduction to Molly Jong-Fast.
00:53 Early Years: Growing up around Second Wave Feminism through mother, Erica Jong.
02:05 Discussing her grandfather, renowned author Howard Fast.
04:04 Dissecting Howard Fast’s Spartacus and his links to McCarthyism.
05:57 Understanding Howard Fast’s self-publications and his jail time.
09:38 Molly Jong-Fast’s political writing on Trump, Trumpism and the impact of McCarthy.
11:32 Finding stability in family life.
12:40 The impact of sobriety on Molly Jong-Fast’s creative output.
13:44 Using her privilege to help others.
15:46 Understanding how parenthood shapes Molly Jong-Fast’s political and professional goals.
The Thread Episode 5 launching on 12th November @ 10am ET
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🔍 About Molly Jong-Fast
Molly Jong-Fast was born into a literary dynasty, to novelists Erica Jong and Jonathan Fast, and she is known for her work as a journalist, author and political commentator. Graduating from her BA at Banard College followed by her MFA at Bennington College, Jong-Fast, began her career as an author, publishing novels Normal Girl and The Social Climber’s Handbook, as well as a memoir, Girl [Maladjusted]. More recently, she has focused her writing on politics, and she writes for a large selection of major publications including The Atlantic and Vanity Fair.
Interviewee: Molly Jong-Fast
Interviewed By: David Bender
Interview Date: 25th July 2023
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