Podcast Summary: On with Kara Swisher – Molly Jong-Fast on How to Survive Anything

Release Date: June 23, 2025

In this poignant episode of "On with Kara Swisher", host Kara Swisher engages in a deeply personal and introspective conversation with writer, podcaster, and political analyst Molly Jong-Fast. The discussion delves into Molly’s latest memoir, "How to Lose Your Mother," exploring her complex relationship with her mother, Erika Jeong, a renowned second-wave feminist author. Additionally, Molly reflects on her career transition from novelist to political commentator and social media influencer, offering insights into navigating personal challenges and the evolving landscape of modern journalism.

Introduction and Background

Kara Swisher opens the conversation by introducing Molly Jong-Fast, highlighting her rich literary lineage as the daughter of Erika Jeong, author of the groundbreaking 1973 novel "Fear of Flying," and Howard Fast, renowned for "Spartacus." Molly's journey from novelist to a prominent figure in political analysis is underscored, setting the stage for a discussion that intertwines personal narrative with professional evolution.

Notable Quote:

Kara Swisher [00:17]: "My guest today is writer, podcaster and political analyst Molly Jong-Fast. Molly is also the daughter of writer and second wave feminist Erika Zhang..."

"How to Lose Your Mother" – A Journey Through Grief and Complexity

Molly Jong-Fast introduces her memoir, "How to Lose Your Mother," which chronicles her tumultuous relationship with her mother and the profound impact of her mother’s battle with dementia.

Key Points:

• The memoir serves as a cathartic exploration of loss, love, and the intricacies of familial bonds.
• Molly grapples with guilt and the feeling of inadequacy in her role as a daughter to a mother who was both a larger-than-life figure and emotionally distant.
• The narrative addresses universal themes of parental relationships, making it relatable to a broad audience.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Jong-Fast [07:12]: "You can get through anything. Because throughout it, like, Matt and I would look at Each other. And we'd be like, the only way through is through."

Kara Swisher [08:11]: "How could you lose her if you never had her?"

Navigating a Complex Mother-Daughter Relationship

The dialogue delves into the duality of Molly's relationship with her mother, highlighting moments of love intertwined with neglect and misunderstanding.

Key Points:

• Molly reflects on the challenges of forming a meaningful connection with a parent who was emotionally unavailable.
• The impact of her mother’s public persona and fame on their private relationship is examined.
• The influence of Molly’s upbringing on her own approach to parenting is explored, showcasing a conscious effort to break the cycle of emotional unavailability.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Jong-Fast [09:48]: "You could be mad at me, but the love. And I loved my mother, and she loved me."

Kara Swisher [10:13]: "How can you again lose someone that you didn't have?"

Career Transition: From Novelist to Political Influencer

Molly discusses her shift from writing novels to becoming an opinion journalist and political influencer, emphasizing the influence of the political climate and personal motivations driving this change.

Key Points:

• The emergence of Trumpian politics as a catalyst for Molly’s deeper involvement in political commentary.
• Her realization that political journalism offered a platform more aligned with her evolving interests and the societal need for informed discourse.
• The juxtaposition of her literary talents with the demands of rapid, often polarized political discussions.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Jong-Fast [37:34]: "I started writing columns in 2015. I had a realization that I didn't have to write about myself anymore, that I could write about politics much more interesting and had nothing to do with me as a person in the world."

Kara Swisher [39:12]: "A lot of people are. You didn't come up as a journalist. You said you came up as a novelist."

Navigating Modern Media and Influence

The conversation shifts to the nature of modern journalism and the role of social media in shaping public discourse. Molly articulates her approach to balancing traditional media practices with the expansive reach of online platforms.

Key Points:

• The necessity for Democratic politicians to engage across diverse media platforms to effectively communicate with a fragmented electorate.
• Critique of the Democratic Party’s reliance on talking points and the need for authentic, human-centered communication.
• Molly advocates for politicians to proactively seek out varied media engagements, including platforms they might not traditionally align with, to broaden their reach and impact.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Jong-Fast [48:20]: "You should go on Charlie Kirk's podcast, not bring Charlie Kirk to your people. So go on their podcast. Don't necessarily bring them to yours."

Molly Jong-Fast [41:31]: "Make sense of what's happening and also so make people feel better."

Personal Reflections and Parenting

Molly shares her experiences as a parent, drawing parallels between her upbringing and her efforts to cultivate a healthier parent-child relationship with her own kids.

Key Points:

• Emphasis on prioritizing children’s needs over parental obligations, especially in the context of caregiving for a parent with dementia.
• Understanding and mitigating feelings of guilt associated with not meeting parental expectations.
• The importance of open communication and emotional honesty in parenting, contrasting with her own strained relationship with her mother.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Jong-Fast [33:05]: "I can have that conversation with them. Being a better parent, like designing a better parent."

Molly Jong-Fast [34:36]: "Do not be hard on yourself, because everybody feels like they're not doing it the right way."

Advice for Coping with Parental Dementia

Towards the end of the episode, Molly offers practical and emotional advice for individuals caring for parents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Key Points:

• Self-Compassion: Encouraging caregivers not to be overly critical of themselves, recognizing the immense difficulty of the role.
• Prioritization: Advising caregivers to focus on their immediate family's needs first, ensuring they maintain their well-being to better support others.
• Understanding Behavior: Highlighting that the actions of parents with dementia are often a reflection of their internal struggles, not the fault of the caregiver.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Jong-Fast [33:41]: "Don't be hard on yourself, because everybody feels like they're not doing it the right way."

Molly Jong-Fast [33:47]: "Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, worry about your kids, and then your parent last."

Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Molly concludes with a sense of cautious optimism regarding the current political climate, emphasizing the potential for positive change through strategic communication and genuine engagement.

Key Points:

• Acknowledgment of ongoing challenges within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding leadership and communication strategies.
• Belief in the resilience of democratic institutions and the possibility of overcoming authoritarian impulses through collective effort.
• Personal commitment to contributing to meaningful political discourse and fostering connections that transcend traditional media boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

Molly Jong-Fast [51:47]: "I wrote these pieces about what I got wrong during the 2024 cycle. And one of the things I really did discover is that I'm a little overly optimistic."

Molly Jong-Fast [33:41]: "The biggest lesson I've ever learned in my life is not to take things personally."

Conclusion

This episode of "On with Kara Swisher" offers a compelling exploration of personal loss, familial complexities, and the transformative journey of Molly Jong-Fast as she navigates the realms of literature and political journalism. Through candid conversation and heartfelt reflection, Molly provides valuable insights into coping with grief, redefining professional identity, and striving for authentic connections in both personal and public spheres.