Podcast Summary: Jennifer Grey on "Out of the Corner: A Memoir"

Episode Title: Jennifer Grey, OUT OF THE CORNER: A Memoir
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby Owens

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby Owens, host Zibby Owens engages in an intimate conversation with Jennifer Grey, renowned actress best known for her iconic role as Baby in Dirty Dancing. Grey discusses her highly anticipated memoir, Out of the Corner: A Memoir, delving into her personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs both on and off the screen.

Jennifer Grey’s Journey to Writing Her Memoir

Jennifer Grey opens up about the arduous yet rewarding process of writing her memoir. She describes the experience as akin to “having a baby,” where during the creation phase, she was often overwhelmed and uncertain, but ultimately found immense satisfaction and a desire to do it again (02:40). Despite not being a professional writer, Grey utilized her journal entries and vivid, synesthetic memories to piece together her life story:

“I have a very synesthetic memory. My memories are not who made dinner and who played with me. It was more like, I remember the texture of the corduroy, the ribbing on the corduroy dress in that photograph.”
— Jennifer Grey (02:30)

She credits Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird for inspiring her to start writing by focusing on minute details, which allowed her memories to unfold organically, like “pod by pod, bird by bird” (04:59).

Exploring Memory and Its Complexities

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Grey’s perception of memory. She describes her recollections as “scattershot” and emphasizes the sensory details that surface, often disconnected from specific events:

“I remember the smell. I can remember exactly what the lady. I could feel it.”
— Jennifer Grey (06:00)

Grey explains how her memoir captures these fragmented memories, presenting them as dreamlike snapshots that gradually form a cohesive narrative. This approach not only preserves the authenticity of her experiences but also highlights the intricate relationship between memory and storytelling.

Chronic Pain and Resilience

Grey bravely addresses her struggles with chronic pain resulting from a car accident ten days prior to pivotal moments in her life. She discusses the physical and emotional toll of her injuries, including nerve damage and surgeries, and how writing about these experiences was both painful and cathartic:

“...it was like a frog in the water. And you don't know it's getting hotter until you're too weak to jump out.”
— Jennifer Grey (16:32)

She reflects on the concept that pain serves as a barometer for unresolved emotions, referencing Dr. Sarno’s theories on psychosomatic pain. Grey emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing one’s feelings to mitigate physical suffering:

“...if you say to yourself, I'm feeling this feeling. What am I mad about? Nothing. Well, if you were mad at anything, what could you be mad at?”
— Jennifer Grey (19:58)

Motherhood and Personal Transformation

A heartfelt segment of the conversation revolves around Grey’s experience becoming a mother and how it transformed her life perspective. She shares the profound love she feels for her daughter and the sense of purpose it brought:

“...the love and the amount of how important it feels that I give her everything in my power so that she can have a good life to the best of my ability.”
— Jennifer Grey (29:00)

Grey discusses the challenges of parenting, such as striving for perfection and dealing with the relentless nature of the role, yet finds solace in the continuous opportunities to grow and improve:

“It is impossible. And yet there is always the next day to try again. I feel like that's the saving grace.”
— Jennifer Grey (27:03)

Intergenerational Insights and Legacy

Exploring her relationship with her daughter, Grey reveals how her memoir serves as a bridge between generations. She expresses pride and joy in her daughter’s engagement with the book, highlighting the importance of sharing personal stories to foster understanding and growth:

“She said, I just can't believe how good your book is, how much grace you have. And I said, well, here's the thing, honey. Everything that I have is in you.”
— Jennifer Grey (29:30)

Grey emphasizes the legacy she hopes to leave through her memoir, inspiring her daughter to pursue her passions and embrace her talents with confidence.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Grey expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and the therapeutic journey of writing her memoir. She acknowledges the support of her editor and the fulfillment she feels in bringing her experiences to life for others to learn from and connect with.

Zibby Owens wraps up the conversation by congratulating Grey on her memoir and the upcoming sequel to Dirty Dancing, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Grey’s career and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Storytelling: Grey’s memoir employs a synesthetic approach to memory, focusing on sensory details to create an immersive narrative.
• Healing Through Writing: The process of writing her memoir served as a therapeutic outlet for Grey, helping her navigate chronic pain and emotional trauma.
• Motherhood as Transformation: Becoming a mother profoundly changed Grey’s outlook on life, instilling a deep sense of purpose and resilience.
• Intergenerational Connection: Grey emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories to bridge generational gaps and inspire future generations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Writing Process:
  “It's been kind of like having a baby... I'd do it again.”
  (02:40)

• On Memory:
  “I remember the texture of the corduroy... that was not gonna make a very good book.”
  (03:00)

• On Chronic Pain:
  “Pain is our biggest teacher, right? It just tells us what we need.”
  (18:00)

• On Motherhood:
  “I just love being pregnant. I loved feeling like that's all I need to do right now.”
  (28:00)

• On Legacy:
  “Everything that I have is in you.”
  (29:30)

Jennifer Grey’s candid and heartfelt discussion provides listeners with a profound understanding of the complexities of her life experiences, the challenges she has overcome, and the legacy she aims to leave through her memoir. This episode is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring power of storytelling.