All Of It Podcast Summary: "Memoir and Biography Week: Living with an Incurable Cancer Diagnosis"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Episode: Memoir and Biography Week: Living with an Incurable Cancer Diagnosis
• Release Date: July 30, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, delving into the what and why of creative and intellectual work within the vibrant context of New York City.

Introduction

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing the theme for the week: Memoir and Biography, focusing on living with an incurable cancer diagnosis. She previews upcoming guests, including Eva Victor and Stephanie Wambagu, and seamlessly transitions into the main interview with Jonathan Gluck, a writer diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Gluck's journey and his newly released memoir, An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope, form the core of this episode.

Jonathan Gluck's Journey: Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

At [00:07], Alison Stewart sets the stage by recounting Jonathan Gluck's unexpected diagnosis. At 38, Gluck was on a promising career path as the deputy editor at New York Magazine, married with a young child. A fall on ice led to an MRI that revealed a hip tumor, diagnosing him with multiple myeloma—a condition deemed incurable, giving him an estimated 18 months to live.

Notable Quotes:

• Alison Stewart [00:07]: "...multiple myeloma and given 18 months to live."
• Jonathan Gluck [02:11]: "I'm miraculously okay... treated... in complete remission."

Gluck explains his current status at [02:11], describing himself as "miraculously okay" due to effective treatments that have placed him in remission. Despite the incurable nature of his disease, the treatment has provided him with extended periods of health.

Understanding Multiple Myeloma

When Alison asks Gluck to explain multiple myeloma [02:56], he provides a clear, concise definition:

Jonathan Gluck [02:59]: "It's alternately referred to as a blood cancer or a bone marrow cancer... causes lesions on your bones... primarily presents as bone pain, which is the symptom I've had."

Gluck delves into the nature of the disease, highlighting its impact on bones and the broader cascade of health issues it can provoke.

Becoming an Informed Patient

As a writer and journalist, Gluck leveraged his skills to research his condition extensively. He discusses the dual nature of his background—facilitating thorough understanding and proactive healthcare advocacy, yet also exposing him to potentially distressing information online.

Jonathan Gluck [03:57]: "I knew how to research issues concerning my illness... find the best doctors and the best hospital where I could be treated."

He also touches upon the possible environmental factors contributing to his diagnosis, linking it to his proximity to Ground Zero post-9/11 and exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene, a known cause of multiple myeloma.

Jonathan Gluck [05:32]: "...benzene... a well-known cause of multiple myeloma."

Emotional Turmoil: Navigating a Limited Prognosis

Upon learning about his prognosis, Gluck experienced the classic five stages of grief rapidly:

Jonathan Gluck [07:09]: "I went through the classic five stages of grief... denial. The very first words... 'no, no, no, no, no.'"

He describes the immediate shock, denial, and initial coping mechanisms, such as pretending to be sick to avoid disclosing his condition prematurely.

Living with Chronic Uncertainty

Central to Gluck's memoir is the theme of uncertainty. He discusses the perpetual limbo that comes with living with an incurable disease, where each remission is temporary.

Jonathan Gluck [08:32]: "Cancer is an exercise in uncertainty."

He shares insights from Kate Sweeney, a sociologist specializing in uncertainty, emphasizing the human struggle with prolonged ambiguity.

Jonathan Gluck [19:12]: "People would rather have the bad outcome and just have it over with than have to wait... waiting is extremely difficult for humans."

Gluck advocates for engaging deeply in activities that anchor individuals in the present, mitigating the pervasive anxiety of "what ifs."

Advanced Treatments: CAR T Therapy

Gluck elaborates on his advanced treatment, CAR T therapy, which has been pivotal in achieving his current remission.

Jonathan Gluck [13:57]: "They take your T cells... bioengineer them... seek out and destroy your cancer cells... I've been in remission since that."

He details the complexity and intensive nature of the treatment, including hospitalization and the risks involved, yet underscores its effectiveness in his case.

Audience Interaction: Marcia's Story

A poignant moment occurs when listener Marcia shares her experience with lung and uterine cancer.

Marcia [16:54]: "...living in the place of the other shoe is going to drop doesn't allow me to actually experience anything in the present moment..."

Gluck empathizes and references academic research to provide Marcia and listeners with strategies to cope with perpetual uncertainty.

Jonathan Gluck [19:12]: "Distracting yourself by taking your mind off things... deeply engaged in an activity... drive those dark thoughts out of your mind."

Writing the Memoir: Challenges and Perspectives

Gluck discusses the challenges he faced while writing his memoir, striving to present a narrative that goes beyond the conventional "fight and either die or survive" story. He introduces the concept of "cancer zombies"—individuals who live in a continuous state of battling cancer without a foreseeable end.

Jonathan Gluck [21:00]: "Those of us who are living with these illnesses for many, many years... cancer zombies."

This metaphor illustrates the enduring struggle and the new reality of living with a chronic, life-altering illness.

Summer Reading Picks: Broadening Horizons

Towards the end of the episode, Gluck shares his five picks for a summer reading challenge, showcasing his personal and professional interests beyond his memoir.

1. Classic Book: "Moby Dick"

   • Gluck admires it as the ultimate fishing book and a cornerstone of literature.

2. New York-Based Book: "Lush Life" by Richard Price

   • Praised for authentically capturing the essence of New York City.

3. Memoir: "Care and Feeding" by Laurie Wellover

   • Commended for its intelligent and honest depiction of the restaurant world and personal struggles.

4. Debut: "Bad Summer People" by Emma Rosenblum

   • A satirical and witty take on Fire Island's wealthy community.

5. Novel: "All Fours" by Miranda July

   • Celebrated for its candid and original portrayal of the interior life of its characters.

Jonathan Gluck [22:14-24:19]: Gluck elaborates on each recommendation, highlighting their significance and personal impact, further illustrating his multifaceted personality and interests.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for Gluck's insights and sharing about his memoir, An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope. The conversation offers a profound exploration of living with an incurable disease, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community support.

Final Exchange:

• Alison Stewart [25:13]: "Jonathan, it is really nice to see you again."
• Jonathan Gluck [25:15]: "It's wonderful to see you, Alison."

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in the Face of Chronic Illness: Gluck's narrative underscores the emotional and psychological resilience required to navigate life with an incurable cancer diagnosis.
• The Role of Advanced Treatments: Innovations like CAR T therapy can offer meaningful remission periods, significantly altering disease management and patient outlook.
• Coping with Uncertainty: Engaging in present-focused activities and finding personal anchors are crucial strategies for managing the perpetual uncertainty of chronic illness.
• Expanding the Cancer Narrative: Gluck's memoir contributes to a broader understanding of cancer, highlighting the experiences of those living with it long-term, beyond traditional survival or demise narratives.

This episode of All Of It offers listeners a deeply humanizing and intellectually stimulating conversation, blending personal memoir with broader cultural and medical insights.