Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast
Episode: Connie Chung's Memoir Connie (with Connie Wang)
Host: Chelsea Devantez
Guest: Connie Wang
Release Date: November 8, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In this captivating episode of Glamorous Trash, host Chelsea Devantez delves into the intricate world of celebrity memoirs, focusing on the latest release, "Connie", authored by the legendary television journalist Connie Chung. Joining Chelsea is Connie Wang, a respected journalist and writer, adding a layer of depth to the discussion.

Guest Introduction

Chelsea introduces her guest, Connie Wang, highlighting her impressive credentials:

• Author of: Oh My. A Memoir and Nine Adventures
• Former Role: Executive Director at Refinery29
• Achievements: Hosted and co-produced the documentary series Style Out, received accolades like the ONA Award for Online Commentary, the AJA Award for Excellence in Commentary, and was a finalist for the Poynter Journalism Prize.

Chelsea expresses excitement about having Connie Wang on the show, especially after discovering that Connie Wang is featured as a character in Connie Chung's memoir.

Chelsea Demontez [03:32]: "She is also just a huge figure in pop culture. She broke through so many barriers in journalism as a woman, as a Chinese American woman."

Writing Memoirs: Challenges and Insights

The conversation shifts to the nature of memoir writing versus journalism. Connie Wang shares her perspective:

Connie Wang [05:15]: "The best thing about memoir is you don't have to report at all. You just sit down and you type out some words. You pull it out from your brain."

Contrastingly, Chelsea reflects on the rigorous reporting process journalists undergo, which seldom applies to memoirists.

Connie Chung's Background and Memoir Highlights

Chelsea provides an overview of Connie Chung's groundbreaking career, emphasizing her role in breaking gender and racial barriers in journalism. They discuss the memoir's structure, noting it combines factual reporting with intimate personal revelations.

Personal Stories from Connie Chung's Memoir

Naming of Connies

A surprising revelation in the memoir is how Connie Wang discovers numerous women named after Connie Chung, creating a unique bond:

Connie Wang [15:24]: "This is surreal, it's crazy. And I can't believe that it took this like a wimpy little, like, journalist calling her on the phone to be like, hey, can you, like, answer some questions for me..."

This connection underscores the lasting impact Connie Chung has had on generations of Asian American women.

Relationship with Maury Povich

Their discussion delves into Connie Chung's personal life, particularly her relationship with talk show host Maury Povich. Connie Wang narrates anecdotes from the memoir that reveal the complexities and challenges of their relationship, including professional and personal tensions.

Connie Wang [21:10]: "And so she had to do it again. And she was like, why, Bori? Why are you making me do this to Dan Rather?"

Challenges in the Journalism World

Connie Wang highlights the memoir's exploration of sexism within the journalism industry. They discuss instances where Connie Chung faced contractual restrictions that marginalized her role compared to her male counterparts.

Chelsea Demontez [46:29]: "When Jane went on her second three month maternity leave, I discovered she was not allowed to say good morning first when the program opened."

Experiences with Male Colleagues

The memoir reveals Connie Chung's interactions with influential male figures, including unsettling encounters with Hollywood personalities like Ryan O'Neal and Jimmy Carter.

Chelsea Demontez [25:19]: "Before I knew it, the night was over... I hopped in my black Jensen Healey convertible, gunned my motor and scooted down the hill, waiting for him down the road."

Dealing with Sexual Abuse

A poignant moment in the memoir is Connie Chung's recounting of her experience with sexual abuse by her family doctor, which she bravely shares in the context of the MeToo movement.

Chelsea Demontez [37:16]: "She molested her. And she writes about it in detail, which I really loved, because I think it's really hard to do that."

Reflections on Feminism and Female Relationships in Media

The conversation deepens into the dynamics of female relationships within the media industry. Connie Wang reflects on how seasoned women in journalism sometimes perpetuate the same systemic issues they once fought against.

Connie Wang [64:52]: "There was Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer... they're creating their own tables but couldn't drop them."

Chelsea adds her insights on the competitive nature among women in media, drawing parallels to the scarcity mindset.

Chelsea Demontez [66:15]: "My idea of feminism is that when a woman is horrible and gets fired, it's cause you know, she's bad at her job, not because you have to..."

Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its conclusion, Chelsea and Connie Wang share personal reflections on the memoir's impact. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of Connie Chung's revelations and how they resonate with contemporary issues in journalism and feminism.

Chelsea Demontez [70:07]: "You're so cool. You are the guidepost in this book. You, like, showed an icon their story. You found this anecdote and showed a piece of history that everyone was missing."

Book Dual Test

In a unique segment, both Chelsea and Connie Wang answer three questions to evaluate the memoir:

1. Was the author vulnerable in sharing her truth?

   • Connie Wang: 80% Yes, 20% No
   • Chelsea Demontez: 20% Yes, 80% No

2. Was it entertaining to read?

   • Both agree it was, though Chelsea found the factual tone less engaging.

3. Did reading this book elevate your life in any way?

   • Connie Wang: Absolutely, especially discovering her name in the memoir.
   • Chelsea Demontez: Expresses deep admiration and support for Connie's impact.

Conclusion

The episode offers an in-depth exploration of Connie Chung's memoir, "Connie", through the insightful dialogue between Chelsea Devantez and Connie Wang. They navigate through Connie Chung's storied career, personal struggles, and the broader implications of her experiences in the journalism landscape. The memoir serves as both a historical account and a personal narrative, shedding light on the complexities faced by pioneering women in media.

Notable Quotes:

• Connie Wang [01:56]: "I devised a survival plan. I looked around and I said, well, heck, I'm going to be a guy too."
• Connie Wang [07:20]: "I had so thoroughly convinced myself that I was one of the white guys..."
• Chelsea Demontez [26:48]: "I did the madness. What a gift of like Dan Rather. Slander. Well, not slander. This is just the truth, right?"
• Connie Wang [51:35]: "She's still coming up with tricks in her, you know, in her, you know, in her 70s."

Connect with Connie Wang:

• Instagram: @ConnieWang (Note: Due to username availability, follow as @ConnieWang.)

Where to Find "Connie":

• Available at bookstores and online retailers.

Further Engagement:

• Follow Chelsea Devantez on [Instagram], [TikTok], and other social media platforms to stay updated on future episodes and discussions.

Thank You to Our Production Team: Special thanks to producer Christina Lopez, executive producer Jordan Moncada, sound engineer Marcus Homm, and associate producer Jaron Padre for their outstanding work in bringing this episode to life.

Support Independent Bookstores: If you love audiobooks and wish to support independent bookstores, visit Libro FM and use code TRASH for two audiobooks at the price of one during your first month.

Stay tuned for more engaging discussions on Glamorous Trash, where we continue to explore the glamorous and the trashy sides of celebrity memoirs and pop culture!