All Of It: Cartoonist Harry Bliss on Grieving His Dog Through Drawing

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guest: Harry Bliss, illustrator, author, and New York magazine cartoonist
• Episode Title: Cartoonist Harry Bliss On Grieving His Dog Through Drawing
• Release Date: April 30, 2025
• Description: Harry Bliss discusses his new graphic memoir, You Can Never Die, focusing on the profound impact of his late dog Penny, his creative process, and his journey through grief and self-discovery.

1. Introduction to Harry Bliss and His New Book

Alison Stewart introduces Harry Bliss and his latest work, You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir. The cover of the book features a drawing of Bliss's beloved dog, Penny, whose passing plays a central role in the memoir. Alison sets the stage for a deep dive into how grieving Penny has influenced Bliss's understanding of his past, including his challenging childhood and relationships, as well as his creative pursuits.

Notable Quote:

• Alison Stewart [00:28]: "Penny has died and Penny was one of the most important relationships in Harry's life."

2. The Structure and Intent of the Memoir

Harry Bliss explains the unique structure of his memoir, which begins with an intention rather than a traditional introduction. This approach aims to foster intimacy, offering readers a curated glimpse into his thoughts and experiences over three years of loss, interwoven with humor.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Bliss [01:18]: "The idea was to create intimacy in the book."
• Harry Bliss [05:18]: "I want it to be frank because that's the only way you're going to get intimacy with people."

3. The Profound Bond with Penny

Bliss delves into his relationship with Penny, describing her as integral to both his personal life and professional career. Penny inspired numerous cartoons, including covers for The New Yorker and collaborations with notable figures like Steve Martin. Their 17-year companionship provided Bliss with empathy, kindness, and patience, qualities he reflects were lacking during his abusive childhood.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Bliss [02:15]: "She has inspired countless cartoons... she was an intimate part of my, my wife and I, our lives for 17 years."
• Harry Bliss [02:50]: "The relationship with Penny opened up a window to empathy, kindness, love, patience."

4. Navigating Grief and Family Relationships

The conversation shifts to Bliss's processing of grief, particularly following the deaths of his parents within a month of each other. Writing became a cathartic tool for him to understand and cope with these losses. Bliss acknowledges learning about his parents posthumously by going through his mother's possessions, highlighting the organic unfolding of his understanding.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Bliss [06:36]: "Most of my understanding came from my parents passing because it all kind of unfolded organically as I was writing about Penny."
• Harry Bliss [07:36]: "I wouldn't be here without them... How can you not dedicate a book to them."

5. The Imaginary Interview with Terry Gross

Bliss discusses his creative decision to include an imaginary interview with Terry Gross from Fresh Air. This device allowed him to explore personal topics, such as the adoption of his child, in a conversational format. By meticulously emulating Gross's interviewing style, Bliss aimed to maintain authenticity and depth in his narrative.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Bliss [08:33]: "I imagined myself in the studio with Terry, and I imagine what she says..."
• Harry Bliss [09:16]: "I listened to radio and I really just... wrote it in my mind with Terry."

6. The Writing and Publishing Journey

Bliss reflects on the challenges of compiling his memoir, which integrates journal entries, prose, and cartoons. His children, Alex and Sarah, played a crucial role in curating the content to ensure coherence and relatability. The editing process was emotionally taxing, involving multiple revisions that prompted both tears and laughter due to the memoir's candid and sometimes irreverent content.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Bliss [11:07]: "We needed those things to be kind of meshed together, integrated in a way that was coherent and somewhat funny and interesting."
• Harry Bliss [12:22]: "It was an emotional process."

7. Personal Reflections and Daily Life

Bliss shares insights into his daily routine, which centers around creativity and reflection. His mornings begin with journaling and drawing, laying the groundwork for his cartoons. This disciplined practice fosters a continuous flow of ideas and narratives that fuel his work.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Bliss [16:57]: "I start writing... and then I'll draw a square and start putting ink to paper."
• Harry Bliss [17:56]: "I draw and write every day."

8. Embracing New Beginnings with Junior

Introducing his new Australian Shepherd, Junior, Bliss expresses both joy and anxiety about future pet loss. Junior brings vitality and affection into Bliss's life, but also serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitable grief that comes with deep emotional bonds.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Bliss [18:04]: "He's amazing... the Timothy Chalamet of dogs."
• Harry Bliss [18:51]: "I know [massive grief] is coming and I'm still reckoning with it."

9. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

The episode wraps up with information about Bliss's upcoming appearance at PNT Knitwear, encouraging listeners to engage with his work and support his ongoing creative endeavors.

Final Thoughts: Harry Bliss's You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir offers an intimate glimpse into his life, art, and the profound impact of losing his beloved dog, Penny. Through candid storytelling and evocative illustrations, Bliss navigates themes of grief, love, and self-discovery, inviting readers to connect deeply with his experiences.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Harry Bliss [19:14]: "Thanks, Alison."

Connect with Harry Bliss:

• Event: Appearance at PNT Knitwear
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Details: For tickets and more information, visit pntknitwear.com.

This summary captures the essence of Harry Bliss's conversation on "All Of It," highlighting his journey through grief, the creative process behind his memoir, and his enduring bond with his pets and family.