FAST READS with Molly Jong-Fast
I'm either in Boston or Chicago
Welcome to FAST READS with Molly Jong-Fast.
Please check out my latest Vanity Fair articles: Donald Trump’s Projecting Panic, Not Power. You can find an archive of my Vanity Fair pieces.
On FASTPOLITICS –
Video episodes:
You can find our FastPolitics youtube interviews here:
Rick Wilson and Molly Jong-Fast engage in a wide-ranging discussion primarily revolving around recent political and social unrest, particularly emphasizing the roles of controversial figures like Stephen Miller in shaping aggressive policies, such as those involving ICE and the treatment of protesters. They explore historical parallels with past protests and the potential backlash these actions might generate against the Trump administration, noting the nervousness among some Republicans as midterm elections loom. The conversation also touches on the complexities within Trump's political base, including how his policies could alienate Latino and other minority voters. Additionally, they delve into the recent feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, the implications on their respective supporters, and the broader consequences of the Trump administration’s economic policies, such as the steel tariffs, for U.S. manufacturers. Throughout, the discussion is marked by a critical tone towards the administration’s approach to governance and law enforcement.
Andy Levy and Molly Jong-Fast delve into a variety of pressing political issues and personal anecdotes. They kick off with Molly announcing that her new book, "How to Lose Your Mother," has made it to the New York Times bestseller list, a milestone she finds thrilling. The conversation quickly shifts to recent controversies involving high-profile figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, exploring their tumultuous relationship and its broader implications for politics and business. The discussion also touches on current events, including political maneuvers, the chaotic state of some protests, and the pervasive influence of right-wing media. They critically examine the strategic actions of both Democratic and Republican leaders, emphasizing the often frustrating inaction or missteps of key figures like Chuck Schumer. Throughout, their dialogue is peppered with humor and a candid examination of the surreal political landscape.
Audio episodes:
You can find our FastPolitics audio podcasts here:
The Lincoln Project’s Stuart Stevens parses Elon and Trump’s breakup and the case for nationalizing SpaceX and Starlink. The New Yorker’s John Cassidy details his book Capitalism and Its Critics: A History — From the Industrial Revolution to AI.
The Lincoln Project’s Rick Wilson skewers Trump weaponizing the National Guard against protesters.
David A. Graham details his new book The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America.
Inside Elections’ Jacob Rubashkin examines his new report on how the House is shaping up for the midterms. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries details the status of the Big Beautiful Bullshit Bill. Plus, we have a special bonus interview with L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on the status of Donald Trump unleashing chaos in her city.
As The World Churns’ Andy Levy examines the fallout from the Trump and Musk feud.
Blood in the Machine author Brian Merchant details how AI is already quietly killing job prospects in America.
My Recommended Reads For The Week:
The New York Times: Fake Images and Conspiracy Theories Swirl Around L.A. Protests. By Steven Lee Myers
The New Yorker: The Musk-Trump Divorce Is as Messy as You Thought It Would Be. By Susan B. Glasser
The Wall Street Journal: X’s Sales Pitch: Give Us Your Ad Business or We’ll Sue. By Suzanne Vranica, Dana Mattioli and Jessica Toonkel
The New York Times: Southern Baptists Endorse Effort to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage. By Ruth Graham
Articles, Reviews and Comments about HOW TO LOSE YOUR MOTHER:
VOGUE: In Her New Memoir, How to Lose Your Mother, Molly Jong-Fast Charts a Bold New Path By Examining Old Family Ties
Vanity Fair: Molly Jong-Fast Reflects on Her Mother’s Dementia and the Fleeting Nature of Fame
The New York Times: The Devastating Book Erica Jong Always Knew Her Daughter Would Write
The New York Times: Her Famous Mother Was Always Inaccessible. Then She Developed Dementia.
The New York Times: 21 Nonfiction Books Coming This Summer
The Washington Post: Molly Jong-Fast’s memoir about her famous mom is sad, dishy and relatable
Lithub: Molly Jong-Fast on Human Frailty and Unlearning Erica Jong’s Lessons
Publishers Weekly: Tomorrow Is a New Day: PW Talks with Molly Jong-Fast
Elle Shelf Life: Shelf Life: Molly Jong-Fast
The How to Lose Your Mother author takes our literary survey.
Page Six: Power-packed party fêtes Molly Jong Fast’s ‘How To Lose Your Mother’ memoir
Financial Times: How to Lose Your Mother — Molly Jong-Fast’s brutally honest memoir
San Francisco Chronicle: Dementia and ‘the virus of fame’: Erica Jong’s daughter maps mother’s decline
Considerable: Molly Jong-Fast explores mother’s decline in memoir
The Wrap: Molly Jong-Fast on Mom Erica Jong, Dementia, Sobriety and Joe Biden
The Boston Globe: Publisher and podcaster Zibby Owens will help you decide what to read this summer
People: PEOPLE’s Best Books of June 2025: Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmospheric Romance, and More New Reads
The Hollywood Reporter: Life in the Jong-Fast Lane: How to Survive a Literary Childhood
Lit Hub / The Ultimate Summer 2025 Reading List
The Hollywood Reporter Interview
Video Clips and Podcasts/Radio show Interviews I have done for HOW TO LOSE YOUR MOTHER:
Book Tour Videos:
Politics and Prose – Molly Jong-Fast talks to Maureen Dowd
Viking Books promo video for HOW TO LOSE YOUR MOTHER
Thanks for reading!
Molly -