Podcast Summary: "Shalom Auslander & Jeannette Walls"

The Moth Podcast | Released on August 2, 2016

Introduction

Dan Kennedy opens the episode at [02:10], setting the stage for an evening themed around "Ho Ho Ho. Stories of the Naughty and Nice." He introduces the first storyteller, Shalom Auslander, whose narrative delves into the complexities of his upbringing.

Shalom Auslander: "Hope A Tragedy"

Duration: [02:40] - [17:41]

Shalom Auslander shares a deeply personal story about growing up with two paternal figures: a strict Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and his biological father, who was abusive and violent. This duality shaped Shalom's turbulent childhood and his search for meaning and connection.

Key Points:

1. Duality of Fathers:

   • Shalom describes his first "father" as an oppressive religious figure who taught him that "God was a fucking asshole" ([04:50]).
   • His biological father was a source of fear and instability, known for his violent behavior and absence of affection.

2. Search for Connection:

   • Despite the fear, Shalom recalls fond memories of playing with his father and seeks ways to reconnect, believing he can somehow "help the family" ([06:30]).

3. Discovery of Hidden Passions:

   • Shalom discovers his father's old photography equipment and uncovers a controversial photograph of his mother, revealing a side of his father he never knew ([08:15]).
   • This discovery challenges his perceptions, likening his father's actions to the harsh lessons from his Rabbi.

4. Confrontation with Reality:

   • In an attempt to watch his father's pornographic films, Shalom experiences a surreal moment where the film seemingly serves as a supernatural message, leading to the destruction of the film and heightened tension in the household ([15:30]).
   • The incident culminates in a near-disastrous encounter with his father, reinforcing the fraught relationship.

5. Reevaluation and Acceptance:

   • Years later, Shalom reflects on the photograph of his parents, recognizing it as the only instance of their mutual affection, leading to a complex mixture of emotions and acceptance ([17:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• On Childhood:
  "children are fucking idiots." ([04:50])

• Discovering the Photograph:
  "This is exactly the kind of shit God pulls, right? You know, here's Garden of Eden. Fuck you. Get out. You're out of slavery." ([08:15])

• Supernatural Encounter with Film:
  "I think God sort of talking to me. If he spoke to Moses through a burning bush, why wouldn't he talk to me through a burning porno film?" ([15:30])

• Closing Reflection:
  "Happy Chanukah." ([17:30])

Jeanette Walls: "The Glass Castle"

Duration: [18:08] - [30:37]

Jeanette Walls narrates her journey from a chaotic and nomadic childhood to finding stability and success. Her story highlights resilience, the impact of supportive mentors, and the confrontation of past traumas.

Key Points:

1. Chaotic Upbringing:

   • Jeanette recounts constant moves, fleeing from debts, the mafia, and other threats, leading to a life of instability and poverty ([22:00]).
   • Her father, Rex Walls, is depicted as a charismatic yet irresponsible figure whose dreams often led the family into precarious situations.

2. Struggles with Poverty:

   • Living without basic amenities, Jeanette shares vivid memories of hunger, resorting to eating discarded food, and facing social ostracization ([24:30]).

3. Influential Mentorship:

   • A pivotal figure, teacher Jeanette Bivens, recognizes Jeanette's potential, encouraging her to join the school newspaper. This opportunity allows Jeanette to integrate, gain confidence, and envision a different future ([26:00]).

4. Migration to New York City:

   • Seeking to escape the turmoil, Jeanette and her siblings move to New York City. The contrast between their past struggles and the city's opportunities becomes evident ([28:00]).

5. Confronting the Past:

   • An unexpected phone call from her mother forces Jeanette to confront her family's chaotic legacy. This moment of truth compels her to acknowledge and integrate her past into her present identity ([30:20]).

6. Personal Growth and Acceptance:

   • Jeanette emphasizes the importance of facing one's demons, concluding that direct confrontation diminishes their power ([30:35]).

Notable Quotes:

• On Perpetual Movement:
  "We were always running away, one place or another, doing the skedaddle." ([22:00])

• Reflecting on Father's Optimism:
  "He thought Mary was really just a nice Jewish girl who got herself knocked up and had some good pr." ([24:15])

• On Overcoming Fear:
  "I stared that old demon in the eye and he can't hurt you." ([30:35])

Conclusion

Dan Kennedy wraps up the episode by highlighting Jeanette Walls' success as the author of the best-selling memoir, "The Glass Castle." He thanks the storytellers and listeners, encouraging everyone to share and cherish their own stories ([30:37]).

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Moth offers profound insights into the complexities of family dynamics and personal resilience. Both storytellers, Shalom Auslander and Jeanette Walls, navigate through harrowing childhoods marked by abuse, instability, and societal rejection. Their narratives underscore the transformative power of confronting one's past, finding moments of connection amidst chaos, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Notable for their raw honesty and emotional depth, these stories resonate with anyone grappling with their own familial struggles and the quest for identity.