Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast Episode: Neko Case’s Memoir The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You (with Jana Schmieding)
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host: Chelsea Devantez
Guest: Janice Schmieding

Episode Overview

In this deeply engaging episode of Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast, host Chelsea Devontez delves into Neko Case's latest memoir, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You. Joined by guest Janice Schmieding, a multifaceted writer, actor, and comedian known for her role in Peacock's Rutherford Falls, the duo explores the intricate layers of Case's life, her tumultuous upbringing, and her rise in the music industry.

Guest Introduction

Chelsea warmly welcomes Janice Schmieding, highlighting her impressive career in television and her own podcast, Sage Based Wisdom. Janice introduces her podcast, where she and co-host Brian Bahi dispense humorous and often questionable advice to callers, setting a light-hearted tone for the conversation.

How Host and Guest Met

Chelsea and Janice reminisce about their first encounters, sharing humorous anecdotes about meeting at a Stevie Nicks concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Chelsea recounts a memorable moment when she generously offered Janice the last piece of pizza, highlighting the quirky nature of their friendship.

Exploring Neko Case’s Memoir

Childhood and Family Dynamics

Janice expresses her admiration for Neko Case, describing her as an iconic folk and indie rock singer with a "witchy kind of badass figure." They discuss Case's painful childhood, marked by the death of her mother and the subsequent revelation that her mother had faked her death—a concept Janice describes as pseudocide. This traumatic experience profoundly impacted Case, leading to themes of neglect, abuse, and the struggle for forgiveness throughout the memoir.

Notable Quote:

"I wish it was easy to be done with people just because you want to be. To write them a letter and never think about them again."
— Chelsea Devontez [50:28]

Music Career and Artistic Journey

The conversation shifts to Case's ascent in the music world. Janice appreciates the lyrical beauty of the memoir but critiques the lack of detailed narrative around Case's musical training and the sudden emergence of her collaborations with renowned artists like Carl Newman. Chelsea echoes this sentiment, yearning for more insight into the pivotal moments that shaped Case's artistry.

Notable Quote:

"There were so much of her shows, I gotta believe, like, you know, once I went to a Brandi Carlisle concert a few years ago."
— Janice Schmieding [44:42]

Themes of Hate and Survival

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how Case channels hate and pain into her music, using these intense emotions as a survival mechanism. Janice relates this to her own experiences and debates the ethical implications of being motivated by spite. Both agree that while harnessing negative emotions can be empowering, it also poses challenges for long-term emotional health.

Notable Quote:

"One of the most powerful, energizing emotions is hate and pain. It can get you so far."
— Chelsea Devontez [23:56]

Struggles with Forgiveness

The memoir delves into Case's complex relationship with her mother, grappling with forgiveness and the haunting memories of her upbringing. Janice and Chelsea discuss the difficulty of releasing past traumas and the nuanced portrayal of forgiveness in Case's narrative.

Notable Quote:

"She grapples in the entire book with the idea of forgiveness, the concept of forgiveness... you don't have to forgive."
— Janice Schmieding [50:46]

Personal Reflections and Connections

Janice shares how reading the memoir transported her back to her own experiences growing up in the Pacific Northwest during the 80s and 90s, highlighting the pervasive rapist culture and the normalization of sexual assault in pop culture. Chelsea connects these themes to her struggles with hate as a coping mechanism, emphasizing the raw honesty present in Case's writing.

Booktool Test

To encapsulate their thoughts, Chelsea and Janice perform the Booktool Test, answering three questions about the memoir:

1. Was the author vulnerable in sharing their truth?
   Both agree—“Exceptionally, yes.” [48:34]

2. Was it entertaining to read?
   Janice finds it entertaining within its dark tone, while Chelsea feels it lacks structural coherence despite its beauty. [48:43]

3. Did reading this book elevate your life in any way?
   Both respond affirmatively, noting how the memoir deepened their appreciation for Case's artistry and personal growth. [49:01]

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections on the power of sharing personal stories. Chelsea marvels at Case's ability to transform pain into compelling art, while Janice expresses a desire to connect with Case, citing their shared admiration for figures like Margaret Cho and their mutual understanding of the struggles faced by women in the music and entertainment industries.

Notable Quote:

"If she can do it, I can do it. Because when you see someone else do it, you're like, okay, maybe I can fight as well."
— Janice Schmieding [42:53]

Guest Promotion

Janice promotes her work, encouraging listeners to follow her on Instagram (@JanaUnplugged), tune into her podcast Sage Based Wisdom, and check out her performances on shows like Reservation Dogs, Spirit Rangers, and Clone High on HBO Max.

Conclusion

This episode of Glamorous Trash offers a poignant exploration of Neko Case's memoir through the insightful perspectives of Chelsea Devontez and Janice Schmieding. Their candid discussion not only sheds light on the harrowing aspects of Case's life but also celebrates her resilience and artistic prowess, making it a compelling listen for fans of memoirs, music, and authentic storytelling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I wish it was easy to be done with people just because you want to be. To write them a letter and never think about them again."
  — Chelsea Devontez [50:28]

• "One of the most powerful, energizing emotions is hate and pain. It can get you so far."
  — Chelsea Devontez [23:56]

• "She grapples in the entire book with the idea of forgiveness, the concept of forgiveness... you don't have to forgive."
  — Janice Schmieding [50:46]

• "If she can do it, I can do it. Because when you see someone else do it, you're like, okay, maybe I can fight as well."
  — Janice Schmieding [42:53]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the emotional depth of Neko Case's memoir and the meaningful dialogue between Chelsea and Janice. It provides a clear understanding of the discussions for those who haven't listened to the episode.